You can snag a $30 gift card when you preorder Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are more expensive than their predecessor, but they continue to deliver a lot of impressive features (and colors). | Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Earlier this week, we highlighted preorder details on the Pixel Watch 3 and Google’s entire Pixel 9 lineup. However, if you’ve got your eyes on Google’s forthcoming earbuds, rest assured there are also deals to be had on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. In fact, you can already preorder the $229 pair of earbuds at Amazon and Best Buy, both of which are offering them with a $30 gift card ahead of their launch on September 26th. Google is offering a similar deal, only in the form of store credit.
We’re still in the process of testing the wireless earbuds, but so far, they seem like a more capable version of the original Pixel Buds Pro. That’s saying a lot, given the last-gen model remains our top choice for Pixel phone owners thanks to their comfortable fit, impressive noise cancellation, and support for several Pixel-exclusive features (including head tracking spatial audio and native controls).
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 builds upon the first-gen model with Google’s Tensor A1 chip and 11-millimeter drivers, which should allow for better sound. Google says the new chip provides the buds with ultra-low-latency audio processing, resulting in noise cancellation that’s twice as powerful. The earbuds are also 27 percent smaller and 24 percent lighter than the last-gen pair, with wing fins that should provide for a more secure, comfortable fit. The included charging case even packs a built-in speaker, so you can easily find the earbuds should you lose them via Google’s recently improved Find My Device network.
As for software enhancements, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature updated Clear Calling algorithms and conversation detection. They’re also the first earbuds to let you access Google’s Gemini AI assisant directly. That grants you access to a lot of helpful hands-free capabilities, so you can ask for directions or even practice for an upcoming interview with the help of its new voice chat mode, Gemini Live.
A few more deals to help you get over the midweek slump
For the first time, both the black and white versions of Logitech’s new G309 Lightspeed are on sale at Amazon for $71.99 ($8 off). The dual-mode wireless gaming mouse offers a lot for the price, including compatibility with Logitech’s Powerplay mousepad and Bluetooth, as well as the same Hero 25K sensor and hybrid optomechanical switches found in the pricier G502 X. It also features a battery-like supercapacitor, which, when used with a Powerplay pad, allows you to skip the AA batteries entirely.
You can buy iFixit’s Moray Precision 32 Bit Driver Kit for an all-time low of around $16.96 ($3 off) from Amazon, iFixit, and Best Buy. The 32-bit toolkit offers an array of standard and security bits — including Phillips, hex, and pentalobe bits — so you can make simple repairs and adjustments to small appliances and various electronics (laptops, phones, etc.). As a bonus, it’s also small enough that you can take it with you while traveling.
Now until August 27th, you can save on refurbished smart bulbs, light strips, and lamps as part of Woot’s latest Philips Hue sale. The sale includes a Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit for $134.99, which is $64 less than buying it new. The bundle contains four 1,100-lumen color bulbs, all of which support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and other smart home platforms via the newer Matter protocol. The kit also comes with a 90-day warranty and a Philips Hue Bridge, which allows you to easily create automations and control up to 50 lights even outside of Bluetooth range.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are more expensive than their predecessor, but they continue to deliver a lot of impressive features (and colors). | Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Earlier this week, we highlighted preorder details on the Pixel Watch 3 and Google’s entire Pixel 9 lineup. However, if you’ve got your eyes on Google’s forthcoming earbuds, rest assured there are also deals to be had on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. In fact, you can already preorder the $229 pair of earbuds at Amazon and Best Buy, both of which are offering them with a $30 gift card ahead of their launch on September 26th. Google is offering a similar deal, only in the form of store credit.
We’re still in the process of testing the wireless earbuds, but so far, they seem like a more capable version of the original Pixel Buds Pro. That’s saying a lot, given the last-gen model remains our top choice for Pixel phone owners thanks to their comfortable fit, impressive noise cancellation, and support for several Pixel-exclusive features (including head tracking spatial audio and native controls).
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 builds upon the first-gen model with Google’s Tensor A1 chip and 11-millimeter drivers, which should allow for better sound. Google says the new chip provides the buds with ultra-low-latency audio processing, resulting in noise cancellation that’s twice as powerful. The earbuds are also 27 percent smaller and 24 percent lighter than the last-gen pair, with wing fins that should provide for a more secure, comfortable fit. The included charging case even packs a built-in speaker, so you can easily find the earbuds should you lose them via Google’s recently improved Find My Device network.
As for software enhancements, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature updated Clear Calling algorithms and conversation detection. They’re also the first earbuds to let you access Google’s Gemini AI assisant directly. That grants you access to a lot of helpful hands-free capabilities, so you can ask for directions or even practice for an upcoming interview with the help of its new voice chat mode, Gemini Live.
A few more deals to help you get over the midweek slump
For the first time, both the black and white versions of Logitech’s new G309 Lightspeed are on sale at Amazon for $71.99 ($8 off). The dual-mode wireless gaming mouse offers a lot for the price, including compatibility with Logitech’s Powerplay mousepad and Bluetooth, as well as the same Hero 25K sensor and hybrid optomechanical switches found in the pricier G502 X. It also features a battery-like supercapacitor, which, when used with a Powerplay pad, allows you to skip the AA batteries entirely.
You can buy iFixit’s Moray Precision 32 Bit Driver Kit for an all-time low of around $16.96 ($3 off) from Amazon, iFixit, and Best Buy. The 32-bit toolkit offers an array of standard and security bits — including Phillips, hex, and pentalobe bits — so you can make simple repairs and adjustments to small appliances and various electronics (laptops, phones, etc.). As a bonus, it’s also small enough that you can take it with you while traveling.
Now until August 27th, you can save on refurbished smart bulbs, light strips, and lamps as part of Woot’s latest Philips Hue sale. The sale includes a Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit for $134.99, which is $64 less than buying it new. The bundle contains four 1,100-lumen color bulbs, all of which support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and other smart home platforms via the newer Matter protocol. The kit also comes with a 90-day warranty and a Philips Hue Bridge, which allows you to easily create automations and control up to 50 lights even outside of Bluetooth range.