Two new devices have arrived for FCC certification, and they look a lot like a new set of Google Pixel Buds.
While the second generation Pixel Buds are “Made by Google” through and through, the original 2018 headset was listed under the FCC identifier for Weifang Goertek Electronics. This week, two devices from Weifang Goertek Electronics went through the FCC with model numbers “GPQY2” and “G7YPJ.” These model numbers follow the style of Google’s own devices since the Nest Audio’s “GXCA6” number.
What are these secret devices then? The only wireless bands they’ve registered for are exactly the same Bluetooth series that Google Pixel Buds used last year – which also had two separate FCC offerings, one for the left and right earbuds. In one piece of paperwork, it is made clear that these devices are too small to have their FCC information printed on the hardware itself.
What really cementes for us that these two FCC offerings are likely to be for a variety of Pixel Buds is that deep down in the paperwork the dimensions of each device are listed. These dimensions – 27 x 20 x 15 mm – are almost exactly the same as the Pixel Buds we have today, as can be seen in the FCC filing of older devices.
Knowing that it’s almost certainly Pixel Buds of some kind, what can we guess about Google’s next earbuds from these FCC listings? The most important thing we noticed is that Google is possibly trying to address the somewhat frequent disconnection issues with the current Pixel Buds. While these new Pixel Buds use exactly the same Bluetooth bands as the current generation, the power output is significantly higher – 8mW / 16mW by 2020 Pixel Buds versus 13.24mW / 19.82mW on this new model. This should help increase signal strength, which reduces the likelihood of disconnections.
Where this new Pixel Buds will fit into the Made by Google series is one theory that Google could prepare a higher successor to the Pixel Buds with features like noise cancellation, but it also feels a bit early for Google to supplant last year see model.
Alternatively, during a recent episode of Alphabet Scoop, we claimed that the Pixel Buds line is ripe for an affordable variant, similar to how the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a offer the best of their flagship counterpart for less. As of today, Samsung or Apple still have true wireless earbuds in the quality, yet affordable range, with only OnePlus Buds Z and companies like Anker competing.
In support of this theory, the FCC’s limited period of confidentiality for submitted photos of this new Pixel Buds ends in mid-September, weeks before the usual fall launches of Made by Google. Instead, we’re likely to look at a half – year launch, as the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a have both experienced. This potential timing could put these new Pixel Buds side by side with the expected Pixel 5a.
For now, it’s hard to say for sure what these next Pixel Buds can hold exactly in store. Meanwhile, what would you rather see from Google later this year: a higher-end “Pixel Buds Pro” with noise suppression or something affordable like “Pixel Buds a” earbuds? Let us know in the comments!
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