Skip to main content

Watch out AirPods — Google could be developing its own smart headphones

best Google Assistant commands Google Assistant example
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Look out, Apple. Google is here to steal your thunder once again. And this time, it’s in the audio game. According to a recent teardown from 9to5Google, it would appear that the tech giant is planning on unveiling a pair of headphones with smart capabilities, and of course, compatibility with Google Assistant. According to 9to5Google, it would appear that a string of mystery code known as “Bisto” refers to a set of headphones that run Google’s artificially intelligent helper, which could spell trouble for Apple’s AirPods.

As IBTimes points out, Google has long alluded to the existence of an “audio wearable” project, but now, it seems that these previously secretive plans are becoming a bit more complete. In the recent teardown, a string refers directly to Google Assistant, stating, “Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”

Recommended Videos

This line is found next to the “bistro_magic_pairing” phrase, which makes it seem as though the wearer of these headphones could control volume, skip tracks, and more, all using naught but his or her voice. Much in the same way that Google customers can talk to Google Assistant to speak with the Google Home speaker, this functionality could soon be applied to a headset.

However, unlike the Apple AirPods, which are activated by way of a double tap, it would appear that Google’s headphones will feature physical buttons. This could echo Samsung’s Bixby button, which you can find on the Samsung Galaxy S8 — when pushed, this button calls forth the AI helper. Another reference to buttons comes in conjunction with “the left earcup,” which leads us to believe that these headphones will probably be of the over the ear variety (not earbuds).

Of course, we still don’t know very much about the rumored headphones. However, with the new Pixel smartphones slated to make their debut in the next few months, it could be the right time for Google to unveil a few other pieces of hardware. So look out, audiophiles. You could very soon have a new pair of headphones to try out.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Watch all of Apple’s Far Out event videos: iPhone 14, Apple Watch 8, and AirPods Pro 2
Apple iPhone 14 Pro.

Following Apple’s Far Out event earlier in the day, the tech giant has been dropping a bunch of related videos on its YouTube channel.

The videos offer a fast way of learning about new features coming with the latest iPhone 14 phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro devices.

Read more
Everything announced at Apple’s September 2022 event: iPhone 14, Watch Ultra, AirPods Pro 2
Photo of Apple Park during the Far Out event.

Apple's September 2022 "Far Out" event is over, and it was packed full of announcements. The 90-minute show saw updates to a wide range of Apple products, including iPhones and the Apple Watch, as well as a few software features that could make using your Apple products more seamless than ever. Here's everything Apple announced during its September 2022 event.

There were some announcements missing, though, so make sure to pull up our roundup of everything Apple didn't announce, as well.
Apple Watch Series 8

Read more
How Google’s $90M settlement could actually help small developers
Google's Logo

Google has finally reached a settlement for a 2021 class-action antitrust lawsuit, resulting in the company owing $90 million to U.S.-based app developers. The suit alleged that the Google Play Store's 30% cut for all in-app purchases was too high, especially since there aren't great third-party app store options that devs can use to avoid the fees. Although Google decided in 2021 to half its cut of in-app purchases to 15% for the first $1 million made by a developer, it's also offering a potentially big payout for those that were affected.

According to Google, any developers who "earned $2 million or less in annual revenue through Google Play during each year from 2016-2021" are eligible for reimbursement. Developers who meet the criteria for a payout will be contacted by Google. According to Hagens Berman, the law firm responsible for representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, some developers could make as much as $200,000.

Read more