HolidayBlogging

Tag: calling

  • Google brings improved Gemini features to its new Pixel Buds

    Google brings improved Gemini features to its new Pixel Buds

    Similar to last year, the Made By Google event held on Wednesday showcased numerous Gemini features, including AI photo-taking and editing tools for the Pixel 10 series, along with enhancements for the Pixel Watch 4. So it was expected that Google would unveil Gemini functionalities for its latest earbuds—the Pixel Buds 2a and a revamped Pixel Buds Pro 2.

    Some key features showcased at the event include the introduction of active noise cancellation and an AI feature that minimizes background noise for the Pixel Buds 2a. Additionally, the Pro 2 earbuds will receive a major update that allows users to accept or decline calls and messages by shaking or nodding their heads.Image Credits:Google

    Pixel Buds 2a

    The Pixel Buds 2a represent the second generation of the A-Series earbuds, which are the tech giant’s more affordable option in the earbud lineup. They come with significant upgrades, making them almost up to par with the original Pixel Buds Pro. 

    For the first time, the A-Series earbuds now include active noise cancellation, a significant upgrade from the previous version, which offered zero noise reduction. Now the Pixel Buds 2a can block disruptive external noises, allowing for clear conversations.

    Another feature coming to the earbuds is Clear Calling, which uses Google AI to reduce background noise and works in conjunction with the earbuds’ wind-blocking mesh covers to eliminate distractions, ensuring that both the user and the person on the other end can hear each other well.

    Additionally, the Pixel Buds 2a is getting Transparency Mode, a feature that was previously available only on the Pixel Buds Pro. This mode lets users hear their surroundings while still listening to audio, helping them stay aware of what’s going on around them.

    The Pixel Buds 2a also comes with Gemini hands-free support, allowing you to communicate with the AI assistant to help with tasks like finding nearby restaurants, getting directions, reading new emails, pausing songs, and more. You can go live with Gemini just by speaking, without needing to take out your phone.

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    The battery life is also getting a major boost, exceeding that of the original A-Series by twofold. 

    In terms of design, these are the smallest and lightest A-Series earbuds to date, accompanied by a compact charging case. They are also IP54-rated, making them sweat- and water-resistant, ideal for workouts or unexpected rain.

    Another new design feature that brings the budget-friendly earbuds closer in line with the Pixel Buds Pro is the twist stabilizer. This allows users to adjust the fit by twisting counterclockwise for a snug fit or clockwise for a more comfortable, looser fit.

    Reflecting the new features, the Pixel Buds 2a come with a higher price tag. They retail for $130, compared to their predecessor under $100, and are available in two new colors: Hazel and Iris.Image Credits:Google

    Pixel Buds Pro 2

    The Pixel Buds Pro 2, first released last year, are also receiving significant upgrades. 

    As expected, these earbuds feature Gemini hands-free support, but they come with additional perks as well. Now you can accept or decline calls and texts by simply shaking or nodding your head. The earbuds will detect these gestures using built-in accelerometers and sensors.

    Plus, when interacting with Gemini, you can now connect with other apps, such as adding items to a grocery list in Keep or scheduling events in Calendar.

    Other notable features include Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts to the noise level around you to reduce distracting sounds in noisy settings while still helping you stay aware of your environment. Additionally, Loud Noise Protection automatically dampens abrupt loud sounds, protecting your hearing from loud noises, such as the siren of a nearby fire truck.

    The Pixel Buds Pro 2 retail for $230 and come in a new Moonstone color. However, it’s important to note that most of these new features won’t be available; they’ll be introduced via a software update later in September. All existing Pro 2 users will get the new features.

    Customers can preorder the Pixel Buds 2a and improved Pro 2 earbuds today. The Pro 2 will ship on August 28, whereas the Pixel Buds 2a won’t hit the shelves until October 9.

    We’re always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how we’re doing and get the chance to win a prize in return!

  • Air Canada suspends restart plans after flight attendants union defies return to work order

    Air Canada suspends restart plans after flight attendants union defies return to work order

    The Canada Industrial Relations Board had ordered airline staff back to work by 2 pm Sunday after the government intervened.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Air Canada said it suspended plans to restart operations on Sunday after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants said it will defy a return to work order.
    The strike was already affecting about 130,000 travellers around the world per day during the peak summer travel season.

    The Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered airline staff back to work by 2 pm on Sunday after the government intervened and Air Canada said it planned to resume flights Sunday evening.
    Canada’s largest airline now says it will resume flights Monday evening. Air Canada said in a statement that the union “illegally directed its flight attendant members to defy a direction from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board.”
    However, union members say they will continue to refuse work until their demands are heard, calling the return to work order unconstitutional.Picketers march around the departures level at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.Picketers march around the departures level at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.
    Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP

    “Our members are not going back to work,” Canadian Union of Public Employees national president Mark Hancock said outside Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. “We are saying no.”

    Hancock ripped up a copy of the back-to-work order outside the airport’s departures terminal where union members were picketing Sunday morning. He said they won’t return Tuesday either.
    Flight attendants chanted “Don’t blame me, blame AC” outside Pearson.
    “Like many Canadians, the Minister is monitoring this situation closely. The Canada Industrial Relations Board is an independent tribunal,” Jennifer Kozelj, a spokeswoman for Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement.

    Contract talks at an impasse

    Less than 12 hours after workers walked off the job, Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu ordered the 10,000 flight attendants back to work, saying now is not the time to take risks with the economy and noting the unprecedented tariffs the US has imposed on Canada. Hajdu referred the work stoppage to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

    The airline said the CIRB has extended the term of the existing collective agreement until a new one is determined by the arbitrator.
    The bitter contract fight escalated Friday as the union turned down Air Canada’s prior request to enter into government-directed arbitration, which allows a third-party mediator to decide the terms of a new contract.
    Hajdu maintained that her Liberal government is not anti-union, saying it is clear the two sides are at an impasse.Air Canada workers picket at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.Air Canada workers picket at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.
    Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP

    Passengers whose flights are impacted will be eligible to request a full refund on the airline’s website or mobile app, according to Air Canada.
    The airline said it would also offer alternative travel options through other Canadian and foreign airlines when possible. Still, it warned that it could not guarantee immediate rebooking because flights on other airlines are already full “due to the summer travel peak.”
    Air Canada and CUPE have been in contract talks for about eight months, but they have yet to reach a tentative deal. Both sides have said they remain far apart on the issue of pay and the unpaid work flight attendants do when planes aren’t in the air.
    The airline’s latest offer included a 38% increase in total compensation, including benefits and pensions, over four years, that it said “would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada.”
    But the union pushed back, saying the proposed 8% raise in the first year didn’t go far enough because of inflation.