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Google’s release_6.144 firmware update is rolling out to Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, according to a report published October 6, 2026. The reported features include Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation for Pixel Buds Pro 2, plus call muting, sleep syncing and Live Translate enhancements across the listed models. Availability is rolling out, so owners should check the Pixel Buds app rather than assume the update has reached every pair.
Which Pixel Buds get the update?
The October 6 report from 9to5Google identifies release_6.144 for Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a. It describes Dynamic ANC as exclusive to Pixel Buds Pro 2; the other reported features apply to all three listed generations. Google previewed several features in an August 12, 2026 announcement, which said software updates would start rolling out in September.
The detailed feature allocation below comes from the October report, not a complete official release note. The retrieved sources do not establish a country-by-country schedule or a date when the rollout will be complete.
| Feature | Reported availability | What it does or requires |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic ANC | Pixel Buds Pro 2 only | Adjusts noise cancellation in response to changes in the ear seal. |
| Tap to Mute | All three listed models | Lets you mute or unmute the microphone during a call by tapping the earbuds. Requires a paired Pixel phone. |
| Sleep sync | All three listed models | Uses Pixel Watch sleep sensing to pause media, disable touch gestures and silence notifications when you fall asleep. |
| Enhanced Live Translate | All three listed models | The October report says a touch on the earbuds can start translation using Google Translate. |
| Gemini controls | Companion app update; model allocation not specified in the October report | The app update adds controls to enable touch controls and adjust settings with Gemini voice commands. Google’s August preview gave “Hey Google, turn up the bass” as an example. |
Google’s August announcement specifically previewed Dynamic ANC for Pro 2, Gemini settings control and Pixel Watch sleep sync. For the described sleep behavior, a Pixel Watch is part of the setup; Tap to Mute separately requires a Pixel phone. The cited sources do not say that a Pixel Watch is needed for the other listed features.
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How to check for release_6.144
- Update the Pixel Buds companion app on your phone.
- Open the app with your Pixel Buds connected.
- Go to More settings > Firmware update.
- Check whether release_6.144 is available and follow the app’s prompts if it is.
The report describes a rollout, not instant availability to all users. If release_6.144 is not shown, that alone does not establish a problem with your earbuds; the sources do not provide a schedule for when every device or region will receive it.
Feature updates are different from security support
Google says Pixel Buds receive security updates for at least three years from the date the model first goes on sale through the US Google Store. Its support table lists security updates through at least September 2025 for the original Pixel Buds Pro, September 2027 for Pixel Buds Pro 2 and September 2028 for Pixel Buds 2a. These are Google’s listed security-support dates, not guarantees of feature-update eligibility or dates for this firmware rollout. See Google’s Pixel Buds security-update page for its policy and model table.
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What is not confirmed about the rollout
The October report provides the feature details, but the retrieved sources do not include a complete official Google changelog for release_6.144. They also do not specify the exact rollout pace, a completion date, or availability by country. Treat the feature list as reported rather than as a full official release note.
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