Google has started rolling out a firmware update for the Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds 2a that brings Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, a tap gesture to mute calls, and automatic pausing when the wearer falls asleep. The update carries firmware version release_6.144 and arrives through the Pixel Buds app on Android.

The release follows a feature Google began rolling out last month that lets Pixel Buds owners change earbud settings by asking Gemini. That integration goes beyond volume control and covers adjusting the EQ, turning ANC on or off, and changing other Pixel Buds settings by voice.

Dynamic ANC is the headline addition for the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Google has previously explained that the feature adjusts noise cancellation automatically based on the seal of the earbuds in the ear.

If an earbud shifts slightly and the seal changes, the earbuds compensate and adjust ANC to match. The feature is now starting to reach Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners.

The update also includes these changes:

• a tap-to-mute and unmute gesture for phone calls and online meetings, triggered by tapping the surface of the earbuds
• automatic pausing of media playback when the wearer falls asleep, which also disables touch gestures and silences notifications
• an enhanced Live Translate mode that starts translating with a gesture on the earbuds, so the phone can stay in a pocket

Sleep detection comes with a hardware dependency. The earbuds rely on a paired Pixel Watch to detect when the wearer has fallen asleep, so owners without the watch will not get that feature. For translation, Google says the earbuds now work more seamlessly with the Google Translate app.

The update lands during Amazon's October sale, where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are discounted from $229 to about $170. That is a retailer promotion, not a permanent price change from Google.

The rollout is gradual, so not every pair will show the update right away. Owners can check manually:

1. Update the Pixel Buds app to the latest version.
2. Connect the earbuds and open More Settings > Firmware.
3. Select Check for updates and confirm that the installed firmware is release_6.144.

Dynamic ANC is listed for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 only. Google has not detailed which of the other new features apply to each of the three supported models, so Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds 2a owners should check the feature list in the app after installing the update.