Two new devices have arrived for FCC certification and look a lot like a new set of Google Pixel Buds.
While second-generation Pixel Buds were “Made by Google” altogether, the original 2018 headset was listed under the FCC identifier for Weifang Goertek Electronics. This week, two devices from Weifang Goertek Electronics passed the FCC with model numbers “GPQY2” and “G7YPJ”. These model numbers follow the style of Google’s own devices since Nest Audio’s “GXCA6” number.
So, what are these mysterious devices? The only wireless bands for which they are registered are exactly the same Bluetooth ranges used by last year’s Google Pixel Buds – which also had two separate FCC listings, one for the left and right headphones. In some paperwork, it became clear that these devices are too small to have their FCC information printed on the hardware itself.
What really shows us that these two FCC listings are more likely for some variety of Pixel Buds is that, at the bottom of 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 file of older devices.
Knowing that they are almost certainly some kind of Pixel Buds, what can we guess about the next Google headphones from these FCC listings? The most important rumor we’ve seen is that Google may be trying to resolve the disconnection problems that are quite common with today’s Pixel Buds. Although these new Pixel Buds use exactly the same Bluetooth bands as the current generation, the power output is significantly higher – 8mW / 16mW in 2020 Pixel Buds versus 13.24mW / 19.82mW in this new model. This should help to increase the signal strength, reducing the likelihood of disconnections.
As for where these new Pixel Buds would fit into the Made by Google line, one theory is that Google could be preparing a cutting-edge successor to Pixel Buds with features like noise cancellation, but it also seems a little early for Google to supplant the last year’s model.
Alternatively, during a recent episode of Alphabet Scoop, we postulated that the Pixel Buds line is ready for an affordable variant, similar to how the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a offered the best of their main counterpart for less. As of today, neither Samsung nor Apple have real wireless headphones in the quality range, yet affordable, with only the OnePlus Buds Z and companies like Anker competing.
Supporting this theory, the FCC’s limited confidentiality period for photos sent from these new Pixel Buds ends in mid-September, weeks before the usual launch of Made by Google in the fall. Instead, we are more likely to be looking at a mid-year release, as the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a experienced. This potential moment could put these new Pixel Buds on the shelves side by side with the expected Pixel 5a.
For now, it’s hard to say for sure what exactly these next Pixel Buds can hold. In the meantime, what do you prefer to see from Google later this year: a next-generation “Pixel Buds Pro” with noise cancellation or something affordable like “Pixel Buds a” headphones? Let us know in the comments!
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