Google says that with Bluetooth Super Wideband, its Pixel Buds Pro are better for calls on Pixel 8 phones. Here’s how that does (and doesn’t) work.
Google has promised some cool updates for its Pixel Buds Pro noise-canceling wireless earbuds, including conversation detection, lower latency for gaming, and a way to keep an eye on safe listening levels. It also said that if you pair the Pixel Buds Pro to Google’s new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, you’ll get better call quality thanks to Bluetooth Super Wideband. In theory, Google’s right.
In practice, it might be a different story.
Bluetooth Super Wideband is part of the new family of features introduced with Bluetooth LE Audio and it dedicates more bandwidth to the voice portion of a phone’s Bluetooth connection. Just like using a hi-res audio Bluetooth codec like LDAC or aptX Adaptive can provide more bandwidth than SBC or AAC (and therefore preserve more audio information), Super Wideband creates the potential for greater fidelity by increasing the amount of voice data that can be passed from your earbuds to your phone.
Improving Bluetooth call quality through higher bandwidth isn’t a new idea.
