More evidence has emerged of Google Pixel Buds 3, thanks to some FCC certification applications that point to numerous hints of coverage of Google’s next pair of wireless headphones.
The submissions, spotted by 9to5Google, even hint at a possible release date for Pixel Buds 3 – a potentially backup of a previous data leak that set off a showdown with Apple AirPods 3 this year.
Google Pixel Buds 3: Two versions and a big upgrade
First, here’s why the two devices that arrived at the FCC for certification – “GPQY2” and “G7YPJ” – could be two variants of the Pixel Buds 3. First, although they are listed as coming from Weifang Goertek Electronics and not Google, this is the same company listed in similar FCC documents for the original Pixel Buds.
Second, both product codes closely follow Google’s conventions; Google Pixel 5, for example, is certified under the codes GD1YQ, GTT9Q and G5NZ6.
Third, the dimensions of the device listed in both documents – 27 x 20 x 15 mm or approximately 1.1 x 0.8 x 0.6 inches – are obviously small enough to be true wireless headphones. In fact, these specifications are remarkably similar to those on the current Google Pixel Buds 2.
Other details suggest that Google is addressing the weak connectivity issues of Pixel Buds 2. The (obvious) headphones in these new documents use the same wireless bandwidth, but provide significantly more power, which could mean a stronger Bluetooth signal and fewer broken connections.
Google Pixel Buds 3 release date
No images included, but that’s because the FCC has placed a limited period of confidentiality on the submitted photos. And here’s a window with a potential release: the confidentiality period expires in September, hinting at the launch of Pixel Buds 3 before that.
Leaker Jon Prosser previously tipped Pixel Buds 3 for mid-April, which seems to be coming soon, but would be fine within pre-September. It is rumored that AirPods 3 will also appear at Apple’s April event, although even the event itself has not yet been confirmed, and other reports indicate that Apple headphones will be released in the second half of this year.
Still, it looks like both pairs of headphones will break the cover before 2021 ends. We’ll keep an eye out for more news on Pixel Buds 3 and see if Pixel Buds 2 can really fix Bluetooth infidelity.