3 months later

As I understood, the buds can be used like every other Bluetooth headphone by just pairing BT. So what's the purpose of the corresponding app? Will the headphones work without the app?

Are they able to pass something (audio, data, statistics) to Google by just connecting them to the Pixel without the app? I think about direct internet access by Bluetooth tethering.

I got the earbuds bundled with my P7 recently but would only consider to use them without proprietary app. Otherwise I would keep the box closed and sell them.

  • abcZ replied to this.

    ReadOnlyUser I'm not aware of anything they can do using the "special" program that they can't do otherwise. So feel free to use them without installing the google blobs. They work well.

    I believe that without the Pixel Buds app, you're not able to use some of the more advanced gestures on the buds.

    Furthermore, the Pixel Buds app updates the firmware, so if you're not going to use the app on your day-to-day, at least have it installed in a separate profile with Sandboxed Google Play so you can check for firmware updates once a week or something like that.

    In addition to what @matchboxbananasynergy mentioned, the app provides a UI to adjust the bass level, and toggle adaptive sound and in-ear detection. I don't know whether any of these can be managed without using the official app.

    For what it's worth, the app works fine without Play Services, and doesn't require network permission for routine use either; though you'll likely want to enable it when firmware updates become available.

    Thanks a lot for your feedback, very appreciated!

    5 months later

    Just to be clear about it. There are some features like spatial audio that only works on Pixel devices (through the official app).

    Can someone explicitly confirm if these Pixel features also work on GrapheneOS or if the app thinks GrapheneOS is a non-Pixel device?

    Okay, sorry. Didn't see it at first. But people were talking about it in this thread. And it sounds like these special settings are not part of the official app, but can be configured in the system settings.

    It also sounds like they're supported in GrapheneOS? Although some people are reporting issues. Anyway please disregard my previous message.

    4 months later

    In terms of privacy, how bad are the buds?

      [deleted] scary. Do they software switches in GOs for things like microphone help a bit? I would put the app on its own profile for updates and only give it internet access like once a week