The new Pixel Buds include some special features like Adaptive Sound and real-time Google Translate, and soon they might be getting another handy feature.
Google is reportedly on new Attention Alerts for the Pixel Buds. The folks at 9to5Google dug into the new Pixel Buds companion app and found references to "attention_alerts" that can detect things like "baby cry", "dog bark", and "smoke alarm".
There's not much more info about Attention Alerts, but we can make a guess about what the feature might be. Since things like "baby cry" and "dog bark" are important events that you'd want to be aware of, the Pixel Buds might be able to alert you that they're happening if you've got your Pixel Buds in and can't hear the things around you well.
The Pixel Buds may not have active noise cancellation but having earbuds crammed into your ears can make it harder to hear what's going on around you, and it can be even harder to hear something if you're listening at a high volume or you're just really focused on what you're listening to. Attention Alerts could let you enjoy what you're listening to while also helping you stay aware of what's going on around you.