Can you talk to an AI assistant through your earbuds?
Short answer
Yes. Pixel Buds Pro 2 run Gemini Live hands-free, and AirPods take Siri commands, such as starting a translation.
Which products can do it?
- Apple AirPods Pro 3Yes
AirPods take Siri voice commands; for example, "Siri, start Live Translation" starts a translation hands-free.
Good to know: Siri features depend on your iPhone and region.
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2Yes
Pixel Buds Pro 2 let you talk to Gemini Live hands-free, with audio processing that prioritizes your voice in noisy places.
Good to know: Needs a compatible Android phone with the Gemini app, a Google Account and an internet connection.
Why it matters
People want quick answers and help without pulling out their phone, while cooking, walking or driving.
Not proven yet
How well each assistant handles noisy places in daily use.
How we know (2 sources)
Apple support article on Live Translation with AirPods: works with AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max 2 and an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence on. After both languages are downloaded, all processing happens on the iPhone. Start it in the Translate app, by holding both stems, or by saying "Siri, start Live Translation"; it also works on Phone and FaceTime calls. Labeled beta; Apple warns outputs may be inaccurate and features vary by region and language.
Read the sourceGoogle Store page for Pixel Buds Pro 2 (read Oct 22, 2026): $229; up to 30 hours of listening with the case; hands-free Gemini Live, which needs a compatible Android phone with the Gemini app, a Google Account and an internet connection. Pairing via Fast Pair needs Android 9 or newer. Translation isn't available in all languages or countries and may not be instantaneous.
Read the source
Status timeline
No status has changed since we started tracking. Every entry is dated and backed by the sources on this page.
- First recorded: In storesApple AirPods Pro 3
AirPods take Siri voice commands; for example, "Siri, start Live Translation" starts a translation hands-free.
- First recorded: In storesGoogle Pixel Buds Pro 2
Pixel Buds Pro 2 let you talk to Gemini Live hands-free, with audio processing that prioritizes your voice in noisy places.