Overview

Google is a major American technology company known for search engines and cloud services. In the audio field, since Google Home in 2017, they have developed Nest Audio smart speaker series and Pixel Buds wireless earbuds series. Their product strategy emphasizes AI technology and ecosystem integration, focusing on smart audio devices that combine voice assistant functions with music playback capabilities. However, clear gaps in acoustic engineering expertise are evident when compared to specialized audio manufacturers.

Scientific Validity

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Measurement results of Pixel Buds Pro 2 reveal significant high-frequency rolloff causing sound degradation, group delay issues creating low-frequency sloppiness, and left-right driver phase problems disrupting soundstage. RTINGS measurements show high total harmonic distortion, resulting in “dirty” vocal impressions. For Nest Audio, measurements indicate sub-bass deficiency below 90Hz, mid-low frequency dips around 250Hz, and high-frequency attenuation. Even considering physical constraints, the lack of acoustic design optimization is evident. However, mid-range reproduction is relatively good, showing characteristics suitable for voice content.

Technology Level

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Google’s audio products are primarily based on off-the-shelf drivers combined with DSP processing, with limited proprietary development in acoustic engineering. While Pixel Buds Pro 2 incorporates the “Integrated Processor V1,” measurement results suggest insufficient contribution to sound quality improvement. Nest Audio’s 75mm woofer and 19mm tweeter configuration is conventional, with no special technical advantages visible in crossover or enclosure design. Despite emphasis on AI processing and software optimization, fundamental acoustic performance improvements have not been achieved. Product development remains within industry-standard technical boundaries.

Cost-Performance

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We evaluate the cost-performance of Google’s representative audio products by comparing them with competing products that offer equivalent or superior features and performance. Prices are based on approximate US market values.

• Pixel Buds Pro 2 (approx. 210 USD): Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM4 (approx. 190 USD), which shows superior measurement results at a lower cost.
  • CP = 190 USD / 210 USD ≈ 0.90
• Nest Audio (approx. 75 USD): Compared to the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen (approx. 40 USD), which offers equivalent functionality.
  • CP = 40 USD / 75 USD ≈ 0.53

The overall cost-performance for the company is reasonably assessed by averaging these representative products: (0.90 + 0.53) / 2 ≈ 0.715. This results in a score of 0.7.

Reliability & Support

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Google maintains stable support infrastructure as a major technology company. Product warranty is 1 year at industry standard level, firmware updates are regularly implemented, with Pixel Buds Pro 2 v2.1117 showing distortion improvements. Global support network, multilingual support, and cloud-based configuration management leverage IT company strengths. However, specialized audio equipment support and extended warranties are less comprehensive compared to dedicated audio manufacturers.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Google’s audio product strategy emphasizes ecosystem-wide value delivery rather than standalone acoustic devices. Design philosophy focusing on convenience improvements through voice assistant functions, smart home integration, and multi-device synchronization is modern and rational. However, efforts toward acoustic performance improvement are insufficient, with measurement results indicating lack of scientific approach to sound quality enhancement. While DSP processing and AI technology utilization are advancing, fundamental acoustic design improvements have not been achieved, remaining within “audio devices with smart features” territory.

Advice

Google’s audio products cannot be recommended for applications prioritizing sound quality. Particularly, Pixel Buds series shows clear problems in measurement results, with dedicated manufacturer products being overwhelmingly superior for music listening in the same price range. For Nest Audio, while suitable for smart speaker convenience and voice content playback, dedicated speakers are strongly recommended for music playback quality priority. Only when fully utilizing Google ecosystem should these be considered, with clear understanding of trading sound quality for convenience. For acoustic performance priority, choosing dedicated audio manufacturer products like Sony or Sennheiser in the same price range represents rational judgment.

(2025.7.15)