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Google Pixel Bud 3 launch coming soon - and it's getting this big upgrade

Smart-home

Further evidence of the Google Pixel Buds 3 has emerged courtesy of several FCC certification filings that drop numerous hints covering Google's next wireless earphones.

The submissions, discovered by 9to5Google, even hint at a possible Pixel Buds 3 release date, potentially confirming earlier leaks that set up a showdown with the Apple AirPods 3 this year.

First, here are the reasons why the two devices that arrived at the FCC for certification, the "GPQY2" and the "G7YPJ," could be two variants of the Pixel Buds 3. First, these devices are listed as coming from Weifang Goertek Electronics, not Google, the same company that was listed in similar FCC documents for the original Pixel Buds. [For example, the Google Pixel 5 is certified with the codes GD1YQ, GTT9Q, and G5NZ6.

Third, it is clear that the dimensions of the device described in both documents - 27 x 20 x 15 mm, or approximately 1.1 x 0.8 x 0.6 inches - are small enough for a true wireless earpiece. In fact, these specs are remarkably similar to the current Google Pixel Buds 2.

Other details suggest that Google is addressing the Pixel Buds 2's weak connectivity issues. These new documented (supposedly) headphones use the same wireless band, but have a much larger output, which may result in a stronger Bluetooth signal and fewer dropped connections.

No images were posted because the FCC has imposed a limited confidentiality period on the photos provided. The confidentiality period ends in September, so it is possible that the Pixel Buds 3 will be available before then.

Leaker Jon Prosser has previously announced that the Pixel Buds 3 will be available in mid-April, which seems a bit early, but a pre-September launch would be well in time. has also yet to be confirmed, and other reports point to the Apple earbuds being released later this year.

Still, it looks like both pairs of headphones will break cover before 2021 is over. We will keep an eye out for more news on the Pixel Buds 3, and whether it can really fix the Bluetooth affair of the Pixel Buds 2.