Google Pixel Buds will probably receive a major software update soon

The Google Pixel Buds are probably getting a major software update soon.

The rumor blog 9to5Google recently evaluated code from the latest Google app beta (version 7.23) and found several indications that the headphones will soon be updated with new capabilities.

The hidden code indicates users will soon be able to customize the double-tap command on the right earphone of the Pixel Buds.

Currently, double-tapping the right earphone makes the Google Assistant read back any notifications. It will also pause the Assistant any time it's speaking. Users may soon be able to customize this gesture and turn it into commands like "next track" while listening to music.

Another capability that's probably coming soon, at least according to a few lines of hidden code, is in-ear detection. What this means is that music may soon pause as soon as you remove the right earbud from your ear.

Finally, according to the report, a string of code in the Google app beta reveals a new "Triple Tap" command that will likely be used to turn off the headphones. Currently, Pixel Buds remain on until they're docked into the charging case.

For all the headphone snobs keeping track, these rumored Google Pixel Bud capabilities are similar to functions that already appear in the Apple AirPods. Whether these added features are actually enough to convince people to buy the headphones remains to be seen.

That said, the Google Pixel Buds don't really need that much help. As we noted in our review, they're currently the best alternative to Apple AirPods and aren't nearly as dorky. If you're going to buy the Pixel Buds, do it for the real-time translation tools -- not because you can customize the gesture controls.