Google’s AirPod rival coming soon?

Thanks to Google’s app teardowns over recent weeks, we’ve discovered (via 9to5google) that the tech giant has been working on a pair (or perhaps several pairs of) Assistant-powered Bluetooth headphones with the codename ‘Bisto’.

Like the Apple AirPods, the headphones would allow users to listen to their smartphone notifications and ask questions.

It looks likely we’ll see these smart headphones sooner rather than later, after Google added a ‘headphones’ product category to its help support page. The category has since been removed, but the URL (support.google.com/headphones) still takes you to the main support page.

We don’t know much about the ‘Bisto’ headphones yet – will they be buds or on-ears? With or without buttons? How much will they cost? But we wouldn’t bet against the official announcement tying in with the launch of the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 on 5th October – especially if the Pixel handsets, like the iPhone 7, are to ditch the headphone jack.

Whatever form they take, we hope they will fare better than the AirPods in the sound department.

Read more:

Apple AirPods review

11 truly wireless alternatives to Apple's AirPods

Philips launches True Wireless earbuds

Best wireless Bluetooth headphones 2017

Sony's new Google Assistant smart speaker costs £200

Alexa voice control on Sonos comes one step closer

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.