Pixel Buds Pro 2 Arrive in ‘Moonstone’ to Match Google’s Next-Gen Devices.

Key Takeaway.

• The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now available in Moonstone, aligning with the color theme of Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel Watch 4.
• This new finish expands Google’s accessory aesthetic and reinforces ecosystem consistency across devices.

Google is expanding its upcoming Moonstone color lineup to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, ensuring seamless visual coordination across its hardware portfolio. Leaked marketing renders show the earbuds in a cool slate-gray tone that perfectly complements the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel Watch 4.

Google fans first got acquainted with Moonstone as the signature shade for its next Pixel devices. Now, the wireless earbuds also feature this finish, reinforcing a cohesive aesthetic across the ecosystem. Despite initially being referred to as “Sterling” in earlier leaks, the new shade aligns precisely with Moonstone and appears in synced visuals shared by leaker Evan Blass.

pic.twitter.com/Gt3gNpcAxn

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 25, 2025

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 originally launched in four color options—Porcelain, Hazelnut, Wintergreen, and Peony. The Moonstone release increases that palette to five and rounds out Google’s overall design language for the rumored August 20 event lineup.

Moonstone Pixel Buds Pro 2 Release Is Important.

Introducing Moonstone for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 highlights Google’s intention to offer consistent product styling across devices. Consumers who buy into the Pixel ecosystem—whether choosing a phone, watch, or earbuds—will now have a unified color option.

This move also reinforces the idea that Google’s hardware refresh cycle is holistic, treating accessories and phones as part of a visually connected ecosystem. Moonstone seems positioned as a flagship color for premium Pixel devices in 2025.

Google Acknowledges Home Assistant Glitches, Teases Major Gemini-Powered Upgrades.

Key Takeaway.

• Google admits reliability problems with Home and Nest Assistant and apologizes for user frustrations.
• The company plans significant Gemini-based upgrades this fall to improve performance and user experience.

Google has admitted that its Assistant for Home and Nest devices has been struggling with reliability issues and has promised significant improvements later this year. The announcement was made by Anish Kattukaran, the Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Nest, in a candid post on X (formerly Twitter) addressing growing user dissatisfaction (e.g. commands not executing or smart devices not responding).

In the post, Kattukaran expressed regret over the current user experience and reassured that Google has been working on long-term fixes. He also hinted at “major improvements” coming in fall 2025, likely in sync with the wider rollout of Gemini-powered enhancements already previewed in other areas of Google’s smart-home system.

Users Report Multiple Failures in Home Assistant.

Smart-home users have experienced frustrating behavior such as voice commands being misunderstood, routines failing to execute, and devices not responding at all. These issues seem more severe compared to previous years, which has led to increased public criticism. In response, Kattukaran stated, "We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right," and emphasized that Google is dedicated to creating a reliable and capable assistant experience.

He acknowledged that the current state does not meet user expectations and offered a sincere apology for the inconvenience. The company is working on structural improvements designed to stabilize performance and restore trust before rolling out more advanced features.

What to Expect from Upcoming Gemini Integration.

Google has already introduced limited Gemini-powered upgrades across its product ecosystem. These include smarter search capabilities and more natural language home automations. The promise of major improvements this fall suggests that Gemini will play a central part in improving Assistant reliability, responsiveness, and overall smart-home control.

Kattukaran’s message indicates that this update will go beyond surface tweaks to address deeper architectural issues. It could cover better camera integrations, improved routines, and more robust voice control across all Home and Nest devices. Google plans to reveal details in the coming months, possibly timed with its Pixel 10 launch event.

Why This Matters.

A trustworthy voice assistant is now expected to integrate seamlessly with everyday smart-home devices. When lights refuse to turn on or routines break, it disrupts the convenience and confidence users have come to expect. Google’s open acknowledgement of these issues demonstrates accountability. More importantly, the company’s Gemini-driven focus shows it recognizes that better AI is the next step toward restoring reliability across its ecosystem.

Google Raises Nest Aware Subscription Prices as Hardware Lags Behind

Google is increasing its Nest Aware subscription fees effective mid-August 2025, marking another major price adjustment for home security users. The base Nest Aware plan will rise from $8 to $10 monthly (or $100 annually, up from $80), while the enhanced Nest Aware Plus plan jumps from $15 to $20 monthly (or $200 annually, up from $150).

What You Get For The Price.

• Nest Aware includes 30 days of event tracking, smart alerts for familiar faces, smoke/CO detection, and e911 support.
• Nest Aware Plus offers all the above, plus 60 days of event history and 10 days of continuous 24/7 recording, optimized for users with multiple cameras.

Google assures existing subscribers they can lock in current pricing if billed before August 15, 2025, or until any ongoing promotional pricing ends.

Subscribers are questioning the fee increase as Google’s Nest Cam hardware remains largely unchanged, lacking upgrades in resolution or night vision for over four years. The Nest Cam battery model, still capped at 1080p and black-and-white night vision, is increasingly outperformed by competing devices—some at similar or even lower prices—offering advancements like 2K resolution and color night shooting.

Tech reviewers and users note that rivals such as Arlo, Ring, Wyze, and Reolink provide superior features—like improved low-light performance, smarter AI detection, and local storage options—without steep subscription costs.

Is It Worth It?

While Google points to inflation and support for evolving features—like future Gemini-powered intelligence—as justification for the hike, critics argue these claims are weak without tangible hardware or software improvements. Many users facing a 25–33% rise in costs are considering switching to alternative brands offering better value or opting for local storage to avoid recurring fees.

The mid-August price increase for Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus is officially confirmed via subscriber emails and updated pricing online. While existing customers may benefit from temporary price locks, the broader market is divided: some remain loyal to Nest’s seamless ecosystem, while others migrate to more feature-rich, cost-effective alternatives as hardware stagnates.