A trusted source has discovered source code within the latest version of the Google application for Android suggesting that Google Assistant earphones could be in the works. ‘Bistro’ could be the code-name for a pair of wireless headphones made by Google with built-in Google Assistant functionality.

Now that the headphone jack is becoming scarce on modern-day smartphones, people are beginning to replace their 3.55mm earphones with a wireless bluetooth set. The movement began with Motorola and Apple, and has continued with HTC and others. One upcoming smartphone release, a very influential one, could see the disappearing of the 3.5mm jack for a single USB Type-C charging port, and that device is the Pixel 2.

9to5Google points out that the search giant could be working on an Apple Airpod competitor with bluetooth and Google Assistant powers to be sold alongside Pixel 2, or possibly even included within its box. This would make sense if Google’s next Pixel lacks the old jack, especially considering the fact Google teased Apple about it on stage last year at its Made By Google event.

9to5Google discovered code in version 7.10 of the Google app that included the below string.

<string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>”Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>

We have a reference to Bistro, confirmation on the Google Assistant and news that Google is talking about a pair of headphones. Rumor is that the pair of headphones will be treated as a device of their own, so they’ll be able to receive OTA updates to power a Google Assistant hardware key. Using this, one could have incoming notifications read aloud and be able to reply to them using a built-in microphone.

We’re only a month or so out from when Google is expected to announce new hardware including Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones. There’s a good chance the headphones will be talked about during Google’s public address. Would you be interested?

SOURCE [9to5Google]