Google releases a new USB-C headphone adapter that costs more and offers lower latency

Like it or not, more companies are removing the headphone jack and choosing only to include a USB-C port on most modern smartphones. Because of this, customers have to use adapters if they want to use headphones and other wired audio accessories that offer a 3.5mm connection.

Since ditching the port on the Pixel 2, Google has been selling its own USB-C to 3.5mm adapter on its online store. Now, just a month before the release of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, the search giant has released a refreshed adapter. 

Physically, the new adapter is a bit lighter, thinner, and even smaller than the outgoing model that shipped with the Pixel 2. The new accessory now only weighs 4.9g and is 93.2mm long.

Interestingly enough, Google also claims that this new adapter offers 38 percent more playback time and 53 percent less plug-in latency when compared to the older accessory. This change is reportedly due to a more power-efficient design. You likely won’t notice this change in your day-to-day usage, but it’s a welcome improvement. 

When Google first listed its headphone adapter last year, the company received backlash for listing it for $20. Quickly thereafter, the search giant lowered the price down to $9. But with the release of the updated hardware, Google is increasing the price of the accessory and selling it for $12. 

As always, despite USB-C being a universal standard, this adapter will likely not work with every smartphone. On Google’s listing, it’s stated that this adapter works best with Pixels and other devices running Android Pie. We won’t officially know which handsets it’s compatible with until we can test it out for ourselves.