“Made for Google” accessory program partner Catalyst has now launched its Waterproof Case for Google Pixel Buds 2. As the branding implies, this newly spotted device is a case engineered for the new Google Pixel Buds 2. And it’s waterproof.
Catalyst bills the new accessory as both IP67- and MIL-STD 810G-rated. That means its waterproof down to a depth of 1-meter underwater. Or 3.3-feet. The highly-lauded listening device from Google doesn’t come with any water protection of its own. And it costs right around $180 to buy. So the Catalyst Waterproof Case for Google Pixel Buds 2 may be well worth considering. But that’s not all this accessory does.
Catalyst’s Waterproof Case for Google Pixel Buds 2 is also rated to protect against drops. More precisely, the military-grade impact absorption protects from shocks and drops equivalent to 1.2-meters. That’s right around 4-feet or about double the height of the average pocket.
How does this Pixel Buds case from Catalyst work and what are its features
Now, the Catalyst Waterproof Case for Google Pixel Buds 2 is only available in one color, matte black. And it doesn’t really look like much at a first glance. In fact, it’s effectively a skin that wraps around the Pixel Buds 2 charging/carry case via folding. The skin rests tight enough against the buds that it prevents water from getting in. And it has enough of a raised lip — with proper materials in use — to defend against drops.
That doesn’t make getting the buds in or out all that much more difficult either. Catalyst’s description and associated photos suggest that it’s just a matter of folding the upper portion away. More specifically, away from the hinge on the Pixel Buds 2 charging case. With the flap out of the way, the Pixel Buds 2 case should function as normal.
The company includes a carabiner loop and carabiner in the design. That loops onto the bottom of the gadget so that water runs down, over, and away from the flaps when the gadget is carried using the carabiner.
Also on the bottom of the protective case, Catalyst includes a flap that can be pushed aside to allow for wired charging. That’s not going to shutter out those who don’t want to refuel using the USB-C port though. The case is thin enough and made of appropriate materials. So it’s still fully compatible with wireless charging.
Thankfully, Catalyst says that it won’t hinder the pairing process either. Google’s Buds-branded listening device has been plagued by pairing problems for some users. So that’s going to be a big relief for anybody who is still waiting on a software fix from the search giant. Or for anybody who has already received it but is worried about how the accessory might interfere with connections.
Pricing and availability
With regard to pricing and availability, the Catalyst Waterproof Case for Google Pixel Buds 2 are available now for pre-order. Shipping is free to anywhere within the US, direct from the seller.
The new protective case for Pixel Buds 2 won’t cost an arm and a leg either. Catalyst has set the price at just $29.99.
Catalyst Waterproof Case for Google Pixel Buds 2
