Google has yet to release the Google Pixel Buds 2, but that hasn't stopped patents from appearing that hint at a third-generation earphone set.

The patent, discovered by 91mobiles and filed with China's State Intellectual Property Office, shows a pair of fairly simple wireless buds that appear to be similar in design to the Pixel Buds 2. The second generation of earbuds removed the wires that connected the original Google Pixel Buds, and it appears that the third generation Buds will follow suit.

While there are no details in the patent, it appears that the Pixel Buds 3 may be smaller and more ergonomic than its as-yet-unannounced predecessor. In-ear wireless headphones are always preferred for their slimmer design, as they fit comfortably in the wearer's ear and do not look ostentatious when out and about.

Samsung is reportedly developing its own compact and ergonomic earphones in Galaxy Buds 2, also known as Galaxy Bean.

With the AirPods Pro, Apple is also refining the AirPods' design and making a sleeker set of buds with better technology, including active noise cancellation.

The third generation Pixel Buds could do the same, with improved noise canceling and smarter features based on the features Google showed off in the Pixel Buds 2 when it introduced the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL last year.

Smarter features and enhanced audio would help the Pixel Buds 3 compete with the Apple AirPods 3.

We have not yet tested the unreleased Google Pixel 2. But if Google can add more features, including more Google Assistant features, while improving sound quality, it could be a winner in next year's model.

But there are plenty of other in-ear wireless headphones that work well with the likes of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Samsung's Galaxy Buds Plus is one such wireless headphone, and Sony's WF-1000XM3 earphones offer great audio performance and noise cancellation.