When Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series last week, the new line included a collection of ringtones and alarms called “Sound Matters,” which Google said consists of “beautiful and diverse bird song sounds.” The audio comes from the “dawn chorus of birds found in remote and wild areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe.”
According to Google, research has shown that “bird sounds and songs can have a significant positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being. They can help reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. The soothing melodies of birdsong can transport us to a place of peace and calm, even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
“We didn't want this to be just another collection of nature sounds. We looked for sounds that had deep meaning and reflected our natural world in both positive and thought-provoking ways. Sounds that were different from what most people hear every day, whether they live in urban areas or less nature-rich ecosystems.” – Google
Last year, Google released some new sounds for notifications and alarms in a collection called “Gems.” It consisted of eight ringtones (Cosmic Play, Amber Beats, Sapphire, Ethereal Vibration, Crimson Dreams, Mineral Chimez, Enchanted, and Fracture), nine alarm tones (Echo, Prism, Rituals, Sublime, Fusion, Aquamarine, and Little Wonders), and nine notification tones (Liquid Sunshine, Reveal, Glitz, Opal Bell, Occasion, Magic Wand, Radiate, Swerve, and Mercury).
The new “Sound Matters” collection is available for all models from the Pixel 4 series up to Pixels 9 Line. On your compatible Pixel phone, go to Settings > Sound and vibration and you'll find six notifications and ringtones for Sound Matters, including:
Six notification/ringtones
- Limpopo savannah at dawn
- Botswana Bushveld at dawn
- Zimbabwe’s savannah at dawn
- Limpopo River at dawn
- Limpopo riverbed at dawn
- Zimbabwe Hills at dawn
Four notification tones:
- Meyer's parrot at dawn
- Limpopo riverbed at dawn
- Crested Francolin at dawn
- African fish eagle at dawn
The new “Sound Matters” collection can be found in version 3.1 (642123347) of the Sounds app, which is now available in the Google Play Store.
“By incorporating birdsong into our products in small, thoughtful ways, we hope to inspire users to connect with nature, appreciate its beauty, and take action to protect it. Our approach to sustainability considers not only the impact on the environment, but also on humans, and we're excited to show you new ways to connect with nature.
Together we can celebrate the power of sound and work towards a more sustainable future. So let's all take a moment to reflect, to appreciate all of our planet's inhabitants – from tiny insects to magnificent birds – and listen to what nature has to say.” – Google
