Jump to content

Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation: Difference between revisions

From Consumer Rights Wiki
m Add Categories
ExtensionGuy (talk | contribs)
m product Pixel Buds -> Google Pixel Buds, should fix for extension next cargo refresh
 
(5 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Google displays an example of a [[Retroactively amended purchases|Retroactively Amended Purchase]] by removing an accesibility feature of the pixel buds line, and failing to offer a reasonable alternative to customers who rely on it.
{{ToneWarning}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Citations not properly formatted|Issue 2=More info with more in-text citations}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Google
|StartDate=2024
|EndDate=
|Status=Active, Pending Resolution, Resolved, Unresolved
|ProductLine=Pixel
|Product=Google Pixel Buds
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Accessibility
|Description=With an update, Google removed an accessibility feature from the Pixel Buds.
}}
 
Google displays an example of a [[Retroactively amended purchases|retroactively amended purchase]] by removing an accessibility feature of the [[Google Pixel Buds|Pixel Buds]] and failing to offer a reasonable alternative to customers who rely on it.


==Background==
==Background==
Google Pixel Buds are a line of Bluetooth earphones that integrate with Android smartphones. The Buds offer standard media and noise isolation controls via a touch sensitive surface. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz2uaf-DvYw</ref>
Google Pixel Buds are a line of Bluetooth earphones that integrate with Android smartphones. The Buds offer standard media and noise isolation controls via a touch sensitive surface.


===What makes the buds stand out===
When the assistant is invoked without speaking to it, it will read out the time and read any unread notifications. On supported apps, the assistant feature could be used for text entry.
When the Assistant is invoked without speaking to it, it will read out the time and read any unread notifications. On supported apps, the user would have the option to hold down and dictate their response aloud.


==Removal of the "Touch and Hold" Feature==
==Removal of the "Touch and Hold" Feature==
In Early September of 2024, Google silently rolled out an update removing the "Touch and Hold" Gesture from the earbuds.
In Early September of 2024, Google silently rolled out an update removing the "Touch and Hold" Gesture from the earbuds.


Some users were suggested to ask the Google Asisstant to read their notifications when attempting to invoke the gesture.<ref>https://9to5google.com/2024/09/17/pixel-buds-pro-notifications/</ref>
Some users were suggested to ask the Google Assistant to read their notifications when attempting to invoke the gesture.<ref>https://9to5google.com/2024/09/17/pixel-buds-pro-notifications/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214043711/https://9to5google.com/2024/09/17/pixel-buds-pro-notifications/ Archived])</ref>


==Google's response==
==Google's response==
In a forum post, Google cited customer feedback for the removal but did not elaborate further. They suggest asking the assistant to read your notifications.<ref>https://support.google.com/assistant/thread/297016719/google-assistant-spoken-notifications-change-on-pixel-buds</ref>
In a forum post, Google cited customer feedback for the removal but did not elaborate further. They suggest asking the assistant to read your notifications.<ref>https://support.google.com/assistant/thread/297016719/google-assistant-spoken-notifications-change-on-pixel-buds ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214042610/https://support.google.com/assistant/thread/297016719/google-assistant-spoken-notifications-change-on-pixel-buds Archived])</ref>


==Consumer response==
==Consumer response==


 
A quick Google search reveals dozens of Reddit posts from owners disappointing by the fact it was removed completely instead of being made a toggleable option<ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/GooglePixel/comments/1fleu1g/google_is_taking_away_the_touch_and_hold_function/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183217/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/GooglePixel/comments/1fleu1g/google_is_taking_away_the_touch_and_hold_function/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fleksj/i_got_the_dreaded_touch_and_hold_is_going_away/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183433/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fleksj/i_got_the_dreaded_touch_and_hold_is_going_away/ Archived])</ref>, some are looking for workarounds.<ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1imf98p/anyone_tried_taskerautomate_to_mimic_touch_and/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183735/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1imf98p/anyone_tried_taskerautomate_to_mimic_touch_and/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fefa3i/touch_and_hold_wont_read_notifications_anymore/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303184019/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fefa3i/touch_and_hold_wont_read_notifications_anymore/ Archived])</ref>
A quick Google search reveals dozens of reddit posts from owners dissapointed by the fact it was removed completely instead of being made a toggleable option<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1fleu1g/google_is_taking_away_the_touch_and_hold_function/</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fleksj/i_got_the_dreaded_touch_and_hold_is_going_away/</ref>, some are looking for workarounds.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/pixelbuds/comments/1imf98p/anyone_tried_taskerautomate_to_mimic_touch_and/</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fefa3i/touch_and_hold_wont_read_notifications_anymore/</ref>


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Google Pixel Buds]]
[[Category:Retroactively amended purchase]]
[[Category:Retroactively amended purchase]]

Latest revision as of 22:01, 6 April 2026

This article uses tone or wording inconsistent with the editorial guidelines.

A moderator needs to check the page before this notice can be removed. Visit the noticeboard or the #appeals channel in either Zulip or Discord to request removal.
More info ▼

The wiki's voice should remain neutral and avoid loaded language or unnecessary offence. Direct attacks on individuals or companies are not permitted; malice may only be attributed through quotation and citation, never in the wiki's voice. In theme articles argumentation is allowed but should be clear, formal, and never inflammatory.

⚠️This article has been marked as incomplete. Sourcing or verifiability needs additional work.
In particular:
  1. Citations not properly formatted
  2. More info with more in-text citations
A moderator needs to check the page before this notice can be removed. Visit the noticeboard or the #appeals channel in either Zulip or Discord to request removal.
More info ▼

Articles must provide verifiable, credible evidence for their claims and avoid relying on forum posts, personal blogs, or other unverifiable sources. You can help by replacing weak citations with reputable reporting, corporate communications, receipts, repair logs, or independent investigative coverage that demonstrates the systemic relevance required by the Mission statement and Moderator Guidelines.

Google displays an example of a retroactively amended purchase by removing an accessibility feature of the Pixel Buds and failing to offer a reasonable alternative to customers who rely on it.

Background

[edit | edit source]

Google Pixel Buds are a line of Bluetooth earphones that integrate with Android smartphones. The Buds offer standard media and noise isolation controls via a touch sensitive surface.

When the assistant is invoked without speaking to it, it will read out the time and read any unread notifications. On supported apps, the assistant feature could be used for text entry.

Removal of the "Touch and Hold" Feature

[edit | edit source]

In Early September of 2024, Google silently rolled out an update removing the "Touch and Hold" Gesture from the earbuds.

Some users were suggested to ask the Google Assistant to read their notifications when attempting to invoke the gesture.[1]

Google's response

[edit | edit source]

In a forum post, Google cited customer feedback for the removal but did not elaborate further. They suggest asking the assistant to read your notifications.[2]

Consumer response

[edit | edit source]

A quick Google search reveals dozens of Reddit posts from owners disappointing by the fact it was removed completely instead of being made a toggleable option[3][4], some are looking for workarounds.[5][6]

References

[edit | edit source]