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
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.
Originally, the "touch and hold" gesture could be used to toggle between various modes, including one which could be configured to have Google Assistant read phone notifications.[1]
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. Some users were suggested to ask the Google Assistant to read their notifications when attempting to invoke the gesture.[2]
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 the notifications.[3]
Consumer response
A quick Google search reveals dozens of Reddit posts from owners disappointed by the feature's complete removal instead of it being made into a toggle-able option,[4][5] with some looking for workarounds.[6][7]
References
- ↑ Rao, Chethan (2024-09-14). "The Google Pixel Buds Pro could lose one of its key features". Android Police. Archived from the original on 2024-09-14. Retrieved 2026-09-10.
- ↑ Li, Abner (2024-09-17). "Pixel Buds Pro 'touch and hold' no longer reads notifications [U]". 9TO5Google. Archived from the original on 2025-12-14.
- ↑ Jocelyn KR (2024-09-16). "Google Assistant Spoken Notifications Change on Pixel Buds". Google. Archived from the original on 2025-12-14.
- ↑ Lordgeorge16 (2024-09-20). "Google is taking away the "touch and hold" function from the Pixel Buds that reads back your notifications for you. Here's how to stop them:". Reddit. Archived from the original on 2026-06-12. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Lordgeorge16 (2024-09-20). "I got the dreaded "touch and hold is going away" message. If you want Google to keep it, use the Send Feedback button. It's in your Pixel Buds settings". Reddit. Archived from the original on 2026-06-12. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ thesandman00 (2025-02-10). "Anyone Tried Tasker/Automate to Mimic Touch and Hold No Speech Notifications?". Reddit. Archived from the original on 2026-06-12. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ hintze85 (2024-09-11). "Touch and hold wont read notifications anymore". Reddit. Archived from the original on 2026-06-12. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)