Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation

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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.

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

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.

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.

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, some are looking for workarounds.