Hey Google, where did you go? A new twist for Pixel Buds users

Google Assistant has taken a surprising turn, requiring users to enable the “Hey Google” hotword on their Android devices before it can be used on Pixel Buds and other Assistant-enabled headphones. This marks a departure from the previous flexibility that allowed users to have “Hey Google” turned off on their phones while still using it on their headphones.

The change, announced in a Google Assistant community forum post, is aimed at streamlining the settings for voice activation. Now, there’s a single toggle for “Hey Google” in the Assistant settings, controlling its availability on both phones and headphones.

While this might seem like a minor update, it could have significant implications for users who prefer to keep “Hey Google” disabled on their phones for privacy reasons. The new requirement means they’ll need to enable it to use voice commands on their headphones, potentially compromising their privacy preferences.

On the bright side, the change could also improve the overall user experience by simplifying the settings and reducing confusion. Additionally, the upcoming arrival of Gemini on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 suggests that Google is investing in enhancing the capabilities of its Assistant-enabled headphones.

As users adjust to this new change, it’s worth noting that the Google Assistant settings for headphones have also been renamed to “Digital assistant.” This minor tweak reflects the expanding capabilities of these devices beyond traditional voice commands.

So, if you’re a Pixel Buds user looking to use “Hey Google” hands-free, remember to check Assistant settings on your phone and give that toggle a flip.