Touch and hold on Pixel Buds Pro won't read notifications for some

Update: 18/09/24: Google has confirmed that this is an intended change that is now rolling out to all Pixel Buds users.

Based on your feedback, we are here to announce that we will be making the following changes to your Google Assistant notifications on Pixel Buds while we evaluate further changes to notifications. Assistant will no longer read unread notifications when using the press Assistant feature. Assistant will also no longer read unread notifications automatically and allow you to reply.

In order to hear notifications, you can activate Google Assistant and say “Read my notifications.”

Original article follows:

Some Pixel Buds users are reporting that the touch and hold gesture, which used to quietly read your notifications, is starting to ghost them.

While this shift hasn’t hit everyone just yet, a few unlucky users have already seen their Pixel Buds Pro give them the cold shoulder on notifications. Instead, they’re being nudged toward saying, “Hey Google, read notifications” out loud. Yep, you heard that right: the silent, convenient method of staying in the loop is being swapped for something a bit more vocal.

Some users have pointed out how this change disrupts the whole point of using headphones for a bit of peace and discretion. Instead of silently staying updated, you’re now expected to break the silence with voice commands, which, let’s be honest, can feel a bit awkward in public.

It’s important to note, this change doesn’t seem like a bug. While it’s not widely rolled out yet, the fact that several users are getting this message suggests it’s a deliberate move from Google. And if you’re among the lucky ones who haven’t experienced this change yet — well, you might want to brace yourself. It’s likely a server-side update that could be heading your way soon.

The big question is: why the sudden change? With Pixel Buds Pro 2 on the horizon, boasting Google’s new Gemini assistant, this could be part of a bigger plan. Gemini is set to take over some duties from Google Assistant, including the ability to read app notifications. But whether it’ll completely replace Assistant on Pixel Buds is still unclear. Google recently said your phone will shift to Gemini while Nest smart home devices will continue to use Assistant, but the earbuds? That’s where the mystery deepens.

In the meantime, Pixel Buds Pro users have been venting their frustrations online. Many have noted how this change completely undermines the purpose of the touch and hold feature, especially for those who prefer to stay updated without having to speak. Others are puzzled by the lack of alerts for new notifications, especially since the shift happened without any real warning.

For now, keep an eye on those notifications — and maybe practice your “Hey Google” commands, just in case.