What happened to Pixel Buds last year is now happening to all Google Assistant-connected headphones

Google Assistant-powered headphones are losing a convenient hands-free feature: the automatic reading of new notifications. Previously, when you activated Assistant through compatible headphones, it would read any unread notifications on your phone. Now, starting imminently (likely already rolling out), you’ll need to say, “Hey Google, read my notifications” to hear them. This change extends a policy first applied to Pixel Buds last September, affecting all Assistant-connected headphones.

While Google hasn’t stated explicitly, it’s likely due to privacy concerns. Automatically reading notifications aloud could share sensitive information in public, so requiring a specific command gives users more control over when and where notifications are read.

This might feel like a step back in convenience, especially for those used to hands-free updates. However, it offers greater privacy, which could be helpful in crowded places. Users will need to remember to ask for notifications, a small but noticeable adjustment.

In September 2024, Google initiated a shift by disabling this automatic feature for Pixel Buds. Users reported needing to explicitly ask Assistant to read notifications, a change documented in Google’s support page. This move was perceived as a response to privacy concerns, given the potential for sensitive information to be read aloud in public settings.

And now, this week, Google posted a notice on its Assistant community support forum, announcing that the same change is now extending to all Assistant-connected headphones. Users will now have to “Hey Google, read my notifications” instead of relying on automatic readout upon activation. Google phrases this as an imminent change, suggesting it may already be implemented for some users.

This change impacts users by reducing the convenience of automatic notifications, potentially disrupting workflows for those accustomed to hands-free updates. To adapt, users must remember to request notifications verbally, a process outlined in Google’s support documentation.

This adjustment may feel minor for some, but for frequent users, it could be noticeable, especially in scenarios requiring quick updates, like during commutes or workouts.

Google’s decision to disable automatic notification reading for all Assistant-connected headphones, following the Pixel Buds precedent, is a significant shift towards enhanced privacy and user control. While it may reduce convenience, it addresses critical privacy concerns, aligning with modern user needs.