After privacy concerns were raised over the Google Home Mini yesterday, Google has updated their support documentation to advise the top touch on Google Home Mini will be permanently disabled.
The privacy concerns were raised by Android Police founder Artem Russakovski who found his Google Home Mini review unit was listening to and trying to respond to any and all chatter it heard without the key (Ok or Hey Google) keywords being spoken or the top of the unit being touched (which activated Google Assistant).
Google initially advised they would disable it via a software update, but has now advised the function will be removed in time for the October 15th launch.
Top touch functionality
We’ve decided to permanently remove all top touch functionality on Google Home Mini. We made this decision to avoid any confusion and give you complete peace of mind while using your Mini. The update will be completely rolled out by end of day October 15, 2017.
The good news is you get the same functionality using your voice.
Say “Ok Google” or “Hey Google” instead of pressing and holding the top of Mini to start a request.
Say “Ok Google” or “Hey Google
While the tap to engage Google Assistant is being permanently disabled, the touch sensitive volume controls have not, with Google advising ‘Mini’s volume controls haven’t changed. You can still control volume by side touch and voice.’
Will this be a ‘Permanent’ end to the touch sensitive top? Or will Google re-enable it down the track? Whichever way it goes we’ll be seeing the Google Home Mini in person quite soon hopefully.
