- Voice Control allows audio control without wakeup commands.
- Users can manually enable it in the Galaxy Wearable app.
- Be cautious of surroundings to prevent unintended inputs.
Samsung’s latest release, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, comes with a surprise feature that wasn’t highlighted during its reveal.
Amidst the talk about the earbuds’ advanced AI capabilities, a non-AI feature named Voice Control quietly stands out. This functionality simplifies how you control your earbuds, making it easier and more intuitive.
What is Voice Control?
Voice Control on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro allows you to manage audio playback through vocal commands without needing a wakeup phrase like “Hey Bixby.” Just say basic commands and the earbuds respond accordingly.
For instance, to adjust the volume, you simply say “Volume Up” or “Volume Down,” and the earbuds make the necessary adjustments without further prompts.
How Was It Discovered?
This feature came to light thanks to a Reddit user, Stephancevallos905, who shared their experience on the Samsung subreddit.
They discovered that simple commands like “Volume Up” were all it took to control the volume level. This post caught the attention of industry insider Mishaal Rahman, who then conducted his tests.
Practical Use and Limitations
Rahman found that the Voice Control feature is quite responsive even in noisy environments, such as a pharmacy or a busy subway.
However, he noted that the feature is not enabled by default. Users need to activate it through the Galaxy Wearable app.
Upon enabling, a list of exact commands is provided. For example, to pause the music, you must say “Stop Music.”
Variations like “Pause” or “Pause Music” won’t work, which ensures precise control but requires learning the specific commands.
A Quirky Downside
One interesting aspect of Voice Control is its lack of directionality. Since the feature doesn’t rely on a wake word and isn’t directionally trained, anyone nearby can control your earbuds by saying the correct commands.
This can be a double-edged sword – while it makes the feature accessible, it also opens the door to pranks or unintentional commands from others.
Benefits and Considerations
Despite this quirk, Voice Control offers a new level of convenience. It’s especially handy in situations where your hands are occupied, or you can’t use touch controls easily. Just be mindful of your surroundings to avoid unintended inputs from others.
Samsung has been reached for comment on whether they plan to address this issue with a software update. Any updates on this matter will be added as they become available.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s Voice Control feature adds a significant layer of ease to using these earbuds. By eliminating the need for wake-up commands, Samsung has streamlined the user experience, making it more seamless.