Google was forced to REMOVE popular feature after losing a lawsuit

GOING, coming, GONE for Google as the tech giant is forced to remove a popular feature.

And for anyone with multiple smart speakers, that could be bad news.

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In a big step backwards, Android users streaming music to multiple speakers won’t be able to change the volume on every device at once.

Frustratingly, you’ll have to adjust them one by one instead.

Google speak The “most” speaker group will continue to work as expected unless you have a speaker group containing Cast-based devices from other brands, like JBL or Lenovo.

It will affect anyone using the feature in the Google Home app, by voice with the Google Assistant, or people using the Nest Hub display.

Some users will have to download a special Device Utility app to complete the product installation and proceed with updating their speakers later.

“Due to a recent legal ruling, we’re making some changes to the way you set up your device, and the Speaker Groups functionality will work in the future,” Google revealed.

The dramatic move comes after the company was told it had infringed a patent held by audio rival Sonos, meaning Google would no longer be allowed to import the infringing products into the US.

It follows a two-year investigation by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), which found that Google had infringed five Sonos patents related to smart speakers.

Sonos’ legal director, Eddie Lazarus, welcomes the verdict – The Verge reports – says: “These Sonos patents cover Sonos’ groundbreaking invention of hugely popular home audio features, including setups to control home audio systems, copper multi-speaker synchronization, independent volume control of different speakers, and stereo pairing of the speakers.

“There is a possibility that Google will degrade or remove product features in a way that circumvents the import bans imposed by the ITC.”

The ruling states that Google will not be banned from importing products into the United States that it has redesigned to address this issue.

And it seems that the feud between the two companies is not over yet.

Google said it did not expect the decision to affect its ability to import or sell products.

“We will review it further and continue to defend ourselves against Sonos’ frivolous claims about our partnerships and intellectual property,” a spokesperson said.

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