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Google has removed its handy “Ok Google” functionality from anywhere across the OS from the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
While the hotword detection still works when S6 and S6 edge owners are inside the Google Search app, the ability to trigger the hotword from anywhere else in the OS, including the lock screen, has been removed by Google. Even the associated options with it are missing from the Google Search app.
Google seems to have removed the feature by toggling some switches on its server, since restoring to an older version of Google Search does not bring it back. Third-party launchers like Nova do restore the functionality at least on the home screen, but hotword detection will still not work from inside apps.
The issue probably stems from the fact that the Galaxy S6 has a 64-bit processor, since the functionality was missing from the Nexus 9 when it was released last year as well. However, the feature is still present on the HTC One M9, which also comes with a 64-bit processor albeit from Qualcomm.
Update: Here is what a (hopefully uninformed) Samsung representative had to say about the feature disappearing from the Galaxy S6:
[Via Reddit | AndroidForums]@Mikesnav Apologies for any confusion Michael! This is not an option any longer. ^Blu
— Samsung Support US (@SamsungSupport) April 20, 2015
