Jump directly to the content
LEFT OUT

Google FINALLY fixes issue that affects left-handers after years of complaints – but there’s a catch

LEFT-HANDERS are used to being an afterthought but it seems Google has finally listened.

The tech giant overlooked a massive issue when it released one of its products years ago and has only just resolved it - though not everyone's happy.

But the issue doesn't seem to be quite as resolved as people had hoped...
2
But the issue doesn't seem to be quite as resolved as people had hoped...Credit: PA

Furious lefties vented to the firm way back in 2018 when they noticed its smartwatch software is not fit for those on the opposite side.

Around ten to 12 per cent of the world's population are estimated to be left-handed.

The problem meant that lefties, who usually wear watches on their right hand, struggled to get to the buttons which face towards the body.

While still possible to reach them, it's not quite as comfortable.

"Can't believe this feature is not there," one user said in 2018.

"On behalf of all left hand writers, this is an accessibility issue/feature I would have expected from Google."

At last, the company has finally heard their pleas - but it's not all good news.

A rep for the firm said the development team has implemented the feature and it "will be available on future new devices".

So although lefties can now flip the watch 180 degrees to have the buttons in the right place for them, it looks like it'll only be available on new smartwatches.

"It took 4 years of request and when they finally implement it, they don't implement it on current devices," one user said.

"I have to go buy a new watch to use a feature you should be able to send out as an update?"

Many have already left Google's Wear OS, which is used on devices by Samsung and Fossil, among others.

Instead they've gone to Apple Watch, which has long had a lefty mode.

The issue was first highlighted back in 2018
2
The issue was first highlighted back in 2018Credit: Getty
I'm a tech expert and I found hidden Google codes that unlock secret features

In other news, personalised smart guns, which can be fired only by verified users, may finally become available to U.S. consumers this year.

Tech giant Microsoft is trying to make the world more woke by rolling out an “inclusiveness” checker in its Word software.

And a federal anti-trust case against Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has been given the go-ahead.


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]


Topics