Google Now updates are usually pretty exciting. It’s one of my favorite features on Android even though its very easy to forget that its actually working.  Unfortunately the most recent update appears to break my favorite thing about Google Now - Hotword Detection.   The ability to say “Google” and have the application start the audio search function was very useful.  I’ve tested the new update on a Galaxy S4 running AOKP and a 2013 Nexus 7 running Clean Rom.  Hopefully its just a server issue that will dissipate as the new version gets pushed out (the toggle for Hotword detection is still present in the application menu).

Have you been able to update? If you’re experiencing the same issue leave a comment for us.

Edit: I was able to get the function back by uninstalling “Active Notifications.”  My assumption is that any application that you make a “Device Administrator” will probably cause this problem.  Let us know if you find any other solutions.