

replacing the single most universal function
For quite some time now, Apple and Samsung have had the shutdown menu behind a multi-button press (Lock + Vol +/-). In Apple’s case, it’s always required more than just the lock button.
If anything, this is Google shifting to the ‘norm’, having multiple button presses be the default is ideal in preventing accidentally invoking the menu and shutting down the device.
Far as “anti consumer” is concerned:
ad delivering spyware
Relative to most consumers, this perspective has you in the minority. Your average consumer is going to engage with this feature, this change makes the feature as accessible as possible so that you can do something like send a text with a single hand / button press.













You’re not going to short anything.
The power pins (VCC) on your phone’s USB-C port aren’t “live” at all times, the standard requires communication over CC1 and CC2 to negotiate which side is receiving power and at what voltage. Otherwise, a specific value of resistor needs to be in place between those pins and GND to get “dumb” charging at the original 5V usb standard.
The ideal tool is going to be thin and rigid so that you can get to the base of the port and free up impacted dust/lint. Small enough plastics are going to be to flexible to be effective, anything too thick is going to increase the working time and risk putting pressure against the center tab, potentially damaging it.
I fix consumer electronics for a living, my tool of choice is a pair of ultrasharp tweezers I use for microsoldering. Far as household items are concerned, a real small sewing needle is definitely it. The eye can even be used to catch and pull out fluff.