I'm glad to see this in the bug tracker.  Most people flip convertibles into tablet mode and don't re-orient the screen.  So, the screen will likely keep the orientation it was in while in laptop mode.

With that general behavior, the volume buttons are almost always upside down for most users.  If the buttons were tied to the screen orientation and simply flipped, this could be fixed quickly.

Agree, With the onslaught of convertibles on the market this will become a more frequent complaint. Flipping the button functions should be inherent nature in tablet mode.

CBC-RS/TC-watchlist

@Alberto, can you take a look at this?

+Tom and Jenn since this came up earlier

We're generally worried that changing the volume rocker behavior based on orientation would confuse users. The behavior of a particular volume button would vary based on orientation, without any clear indication to users that they are related.

Note that in convertible mode, there are two orientations (user facing camera on top, or on the bottom), resulting in more combinations which may cause confusion.

Also, on Android phones, the volume rocker behavior remains consistent across all orientations.

(but yes on Android phones you can't rotate the screen 180, I don't have a tablet with me at the moment)

#8 - I agree - buttons should maintain their function regardless of device orientation. Imagine the confusion as the user rotates the Chromebook between landscape and portrait mode, or some indeterminate angle in between.

If I push a button to raise the volume and the volume goes down instead, I simply press the other button. Simplicity.

On the Samsung Pro the power and volume are on the right side of the CB. 
The power button is at the top right side (hinges).

On the Asus Flip they are on the left side.
The power button is at the bottom (touchpad).

On both, volume up is towards the power button. 

I simply press the other button. Simplicity.

Simplicity is having the button do the counterintuitive thing and the user
trying the alternative? That's news to me.

Confirmed that the behavior is the same on Android tablets (Pixel-C) too

The iPad changes the volume button depending on screen orientation.  Its very intuitive.  Pressing the top volume button always raises the volume.  In portrait mode, the rightmost volume button should raise volume to match the user interface which goes left to right when raising volume.

I think volume buttons should be attached to the display panel. Then we should/can do:

https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/03/07/android-p-feature-spotlight-volume-slider-moves-side-screen-theres-superior-control-bluetooth-devices/

Side note.

One thing we should be sure about: If we do this in the kernel and the change affects all devices (detachable, tablet, convertible), some of these devices rely on the volume rocker for EC/FW functions like recovery, etc. So if we say for tablets "hit volume up + [some other key]", need to make sure we are consistent and predictable.

(Bulk Edit) Adding the new conops Chrome OS hotlist to all open issues with the "#CBC-RS/TC-watchlist" tag, our former tracking tag.

This issue has an owner, a component and a priority, but is still listed as untriaged or unconfirmed. By definition, this bug is triaged. Changing status to "assigned". Please reach out to me if you disagree with how I've done this.