Google Assistant: Everything you need to know
If you’ve used an Android phone for any time, you’ve probably encountered Google Assistant at some point. While some manufacturers prioritize their smart assistants (for example,Samsung’s Bixby), you may install and use Google Assistant on any Android smartphone. It’s also accessible throughcompatible smart speakersand displays.
Google Assistant is a helpful tool, but its widespread adoption doesn’t mean everyone is familiar with its capabilities. This article explains everything about Google Assistant: from its setup to usage. Whether you’re trying it out for the first time or have used it since its release on the original Google Pixel phone, you’ll find this guide useful.
What is Google Assistant?
Google Assistant is an intelligent virtual assistant that lets you use voice commands to perform tasks or answer questions. Depending on the device, Google Assistant has different capabilities. you may openyour favorite apps, set alarms, text contacts, check the weather, answer queries, control lights and thermostats, and check headphone battery levels. These are just a few things you can do.Google’s list of all commandssheds more light on what Google Assistant can do.
With the launch of theGoogle Pixel 8 series, the company has started infusing its generative AI chatbot, Bard, into Google Assistant. This is so you can get less-robotic interactions, thoughtful results, and fresh capabilities within the Assistant. The feature is yet to roll out to users, but Google promised it’s coming soon.
you could also use Google Assistant tocreate actionable Routines. A routine is a string of multiple actions combined into one. For example, you can set a routine to turn on your lights and report the weather with one command. If you don’t know where to start, our roundup ofthe best routines for Google Assistantwill get you started.
Setting up Google Assistant
Google Assistant is built into the Google Android app, so most Android phones have it installed. If you’re a Samsung Galaxy smartphone owner, you canturn off Bixbyand use Google Assistant. it’s possible to also install a shortcut to the Assistant from the Google Play Store if you want, but this isn’t required to use it.
You’ll also find Google Assistant onvarious smart displaysand smart home devices. Google Nest has an array of smart speakers and smart displays with Assistant built-in, and a growing number of televisions are among compatible devices.
Regardless of the device, you canactivate Google Assistantusing the “Hey, Google” command. But there are additional ways to start it, depending on the device. For instance, the latest Google Pixel phones canlaunch Google Assistant in six simple ways. iPhone users must install and open theGoogle Assistant for iOSapp if there’s a need for it.
Google Assistant settings you can change
You can tweak how Google Assistant works on your device in many ways. If you think the default female voice sounds robotic, or you’d rather have a male assistant,changing your Google Assistant’s voiceis simple. Other settings you can change include:
What devices is Google Assistant found on?
Google Assistant is available on more devices than Android phones and smart home devices. If you’re keen on building a smart home, thepopular Google Assistant-compatible smart home devicescan simplify your life. A list of compatible devices would not fit in this article, but here are some of the best devices to use with Google Assistant.
Security cameras
Many of thebest security camerashave Google Assistant support. Link your camera to a smart display like the Google Nest Hub, and you can issue commands like “What’s on [camera name]?”
Smartwatches
Google Assistant support for smartwatches means you can check the weather, look up directions, or text contacts while out for exercise. Not all include Google Assistant, but many of thebest smartwatcheshave it built-in.
Headphones
Google Assistant support for headphones isn’t as widespread as it could be, but more options are being released often. Depending on the product, you may be able to control it hands-free with the “Hey, Google” command, like with theGoogle Pixel Buds Pro.
Google Pixel smartphone tricks
Google Assistant was originally exclusive to Pixel phones. And while this is no longer the case, there are a few exclusive features for Pixel devices. Quick Phrases is one of those features, and it’s available on the Google Pixel 6 and newer models. When activated, it allows you to give specific simple commands without saying “Hey Google” first. For instance, it’s possible to say “Stop” or “Snooze” to control Alarms and timers or say “Answer” or “Decline” when you receive a phone call. This setting is called Quick Phrases and can be turned on fromSettings>Assistant>Quick Phrases.
For now, theAI-infused Google Assistantthat brings Bard’s generative AI tricks to your phone is limited to the Pixel 8 series. Meanwhile, theAssistant is becoming a little helperto make navigating through your Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro’s system settings snappy.
Google Assistant isn’t the only virtual assistant
If you’ve never tried Google Assistant before, give it a go. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to make the most of it. It can genuinely help you in your day-to-day life. Suppose you’ve tried Google Assistant — especially with the Google Home app for home automation — and found it confusing or unintuitive. You may want totry Amazon’s Alexa lineup.
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