The timing of Google’s announcement is no coincidence either, with Mobile World Congress announcements just getting underway in Barcelona this year. But the best part is you won’t have to wait for a version update from Google or your device manufacturer, which would have taken months to roll out. Only much more capable. It has evolved into a more personal and conversational system, helping people do many things on the smartphone, wearable, and smartphone. The virtual assistant was debuted on the Google Allo app back in May previous year and thereafter came as a pre-installed feature on the Pixel handsets. Not to mention, it comes on Google Home and Google Allo as well.
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The service, like Siri on iPhones, allows users to interact with apps and ask questions. Users can also say “Ok Google” to launch the feature.
Do you use Google Assistant? Motorola was the rebel at MWC, however, choosing Amazon Alexa for its smartphones. The company is pushing it extremely hard.
Keep in mind though that this week Google Assistant will be delivered to English users in the United States only.
Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. The Assistant is now limited to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, but nearly every new or updated Android will have it soon. Google Assistant will be available to “eligible Android phones running Nougat and Marshmallow with Google Play Services”. As noted above, Google added a graphic to their blog showing that the Samsung Galaxy S7, the LG V20 and HTC 10 will offer it immediately this week.
So while it won’t be available for literally every Android smartphone, not yet, it’s starting to rollout to millions of users.
Assistant, like many features like it, has until now been tightly kept exclusive to Pixel phones. Last January, we reported on the arrival of Android 7.1.2, a small incremental update that would reach some of Google’s terminals, first in beta form and later in stable version. This has many buyers having to return their device as it is hardware fault that is quite widespread.
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All users will be able to simply long-press their home button for quick access to the Assistant. It can make quick translations, find the nearest restaurant, pull up your flight information, and a whole lot more.
