Under the umbrella of “Google Assistant,” the tech giant unveiled plenty of features that push the boundaries for AI technology, voice assistants and smart home devices, bringing users fresh voices, appointment bookings, family features as well as customizable settings based on routines.
A more natural way to converse
Normally, each new request with our devices begins with “Hey Google.” In the coming weeks, “Continued Conversation’ will roll out to give such conversations a more natural flow by eliminating the need to repeat “Hey Google.” Instead, the assistant will understand when you’re talking to it, versus someone else. On top of that, “Multiple Actions,” which is already being made available, means users can ask more complex questions like “what’s the weather like in London and Paris?”
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Your personal assistant
Powered by brand new technology Google Duplex, the Assistant can make those tedious appointments requiring a phone-call in your place. The new offer will arrive this summer and aspires to assist not only users but also small businesses who don’t provide online booking. The Assistant will be able to clearly relay the context of the call, understand any long or complex responses and then mark down the details in your calendar. It’s a futuristic feature that could really set the company apart from its rivals Siri and Alexa.
A Legend-ary new voice
Starting Wednesday, six new voices will be offered through Google Assistant, including that of John Legend. Soon, the American singer could be wishing you goodnight on your phone, around the house or in your car.
Don’t forget your manners
This is a boon for modern families. Thanks to Family Link, the Assistant offers free games, activities and stories from content partners like Disney. And when the kids forget to ask nicely, the Assistant will kindly encourage them to say “pretty please.”
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Abracadabra
Now with a new “Routine” feature, users can use one command to trigger a sequence of “Actions,” of which there are one million possibilities. A Google post gives the following example: “You can create a Custom Routine for family dinner, and kick it off by saying ‘Hey Google, dinner’s ready’ and the Assistant can turn on your favorite music, turn off the TV, and broadcast ‘dinner time!’ to everyone in the house.’