After recently announcing new language support and plans to enter more international markets, Google Assistant said it will also add two new features which are Routines and location-based reminders.
After recently announcing new language support and plans to enter more international markets, Google Assistant said it will also add two new features which are Routines and location-based reminders.
Google first introduced Routines back in October, and will now officially release the feature in coming weeks. With the update, users can customize certain words to trigger a series of actions. For example, by saying “Ok Google, I’m home,” users will have Google Assistant turn on lights, adjust the thermostatt and switch on the news channel on Smart TV.
Without Routines, Google Assistant may also execute multiple tasks with a command like “Ok Google, turn on the TV and how’s the weather?” With Routines, however, it truly frees up the possibility for users to create a personalized and smooth smart home experience using voice commands.
Amazon Alexa announced the same feature last September and released it in the following month. Google Home has finally caught up.
The second new feature is location-based reminders. It was available on smartphones and is now on Google Home speakers as well.
For instance, users can ask Google Home to “remind me to buy milk when I’m at the grocery store.” Of course the smart speaker sits at home, but the assistant will send notifications to user’s smartphone as they arrive at the grocery store.
The search giant has more plans for the smart assistant in the near future. It is now working closer with smartphone manufacturers to allow the assistant to control smartphone via voices. Commands such as “Hey Google, launch my camera’s video recording” could work as well.
Some manufacturers including Samsung have created their smart assistants for this purpose as well, while others including LG, Sony and Xiaomi have teamed up with Google to become its first partners on this innovation.
Google is working with wireless carriers as well and its initial partners include Sprint, Koodo, Telus and Vodafone. They will integrate voice control and allow users to ask questions about their wireless plans. For example, they can check how much unused data is left or ask to change subscription plans.
The new features that Google is working on with other companies, however, do not have definite launch dates.