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How to Use Google Assistant

How to use Google Assistant? The Google Assistant made its official debut on Pixel phones in October of the same year after being unveiled at Google’s I/O developer conference.

All smartphones running Android 5.0+ and at least 1GB of RAM, or Android 6.0+ and at least 1.5GB of RAM, are compatible with it.

Additionally, supported phones must have Google Play Services installed and have displays with a minimum resolution of 720p. Numerous other platforms have already adopted the technology, including Google-based smart displays and speakers.

Only when a device’s language is configured to one it supports will Assistant function. These languages include Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Portuguese. One limitation is that not every Google Assistant device supports every language.

The fundamentals of Google Assistant are straightforward, but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. The majority of it is covered in this piece, including an explanation of what Assistant is, how to use it, the devices it powers, and the instructions it can recognise. You should learn a few things from this guide regardless of your level of experience with Google Assistant. Let’s start now.

What is Google Assistant

Google’s virtual assistant is called Google Assistant. It enables you to complete tasks more quickly. Instead of repeatedly typing on a screen, you can utilize voice or automation commands.

Depending on the device and platform, Assistant may perform a wide range of tasks, like opening apps, sending messages, making calls, playing a certain song, checking the weather, controlling smart devices, setting timers, obtaining general information, setting alarms, and many more.

Of course, Assistant isn’t limited to mobile devices. More will be spoken about this later. It can also be found on smart headphones, smartwatches, smart speakers, and many more goods.

How to Use Google Assistant

You must first enable Google Assistant on your Android smartphone before using it. It won’t take you more than a minute or two to complete the process, and it’s so easy even your grandma can do it.

Step-by-step directions for activating Assistant

  • Get the Google app going.
  • In the top-right portion of the screen, tap the account image button.
  • Choose Settings.
  • the Google Assistant website.
  • Click General.
  • On the toggle, select Google Assistant.

It’s time to test out Assistant now that it is turned on. Both “OK, Google” and “Hey, Google” are acceptable commands to give to Google. Saying “OK Google, play a funny cat video on YouTube” is an illustration of this.

Remember that in order for this to operate, some phones must be unlocked. Google Assistant will hear your command even if the screen is off, but it might require you to unlock it in order to carry out the required action. Although it is a bothersome feature, it is necessary for security.

There are a couple additional ways to call Assistant. The primary one is to hold down the device’s home button while you wait for Assistant to appear.

You must swipe up and toward the center from the bottom left or right corner if you’re using gestures on Android 10+ and/or don’t have a home button. Additionally, some smartphones from manufacturers like LG and Nokia include a dedicated Google Assistant button. Or you can use the corresponding button on the search bar to get to it.

Remember that you can communicate with the Assistant in writing as well as verbally. When you’re out in public and don’t want others to think you’re insane for answering your phone, this is useful. Call up Assistant, tap the keyboard icon, then enter your request to test it out.

Devices

There are two different Google Assistant gadgets that you should be aware of. While the other simply functions with Assistant, one comes with Google Assistant built-in. They can therefore be operated using voice commands on smartphones, smart speakers, and other devices even though they don’t really have Assistant. We’ll examine the two choices listed below in more detail.

Devices with Google Assistant built-in

  • Smartphones and tablets: All newer smartphones and tablets, as well as a ton of older ones running at least Android 5.0, come equipped with Google Assistant. There are a few more prerequisites in this situation, which are listed in the post’s introduction.
  • Smart speakers/displays: One of the initial stages in setting up a smart home is to purchase a smart speaker or display. A smart speaker may answer trivia questions, play music, radio, or podcasts, and of course operate home appliances like lights, locks, and thermostats. While supporting video services like YouTube, video chats made with Zoom or Google Duo, and the ability to view doorbell or security camera feeds, a smart display essentially accomplishes the same task. You can do so.
  • Chromebooks: Most Chromebooks come with Assistant pre-installed, but you might need to switch it on first. By entering Settings, choosing Google Assistant under Search and Assistant, and turning the feature on, you may complete the task. You can use your voice to call it once that is finished. Here is a list of the top Chromebooks you should buy if you’re in the market for a new one.
  • Google Assistant is natively supported by Google TV and Android TV boxes like the Nvidia Shield TV and Xiaomi Mi Box S. This is true for both TVs and streaming devices. Additionally, Google TV and Chromecast both support it. All you have to do is speak a command and press the remote’s designated Assistant button.

Devices that work with Google Assistant

  • For the obvious reason that you’re probably attempting to check in remotely, most smart security cameras work best when coupled with phones or smart displays, even if some cameras, like the Nest Cam, have Google Assistant built-in. Check out the top security cameras if you’re interested.
  • Lamps and light bulbs: Investing in a lamp or a few Assistant-compatible light bulbs is a wise and cost-effective choice if you’re just starting to build up a smart home. Even when you’re driving, you’ll be able to use voice commands to turn the lights on or off. A smart plug, which enables you to turn any “dumb” lamp on or off, is another option.
  • Headphones: A number of headphones, including the most recent Google Pixel Buds A-Series and the well-known Sony WH-1000XM4, are compatible with Assistant. With a tap or button push, Assistant may be called up and instructed to change the level, skip a song, etc. Check out the top headphones for the Google Assistant.
  • Google Assistant is compatible with smartwatches using Google’s Wear OS. Among many other things, it is useful for checking the weather, keeping track of runs, and creating reminders. Google-based smartwatches don’t have the widespread appeal that some had hoped they would, but they still have a devoted following. Here are the top models.
  • These are only a few of the most well-known gadgets that include or integrate Assistant. Many more exist, such as thermostats and garage door openers.
How to Use Google Assistant (1)

The best commands by category

Once your gadgets are set up, you should practice some useful voice commands. The majority of commands work with any gear you’re communicating with, but there are a few outliers, like trying to stream Netflix on a speaker.

The official Google directory contains a complete, constantly expanding list of commands, but we’ve covered some of the most helpful ones below.

General queries

  • “Good morning” is a catch-all phrase for anything you do in the morning. Your assistant can provide you with a weather forecast, directions to your workplace, and the most recent news stories.
  • Your alarm clock can be replaced with Assistant by saying, “Wake me up at…”
  • “Open …” — Saying an app’s name will launch it on your phone.
  • “Set an alert for…” — Make sure you never miss a date again by adding reminders to your calendar that include the time and location.
  • “Start the clock” — Taking a quick snooze or slowly preparing a chicken Using assistant timers is really useful.
  • Toggle Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, your phone’s flashlight, and pretty much every other hardware feature just saying “Turn on Bluetooth” without having to access the settings menu.
  • “Put this on my shopping list,” – Google is able to save internet purchases.

Music

  • “Play classical music” — Choosing a genre to listen to music instead of music by song, artist, playlist, or album can be a terrific way to find new music.
  • You don’t have to stream from a platform like Spotify when you say, “Play… radio.” The BBC World Service and NPR are just a couple of the internet radio stations that Assistant can play.
    You can skip a song in addition to playing, pausing, and stopping it.
  • What song is playing? — Assistant can provide you with artist and song information for any streaming content.
  • “Turn it up/down” — The volume can be changed by turning it up or down by 10% steps, or it can be set to a specified volume.
  • If you’re listening to a playlist or an artist, there’s a strong possibility you want to hear the songs in a different order for variety’s sake.

Pictures and video

  • ‘Show my photos of’ — If you use Google Photos, Assistant can upon request select images of specific persons, locations, and dates.
  • “Play… on TV” – After syncing your streaming services with your smart TV or Chromecast, Assistant will be able to stream content directly to your TV.
  • Catch up on your preferred YouTube shows by selecting “Stream… from YouTube.”
  • “Turn on/off subtitles” — Quickly turn subtitles on or off, and even select your preferred language, without using the remote. When dubbing is available, you can do the same thing.

Tips, tricks & fun

  • We’ve all lost our phones, but if you’ve linked your smart speaker to your Google account and say, “Find my phone,” your phone will ring if it has an internet connection.
  • Check the movie times: Assistant is very adept at locating localized results, thus inquiring “what time is [movie] showing” will return information on nearby theatres.
  • In reality, you can look for the opening times and other information for numerous local establishments that are listed with Google.
  • Asking follow-up questions is a little more hit-or-miss, but Assistant can frequently grasp them. In keeping with the previous illustration, Assistant will recognise that you are referring to the same theatre if you question “what’s playing at [cinema]” then “what time are they showing [movie].”
  • Tune an instrument – If you ask Assistant for a certain tone, she may provide it. very helpful for tuning guitars and other musical instruments.
  • A collection of groans under the heading “Tell me a joke” is likely to make anyone smile.
  • Recite a poem. Assistant offers a number of well-known poems available to help you relax.

Which do you prefer, Star Wars or Star Trek? — Be ready for a variety of unclear crossover responses that will delight and enrage fans in equal measure.

Google Assistant actions

Actions, or the brief interactions you make with Google Assistant to complete tasks, are what drive the assistant. While Google offers a number of instructions right out of the box, some need for connecting with third-party devices and applications.

The Actions app directory is available on the web and on mobile devices, where users can find third-party Assistant applications. It comprises goods made for use with external gear, such as trivia apps, fitness tools, and TV tools.

Here are a few instances of Google Assistant add-on actions:

  • “Send Ana an email,” — Gmail
  • “Send a message on WhatsApp” With WhatsApp
  • “Give me simple recipes,” Cookbooks by Course
  • Stars of the Lid may be heard on Spotify.

More than a million activities are accessible. Using Dialogflow or the Actions SDK, developers may create Assistant apps and actions. A “conversational platform,” called Dialogflow, encapsulates the Actions SDK’s functionality while providing an intuitive IDE, machine learning, and other tools.

Google Assistant routines

With only one command, you may start several Google Assistant routines. A typical “Netflix time” regimen might include dimming the lights, lowering the thermostat, and turning on the TV.

There are six pre-made routines in addition to bespoke ones that you may all modify to your preferences. The good morning routine is a name for one of them. In response to your greetings or requests to “tell me about your day,” Assistant can:

  • disable silent mode.
  • Adapt the thermostat, the lights, the outlets, and other smart devices (if you have any).
  • Describe the weather to you.
  • Tell you how to get there.
  • Tell you about the calendar events for today.
  • Give you the reminders for today.
  • Volume-control the media.
  • Play audiobooks, podcasts, the news, music, or the radio.
How to Use Google Assistant (2)

Smart home tips

Being able to serve as the interface for your connected smart home is one of Google Assistant‘s most potent advantages. A seemingly mundane object like a light bulb can be controlled by Google home Assistant, in addition to your Chromecast or TV. The Google Home app allows for configuration and control of all of these gadgets.

More than 50,000 smart home items from over 5,500 brands are compatible with Google Assistant. Here you can find a directory of all the platforms that are supported. the following product categories

  • Lighting, electrical equipment, and outlets.
  • Other household appliances include refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, washers, and dryers.
  • locks, security systems, and cameras.
  • Internet radios, speakers, and other audio devices.

Your gadgets must first be connected. Although the steps will differ, connection to Google Home is always part of the procedure. Go to the Google Home app, hit the plus icon in the top left corner, then select Set up device to add additional gadgets to your smart home. Observe directions.

How to add devices to Google Home:

  • Activate the Google Home app.
  • In the upper-left corner, tap the Plus symbol.
  • press the Set up button.
  • Take the steps.

Use Home’s name, nickname, and room designations. This facilitates voice instructions for controlling particular gadgets or entire rooms. Enter the Google Home Assistant app, choose the device you want to alter, press the gear icon, choose Device details, and then tap on each section to make adjustments to names and rooms.

How to edit devices on Google Home:

  • Activate the Google Home app.
  • Choose the device that needs editing.
  • Activate the gear icon.
  • On the device information tab, tap.
  • To edit each part, tap on it.

You can ask Google to turn off the lights in the bedroom by saying, “Hey Google, turn off the bedroom lights,” which will turn off all of the lights in that area at once. Similar to this, no matter what device you’re speaking to, saying “OK Google, play music on my living room speaker” will send sounds to your living room.

Since using your phone is not very convenient, purchasing a smart speaker or display is essential if you intend to set up a smart home. This complicates things because a phone frequently needs to be unlocked before it can complete an Assistant action. A speaker or display don’t have this kind of restriction.

Either one can serve as a hub to manage any Assistant-enabled device in your house. The most well-liked smart home commands are listed here so you can see how helpful they might be to you.

Google Assistant vs. Alexa

Amazon Alexa and the company’s Echo devices are Google’s main rivals in the assistant and smart home markets.

Alexa and Google Assistant online appear to be extremely similar at first look. Both systems emphasise voice commands, and there is much overlap in the range of available actions (or abilities, as Amazon refers to them), from weather forecasts to music streaming.

The most recent speaker generations are beginning to vary in terms of appearance. Amazon’s more recent Echo and Echo Dot devices feature a spherical shape. The Google Nest Mini is rounded and flat like a hockey puck, while the Google Nest Audio is tall and thin.

Amazon promotes Alexa as a choice for third-party speakers, much like Google does. In fact, Alexa already has a sizable ecosystem of devices that includes speakers, TVs, automotive infotainment systems, smart mirrors, and even bathtubs. In terms of portfolio size and partner support, Google is lagging behind.

The two ecosystems’ operational styles and the kinds of functionality they aim to provide differ significantly. Most significantly, Google Assistant is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices, whereas Alexa, with rare exceptions, is mostly used with smart homes.

Google places a high premium on phones, and Alexa just does not have the same range of possibilities. If you’re set on having Alexa, you can download it from the Play Store to your phone.

The best approach to understand these variations is to see Alexa as primarily a smart home tool with connections to other services. When it comes to assisting you every step of the way, whether you’re trying to drive to work or quickly convert from miles to kilometres, Google Assistant is much more akin to a butler.

If pricing is important to you, Amazon often comes out on top. Even though MSRPs for Amazon products can be quite similar, they are frequently on sale. For instance, a Google Nest Mini seldom goes on sale, and when it does, the price reduction is not significant. In contrast, an Amazon Echo Dot is frequently found for $25 to $35.

Conclusion

We looked at the information you need to know to use Google Assistant. You now understand the functions of Google Assistant, whether you have it, and how it functions. If you haven’t utilized Assistant yet, you’re in for a treat because voice commands are extremely helpful.

People May Ask

Q- Do you have a name to give Google Assistant?

A- Open the Google Home app, select Settings, then More settings, followed by Nickname under the You tab to modify your nickname for Google Assistant. Then, to train Google Assistant to pronounce your nickname, you may either spell it out or record it.

Q- Siri vs. Google Assistant: Which is superior?

A- Google scored 76.57 percent, Alexa 56.29 percent, and Siri 47.29 percent for accurately answering simple inquiries. Google, Alexa, and Siri all scored similarly for accurately answering the challenging questions that required comparisons, composition, and/or temporal reasoning: 70.18 percent, 55.05 percent, and 41.32 percent, respectively.

Q- Is Google Assistant a genuine human being?

A- The virtual assistant software programme known as Google Assistant was created by Google and is largely accessible on mobile and home automation devices. Google Assistant is an artificial intelligence-based virtual assistant that, unlike Google Now, the company’s prior virtual assistant, can hold two-way conversations.

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