Google Voice Assistant given more control

Google’s helpful Voice Assistant is about become far more useful than it ever was. The Search giant is currently fine-tuning some features that will extend the assistant’s functionality even further. It will be able to schedule tasks, read long texts and place sticky notes, just to name a few.

Google Home

One of the more helpful functions is associated with the Google Home. If it’s connected to your other smart appliances, soon, you will be able to schedule tasks. For example, you can say, “Hey Google, run the coffee maker at 6 a.m.”

Apparently, you will be able to control more than 20 new devices with this feature. This includes AC units, air purifiers, bathtubs, coffee makers and vacuums. Companies such as:

• August Smart Locks
• Philips Hue HDMI Sync Box
• Telus Wi-Fi Hub routers
• GE Appliances Ultrafresh Front Load Washer
• MOEN shower, D-Link Outdoor
• Wi-Fi Spotlight camera
• Somfy TaHoma Hub
• Yeelight Staria Bedside Lamp Pro

will be on board as early as this year!

Smart Displays

Smart Displays will get new ‘post-it notes’ type reminders that will appear on on their screens. The information could include basic reminders, a list of emergency contacts and several others helpful details. For example, just before heading out, you can say “Hey Google, leave a note that says I already fed Max breakfast.” The same is true for the contact list.

Smartphone users aren’t left out either. The new and improved assistant will be able to read long strings of text in a more fluidic and natural voice. You could ask it to read a news article, blog or a short story by saying, “Hey Google, read it” or “Hey Google, read this page”.

All these features should roll out to the respective devices sometime this year, but Google hasn’t really announced a concrete timeline yet. One thing is certain though, Google’s presence in our homes and lives is becoming far more prominent than ever before.

Photo Credit:

Google Blog

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