Virtual voice assistants are an indispensable asset for any phone owner. In particular, the Google Assistant for Android phones is becoming one of the best virtual assistants on the market. By saying “Okay Google…”, Android phone owners can do any number of tasks, including adding events to their calendar, sending messages to friends, and getting directions to a favorite restaurant. Many phone owners may be unaware of everything they can do with Google Assistant. Because of this, we provide a handy guide to help Android phone owners maximize what they can do with the Google Assistant for Android phones and tablets.
Setting up Google Assistant
Getting started with the virtual assistant will depend on what device an individual owns. The Pixel already comes with Google Assistant turned on, in whatever language the individual has chosen for their phone. Just say “Okay Google…” and the assistant will pop up. Google Assistant for Android phones and tablets other than the Pixel will require users to go to the Google App on their phone/tablet, then click menu in the upper right-hand corner, and settings. Then, under “Google Assistant”, tap settings, and then turn on. The assistant will now be integrated into the phone and can be called upon for assistance.
While the Google Assistant is a highly rated assistant, users may be in the market to try other assistants. However, owners of Android devices should know that Siri for Android (Apple’s virtual assistant) is not possible. Owners of an Apple iPhone, however, have the option of putting the Google Assistant onto their phone. Just download the app and set up the virtual assistant. Siri may have some competition.
Things To Ask Google Assistant For Android
While some users may be disappointed they cannot access Siri or another assistant on their phone, they will be relieved to know Google Assistant for Android can do what Siri can do and more. The Google Assistant, when set up to a smart device, can control the device with simple commands. For instance, “Dim the lights” can control the Phillip’s Hue bulb, or “Turn down the temperature” will let a Nest thermostat know the room is too warm. Users can utilize Google Assistant for setting meetings, calling friends and getting step by step instructions to recipes.
For entertainment, Google Assistant comes with some jokes and “Easter eggs” as well. Users can ask for trivia questions, riddles, or even jokes. Just say, “Tell me a joke” or “Okay Google, give me a trivia question.” A couple Easter eggs to ask include asking Google Assistant for Android, “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” and “Set phasers to kill.”
And with the Google search engine at the disposal of the Google Assistant, there is almost no limit of what can be asked. The score to sporting game, what year the Titanic sank, what the weather will be tomorrow, and so much more.
Other Fun Features
A couple new features have come to the Google Assistant for Android in recent years. One of these is the ability for individuals to say “Hey Google” rather than “Okay Google.” Many people have commented that the former is much easier to say. Another feature is the ability to shop from Target with ease. The company has partnered with Google so now Android owners can say “Hey Google, order dog food from Target”. It should be noted that users must have a Google Express account, and the feature is only available in certain areas. Assuming the test run is successful, the service will be available across the US.
Like Skills for Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, Google will soon be opening their doors to third-party integration. This means Google Assistant for Android will be able to help users in more ways than ever before. With this increase in Google’s abilities, the company hopes that the virtual assistant will be the first to truly integrate two-way dialogue into its toolbox.