“Ok Google” is especially useful for performing searches and other tasks like sending a text message or playing music when your hands are tied. Now an update to the Google app and Maps for Android adds navigation specific commands that aim to make the voice assistant more useful when driving.
Using voice search and navigation commands requires the latest version of the Google app and Maps. Under “Ok Google” detection in Google app settings, there is a new “While driving” toggle that enables the specific voice commands while in Maps.
When activated, users will be able to say “Ok Google” followed by a command when in navigation or driving mode. A white microphone icon in the top right corner reminds users that hotword detection is live. Alternatively, that button can be tapped to start a command.
Voice search allows users to get directions or bring up a map of a location. Navigation commands include showing traffic, switching between map layers, and navigating to preset home and work locations. Questions like “What’s my next turn?” and “What’s my ETA?” can also be asked and will be answered verbally. System-wide functions like texting a person, finding out the weather, and showing the nearest hotel can also be accessed in this mode.
The full list of commands are below:
Directions and travel
- “Mute.” or “Mute voice guidance.”
- “Unmute.” or “Unmute voice guidance.”
- “Show traffic.” or “Hide traffic.”
- “Show satellite.” or “Hide satellite.”
- “Navigate home.” or “Navigate to Starbucks.”
- “Show route overview.” or “Show alternate routes.”
- “What road is this?”
- “What’s my next turn?”
- “What’s my ETA?”
- “How’s traffic ahead?” or “How’s traffic to home?”
- “What’s the weather like?”
- “Avoid tolls.” or “Enable tolls.”
- “Avoid highways.” or “Enable highways.”
- “Avoid ferries.” or “Enable ferries.”
- “Exit navigation.”
More commands you can say
- “Call Mom.”
- “Find gas stations.” or “Find restaurants.”
- “Send a text to Larry.” or “Send a SMS to Sergey, I’m feeling lucky.”
- “What’s the weather like?” or “How’s the weather in Seattle?”
- “Play some jazz.” or “Play happy birthday on Google Play Music.”
- “What’s the closest hotel?”
- “When’s my next meeting?”
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