Google app 10.20 readies Assistant ‘Ambient Mode’ and ‘Brief your Assistant’ [APK Insight]

The latest beta version of the Google app rolled out a day earlier than usual this week. Google app 10.20 continues work on Assistant’s upcoming “Ambient Mode” and “Brief your Assistant.”

About APK Insight: In this ‘APK Insight’ post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

Assistant: Ambient Mode

Building on version 10.16’s reveal last week, Google app 10.20 suggests that shortcuts — likely in the form of a chips carousel — for “Play night sounds” and “What’s the weather” are coming to the Assistant “Updates” feed on the AOD.

<string name=”ambient_play_night_sounds”>Play night sounds</string>

<string name=”ambient_what_is_the_weather”>”What’s the weather”</string>

Meanwhile, the Google app appears to be consolidating around “Ambient Mode” for the name of this feature.

10.16

<string name=”nexus_device_ch_amb_setting_page_title”>Lock screen experience while charging</string>

<string name=”charging_mode_intro_title”>Do more while your device is locked and charging</string>

10.20

<string name=”nexus_device_ch_amb_setting_page_title”>Ambient Mode</string>

<string name=”charging_mode_intro_title”>Do more while your device is locked and charging with Ambient Mode</string>

Voice Match will also be present, with a new string specifying Ambient Mode voice recognition.

<string name=”hotword_pref_personal_response_summary_for_ambient_mode”>Use Voice Match to send messages and access your email, calendar, contacts, and more when your device is locked.</string>

Brief your Assistant

Google appears to be working on a customization feature for Assistant where the end user can specify their interests to get more relevant help throughout the day. You will be able to select pre-defined “areas” as part of this process.

<string name=”opa_brief_your_assistant_greeting”>”Hi, I’m your Google Assistant, here to help you throughout your day! I can be more helpful the better I know you. Which areas would you like some help with?”</string>

Shortcuts

Explore — accessible from the bottom-right corner of Assistant — is Google’s app store for the over 1 million Assistant Actions. Google app 10.20 makes references to “Shortcuts” and a “marketplace” for them. The closest equivalent to “Shortcuts” today is Routines. It would be interesting if Assistant curated popular macros for users to save to their devices.

<string name=”marketplace_suggestions_hub_title”>Browse Shortcuts</string>

How to update?

You can sign-up for the Google app’s beta program here or by heading to the Play Store listing on Android and scrolling to the bottom. The latest beta version of the Google app is immediately rolled out when it’s available.

Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which some APK Insight teardowns benefit from.

Dylan Roussel contributed to this article