Google Assistant

With Android 11, Google is going all-in with Bubbles, a way to “let users easily multi-task from anywhere on their device.” They are primarily used for messaging notifications and quick access to conversation threads, but the latest Google app beta today reveals work on an “Assistant Chat Head.”

Revoking access to Google Assistant devices, including Android TV, can de-link Nest devices

Ben Schoon Jul 27 2020 - 1:51 pm PT

google nest mini home mini assistant speaker

Google Assistant devices have a certain level of access to your account, and if you sell them off or stop using them, revoking access to your account isn’t a bad idea. However, if you revoke access to your Google account, some Assistant devices can end up wrecking your smart home setup, including Nest.

Google Lens is now available on KaiOS feature phones for visual translations

Abner Li Jul 20 2020 - 10:54 pm PT

On Android and iOS, you can point Google Lens at a street sign or document to have it translated and read aloud. Google is now bringing Lens to smart feature phones running KaiOS in India.

Google testing new Assistant design that brings Pixel ‘light bar’ to other Android phones

Abner Li Jul 17 2020 - 12:04 pm PT

For the past several months, Google has been testing a more compact Assistant UI that takes some visual queues from the Pixel 4. The marquee change is how results don’t take up the entire screen. The company is now testing another Google Assistant design that brings the light bar to non-Pixel phones.

LG’s germ-killing, truly wireless earbuds have Google Assistant, launch in US for $149

Ben Schoon Jul 16 2020 - 8:09 am PT

Truly wireless earbuds are everywhere, and for the most part, you’ll get a similar experience from the vast majority of them. Today, though, LG has launched its Tone Free earbuds in the United States with a unique cleaning feature.

Google Assistant

[Update: Fixed] Google Assistant Reminders editing appears to be broken

Damien Wilde Jul 16 2020 - 3:35 am PT

It looks as though a weird bug means that Google Assistant Reminders might be broken for lots of people out there right now.

[Update: Movies] Google adds Podcasts, recipe cards to Assistant Snapshot feed

Abner Li Jul 13 2020 - 3:05 pm PT

Assistant’s Snapshot feed is the spiritual successor to Google Now. Since rolling out in March, Google Assistant has added more capabilities with Podcasts and recipes being the latest to join Snapshot.

This is the new Nest smart speaker

Stephen Hall Jul 9 2020 - 5:50 pm PT

Google just sent us a picture of the new Nest-branded smart speaker. See above..and much more below.

Google’s upcoming Nest speaker pictured in the flesh w/ new design [Gallery]

Ben Schoon Jul 9 2020 - 5:41 am PT

Last month we exclusively reported that Google had a sequel incoming to its original Google Home speaker, this time with Nest branding in tow. Today, a regulatory authority in Japan has leaked this new “Nest Speaker,” revealing its brand new design.

‘Works with Hey Google’: A slight tonal shift for Google Assistant branding

Stephen Hall Jul 8 2020 - 8:35 am PT

In lieu of Google I/O 2020 (Google opted not to hold a virtual event this year), the various arms of the company that would have otherwise had announcements at the event are trying to hold virtual conferences. That continued this week with the “Hey Google” Smart Home Virtual Summit. The big news was Google bringing Home/Away triggers to Assistant Routines with ‘presence detection’, but another minor tidbit surfaced: a new “Works with Hey Google” brand we hadn’t seen yet. Let’s overanalyze this, shall we?

How to turn off Google Assistant on Android, Chromebook, more

Ben Schoon Jul 8 2020 - 2:14 am PT

Having a digital assistant on your phone can be handy, but whether it’s a concern of privacy or just something you don’t want to use, you can always turn them off. Here’s how to turn off Google Assistant on Android phones, Chromebooks, and even smart speakers.

Google bringing Home/Away triggers to Assistant Routines with ‘presence detection’

Abner Li Jul 7 2020 - 6:59 pm PT

At a primarily developer-focused Smart Home Virtual Summit, Google today recapped its recent work in the space and announced more tools. Another focus was on expanding the capability of Google Assistant Routines through “presence detection” and other new features.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant gains open support for soundbars, streaming boxes, and more

Kyle Bradshaw Jul 6 2020 - 11:49 am PT

Earlier this year, the Google Assistant gained public support for a variety of media devices including TVs and remotes. Today, Google is following that up by openly allowing developers to connect the Google Assistant to speakers, soundbars, streaming boxes, and more.

Google Assistant continues to best Siri, even w/ iOS 14 improvements [Video]

Ben Schoon Jul 1 2020 - 12:58 pm PT

Google Assistant has long dominated the voice assistant field, despite a huge head start from Apple’s Siri. With the new release of iOS 14, Apple tried to close that gap a bit with a bunch of improvements to Siri, but it’s clear that, even with that, Google Assistant still has quite the lead.

You can now use the Google Assistant button while playing Stadia games

Kyle Bradshaw Jun 29 2020 - 2:24 pm PT

Nearly every Made by Google product released in the last few years includes a way to invoke the Google Assistant, and the Stadia Controller is no different. The Stadia Controller’s Google Assistant button has suddenly become far more useful, as you can now use it while playing your games.

Google hosting ‘Smart Home Virtual Summit’ next week

Abner Li Jun 29 2020 - 11:50 am PT

Google next week is hosting a “Hey Google” Smart Home Virtual Summit in lieu of the annual I/O conference. Aimed at the Assistant developer community, there will be a keynote and partner panel.

Nest Hub Max, Smart Displays now support Google Duo and Meet group calls

Abner Li Jun 25 2020 - 11:02 am PT

Video calls are booming in 2020, and dedicated home devices are particularly suited for casual conversations. Smart Displays, including the Nest Hub Max, are now adding support for Google Duo and Google Meet group calling.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant tests broadcasting messages to speakers in specific rooms

Ben Schoon Jun 24 2020 - 7:39 am PT

google nest mini assistant smart speaker

One handy trick Google Assistant offers is the ability to use your various Google Home and other speakers as a PA system through your home. Dinner ready? You can send a message to the whole home to let the entire family know. Now, Google is improving on Assistant’s broadcasting feature by enabling broadcasts to a specific room.

Google rolling out fix for Assistant connection issues with Android Auto

Damien Wilde Jun 22 2020 - 9:13 am PT

After an extensive wait, Google is now rolling out a fix for an issue that prevented users from utilizing the Assistant fully when connected to Android Auto.

Google leveraging Duplex to check and update store inventory

Abner Li Jun 19 2020 - 12:52 pm PT

Google Duplex’s flashiest capability lets it book appointments on your behalf. However, Google is also leveraging the Duplex conversation technology to update store hours, and now check inventory.

Compact Google Assistant redesign starts rolling out with Google app beta

Abner Li Jun 19 2020 - 11:30 am PT

Besides on-device processing, the revamped layout is a key part of the Pixel 4’s new Assistant. A more compact Google Assistant redesign that’s been in testing for all other Android devices now looks to be rolling out to some beta users.

Google Assistant tests ‘Updates for you’ feed to onboard new users

Abner Li Jun 19 2020 - 9:22 am PT

google assistant coronavirus tips shortcut

Back in March, Google rather quietly rolled out Assistant Snapshot as a Google Now-esque replacement that brings together weather, calendar events, reminders, and other relevant, proactive information. Google Assistant now looks to be testing a second, visually-similar feed called “Updates for you.”

Google Assistant drops support for Philips Hue first-gen bridge on June 22nd

Ben Schoon Jun 19 2020 - 7:14 am PT

Google Assistant is one of the best ways to control your various smart home products, Philips Hue included. If you’re still using a Philips Hue v1 bridge, though, Google Assistant is cutting off support in the next few days.

There’s a quick fix for C by GE lights set up via Google Home not turning on

Abner Li Jun 18 2020 - 8:13 pm PT

Over the past 24 hours, those within the Google Home ecosystem have reported that their C by GE light bulbs are not turning on. There’s fortunately a quick fix that does not require resetting the fixtures manually.