How to use Google Assistant on Android smartphones
Lisa Du is director of ReadyTechGo, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.
We speak about Siri a lot – the virtual assistant available on Apple devices.
Now meet Google Assistant, available on Android.
If you have used Android devices previously, you may have come across Google Now, a feature which pulls out relevant information to you (such as where you work, where you live, what time to leave home to arrive at your next location on time).
Google assistant is available on Android devices running software versions Marshmallow or Nougat (If you're wondering why Google's operating systems are always named after candy/sweets, their spokesperson said: "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean.").
How do I know if my phone has Google Assistant?
To check if your phone has Google Assistant, say "Ok Google", "Hey, Google", or press-and-hold the home button.
On Marshmallow or Nougat devices that have had the update, that long press will launch Google Assistant, popping up with a page asking how it can help, as pictured below (picture courtesy of pocket-lint.com)
What can Google Assistant do?
I'm a huge fan of Virtual Assistants.
Google Assistant is designed to be conversational. Ask Google Assistant a question, and she will determine the context and audibly respond with the right information.
You can ask her things like:
Questions:
- What's the weather tomorrow?
- Who sings this song?
- What is the phone number for Myer, Melbourne?
- How do I say "how are you?" in French?
Ask her to do things for you:
- Send a message to Matt, and tell him I am running 15 minutes late
- Play my "Gym" Playlist on Spotify
- Call Grandma on speakerphone
- Give me directions to home
- Show me photos of Japan
Reminders:
I love this function!
- I say things like "Remind me to check the PO Box at 5pm"
- Remind me to check the oven in 20 minutes
Check out Google Assistant, and let us know what you think of your new virtual assistant!