What’s Google Assistant, And Everything You Need To Know

Timothy Iyekowa
By Timothy Iyekowa - Technical Writer
14 Min Read
Image: pixabay.com

As far as super-smart voice Assistant is concerned Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Apple Siri are smart Assistants. Since 2016 launch they’ve been a non-stopping improvement on Google Assistant, and I know that’s why its works with most of the hardware and software system out there. With Assistant you can build a connected home.

Google pre-installed Assistant in all Android smartphones which has an important place in the device, with the AI Assistant you can do more with your smartphone, from playing music to making phone calls and reading the news.

Assistant can also help you in your travels, and also help you control other smart devices. From speakers to smartwatches, headsets, and even your TV.

Android has Assistant pre-installed, and it can be easily accessed while holding down the “Home” button, or by using the Assistant button on the side of your device (if your device supports it.)

The benefit of smart Assistants is becoming more relevant, with the ability to help you control your home and also check what going on around you.

If you’re planning for a vacation or trying to get the sound on, or you just want to get the latest news, or even want to translate a language—here’s how you can use the Google Assistant to work while using voice command.

Assistant works on phones and tablets with Google Play services and Android 5.0 or higher. Assistant uses your phone’s internet connection. Without an Internet connection, you can’t use Assistant. Get that mobile connection turned on or connect to Wi-Fi.

What is Google Assistant?

Google Assistant is an intelligent Assistant that is used on both mobile and smart devices, a virtual assistant developed by Google. Assistant competes with other smart voice assistants like Alexa, Cortana, and Siri.

Assistant evolves from an Android feature known as Google Now, although it’s no more the Assistant remains. It support all smart devices OS and wearable devices.

Most Android device now comes with Google Assistant, as I’ve described before that Assistant is normally built-in. You can say “OK or Hey Google” the Assistant might not even recognize your voice or it’s not even turned on because you haven’t set it up yet. The fastest way to check if your phone has Assistant is to hold down the “Home — button” and Assistant will popup asking you to say something.

You can also use the Google app to quickly get a glimpse if Assistant is available on your device. Open the Google app, and then click on Snapshot, this will take you to the Assistant page. Now, you’ve Assistant let’s set it up.

How to set up and use Google Assistant

Even if you’ve known Assistant is available on your device, you still need to set it up — because that’s the only way you can use Assistant. The step to set it up is simple you don’t have to jump, just chill and follow this step-by-step instructions.

How to enable Assistant

  1. Launch the Google app.
  2. Tap on the account image in the top-right corner of the screen to select the Google Account you want to use.
  3. Click on More at the bottom right corner of your screen.
  4. Select Settings.
  5. Tap on Voice, and set up voice match for Assistant

Now, you’ve set up Assistant, you can begin using voice commands to control your device. You can wake the Assistant up by saying “OK, Google” or “Hey, Google,” and then drop the command for Assistant to do. For example, you can say “Hey Google, play [artist] Justin Bieber song.”

If you’re still finding it difficult to get Assistant taking commands here are a few ways of summoning Assistant.

  • Press and hold the home button on your device and wait for Assistant to pop up (Android 10 and older.)
  • If you’re using gestures navigation on Android 10 and later with no home button, you’ll have to swipe up from the bottom left or right corner to the middle.
  • Some brands of phones like Nokia also come with a dedicated Assistant button.

Assistant isn’t always voice command, you can also type, write to Assistant as if you’re chatting with someone, and Assistant we bring your answers to text. It’s a simple way to summons Assistant and begin giving commands with text.

Google Assistant for iPhone

For iPhone users wanting to get the Google Assistant app, you can download it from the Apple App Store. To use Assistant you will have to open the app to give a command. You can use voice keyword activation for iPhone like that of Android “OK Google”. But first, make sure your device is running iOS 12 or higher.

Download the latest update of Assistant from the App Store, open the Assistant app, and tap on the button in the bottom right-hand corner, you will see an option to add Google Assistant to Siri.

Tap on “Add to Siri” and it will prompt you to record a voice command, you can use the suggested “OK Google” command, or any other command, and you’re done. Confirm it’s working by saying your chosen voice command.

Google Assistant for Maps

Google Assistant can work with Google Maps to get you through places just by using voice commands.

You can ask Assistant to check for traffic updates and know if a road is closed just by using voice command, you can ask Google Assistant to help you find the best route home (this can only work if you have marked a place as a home on Google Map), just say the keyword word “take me home” to Assistant, and it will retrieve information from Google Maps to show you the best route based on your current location.

Book hotels and flights with Google Assistant

Planning a vacation on your next trip, you can make use of Assistant to book your hotel. Moreover to book a hotel with Assistant you have to apply certain commands for the instruction to work. To book a hotel use commands like “book a room at [hotel name] at [location]” or “book a room at [hotel name] at [location] for [travel date]”.

You can ask Assistant for tips and price, enjoy asking for “things to do in London” and like “how much does it cost to fly to Berlin?”

Read Also

How to convert currency and translate a language

You’ve traveled to another country and the currency varies from your, and you’re not sure how many pounds you get for a US dollar, you can ask Assistant for the conversion rate and the conversion will be given.

While you can’t even speak a certain language, you can ask Assistant for the Italian word for “hello” and the translation will be given. Just say “what’s the Italian word for hello” and the Assistant will answer your query with the answer “Ciao”.

Also Read: How to transfer Google Play Music library to YouTube Music

Google Assistant and smart devices

Good Assistant works with most of the smart devices available today, from smartphones to cameras and watches. You can command the Assistant to get specific things done at home and just relax. Assistant works with smart devices, but here’s how it works.

Assistant is built-in with devices like smartphones, smart speakers, smart displays, and smart TV. These devices already have assistants embedded into them. An example will be a Smart speaker, this Speaker is used to control other smart devices with voice commands.

Devices with Google Assistant built-in

  • Smartphones: Assistant is available for all Android devices, Android 5 and newer to be precise.
  • Smart speakers: A smart speaker can play music, answer questions, and can control other smart devices in your home.
  • Smart display: A smart display does the same thing as a smart speaker just that, it has a screen and it allows you to watch videos on YouTube, make video calls, and use it as a display for a smart security camera.
  • Chromebooks: Assistant is available on Chromebook, Google-owned laptop operating system.
  • TVs and streaming devices: Assistant runs on Google TV, Android TV, and boxes like the Nvidia Shield TV and Xiaomi Mi Box. Assistant is now also available on Samsung Smart TV.
  • Smart security cameras: With smart security cameras you can watch your front door from anywhere. Some smart cameras have Assistant built-in while some work best when paired with smartphones or smart display devices.

Devices that work with Google Assistant

  • Smart light bulbs: Getting light bulbs or lamb that work with Assistant is a smart move that enabled you to turn the lights on/off with voice commands.
  • Headphones: You can summon Assistant when you tap on a button from your headphones and tell it to skip a song or turn up the volume.
  • Smartwatches: Smartwatches running Google’s Wear OS work with Assistant.

Other popular devices have Assistant built-in or work with them, like the smart plugs and garage door openers.

What can Google Assistant do?

Google Assistant is a smart voice that offers different features and blends with many other smart devices. Assistant gives you access to plenty of things that you can just ask by using voice commands. With Google Assistant you can control your TV, smartphone, complete tasks on your behalf, book order, and even more by just saying “Hey Google.” If you want to learn more about what Google Assistant can do visit the Assistant Learn page.

  • Manage Tasks
  • Send A Text,
  • Set Reminders
  • Turn On Battery Saver And Instantly Look Up Emails.
  • Plan Your Day
  • Check Your Flight Status
  • Make A Dinner Reservation,
  • Check When Your Movie Starts
  • Find A Coffee Stop Along Your Route.
  • Control Music On Youtube Music
  • You Can Also Pick Up Where You Left Off On Your Favorite Podcasts With Your Assistant On Google Home.
  • Your Assistant Makes It Incredibly Simple To Find Your Photos — And To Take Them As Well.
  • How Do You Say One Coffee Please In Spanish? (You)
  • Un Café Por Favor (Assistant)
  • How Many Dollars is 3 Euros? (You)
  • Three Euros Is About $3.18 (Assistant)
  • Get Real-Time Answers Including The Latest On Weather, Traffic, Finance, Or Sports.
  • Quickly Find Translations While You’re Traveling.
  • Is The Kitchen Light On? (You)
  • The Lights Are Off In The Kitchen (Assistant)
  • Turn The Temperature Down (You)
  • Alright, Turning The Temperature Down (Assistant)
  • Adjust The Temperature, Lighting, And More,
  • Find Phones With The Google Assistant, And More,
  • Find Phones With The Google Assistant

Assistant commands by category

General queries

  • “Good morning” 
  • “Wake me up at …” 
  • “Open …” 
  • “Set a reminder for …” 
  • “Set a timer for …” 
  • “Turn on Bluetooth” 
  • “Add … to my shopping list” 

Music

  • “Play classical music” 
  • “Play … radio” 
  • “Skip song” 
  • “What’s playing?” 
  • “Turn it up” 

Pictures and video

  • “Show my pictures of …”
  • “Play … on TV” 
  • “Stream … from Youtube” 
  • “Turn on subtitles”

Tips, tricks & fun

  • “Find my phone” 
  • Check movie times 
  • “Beatbox!” 
  • Tune an instrument
  • “Tell me a joke” 
  • “Recite a poem” 
  • “Do you like Star Trek, or Star Wars?” 
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By Timothy Iyekowa Technical Writer
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As a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience in consumer technology, Timothy has been a dedicated author and editor at Techvocast since its inception. Specializing in addressing user concerns, his articles offer effective solutions for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac-related issues. Timothy's expertise also extends to crafting content about social media and various applications. Through his daily articles, he consistently aids users in overcoming their technology challenges.
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