Just about two years ago, Google Assistant was first announced at I/O and now google has made a lot of progress. At I/O 2018, Google shared next phase of the Google Assistant, with main focus on natural conversation, visually assistance, and getting things done.
Currently Google Assistant is “available on more than 500 million devices, it works with over 5,000 connected home devices, it’s available in cars from more than 40 brands, and it’s built right into the latest devices, from the Active Edge in the Pixel 2 to a dedicated Assistant key in the LG G7 ThinQ.”
Google has made some massive improvements in the functionality of the Google Assistant and it was quite evident in the way audience reacted when some of the features were demoed on stage. Let’s check out the main features of newly unveiled Google Assistant.
Naturally Conversational
Google recognizes that people have different ways of asking for the same time, for instance there are 10,000 different ways that people use to ask for the weather. Keeping this in mind, Google has improved language understanding so that Google assistant will understand what you mean in your natural tone of voice.
Google is also adding 6 new voices so that you can make it more personal and natural. Google is making this possible by using AI and WaveNet to create new voices that are natural-sounding and unique with subtleties like pitch, pace, and pauses to convey meaning. Check out the video below for the 6 new voices that Google has created.
With kids being introduced to digital assistants, sometimes it is quite common for kids to talk to the digital assistant. Google has introduced a new feature called pretty please, which will encourage polite conversations that are more family friendly.
Google assistant will also have custom routines, which will allow you to carry out multiple actions at once. For example, you can create a Custom Routine for family dinner, and kick it off by saying “Hey Google, dinner’s ready” and the Assistant can turn on your favorite music, turn off the TV, and broadcast “dinner time!” to everyone in the house.
Visually Assistive
In the past, Google assistant has relied on verbal communication but Google is now adding visual assistance in three main ways: Smart Displays, Phone, and Google Maps.
Google will be introducing smart displays as a new category of devices built for the home that let you quickly glance at responses provided by the Google Assistant. The smart displays will allow you to control your smart home, watch live TV on YouTube TV, and make video calls with Google Duo. Smart Displays will come integrated with Calendar, Maps, and YouTube and they will be available for purchase starting in July.
On your smartphone, Google Assistant will provide visual snapshot of your day, summary of tasks and list items (from Google Keep, Any.do, Todoist, etc) and new food pick-up and delivery experience. The new visual experience will be available on your phone later in 2018.
In addition, the assistant is coming Google Maps, with ability to send text messages, play music and podcasts, and get information without leaving the navigation screen.
Get things done with Google Duplex
This has to be the most talked about feature that was announced by Google at I/O 2018. The google assistant will now be able to perform some tasks on your behalf. Currently, it is able to order coffee or buy movie tickets online but sometimes you need to call a business to get things done. With Google Duplex, the assistant will now be able to make restaurant reservations, schedule hair salon appointments, and get holiday hours. You will just have to provide date & time, and the assistant will book the appointment via online booking or calling the business on your behalf. With the help of Google Duplex, the assistant can understand complex sentences, fast speech, and long remarks, and responds with a natural phone conversation.
This is quite amazing as it is very difficult to tell whether you are talking to a robot or a real person. Google claims that this service will help small business that do not have the ability to offer online booking as customers will be able to make booking without having to actually call the business. Check out Google I/O 2018 keynote in the video below.
Availability
Google Home and Google Home Mini will be available in seven new countries later this year: Denmark, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
Google Assistant will be launching in Spanish for Android Oreo and Google Translate will soon be available on all headphones optimized for the Google Assistant.
You can get a preview of the some of these features starting now on the Google Assistant app for Android and iOS. Google Home will also be updated with new features once they’re available.
Source: Google Blog
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav