Google has announced a series of updates to Google Assistant, which will include two new core features, support for more languages, and deeper integrations with third-party devices.
## New Features
In the upcoming weeks, Google Assistant will receive updates enabling routines and location-based reminders. Routines are a customized sequence of events triggered by specific commands. For instance, saying “OK Google, I’m home” could prompt the Assistant to turn on the lights, share home reminders, and play your favorite music.
Additionally, users will soon be able to set reminders with a smart speaker, including location-based reminders. For example, setting a reminder to submit a report to your boss could prompt the Assistant to remind you as soon as you arrive at work.
## More Languages
By the end of the year, Google Assistant will support over 30 languages, a significant increase from the current eight. The next languages to be added include:
– Danish
– Dutch
– Hindi
– Indonesian
– Norwegian
– Swedish
– Thai
Later this year, Google Assistant will also receive multilingual support, allowing families that speak multiple languages to interact with the Assistant more naturally.
## Deeper Integrations
Google aims to make the Assistant more phone-friendly by working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the Assistant’s full capabilities to non-Google Android phones. This will be facilitated through Google’s new Assistant Mobile OEM program.
The program allows device makers to integrate the Assistant more deeply with device features, enabling device-specific commands, listening for “OK Google” when the screen is off, integrations with hardware-based AI chips, and more.
Phone carriers will also have the ability to develop custom integrations with Google Assistant. This could be useful for tasks such as making changes to your phone plan or checking your bill balance.
These updates are expected to roll out over the next few weeks.
