Google has announced plans to release Google Assistant, the company’s AI-based voice assistant, to all smartphones running Android 6.0 and above. The rollout is expected to begin automatically this week for all eligible devices.
At first, Google’s personal assistant will be made available to English users in the US. This will then extend to English users in Canada, Australia, and the UK, as well as German-speaking users in Germany. More languages will be added throughout the year.
Previously, Google Assistant was only available via its Pixel phone, Home device, Allo messaging app, and Android Wear. This year, in addition to more smartphones, Google has announced plans to eventually make Google Assistant available on desktop computers, TVs, and cars.
Google highlights some key tasks the Assistant can help you with after saying “OK Google,” or long pressing the home button:
- Translating phrases
- Setting reminders
- Retrieving information contained in emails
- Asking for directions
- Getting weather conditions
- Turning on connected devices
- Bringing up photos based on location tags
The forthcoming update will put Google Assistant in the hands of hundreds of millions of Android users, according to the company. Google will be showcasing the new compatibility at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week.
