Google has been working for months on a function that will allow you to perform commands without the need to summon the assistant through the phrases “Ok google” or “Hey Google”. This feature first appeared in April, after evidence was discovered in a decompilation of the APK of the Google Assistant. Now new screenshots show how the so-called “Quick Phrases” will work and what commands can be performed without the popular wake phrase.
The images have been shared by 9to5Google after digging into the latest version of Google’s APK and forcing the activation of what appears to be the configuration page, which is called “Quick Phrases“. In this section, users will be able to activate the possibility of perform a series of direct commands, bypassing the “Ok Google”. To do this, it will be necessary to choose a phrase and associate it with an action.
For example, it is possible to activate a quick phrase to set an alarm at a specified time. The user must select the phrase “Set an alarm” and choose a command – for example, set an alarm at 07:00. In this way, when a person says the aforementioned phrase, the Google assistant will detect it and activate the alarm.
The Google AssistantIn addition, it will allow a great variety of commands. Among them, set a timer, control lights, control playback, adjust volume, answer calls, send messages, activate reminders, check the weather, etc. The most useful actions are, without a doubt, those that will allow you to control smart devices or music playback.
Quick phrases from the Google Assistant can also be used on Nest speakers
How will Google go about ensure privacy of the user who activates this feature? Currently, the company uses the phrases “Ok Google” or “Hey Google” to enable listening through the microphone. Everything indicates that the phrases that the user associates with the commands will replace the two currently present. Therefore, the microphone will not always be on.
This function will be available for those smartphones that have Google Assistant, but the aforementioned source also mentions hints of a setup for Nest speakers. Google, at the moment, has not revealed when it will activate this feature. It is likely to arrive together with Android 12, the new version of the operating system that will be deployed to the Pixel terminals most likely at the end of this month.