Most Android users will be happy to know that Google is actually working to make Google Assistant as universal as possible across a myriad of devices. The AI assistant will be rolling out to all smartphones running Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 6.0 Marshmallow eventually but will also be available on some newly announced partner devices like the fabulous new LG G6 (our hands-on preview).
What is Google Assistant and why would you want it in the first place? Google Assistant is an intelligent personal AI that was recently only available on Google proper devices like Pixel and Pixel XL phones, Google Home, Google Allo, and Android Wear. The system was similar to Google Now in that it could check the weather, work alongside smart home devices, offer information and directions, and answer questions from search results and offer info about a user’s schedule. The biggest difference between the two assistants is that Google Assistant is able to engage in two-way conversations with the users, without the need to keep barking “OK Google” at the AI.
According to Google Assistant Project Lead Gummi Hafsteinsson, “Whether you need to know how to say “nice to meet you” in Korean or just a simple reminder to do laundry when you get home, your Assistant can help. With the Google Assistant on Android phones, you have your own personal, helpful Google right in your pocket.”
Google Assistant will begin rolling out this week to English users in the United States. It will continued to be introduced in English to Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom and then in the German language as well. Additional languages and countries will be added throughout the year. Google Assistant was recently added to Android Wear 2.0 through new smartwatch introductions and is supposed to soon also be introduced to smart TVs and vehicles. According to Google, their “goal is to make the Assistant available anywhere you need it”.
Google Assistant can also be seen at the Android Global Village at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain this week. Attendants can demo Google Assistant across a variety of Android devices such as phones from HTC, Huawei, Samsung, LG and Sony.
