Uncomfortable with Google Assistant? Tired of it popping up uninvited? Our simple guide will show you how to limit it or turn it off altogether on any device.
Digital Trends
Bard is dead, and the Gemini app is set to take the lead but there are some tasks that only the Google Assistant can perform.
TalkAndroid
The Rabbit R1 is a $ 199 AI-powered gadget that wants to supercharge your virtual assistant experience.
TalkAndroid
Google Assistant vanished on many smartwatches when the Wear OS 3 update arrived, leaving just the Pixel Watch and Samsung's newer Galaxy Watches supporting the feature. Thankfully, you no longer have to switch brands just to talk to Google on your wrist. Fossil is rolling out an update this month that adds Assistant to Gen 6 watches running Wear OS 3. This includes both Fossil's own models as well as counterparts from Diesel, Michael Kors and Skagen, although you'll need to be paired with a phone running standard Android with Google apps (Android Go and many Chinese phones won't count).
The functionality will be familiar if you've used either Google or Samsung wristwear. You can invoke the AI helper by saying "hey Google," holding a button or tapping a watch face complication. The feature lets you answer texts, control music or otherwise handle tasks that would normally require your phone. Unlike many alternatives, though, you'll also have Alexa on hand. You won't be locked into one ecosystem for speaking commands.
This won't be much help if you're using a Wear OS 3 watch from another brand, like Mobvoi or Montblanc. Fossil is one of the most popular names in Google-powered smartwatches, though. Support here ensures that many more wearable owners can use Assistant and avoid tapping a minuscule screen.
You might want to wait before purchasing if you're new to smartwatches. Fossil historically introduces new Wear OS models in late summer, with the exception being this year's mildly upgraded Gen 6 Wellness Edition in January. While there's no word on when Gen 7 will arrive or what it might entail, it's likely to be a significant upgrade if and when it appears — we wouldn't buy Gen 6 just because Assistant is ready. The update is more for existing owners who lost functionality last year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fossil-finally-gets-google-assistant-on-its-wear-os-3-smartwatches-194519611.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Google Assistant is becoming a rarity on smartwatches, and isn’t on the new TicWatch 5 Pro. But does it really matter?
Digital Trends
For the last few years, you’ve been able to say “Stop” to tell Google Assistant to end an alarm early without the need to preface your command with “Hey Google.” It’s a handy feature Google first debuted on Assistant-enabled smart displays and speakers before later rolling it out to Pixel smartphones. And for the most part, it works like a charm, though one person recently discovered a fun quirk of the feature that involves the Pixies classic “Where Is My Mind?”
In a Reddit post spotted by Android Police, Pixel user “asevarte” recounts how their morning alarm would go off and sometimes turn off moments later for seemingly no reason. “Maybe once every other week or so, I would wake up 30 minutes later on my backup alarm, with no indication as to why the first shut itself off,” they told the Google Pixel subreddit.
Earlier this week, asevarte decided to wake up early to get to the bottom of the issue. Thankfully, it didn’t take long to find the culprit. Their alarm was set to play a Spotify playlist that features “Where Is My Mind?” If you’re a Pixies fan, you know exactly where this is going. The Surfer Rosa cut opens with bassist and vocalist Kim Deal singing “Ooh” before frontman Black Francis says, “Stop,” and the song, following a brief pause, then continues. The section caused Google Assistant to prematurely end asevarte’s alarm. They had the playlist set to shuffle, which is what made identifying the bug tricky.
Android Police recorded a video of the oversight in action, and sure enough, playing “Where Is My Mind?” ends an alarm early. Interestingly, other songs that feature a prominent “stop,” such as “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, don’t appear to trigger Assistant’s Quick Phrases feature in the same way that “Where Is My Mind?” does. Android Police speculates the reason for that could be that in those other songs “stop” is backed by instrumentals. That lines up with complaints Assistant users have had over the years that the feature doesn’t work when they try to use it while their smart display, speaker or Pixel device is playing music.
Sorry about that! ⏰📱🛑https://t.co/EtCQ2FPkIJ
— PIXIES (@PIXIES) May 3, 2023
If you’re curious about what the Pixies think of all this. The band’s official Twitter account caught the original Android Police story. “Sorry about that!” the account tweeted.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pixies-apologize-for-sabotaging-your-google-assistant-alarm-212914115.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
It’s October 6th and that means that Google has finally unveiled the new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro which it teased way back during I/O 2022. As expected, the new Pixel handsets are powered by the Tensor G2 processor which packs in more AI smarts than ever before. And, as the headlines says, the […]
Come comment on this article: The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are official with Face Unlock and a smarter Google Assistant
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro are exceptional pieces of tech, but did you know you can add the Google Assistant to them? Here’s how.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Google Assistant has been losing features over the last several months and now two ‘reminders’ features have been put on the chopping block.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Having been promised for months, the Google Assistant finally began rolling out to Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatches last week but it seems that the addition of the virtual assistant may be causing some issues. Galaxy Watch 4 owners are reporting that their units are experiencing battery drain and pairing issues since the Google Assistant was […]
Come comment on this article: The Google Assistant could be to blame for the Galaxy Watch 4 suffering pairing issues and battery drain
Whether you’re looking to control your smart home or ask some questions, Alexa may just be the right voice-activated assistant for your smartwatch.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Admit it, you’ve dreamed that instead of being locked down to using Siri, Bixby, Alexa, and the Google Assistant that there could be another option limited to being used on Sonos products running its S2 software. You haven’t? Well, Sonos is launching its own voice assistant anyway as an alternative to other services, with compatible […]
Come comment on this article: Sonos will launch its own voice assistant on June 1st for no good reason other than it can
Bixby vs. Google Assistant: Which virtual assistant is better?
Android | Digital Trends
You might not have to depend on Google Podcasts if you’re asking Assistant to play your favorite serialized audio show. Android Police and its readers have discovered that Google is adding support for third-party podcast services, starting with Spoti…
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You can now summon Google Assistant’s Snapshot by saying “Hey Google, show me my day.” The tech giant introduced the feature as a way to view your tasks for the day in one place back in 2018, and up until recently, you can only access it by tapping o…
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As rumors point to a successor finally being developed for the original Google Home, Belkin’s SoundForm Elite that combines the Google Assistant, Bluetooth speaker, and wireless charger functions into a single device is now on sale in the UK. First announced during CES 2020, the SoundForm Elite is now on sale for $ 229/£279. With a […]
Come comment on this article: Belkin’s SoundForm Elite combines audio, wireless charging, and Google Assistant all-in-one for $ 230/£280
Alphabet scooped up Fitbit a few months ago, but so far we haven’t really seen much come out of that. To be fair to both Alphabet/Google and Fitbit, though, a global pandemic is pretty good at delaying plans, and the entire ordeal is still pending federal approval. But that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening in […]
Come comment on this article: Fitbit app hints at Google Assistant integration, because duh
It’s been a feature of Google smartphones since the days of the Pixel 2 and 2 XL but it seems that the upcoming Pixel 4a will launch without the ability to squeeze its sides to activate Google Assistant. It’s a feature that used to annoy the heck out of me until I disabled it, but […]
Come comment on this article: Google’s Pixel 4a will reportedly ditch squeeze-based Google Assistant activation
We’re all familiar with Bixby today, but what was essentially Samsung’s first virtual assistant was S-Voice. It first launched alongside the Galaxy S3 in 2012, but now Samsung says this antiquated software is on its way to the grave. S-Voice has existed on most Samsung handsets from 2012 to at least 2017, before Samsung’s new […]
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s S-Voice virtual assistant on its way to the graveyard
Back in 2012, Samsung introduced its S Voice assistant as it sought to keep up after Apple went all-in on Siri. It was a notable addition for the Galaxy S III, along with the phone’s massive 4.8-inch display, powerful quad-core CPU and TouchWiz inter…
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Almost a year after its somewhat delayed appearance on the Google Assistant, which was almost a year after it was first announced back at Google I/O 2018, John Legend’s voice is set to disappear into the sunset from the service. So, if your idea of a perfect virtual assistant is Google Assistant replying to your […]
Come comment on this article: Google Assistant will say goodbye to a Legend on March 23rd
Google Assistant has learned a new party trick, and it’s one that frequent flyers will appreciate. Your digital assistant will soon be able to be your own personal translator and interpreter wherever you are, and it looks pretty seamless. To get started, simply ask, “Hey Google, be my French translator” or “Hey Google, help me […]
Come comment on this article: Google Assistant picks up a new Interpreter mode for when you travel abroad
Android Auto got a pretty big redesign earlier this year, but now Google is considering updating the Google Assistant design for Android Auto. The current Android Auto animation and design for Google Assistant is fairly standard across Google’s services. But Android Police, in an APK teardown, discovered some new designs and placements for Assistant in […]
Come comment on this article: Android Auto could soon see a redesigned Google Assistant
Google is teaming up with the North Pole again this year, and they’re making it really easy to track Santa’s progress as we get closer to Christmas. There are tons of Google Assistant games to play, GIFs to share, and even a snowbox to build your own 3D winter wonderland. Not everything will be available […]
Come comment on this article: Google Assistant picks up some holiday tricks, makes it easy to track Santa all month long
Google is working as hard as possible to take the mundane interaction out of phone calls, ordering, and appointments. We’ve already seen it with Google Duplex phone calls, and it’s beginning to move into things that you do online even without a phone call. The latest new feature to Google Assistant will allow you to […]
Come comment on this article: Buy your movie tickets directly from Google Assistant
Google has produced quite a lot of Home Minis since its 2017 debut, resulting in semi-frequent discounts and giveaways. We’re fast approaching the date of a new model (Nest Mini) and there’s likely ample stock that still needs to move. If you’re a YouTube Premium or Assistant user, you just might snag one for free. […]
Come comment on this article: You might score a free Google Home Mini if you’re using Assistant or YouTube Premium
Microsoft has announced a new integration for its home video game console, the Xbox One, and it should be a big deal for anyone building a smart home with Google Assistant. Like the previously announced Amazon Alexa integration, you’ll now be able to use Google Assistant to control your Xbox One. This works for turning […]
Come comment on this article: Microsoft makes the Xbox One work with Google Assistant and Google Homes
LG’s smartphones have typically utilized Google Assistant, with some of them even having a dedicated Google Assistant button. This has always been a pretty stark contrast to the rest of the Android ecosystem, with many manufacturers opting for all kinds of Amazon Alexa integration, and Samsung rolling their own with Bixby. But that tide might […]
Come comment on this article: LG ditches Google Assistant for Amazon Alexa in its new appliances at IFA 2019
Welcome to your Monday! This week, we've got Samsung's big Unpacked event (Galaxy Note incoming), as well as Disney reporting on how its expansion is faring so far. Over the weekend, you might have missed an E3 data breach that leaked thousands of re…
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At Engadget, we spend every day looking at how technology will shape the future. But it's also important to look back at how far we've come. That's what This Week in Tech History does. Join us every weekend for a recap of historical tech news, annive…
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You now have access to a treasure trove of government info through your smart speaker if you live in the UK. The British government has made over 12,000 pieces of Gov.uk information available through Alexa and Google Assistant, saving you the troubl…
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With Google I/O 2019 a little over a month away, it’s time to reflect back on a feature that was first promised at I/O 2018, which was the promise that the Google Assistant would soon be able to answer your requests using John Legend’s voice. Fast forward to April 2019 and John Legend’s voice is […]
Come comment on this article: It’s taken 11 months but the Google Assistant can finally talk like John Legend
Google Assistant picked up the ability to make phone calls for reservations and appointments after Google showed off their Duplex technology last year, and it’s been a pretty successful new feature so far. Google has been fine-tuning it, and now it’s available on Pixel phones for users in the 43 states where Google Assistant can […]
Come comment on this article: Google Assistant is now able to book a table for you in 43 states
Google Assistant is one of Google’s biggest focuses right now, which is pretty evident if you’ve seen how many Google Assistant compatible devices have been announced at CES this year. But to really grow and permeate every connected device around a home, Google’s going to need to tackle the smaller gadgets, too. Google Assistant Connect […]
Come comment on this article: Google Assistant Connect is Google’s answer to a smart, connected device ecosystem
Google wants to make it easier to donate to your favorite charities and organizations, and they started that process by allowing donations directly from the Play Store last year. Now they’re going a step further and adding quick donation options right into Google Assistant and your local Google Home devices. The process really is […]
Come comment on this article: You can now make donations directly through Google Assistant and Google Home
As the Google Assistant marches on in its quest to be everywhere on everything, the next brand to assimilate offer support is Roku with its streaming devices. Depending on which model Roku that you own, you’ll soon be able to add the device as a Home Control service in the Google Home app. Join us […]
Come comment on this article: How to set up Google Assistant on your Roku streaming stick or TV
It’s not hard to find yourself owing a friend or family member some cash. Maybe they covered a movie ticket. Perhaps they paid for drinks on a Saturday night. And what if it’s the other way around? Maybe someone owes you for gas on a road trip. Whatever the case, Google Assistant can now handle […]
Come comment on this article: Owe someone money? Need to collect? Google Assistant can now handle IOUs
Google Assistant is an always-growing product, and whether you’re using it on your phone or with one of Google’s smart speakers, that means you’re constantly getting new features added to the platform. The latest set of new things your personal assistant can do will make it just a little bit easier to wake up in […]
Come comment on this article: Google Assistant learns a few new tricks for media lovers
Known primarily for their charging solutions,at CES 2018 Anker Innovations announced their entry into the smart speaker market with the ZOLO Model Zero. The new device is scheduled to be available in the latter part of 2018. Anker is stressing the design aesthetics of the new device. According to Steven Yang, CEO of Anker Innovations: “Speakers […]
Come comment on this article: Anker announces the ZOLO Model Zero speaker with Google Assistant
Google Assistant's fingerprints are all over the CES 2018 show floor, but it's especially easy to see on a few new Android Things-powered devices. This LG ThinQ Google Assistant Touch Screen Speaker is one of them, and like Lenovo's Smart Display, it…
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It’s long been rumored that Google has plans to release a Google Home device with a built-in display. Indeed, it’s perhaps one of the reasons that the search giant pulled YouTube support for Amazon’s Echo Show, a direct competitor. One such product is the Lenovo Smart Display, developed in partnership with Google. The Smart Display features […]
Come comment on this article: Lenovo’s Smart Display comes with 8 or 10-inch HD displays and Google Assistant baked in
Alexa could soon be coming to work with you. At Amazon's annual re:Invent conference, the company revealed its plans to make the voice-activated virtual assistant office-friendly with an Alexa for Business platform, which will come with specific skil…
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You no longer have to be picky about which voice assistant you use to steer Ecobee's smart thermostats. Google Assistant now offers control over Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 models, letting you tweak the temperature from your phone or an Assistant-equipped s…
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In the last week, Google Assistant has been added to Android TV and almost 90 of LG’s smart appliances. Now there’s word that Chromebooks are next as the voice activated personal assistant continues its march into as many products as possible. It’s surprising that Chromebooks don’t already have Google Assistant, but a couple of Google […]
Come comment on this article: Chromebooks are next in line for Google Assistant
Google's October 4th event might include more for Chrome OS fans than the rumored Pixelbook. David Cannon and 9to5Google have spotted multiple app references to Google Assistant coming to Chromebooks. Google's Home app notes that some Assistant app…
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Google Assistant is popping up everywhere, just recently integrating itself with almost 90 of LG’s smart appliances. And as of today, its available on Android TV. Starting with NVIDIA SHIELD TV and coming to Sony Bravia TVs in the coming months, users can find the latest movies, check the score on the big game, dim […]
Come comment on this article: NVIDIA SHIELD TV gets Google Assistant with Sony Bravia TVs coming soon
Bose launched a successor to their well received noise cancelling QuietComfort 35 (QC35) headphones yesterday with Google Assistant integration, dubbed the QC35 II. They work via Bluetooth with both Android (Marshmallow and above) and iOS, and feature a dedicated Google Assistant button on the left ear cup. Voice activated commands can now play music, messages, news and of course […]
Come comment on this article: Bose QC35 II Headphones Launch with Google Assistant
A new beta version of the Google app is rolling out to users and a teardown shows several new features that will either be included in the next version or possibly a subsequent version. The improvements and features cover both the Google Assistant and will presumably be available for all users as well as some […]
Come comment on this article: Google app teardown points the way to new Google Assistant features, Pixel squeeze feature