Google Assistant can now record and send audio messages from Android devices. This means Google Assistant is not only our personal butler with its advanced AI technology but also acts as a courier means! The new feature links Google Assistant to the other Android features, henceforth prompting users to use their devices more frequently.
Send Audio Messages In a Flip Second
The most hyped command that has caught the public’s attention is the hands-free voice messaging command. All you have to do is ask Google Assistant to send a message, and it will automatically start recording.
The transcripted text will be visible, and it will ask for a confirmation from you as well. Following this, the voice assistant will also ask whom you’d like to send the message to. Even though the voice commands are new, the audio clips would send normally, like an ordinary message.
The brand new update also helps Google Assistant to understand if you prefer calling or texting the recipient instead of an audio message. There are voice commands for the same as well, speeding up the process of digitized interaction altogether.
Earlier this week, Google Assistant also rolled out the same feature for third-party apps like Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, GroupMe and so forth. This feature was previously available for Hangouts and SMS app too. All users had to say was “read my messages.”
The New Feature and Its Privacy Concerns
When the user speaks out the same command now, Google Assistant first asks for confirmation if they’d like it to access their notifications. Followed by that, it also gives a disclaimer, which goes, “Google will be able to read all notifications including personal information such as contact names and the text of messages you receive. It will also be able to dismiss the notifications or trigger action buttons they contain. This will also allow the app to turn Do Not Disturb on or off or related settings.”
Google’s Official Statement
Google Assistant’s product manager Mark Regan stated in an official statement, “Voice-messaging is the modern-day walkie-talkie. For me, sometimes it’s the easiest way to send a quick note to my friends and family. You can now send audio messages with Google Assistant on Android smartphones–without holding down the little mic icon.”
Seamless Incorporation Into GBoard
Rumours state that the new upgrade is also an extension of the new GBoard interface, that’s set to roll out soon. The commands on audio texts and content sharing available on Google Assistant shall fit like a glove with GBoard’s new feature of typing in text into any app through voice. GBoard also helps the user to co-ordinate multiple functions through voice to eradicate the inconvenience of having to tap the screen. Not only this, but Google has also brought in smart-display upgrades, voice match features, and is also developing a technology to identify birdcalls. Smart much?
