Google Assistant Streamlines Features to Enhance User Experience
In an effort to simplify and streamline its virtual assistant, Google has announced that it will be removing several features from Google Assistant that are rarely used by its users. The company has also emphasized its commitment to continuously adding useful features to Google Assistant, with a special focus on Google Assistant with Bard.
As part of this update, a total of 18 features will be removed from Google Assistant. One significant change is the removal of the microphone icon on Pixel smartphones and tablets opening Google Assistant. Instead, it will now initiate a web search. This alteration aims to provide a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Moreover, the ability to play or control audiobooks from Google Play Books using voice commands will no longer be supported. Users will need to find alternative methods to access and manage their audiobooks. Similarly, setting media, music, or radio as an alarm audio is being eliminated, requiring users to utilize a custom Routine instead.
In addition, Google Assistant will no longer support accessing and managing cookbooks. This change may inconvenience some users who relied on the assistant for their cooking needs. Furthermore, managing a stopwatch on smart displays and smart speakers will no longer be possible. Users will have to resort to manual timekeeping methods.
Another notable adjustment is the removal of the option to call a device or broadcast messages to a Google Family Group using voice commands. This change may affect those who frequently used this feature for easy communication within their households. However, users can still make calls and send text messages using Google Assistant.
Furthermore, sending audio messages, emails, and video messages through Google Assistant will be discontinued. However, users will still have the option to make calls and send text messages. Additionally, voice commands for rescheduling events in Google Calendar will no longer be supported, necessitating manual rescheduling.
The update also affects the app launcher in Google Assistant Driving Mode on Google Maps. Users will no longer be able to control media, make calls, or read and send messages through the launcher.
Other changes include the inability of Google Assistant to provide schedule information or previously scheduled Family Bell announcements. Users will also no longer be able to start a meditation session on Calm through Google Assistant.
Moreover, voice control for activities on Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 will be removed. Sleep summaries will only be viewable on Google Smart Displays, excluding smartphones and smart speakers. Calls made from smart displays and smart speakers will not show a Caller ID, unless Google Duo is being used.
Furthermore, Smart Displays will no longer show estimated “Commute to Work” times. While personal travel itineraries will not be accessible through Google Assistant, users will still be able to check flight status. Contact information will no longer be available through Google Assistant, but calls can still be made.
Lastly, certain actions such as sending a payment, making a reservation, and posting on social media will no longer be possible through voice commands and must be done manually through their respective apps.
On a positive note, Google has also announced that Google Assistant with Bard will be available on Pixel smartphones and the upcoming Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 series.
Furthermore, Samsung has recently added numerous new features to its smartphones and tablets with the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience for Samsung device owners.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to remove rarely used features from Google Assistant demonstrates its commitment to providing a more streamlined and efficient virtual assistant. Users can expect a more focused and user-friendly experience, with additional features and improvements on the horizon.
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