Google Assistant for Android lets you execute quick commands without having to say “Ok Google”
According to online sources, Google has begun testing a new feature for its voice assistant on Android devices. This is a tool that is being developed under the codename Guacamole and allows Google Assistant to execute quick commands, such as turning off an alarm or receiving a call, without saying the phrase “Hey Google.”
The first mentions of the Guacamole function were discovered by enthusiasts in the code of the Google 12.8 app back in March. After several weeks, the developers started testing this tool. This is confirmed by the fact that the new options have become available to some users. This applies to Android 11 and the latest beta version of the Google app, and not smartphones that have the Android 12 Developer Preview installed.
The new feature adds an item called Voice Shortcuts to the voice assistant settings menu. After activating this option, users do not have to say “Ok Google” to perform any quick action. The source says that at the moment, the new function allows you to stop or postpone the alarm, turn off or pause the timer, as well as answer or reject an incoming call – say “Stop” or “Postpone.”
The new voice assistant capabilities on Android are similar to the Google Assistant feature in the Nest Hub and some other smart displays. Back in 2019, users of some smart display models were able to turn off the alarm without having to say “Ok Google.” When exactly this function becomes widespread is still unknown.
