A new update to the Google app on Android devices allows some Google Assistant voice commands to be performed without first saying, “Hey Google.” The new Guacamole menu allows certain quick tasks, such as alarms, timers and calls to be handled quicker. So, to cancel an alarm you can just say “stop”, rather than “Hey Google, stop alarm.” While answering the phone can be as simple as saying, “answer the call.”
While this feature, known as voice shortcuts, has been available on Google Nest devices since 2019, this is the first time we have seen it coming to mobile devices. Voice prompts have become such a common way to talk to our phones and smart speakers that it barely feels strange anymore to shout, “Alexa, set timer”, or “Hey Siri, how many carbs are in a cup of rice”, or even “GoPro start video.”
Some may worry that removing the prompt may cause more confusion, or mean the device is listening more. But if you have your voice assistant function on, it’s always listening and while there’s bound to be mistakes, I’ve lost track of the times a smart device has tried to join in on a conversation already.
- Samsung will turn your old Galaxy phone into a smart home device for free
- Dell Latitude 7320 detachable is the Surface Pro 7’s new nemesis
- Google Pixel 5a is coming soon, new leak confirms
The Google voice shortcuts feature was initially only available for employees but according to Android Police, has now appeared on some users' devices with version 12.15.9.29 running Android 11. The feature appears as Guacamole in the Settings menu and users need to read and opt-in to the terms and conditions before activating.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
Your Google Pixel Watch might not get the upgrade you'd hoped – at least not for a while
All is not lost though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Huawei launches world's first medically certified smartwatch, and it monitors your blood pressure 24 hours a day
The Watch D2 is Huawei’s most cutting-edge smartwatch to date
By T3.com Published
-
Google removes multiple features from Google Assistant
The company wants to 'focus on delivering the best possible user experience'
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Sonos could be getting its own voice assistant but do we really need another one?
A Sonos voice assistant means remembering more wake names, and that's not what the smart home needs
By Mat Gallagher Last updated
-
Google Pixel 4 will let you communicate with Google Assistant in an entirely new way
Just lift up the Pixel 4 and start speaking
By Josh Levenson Published
-
Xbox One just picked up yet another feature the Sony PS4 is missing
Hey Google, turn on Xbox
By Josh Levenson Last updated
-
New Google Home will have built-in wall mount and THIS Amazon Echo feature
...as well as a brand-new name
By Aaron Brown Published
-
Siri vs Google Assistant vs Cortana vs Alexa: battle of the AI assistants
Who should you be making friends with?
By David Nield Published