This Month in Google Assistant: August Recap
Google Nest Hub available for purchase in India
Google has officially launched the Nest Hub smart display in India. The product is available for ₹9,999 in Chalk and Charcoal colors from Flipkart, Croma, Reliance, and TATA Cliq. The Nest Hub comes with various Assistant partnerships: local news from Times Internet, NDTV, India Today, and Dainik Jagran, smart home support for Xiaomi, Syska lights, Oakter Plugs, Philips Hue, and LG, recipes from NDTV Food, Veg Recipes of India, and Archana’s Kitchen. Learn more on the Google India blog: https://india.googleblog.com/2019/08/introducing-google-nest-hub-made-by.html.
Lenovo Smart Clock update: photo clockface, Continued Conversation
When you’re not using your Lenovo Smart Clock, the screen can now turn into a digital photo album, displaying pictures from your Google Photos account or featured photos provided by Google. There is now an optional setting for Continued Conversation that lets you have a natural back-and-forth conversation with the Assistant (starting in English). Learn more on the Google blog: https://www.blog.google/products/assistant/assistant-turns-your-smart-clock-digital-photo-frame/.
Assignable reminders on Google Assistant
Assistant reminders can now be assigned to members of your family or household. Simply ask your Assistant, “Hey Google, remind Greg to take out the trash at 8pm.” or, for location-based reminders with a specific address or landmark, “Hey Google, remind Claire to pick up flowers when she gets to the San Francisco Ferry Building.” The feature is available in English on phones, speakers, and Smart Displays in the US, UK, and Australia. Learn more on the Google blog: https://www.blog.google/products/assistant/stay-organized-and-productive-new-assignable-reminders/.
Assistant reminders are no longer supported for G Suite users
Google are no longer supporting the ability for G Suite users to set reminders with the Assistant. They suggest that the feature could return in the future and that it’s working “to improve the experience.” Asking Google Assistant to set a reminder when using your G Suite domain will return “Sorry, reminders are currently not available for G Suite users.”
Hardware sustainability commitments
Google are to integrate sustainability into their products, operations, and communities. Here is a set of hardware and services sustainability commitments Google have announced:
- By 2020, 100% of all shipments going to or from customers will be carbon neutral.
- Starting in 2022, 100% of Made by Google products (like Google Home) will include recycled materials with a drive to maximize recycled content wherever possible.
- Google will make technology that puts people first and expands access to the benefits of technology.
Learn more on the Google blog: https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/hardware-sustainability-commitments/.
Ability to read messages from all third-party messaging apps
Google Assistant on phones now works with all direct messaging services (including Google Voice, Slack, WhatsApp, Telegram). This feature can be accessed with “Read my messages” or “What are my messages”. Notifications are presented as cards that note the sender and message, along with a timestamp. You can jump into the app directly with a shortcut in the bottom-left corner or start replying through Assistant.
Google paused language reviews on Google Assistant
Germany’s Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has released a press statement indicating that they’re investigating Google’s handling of Assistant voice recordings. As a result, Google temporarily ceased their manual review of Assistant queries in the EU (so-called “language reviews”) and are working with German authorities on the best course of action to help customers better understand how their data may be used.
