Hundreds of employees are being let go as the corporation claims to be concentrating on “quality and reliability.” Additionally, it’s altering the how the microphone functions in the Pixel Search bar and Google app.
Google Assistant Features Facing Extinction: User-Friendly Updates or Graveyard Bound?
As the search engine giant rolls out updates it claims will make the tool more user-friendly, a number of “underutilized” Google Assistant features—like the capacity to send emails, videos, or audio messages using just your voice—may soon be added to the infamous Google graveyard. Additionally, the business is altering the functionality of the microphone in the Pixel Search bar and Google app.
Heads Up, Google Assistant Users: 17 Features on the Chopping Block (and Soon!)
Get ready to say goodbye to some familiar faces (or voices) in your Google Assistant. Starting January 26th, users who try to activate any of the 17 features slated for removal will receive a friendly heads-up that they’re about to become unavailable. But mark your calendars: the official farewell party is February 26th, as reported by 9to5Google. This move arrives on the heels of Google’s recent layoffs, which included teams working on the Assistant.
Google Assistant Trims Features: What You Need to Know (and What You Can Do)
Hold onto your smart speakers, because Google Assistant is undergoing a major feature shakeup! Starting January 26th, several Assistant functionalities are being retired, impacting mobile, smartwatch, and smart speaker/display users alike. While Google suggests workarounds for some, others, like the Calm meditation integration, are disappearing completely. But don’t panic just yet – here’s the breakdown:
What’s Going Away:
- Audiobooks on Google Play Books: Say goodbye to voice-controlled audiobook playback.
- Media Alarms: No more waking up to your favorite tunes or radio station.
- Cookbook Management: Recipes on Assistant are being archived, but you can still search online.
- Calm Meditation: Breathe easy, other meditation apps are still available.
- Several Other Features: Check the full list to see what else is affected.
What You Can Do:
- Explore Workarounds: Google provides alternative ways to achieve similar results for some features.
- Adjust Your Routine: Adapt your daily habits to fit the new Assistant landscape.
- Voice Your Feedback: Let Google know what features you miss the most.
The Catch:
While workarounds exist for some, the replacements aren’t always apples-to-apples. Be prepared for a slightly different Assistant experience.
Stay Informed:
Keep an eye out for Google’s official updates and explore alternative apps to fill the functionality gaps.
Google Assistant Trims the Fat: What Disappeared (and How to Adapt)
Attention, Google Assistant users! A major feature shakeup is underway, and some beloved functionalities are saying goodbye. Fear not, we’ve got the full breakdown of what’s vanishing and how you can navigate the new Assistant landscape.
What’s Gone Missing?
- Audiobook Addicts: Bid farewell to voice-controlled Google Play Book playback. Casting from mobile is your new audiobook BFF.
- Alarm Aficionados: No more waking up to your favorite tunes or radio station with media alarms. Custom Routines or standard alarms have stepped into the spotlight.
- Culinary Connoisseurs: Your Assistant cookbook is going into the archives. But worry not, recipe searches across the web and YouTube are still at your fingertips.
- Timekeepers on Mute: Smart Displays and speakers lose their stopwatch function, but timers and alarms have your back.
- Family Broadcasters: Calling specific devices or sending family group messages are out. Broadcasting to all devices remains your communication channel.
- Voice Messengers: Sending emails, videos, or audio messages with your voice are a thing of the past. Calls and texts are still your trusty communication warriors.
- Calendar Chameleons: Rescheduling events with your voice is no more. Scheduling new events remains your calendar superpower.
- Driving Assistants: App Launcher in Google Assistant driving mode has gone on a road trip. Voice control on Google Maps still keeps you company on the go.
- Calm Castaways: Asking Assistant to meditate with Calm is now a silent wish. Explore other meditation apps for your inner zen.
- Fitbit Faders: Voice control for activities on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 is taking a break. Your device buttons are your new workout partners (Pixel Watch users, you’re still in the voice control game!).
- Sleep Summarizers: Sleep summaries on Google Smart Displays are now exclusive. Third-party smart clocks still offer voice-activated sleep details.
- Caller ID Concealed: Calls from speakers and displays won’t reveal caller IDs unless you’re using Duo.
- Commute Castaways: Ambient commute time estimates on Smart Displays are off the air. Voice-activated commute times and directions are still on duty.
- Travel Time Travelers: Asking for personal travel itineraries by voice is grounded. Flight status inquiries are still soaring high.
- Contact Conundrums: Asking for contact information has been silenced. Making calls directly to your contacts remains a strong communication option.
- Actionless Assistants: Saying things like “send a payment” or “make a reservation” are no longer Assistant’s forte. But opening installed apps is still an option.
Beyond the Gone:
The Google app also sees changes. Tap the microphone icon for Search, not actions like turning on lights. Pixel devices follow suit, with the Search bar microphone launching Voice Search instead of Assistant.
The Silver Lining?
Streamlining Assistant might enhance its future usability. But for those who relied on these features, disruption is inevitable.