Bose has released an update to its popular QC35s headset, which brings with it the first dedicated hardware key to summon Google Assistant.
Earlier this month we reported that a new teardown of Google’s Android and iOS app revealed that we may be able to expect Google Assistant-ready smartphones in the near future, and now Bose’s revised QC35s headsets have arrived on the market with a dedicated Google Assistant button.
The headset – more properly the QC35 II – are Bluetooth-enabled, meaning that users are able to tether the cans to their Android device or iPhone and use the key to summon Google Assistant on-the-go. The setup requires the Android phone in question to support Google Assistant, meaning that only devices loaded with 6.0 Marshmallow upwards will work fully with the headset.
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The Assistant key relies on processing power from both the headset itself, and one’s smart device. The QC35 II is capable of processing voice input and handling notification playback, while one’s smart device does the legwork of connecting to the internet and relaying queries to and from Google.
The news is significant for two reasons – firstly, we may be able to expect more headphones capable of supporting Google Assistant on the market, marking a greater proliferation of the Mountain View company’s digital assistant.
Secondly, we may one day see a Google-branded headset with Assistant support out in the wild; given that the firm recently acquired part of HTC’s smartphone businesses, it may make sense for the company to debut its own headset alongside a fully self-produced Pixel smartphone as an answer to Apple’s AirPods.
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What are your thoughts? Would you purchase a headset specifically for Google Assistant compatibility? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
