A new feature dubbed ‘Quick Phrases’ could enable ardent Google Assistant fans to skip the ‘Hey, Google’ wakeword that’s required to activate the digital assistant in the near future.
According to 9to5Google, the feature – which was first introduced as a Google project dubbed Guacamole – was initially designed as ‘voice shortcuts’, and seems to have been limited to a number of core features such as responding to phone calls or silencing alarms (as Google Assistant users can presently cease an alarm by simply saying ‘stop’.)
However, the fully established feature could instead allow users to create their own tasks that can be triggered without the need to mention the classic wakeword. Some of these reported examples could include asking about the weather, skipping songs, or setting alarms.
According to reports, users will have to individually set up each Quick Phrase and will require users to issue commands through the latest version of Voice Match. Notably, Quick Phrases would work across Assistant devices, not just one’s smartphone.
It remains to be seen when the feature will launch, though it’s the latest in a number of features designed to make the Assistant more interactive and intuitive. The last major update of this cadence was the ability to employ Continued Conversation on Assistant devices.
What are your thoughts? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
