Google Assistant will remove 17 “underutilized” functions to concentrate on “quality and reliability,” the firm stated Thursday. Users who request deprecated functionality will get a message starting January 26. Google is firing hundreds of workers in its hardware, Google Assistant, and other businesses.
Voice-activated email video and audio messages are being withdrawn. Voice commands for payments, reservations, and social media posts will also be disabled. Google is not able to restore all lost functionality.
Google lists all features being removed:
- Voice-controlled Google Play Books audiobooks. Mobile devices can cast audiobooks.
- Setting media, music, or radio alerts on Google Assistant devices. Use a basic alarm or a custom Routine with comparable characteristics.
- Manage your cookbook, transfer recipes, play instructive recipe videos, or demonstrate step-by-step instructions. You can use Google Assistant to find recipes online and on YouTube.
- Smart display and speaker stopwatch management You may set alarms and timers.
- Use your voice to call devices or broadcast messages to your Google Family Group. You may still broadcast to home devices.
- Sending emails, videos, and audio using your voice. Calls and texts are still possible.
- Rescheduling a Google Calendar event via voice. New events may be scheduled.
- Reading and sending texts, making calls, and controlling media using App Launcher in Google Assistant driving mode on Google Maps. Voice control on Google Maps works similarly.
- Requesting or hearing Family Bell announcements. A custom process with comparable characteristics is possible.
- Asking for peaceful meditation. You may still request meditation from YouTube.
- Activities will no longer be voice-controlled on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3. Use device buttons to start, stop, pause, and resume activities. Pixel Watches support voice control.
- Viewing sleep summary is only possible on Google Smart Displays. Third-party smart clocks allow voice requests for sleep information.
- Speaker and smart display calls don’t have caller ID unless you use Duo.
- Seeing ambient “Commute to Work” forecasts on smart screens Ask for commute times and instructions via voice.
- Voice-checking personal trip plans. Flight status is still available.
- Asking about your contacts. You may still call contacts.
- Asking to pay, reserve, or publish on social media via voice. Request the assistant to launch your installed applications.
Google invites people to provide input on the modifications using “Hey Google, send feedback.”
This news comes three months after Google launched Helper with Bard, a generative AI-powered helper. An assistant with Bard can manage more inquiries and duties and provide tailored solutions. No one knows whether today’s news is about Assistant with Bard.
