We announced our vision for the Google Assistant just two years ago at I/O, and since then, we’ve been making fast progress in bringing the Assistant to more people around the world to help them get things done. As of today, the Google Assistant is available on more than 500 million devices, it works with over 5,000 connected home devices, it’s available in cars from more than 40 brands, and it’s built right into the latest devices, from the Active Edge in the Pixel 2 to a dedicated Assistant key in the LG G7 ThinQ. Plus, it’ll be available in more than 30 languages and 80 countries by the end of the year.
Today at I/O, we’re sharing our vision for the next phase of the Google Assistant, as we make it more naturally conversational, visually assistive, and helpful in getting things done. Blog Link
Sara Kleinberg Jan 2018
Voice-activated speakers were a popular gift this holiday season. And that means in the coming year, people will not only be learning how to use these devices, they’ll be weaving them into their daily lives and routines. We wanted to explore how this emerging technology is shaping consumer behaviors, so we conducted research with people who own a voice-activated speaker. Here are some things we found.
Voice-activated speaker owners told us that talking to their virtual assistant—rather than having to type—helps them get things done quickly and efficiently. And that means more multitasking. Here are the top reasons people turn to their voice-activated speakers.
1. It allows them to more easily multitask.
2. It enables them to do things faster than other devices.
3. It empowers them to instantly get answers and information.
4. It makes their daily routine easier.
People are engaging with their voice-activated speakers as if they were human. They’re saying “please,” “thank you,” and even “sorry.” People perceive the devices as more than just an electronic toy, they’re more akin to another person or a friend.