Google Assistant Launches Support For Siri Shortcuts

Google Assistant has launched support for Siri Shortcuts with the release of its latest update.

Launched in 2017, iOS for Assistant can perform all the same functions as the Google Home smart speaker, including answering questions, ordering takeout, controlling smart devices in one’s home and more. Now, according to reports, the latest update of Assistant for iOS allows users to record a phrase like “OK Google” or “Hey Google” and, from then on, whenever it is said to Siri, the Assistant app will open and listen for a question or command.

For example, if the iPhone is unlocked, it can be accessed hands-free by saying “Hey Siri,” then “OK Google.” In addition, Siri Shortcuts can be set up with frequently used phrases for Assistant to create a custom voice command for a single smart home action.

This is just one of the improvements made to Assistant. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Google made talking to Google Assistant easier with the launch of Continued Conversation.

“For the Google Assistant to have a natural conversation, it should be able to understand when it’s being spoken to and should be capable of responding to several requests during an interaction,” wrote Jaclyn Konzelmann, product manager for Google Assistant. “We’re taking another step forward in making your interactions with the Google Assistant more natural with Continued Conversation.”

Earlier this year, Google announced additional changes to its artificial intelligence (AI) at Mobile World Congress 2018, including support for 30 new languages. Consumers so motivated can now converse with their Google-powered AI in Hindi, Thai, Indonesian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch. Google Assistant now supports 15 languages total.

Google Assistant is also now connected to more than 5,000 devices in the home: cameras, dishwashers, doorbells, dryers, lights, plugs, thermostats, security systems, switches, vacuums, washers, fans, locks, sensors, heaters, AC units, air purifiers, refrigerators and ovens.