In a leap towards inclusivity and expansion, Google Assistant—Google’s impressive artificial intelligence tool—is now being made available to non-Google devices. This move places Google Assistant in line with rival digital assistants such as Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana. The provision, however, is only for devices running on Marshmallow (Android 6.0) or the latest Nougat (7.0). The anticipated update is expected to be delivered via Google Play Services, beginning with users in the United States who converse in English.
The international English-speaking community, consisting of nations such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, will be next in line to receive the update. Shortly following is the anticipated rollout to German-speaking users in Germany.
So for those who sweep their fingers across screens powered by Android Marshmallow or Nougat, keep a lookout, for a fresh update from Google is soon to swoop in.
It’s notable to mention the LG V20, which was announced last year as the first device to run on Android’s latest update. Since then, Google’s Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S7 have joined the vanguard of Android Nougat users.
In another stride incorporating the Google Assistant, Nvidia launched its streaming device, Shield, which not only boasts of a 4K display but also has Google Assistant integrated. This innovative combination transforms the device into an amalgamation of a TV and a home assistant.
Since the initial rollout of Google Assistant, there has been a significant augmentation in both the number of supportive languages and its overall reach. By early 2018, the tool boasted added support for French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, meticulously adding new languages and dialects at a steady pace. The ‘Continued Conversation’ feature was a major breakthrough that eliminated the need to say ‘Hey Google’ before every interaction, making conversations more fluid and natural.
On the hardware front, the launch of Google’s first Nest Hub in 2018 heralded a new era of Google Assistant in kitchens and living rooms, acting as a visual aid for activities such as cooking, making video calls and controlling home dashboards. As we advance further into the future, can we anticipate an era when our devices are as versed in our languages and habits as we are? Only time and Google can tell.
*This story was updated in 2025 to account for the expansion and advancements in Google Assistant since its initial publication.*
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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