Google Assistant

Google Assistant may have come after Amazon introduced Alexa into the world, but it’s rapidly making up for lost time. The voice assistant from the search giant is available on everything from your phone to headphones, to smart speakers and even TVs. With over 1 million “Actions” and a rapidly expanding list of supported devices, Google’s smart assistant will soon be everywhere.

This smart garage door controller is no longer very smart

Jennifer Pattison TuohyNov 8, 2023

Alexa and Google Assistant play together nicely, but not perfectly, on JBL’s new speakers

After JBL announced its new lineup of Authentics speakers at IFA 2023, we put the two built-in voice assistants that promise simultaneous usage to the test.

Jon PorterAug 31, 2023

Victoria SongAug 17, 2023

August 31st is the last day for Google Assistant on Wear OS 2.

Wear OS 2 users have started getting notifications that Google Assistant support is ending soon. At first, we didn’t have any concrete timing but Google spokesperson Ivy Chen tells The Verge that “The last day Google Assistant on Wear OS 2 devices will work is August 31, 2023.”

You can read more about it in my writeup from yesterday, but I feel for Mobvoi TicWatch owners who are either waiting for the Wear OS 3 upgrade to roll out or for Assistant support to arrive on the latest TicWatch Pro 5.

Soon you’ll need Wear OS 3 to run Google Assistant

Victoria Song

Aug 16

Soon you’ll need Wear OS 3 to run Google Assistant

Victoria SongAug 16, 2023

Google will ‘supercharge’ Assistant with AI that’s more like ChatGPT and Bard

Emma RothJul 31, 2023

How to start a smart home using Google Home

Megan WollertonJun 13, 2023

Smart homes for smart people

Kara VerlaneyJun 12, 2023

From brilliant to basic, here are our smart home setups

The Verge staff varies widely as to how ‘smart’ our homes are, ranging from one or two stray devices to entire planned networks.

Barbara KrasnoffJun 12, 2023

How to pick a smart home platform

One connected lock does not a smart home make. If you want to get serious with home automation, start with a smart home platform.

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 12, 2023

What is a smart home, and do you need one?

As connected becomes the default for every household appliance — from TVs and washing machines to ovens and vacuums — we break down exactly what makes a home ‘smart’ and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 12, 2023

It could get harder to use a Nest Hub for shopping lists soon

Wes DavisMay 31, 2023

The new Google Home app is finally here

A much-needed update brings greater control and customizability. Plus, Google updates its iOS app to support Matter devices.

Jennifer Pattison TuohyMay 10, 2023

Google’s smart speakers are finally smart enough to shut up

Jennifer Pattison TuohyApr 21, 2023

Nathan EdwardsApr 11, 2023

“Hey Google, play Baby Shark Stories.”

“Sorry, I can’t do that while content filters are turned on.”

My children are constantly trying to launch games on the Nest Hub Max, and the best I’ve been able to do ‘til now is block them, which means I hear the above conversation twenty times a day. So the news that Google is killing Assistant games entirely? Sweet relief.

Google cuts off third-party smart displays as Assistant support dwindles

Emma Roth

Apr 10

Google will shut down Dropcam and Nest Secure in 2024

Nathan EdwardsApr 7, 2023

The Verge’s favorite desktop accessories

Verge StaffJan 25, 2023

You’ll soon be able to talk to Home Assistant without Google, Siri, or Alexa

Umar ShakirDec 27, 2022

Everybody promised to disrupt the smartphone — and the smartphone outlasted them all

David PierceNov 23, 2022

Now Google Home users can sign up to test the redesigned app

Sheena VasaniNov 9, 2022

Barbara KrasnoffOct 28, 2022

Google Home Routines has new starters that can make it a lot easier to automate your home.

Your Google Home app can now turns your lights off and your cameras on at 10PM each night; adjust the brightness of your lights when the TV turns on; or turn the bathroom light on when a motion sensor detects movement. And it’s not hard to set up — if you know how.

How to set up Google Home Household Routines

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

Oct 28

How to set up Google Home Household Routines

Jennifer Pattison TuohyOct 28, 2022

How do you clean your fabric-covered smart speaker? Carefully

Barbara KrasnoffOct 24, 2022

Richard LawlerOct 19, 2022

The strategy that keeps Google investing in Pixel even as its purse strings tighten.

The Information cites sources saying Google execs see the strategy as a defense against shifts in the market, like the chance it loses its iPhone browser deal or if Samsung slips.

But if you’re confused about why something like Stadia goes away or why Google focuses less on certain areas, then this section may help explain things.

[Sissie] Hsiao, a vice president in charge of Assistant, which is similar to Apple’s Siri voice assistant, has told some colleagues at Google that the Android Automotive operating system, used bycarmakers including Volvo and BMW to power their infotainment systems, could soon generate about $1 billion in revenue for Google annually.
That amount is too small to make a difference for the company, whose revenue last year was $257.6 billion, Hsiao said, which is why she has considered diverting some head count away from the effort, she said, according to a person briefed about the comments.

Facing Threat From Apple, Google Tries New Hardware Playbook

[The Information]