Google’s Assistant app has been redesigned on iOS and Android to be equally accommodating for both voice and touch input.
Originally designed primarily for voice input when introduced two years ago, Google says nearly half of all interactions with Assistant include both voice and touch.
“The new design combines the best of text and talk on your phone, giving you the relevant information right when you need it. Just ask your Google Assistant for something on your phone, and then you can interact with images, sliders and buttons to get the help you need in a fraction of the time.”
Here are the key changes in the Google Assistant redesign:
- Bigger visuals
- New controls and sliders for managing smart home devices
- An interactive messaging interface which allows users to use their fingers to add punctuation as they dictate a message
- On Android phones, it’s now easier for users to access an overview of their day
Android-Exclusive Features
Android users can get more out of Google Assistant by swiping up on the screen while the app is open.
Google Assistant will display a set of personalized information based on the time of day and a user’s recent interactions with Assistant.
New Capabilities for Developers
Developers can now do more with the app, should they choose to. There are new tools that let developers make better use of the phone screen.
For example, Starbucks has thumbnails which allow users to select recommended items from the menu, and FitStar displays GIFs to visualize different workouts.
These new features are available now by updating Google Assistant from the App Store or Google Play Store.
