Lately, it feels like the smarter AI chatbots have become, the more useless my smart speakers and smart displays are. I think it's been a double-edged sword that has caused such a sharp decline in usefulness, but it has most definitely been felt. On one hand, you simply have a resource gap. … [Read more...] about If Gemini Live comes to smart speakers, I’ll actually use them again
Google Assistant
Google Assistant has become the central focus for Google ever since their event in October of 2016. With the roll-out in full swing to many devices across multiple categories, Google Assistant is becoming extremely pervasive. The flagship device for Google Assistant, Google Home, is also powered by a varied version of Chrome OS. As we watch Assistant fully integrate into Chrome OS, we realize the Assitant story is just beginning.
Chrome’s “Listen to this page” replaces yet another Google Assistant feature
I remember it like it was yesterday. A new Google Assistant feature had rolled out in 2020 that allowed users to simply ask for a page to be read aloud to them and promptly delivered a very human-like recitation of that page's content. It had a playback menu, voice options and everything, and I … [Read more...] about Chrome’s “Listen to this page” replaces yet another Google Assistant feature
Gemini for Android finally gets my most-missed feature
One of the most frustrating omissions of the Gemini voice assistant on Android has been the inability to set reminders. It was a glaring issue for me and many other users at launch that I think underscored how Gemini as a voice assistant wasn't quite ready for the spotlight. Thankfully though, … [Read more...] about Gemini for Android finally gets my most-missed feature
How to switch back to the Google Assistant from Gemini on your Android phone
Google's Gemini app offers a fascinating glimpse into the power of advanced AI language models in your pocket. But if you installed Gemini and it automatically took over as your Android phone's default assistant, you might be encountering some limitations. Here's how to easily switch back to Google … [Read more...] about How to switch back to the Google Assistant from Gemini on your Android phone
Here’s Google Assistant with Bard in action
It would seem Google Assistant with Bard is closer than ever to arriving on some phones. Announced back at the yearly Google hardware event in October of 2023, the overhauled and AI-injected Assistant with Bard has been leaking out here and there, and this latest look (from the Pixel Tips app) … [Read more...] about Here’s Google Assistant with Bard in action
Here’s an early look at the Google Assistant with Bard
The launch of Google's new AI-enhanced Assistant with Bard might be right around the corner. As we've seen the current Google Assitant get less and less capable, the promise of a new Assitant with the AI smarts of Bard is something that has me excited about a digital personal assistant again. The … [Read more...] about Here’s an early look at the Google Assistant with Bard
Just as I predicted, Google just injected Assistant with Bard AI and it’s going to change everything
Google just wrapped up its Made by Google hardware event this morning, and while a lot of things we got were certainly known and revealed ahead of time, a few features and updates were a complete surprise. For example, being able to use Generative AI to zoom in and essentially rebuild pixels for a … [Read more...] about Just as I predicted, Google just injected Assistant with Bard AI and it’s going to change everything
Google Assistant swaps ‘Lens’ quick capture option for a ‘Screen reader’ button
Recently, I noticed a 'Lens' option that intermittently popped up on Google Assistant for my Pixel phone. Appearing just once or twice, it quickly disappeared and I was left scratching my head. Apparently, this has been a thing on some devices, but not all, for a few months at least. As reported … [Read more...] about Google Assistant swaps ‘Lens’ quick capture option for a ‘Screen reader’ button
Google Assistant plans a return to its former glory with the help of Artificial Intelligence
I've been on a warpath against Google Assistant this year both in my home and in my highly opinionated pieces here on Chrome Unboxed. Google's once golden child has become dumber than a box of rocks, and most of our readers agree whole heartedly each time we have this discussion. Assistant has … [Read more...] about Google Assistant plans a return to its former glory with the help of Artificial Intelligence
Google Assistant is finally going to get a bit of generative AI
Google Assistant looks to finally be on the receiving end of some generative AI and will soon be able to condense long passages of website text into manageable, clear-cut summaries. An update is being worked on in the Google app beta version 14.29 and a new "Summarize" feature has been spotted by … [Read more...] about Google Assistant is finally going to get a bit of generative AI
“I don’t know, but I found these results”: Google Assistant appears to be quiet quitting this year
I've been on the offensive against Google Assistant this year, and I'm not ashamed of it either. The virtual assistant has gone from world class to dumber than a box of rocks. It consistently fails to respond, toggle lights, performs completely unrelated actions, and more. It's just so bad that I … [Read more...] about “I don’t know, but I found these results”: Google Assistant appears to be quiet quitting this year
With its silence, Google may have quietly announced the Assistant’s demise
As a joke during the Google I/O 2023 Keynote, I suggested to the guys here in the office that our entire watch party on Discord should do a shot every time Google said AI during the presentation. It's a very good thing that we were only kidding, since Google used the term in every possible scenario … [Read more...] about With its silence, Google may have quietly announced the Assistant’s demise