It may be just a US launch (for now), but Google just announced an update to its Google Assistant platform that’s pretty much a game-changer when it comes to giving voice commands via its products.
Google has officially begun its Google Assistant Routines rollout. Why is this significant amidst the constant stream of updates to ‘smart’ speaker offerings we hear you ask? Well, if you’re an owner of a Google Home device you’re life just got a whole lot easier thanks to Routines.
Chiefly, because controlling as devices will no long be as limited (and challenging) as it has been to date.
Routines helpfully allows you to group actions together, meaning users are no longer required to specifically activate each device (or ask for updates etc.) in their home – think the Google alternative to Amazon scenes.
For now the selection of Routines offered by Google isn’t the widest – essentially, there’s just one (‘Good Morning’). Following this morning-based routine will be six more, however, and according to Google they could be here as soon as this week.
Those already using Google Assistant via their Home or Home Mini device will be familiar with the ‘My Day’ option (which is currently remaining as is in the UK and Australia for now) which provided news, weather, traffic and personal updates the Good Morning Routine is replacing. It’s now been bolstered, however, with the ability to control lighting, thermostats, music, alarms and even send text messages. Additional Routines catered to arriving and leaving the home/work and going to bed are on their way too (called Leaving Home, I’m Home, Commuting to Work, Commuting Home, and Bedtime, naturally).
It’s worth noting that because Google Assistant is able to recognise different users by voice, all of them can programme their own personalised Routine on the platform.
As yet there’s little work on Routines becoming available in other countries, but seeing how other updates have been rolled out, being able to use them on the other side of the pond in the next 3-6 months wouldn’t be too unrealistic.