Google’s Next-Generation Assistant is Here

Google officially debuted it’s updated version of the Google Assistant during the keynote of the Google I/O developers conference. The company said that this new and improved Assistant will become available on the latest Google Pixel phones later in the year (not with the Pixel 3a, just to be clear).

Apparently, the new Assistant can understand voice requests in real time and deliver results ten times faster than its predecessor. The users will be able to open apps, set timers, reply to tests, browse Google Photos, get a ride-sharing car and other similar actions without having to say ‘Hey Google’ every time in order to get the Assistant’s attention.

During the keynote, the company showcased the Assistant’s skills and its ability to compose and send emails without the user having to touch a single button. In addition to that, it will also be able to suggest recipes, podcasts and events to the users, if asked.

A new ‘Driving Mode’ will also become available, which can be activated by simply saying ‘Hey Google, let’s drive’. This particular mode will activate personalized shortcuts and suggestions, such as the ability to resume a podcast, easy access to your favorite contacts or to directions to a place you made a reservation that appears in your Google Calendar.

At the moment we don’t know if this Assistant will become available to other Google phones in time or if it will be accessible only to high-end flagships.