Google is planning an update for its Assistant software, which will allow users to finally give it a name.
Currently, users summon Assistant by saying “OK/Hey Google” but a dig into the most-recent APK suggests it’ll soon be possible for folks to pick custom hotwords.
9to5Google reports the version 7.20 of Google app lays the foundations for incoming support for anyone who want to call Assistant by a new custom name, whether it’s Jeff, or Jenny or Jehovah.
Whether Google will roll out the functionality remains to be seen, some of these things never see the light of day. However, the following stings suggest Google is any least working towards that eventuality:
<string name=”opa_first_screen_tgoogle_summary”>”You’ll be able to access your Assistant directly by saying \”%1$s\””</string>
<string name=”opa_first_screen_tgoogle_title”>Teach your Assistant to recognize \”%1$s\”</string>
<string name=”hotword_enrollment_tgoogle_summary_usage_sample_title”>Your Assistant will now respond when you say things like:</string>
Should Google add custom hotwords to Assistant, it would beat Amazon’s Alexa to the punch.
Since launch, Amazon’s personal AI assistant will only respond to Alexa or Amazon, which is just rude in our opinion. (EDIT: Alexa users can also choose Echo and Computer as wake words)
Related: Google Home review
If the firm’s behind these smart speakers really want us to start treating these devices as a member of the family, the least they can do is let us name the things ourselves.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
