The well-known voice assistant created by Google has recently arrived in many countries of the world. Despite having a significantly reduced number of features compared to the English version, Google Assistant still allows you to perform various useful operations without actually touching our smartphone.
Let’s see how and if it is possible to activate Google Assistant on your devices!
How to activate Google Assistant – Index
Procedure for Android
First, we see how the new service created by Google should be configured on its operating system.
Requirements
Not all Android smartphones or tablets are compatible with the voice assistant in question as they must meet certain precise conditions:
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. First, make sure your device is updated to the version of Android 6.0 or later. To do this, all you have to do is go to the settings and scroll the list to the item Info on the device. In case you have a Xiaomi device, you just need to tap on the first item in the list.
- Google App 6.13 or later. The application of the well-known search engine, which in fact also includes the voice assistant, must necessarily be updated to at least version 6.13. You can download the latest version available directly from the Play Store or from APKMirror.
- Google Play Service installed. In order for everything to work properly, Play Service must be present on your device. In the event that your device has been purchased from China, it is possible that this is not present or updated. In that case, I suggest you take a look at our article on the subject.
- Technical characteristics. In addition to software, your smartphone/tablet must also comply with technical requirements. In particular, it is necessary to have a display with a resolution of 720p or higher and at least 1.5 GB of RAM.
Activation
Once the minimum requirements are met, we can proceed with the activation of the voice assistant. Usually starting the Google app after updating it to the latest version, the configuration procedure starts automatically. If not, just open the Google app, tap on the left menu and choose Settings. Here you scroll to Voice, then select Voice identification and, on the next screen, tap on “Ok Google” at any time.
At this point the configuration phase will begin, in which you will be asked to repeat Ok Google 3 times. My advice is to use different tones of voice, so as to facilitate recognition if, for example, we talk in a hurry or in a low voice.
That’s all! To start using Google Assistant you can say the magic words “Ok Google” or press and hold the middle Home button.
Procedure for Android Wear
The Google voice assistant is also available for all Android Wear smartwatches, as long as it is updated to version 2.0 or above. To activate it, in fact, just press and hold the main physical key or say “Ok Google”. If it does not activate, go to Settings> Personalization and enable voice recognition.
Procedure for iOS
Even the devices of the bitten apple can enjoy the features brought by the Google assistant. In this case, however, Assistant is available as a stand-alone application. You will need to go to the App Store and search for Google Assistant. After downloading and installing it, all you have to do is connect it to your Google account and enable notifications to be received.
To use the voice assistant on Apple devices it is necessary to start the application and, from there, tap the microphone icon or say “Ok Google”. Unlike what happens on Android, in fact, Apple sees Siri as its main assistant and does not allow it to be replaced completely with Assistant.
Now you are finally ready to use Google’s voice assistant on any device you have!