14 DAY TRIAL // Google has been testing a new feature for Android users since October, but we wouldn't have known that if the search giant hadn't previewed Actions a few months ago. Today, Google has announced that it's making Actions available to Android users and developers alike.
Yes, because in order for users to take advantage of the new Actions feature, developers have to build the functionality within the developer platform for the Google Assistant. Once that's implemented, users will be able to get in touch with third-party services suppliers much more easily.
With Conversation Actions for Google Home, users won't need to enable a skill or install an application, they'll just have to ask to talk to their action.
For the time being, only two developer samples of what you can really do with Actions have been implemented, but more will be added in the future.
The two samples allow users to just say “Ok Google, talk to Number Genie” or “Ok Google, talk to Eliza” for the classic 1960s AI exercise.
Developers who want to implement this functionality into Google Assistant can start this week by visiting the Actions on Google website that's been especially designed for them.
According to Google, the company “worked with a number of development partners, including conversational interaction development tools API” to make the process of creating these Actions smoother and as straightforward as possible.
On top of that, Google offers developers a consistent collection of samples and voice user interface (VUI) resources for those who want to use them in their work.
Alternatively, developers can check out the integrations from Google's early access partners as soon as they get released in the coming weeks.
The new feature will be available across the various Assistant surfaces like Pixel phones and Google Allo app.
In addition, Google has announced that it will enable support for purchases and bookings, along with even deeper Assistant integrations across verticals.