14 DAY TRIAL // Google’s Assistant comes with a variety of features, but unfortunately their availability differs based on the device that you’re using. Some tools found on certain Google devices aren’t present in Assistant on other devices.
The Google Assistant built into the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones only takes commands via voice, while the AI assistant in Google’s Allo chat app lets you write down questions and get written answers.
When it comes to Google Home devices, obviously the company must provide users with support for multiple accounts, as the single account functionality limits the possibilities of using this device, especially if you don’t live alone.
Still, Google is surely working on improving and adding new functionality to its AI assistant, especially since it will be coming to Android Wear smartwatches and Android TVs, but Google has yet to specifically say when. Currently, the Pixel and Pixel XL are the only smartphones that come with Google Assistant, it’s unclear if it will be made available on other phones as well.
Keyboard support for Google Assistant could arrive soon
Android Police has recently conducted a teardown of the Google app version 6.10 beta and has found that the tech giant intends to include keyboard support in the new update. This would mean that Pixel and Pixel XL users will be able to tap on a link on the screen in order to activate the keyboard and type in a question.
Obviously, this would come in handy when you’re in a crowded place and simply wish to ask Google a question without everybody else hearing you.
The teardown also revealed that Google might introduce search gestures in the new update, although it’s not quite clear what they refer to. Apparently, users will be able to search for content inside applications on their phone or on the web, but not many other details were revealed. Still, we presume that it could be some sort of deep search feature for apps.