14 DAY TRIAL // Today, if you want to check and see how the traffic is on the route you’re going to embark upon in a few hours, or research who Daenerys Targaryen is, or maybe check your messages without touching the screen of your device, you will have to make use of OK Google on your Android phone.
Currently, users need an Internet connection to be able to take advantage of what OK Google has to offer, but in the near future this might no longer be the case. The folks over at the Android Police claim that users of Android devices might soon be able to perform some voice actions even as their phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or to a home/work network.
Offline support is not available just yet, but a glimpse into code pertaining to the latest version of the Google Search app reveals a mention of “offline voice” capabilities. This suggests that soon you will be able to perform a few actions even as you aren’t online. These might include playing music, turning on the Wi-Fi, sending text messages, or making phone calls.
Soon you'll be able to use OK Google offline (with limited actions)
It’s not clear whether these commands will allow for flexibility in phrasing and whether you’ll be able to get things going by saying either “enable Wi-Fi” or “Turn Wi-Fi on.”
Naturally, for starters, you’ll be offered a handful of options to choose from, but as time passes, Google will probably add more features via updates.
For example, changes in the Google Search app could suggest that a feature for adjusting screen brightness and volume via voice commands might also be on the way.
Given that this information has been extrapolated from code, you should take everything above with a big grain of salt.
However, it’s good to see that Google is actively trying to improve its main app for Android and looking to add new features. Unfortunately, we can’t actually say which of the goodies we talked about will actually make it into the wild and into the hands of users. We’ll just have to wait and see what Google ends up doing.