Assistant is similar to Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, though its features can vary from device to device. On the Google Pixel, for example, users can ask it to toggle the flashlight, set reminders, and ask for directions. Similar actions can be completed on other Assistant-enabled products like Google Home, where you can use the AI bot to control your smart home products. But what gives Assistant a leg up over Alexa is the power of Google Search, and the ability to ask follow-up questions without having to repeat yourself.
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With Assistant on Android TV, users will be able to say “OK Google” to trigger and ask it to play whatever you want to watch.
“As part of an upcoming update on supported TVs and set-top boxes powered by Android TV, you’ll be able to ask the Google Assistant for help so you can enjoy the content you love, faster than ever, on the best screen in your house,” according to Google’s blog post. “No more typing or struggling to get to what you’re looking for, just ask the Google Assistant for help and you’re off to the races.”
Google says you can also use Assistant to run voice searches to find shows. For example, you can say “Search YouTube for Jimmy Kimmel,” and you can follow up by saying, “play the second one” to select the right video — hands-free.
Assistant on Android TV seems to carry many of the same features available with the AI on other devices — you can run Google searches, control smart home products, ask for commute times, and more.
The integration will be available on Nvidia’s Shield TV, as well as “all Android TVs in the U.S. running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or Android 7.0 Nougat.” These include the Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi Box, Dish’s new AirTV player, Sharp Aquos, and more.
You’ll need a microphone to trigger Assistant — and many Android TV devices embed one in the remote. Google says the Nvidia Shield will be the first TV device to offer a true hands-free Assistant experience.
After Android TV, Assistant will come to smartwatches running Android Wear 2.0 — Google is said to be making two devices, and the revamped OS is set to launch alongside them early 2017. Assistant will also be powering in-car infotainment systems, and more.
Assistant will come to Android TV in the form of an “upcoming update,” but it’s unclear when exactly it will roll out.
Does a job listing mean Apple TV is getting an Android phone app?
There already is an Android app for Apple TV. More than one, actually. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
Let's read way too much into a job listing from Apple. Spurred by a (paywalled) piece from Bloomberg under the headline "Apple Signals That It’s Working on TV+ App for Android Phones," the reblogging industry is all atwitter over the idea that an Apple TV app may be coming to Android phones and tablets. And it might!
Onn 4K Pro vs. Chromecast with Google TV 4K: $50 streaming devices face off
There's a nearly four-year difference between the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the new Onn 4K Pro. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
You’ve read our Onn 4K Pro review. You’ve watched our Onn 4K Pro video. You’ve seen how we have a new Google TV leader on our list of the best streaming devices. And you still want to see them head-to-head.
The Google app on your Android phone is getting a helpful new feature
The Google app for Android phones is getting a helpful new feature to make search even better. The latest beta has a dedicated "Notifications" feed in its bottom bar. The feature was first introduced on the mobile version of Google for Android earlier this year. The app feature was first noticed by 9to5Google.
The app now includes a Notifications option at the bottom, next to Discover, Search, and Saved items. The Notifications section displays a continuous list of alerts from Google Search, weather conditions, flight information, sports scores, movies and TV shows, and more. The notifications are grouped under “Today” and “Earlier." This feature should prove handy if you miss a notification from the Google app, as it provides a more focused view than Android's system-level history.
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