Pretty soon, the Google Assistant on your phone will be able to check you into a flight, reply to your text messages using your voice commands. That is according to an announcement made by Google.
The AI-powered digital assistant is also set to get an interpreter mode that will help you converse smoothly with people speaking different languages. This feature will use both audio and visual cues says Google.
Some of these new features will be showcased at the CES 2019, which will be held in Las Vegas.
“By bringing the best of Google service and AI to the Assistant, we’re focused on building the most helpful digital assistant when you’re at home, in your car or on the go,” said Manuel Bronstein, the VP of Product for Google Assistant.
Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Samsung’s Bixby
Google is currently embroiled in an arms race with other AI-powered virtual assistants from equally as powerful tech houses including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, and Amazon.
A user can launch the new interpretation tool by simply saying ‘Hey Google, be my French interpreter,’ and Google Assistant will spring into action to give you a real-time spoken and written translation.
“We see this technology expanding to more places, such as helping you check in at a foreign hotel or helping you understand the bus schedule when you’re traveling internationally or don’t speak the local language well, added Bronstein.
Introducing Google Assistant Connect
The search engine giant also unveiled a new platform Google Assistant Connect. A platform that will enable third-party device manufacturers to port Google Assistant into their own devices.
Google Maps is also getting a new update with a feature that will enable users to tell friends their arrival time by simply using voice commands. You can also reply to text messages hands-free by also using voice commands. The Google Assistant will take down dictation and you continue navigating with Google Maps.
