When it comes to smartphones (Android and Pixel), you’ve probably already heard of Google Assistant, the voice-activated virtual assistant that’s built-in. You’ve probably also heard of this incredible, hands-free companion whether you use your AI-powered companion on a Google Home speaker or your phone. If you have a decent internet (or data) connection, you can make use of Google’s powerful search capabilities to accomplish some pretty cool things. Some of these are very practical and you can incorporate them into your regimen of everyday tasks. We played around with Google Assistant and took an inventory of the cool things you can do with it. In order to get the most out of Google Assistant, we’ll take a look at 10 practical things to really engage and leverage this amazing tech.
Cool Things to Do with Google Assistant
Google Assistant is a powerful tool with a lot of potential uses. Below we explore some of the coolest things you can do with it. Whether you’re looking for ways to simplify your life or just have some fun, Google Assistant has something for you.
We took into account what kinds of questions you could have when using a Google Home device in any given location. We also assessed a wide range of abilities that may aid with housework, errands, scheduling, and just general communication. These Google Assistant command categories have been tested and rated by us in order to make sure that our suggestions are accurate. For your convenience, we’ve tried out the below strategies to make sure they work and that Google Assistant is the most useful personal assistant it can be.
1. Find Your Phone
Let’s assume your Google Pixel 5 is missing, or at least out of your general vision. You can use Google Assistant to find it, whether it’s slipped under the sofa cushions or you can’t remember which jacket you’ve left it in. With a Google Home speaker, you may ask it to call your phone if your phone is in the vicinity of the speaker, like the Google Nest Mini. Even if your phone is on mute or in Do Not Disturb mode, you may still use this command to discover your phone effortlessly. This is one my significant other uses quite frequently.
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2. Open Apps With Your Voice
Let’s imagine you want to check your Gmail alerts while washing your hands. Just say, “OK, Google, open Gmail,” and you’ll see it open right away. Easily access other applications, even third-party ones, with this useful Google Assistant command.
3. Screen Your Phone Calls For Scams
Are telemarketers driving you crazy? You’re in luck since this is one of the BEST Google Assistant tricks. A Pixel 3 or later phone will let Google’s virtual assistant answer those unpleasant and unwelcome calls. The Assistant will answer your phone using the Call Screen feature on the newest Pixels. Even better, you’ll be able to read a transcript of the conversation on your screen so you know who’s calling and can securely ignore them. Spam calls should be marked as such if they are from telemarketers. But Google promises that this function will eventually be made available to older Pixel phones through a software update, even though the new Pixels are the first to receive it.
4. Have Web Pages Read Aloud
Whenever you have a web page open in your Android phone’s browser, you may say “Hey Google, read it” or “Hi Google, read this page,” and Google Assistant will read the published text of that web page aloud. With this command, you may control the speed at which Google reads and keep track of the highlighted text as the pages automatically scroll by. Translating a website to your preferred language may also be done using Google Assistant. This little Google Assistant hack is one of the most underrated Google Assistant commands.
5. Search For Images
Work hasn’t been kind to you today? An image of a cute, cuddly kitten may do wonders for your mood. Search for images of baby animals or funny memes on Google and you’ll feel much better in no time. If you’re looking for a picture, this Google Assistant hack will get the job done. If all you want to do is grin or are in need of an instant dopamine hit, this is a great Google Assistant command for you.
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6. Find Out Where To Dine, Drink, Dance, And Shop.
We’ve all been there. Friday night is here and you just can’t make up your mind on where to eat. Help is right around the corner thanks to one of the coolest Google Assistant commands: If you use the Nearby option, you can learn about nearby establishments that provide just about whatever you’re craving. Finding a wonderful new restaurant is as simple as asking Google Assistant to “show me local restaurants.” On the Google Assistant menu, touch on a restaurant name to see its star rating, as well as the location, directions, and a phone number to contact the company. There have been a couple of instances where I’ve asked Google, “Tell me where to eat tonight” and I’ve taken her up on her recommendations. It’s fun and it’s a great little hack to help you find something when you need a little help.
7. Get Suggestions For Vacation Spot
Google Assistant may act as a virtual travel planner if you’re planning a trip. Just ask Google Assistant, “What are some fantastic vacation ideas?” if you’re open to anything. To narrow your search, try asking a more specific question, such as “Where are the finest locations to visit in November?” Google Assistant will bring up search results that you may touch on to learn more. Now…are you going to drop some serious coin on an international vacation based on what Google recommends? Probably not. BUT…just beginning the search can lead you down a road of possibilities to get the ball rolling on your next vacation.
8. Play Your Favorite Netflix Shows And Movies
Just tell Google Assistant to start streaming your favorite Netflix program or movie, and then kick back with your loved ones. The specifics are up to you: Watch the Hawkins kids escape from the Demogorgon at any moment by saying, “Play Stranger Things on Netflix.” If you want to watch Adam Sandler in Murder Mystery on Netflix, all you have to do is say, “Play Murder Mystery on Netflix,” and Google Assistant will do the rest. If only we could say, “Hey Google, make me some popcorn” then we’d have some amazing tech at our fingertips. Who knows…maybe one day.
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9. Jog Your Memory
Even the smallest details, like where you parked your vehicle or where you left your keys or wallet, might be difficult to remember. If you use Google Assistant’s ability to send reminders, though, it’s rather simple for the digital assistant. Using the Google Assistant is as simple as saying “OK, Google, remind me that my vehicle keys are on the counter in the kitchen.” Or you could say, “OK, Google…remind me that I parked on the 2nd level in lot B at the mall.” I use Google Assistant for reminders all the time.
10. Translate From One Language To Another
Traveling to a new nation where you don’t speak the language might be a daunting experience. For travelers in an area where they may not know the language all too well, this is quite possibly the greatest Google Assistant hack you can get your hands on (outside of Google Maps). It’s as simple as asking Google Assistant, “How do you say supper in Spanish?” or any other phrase or word that you’d want to be translated into your preferred language. The translated sentence will be spoken aloud by your personal assistant. I’ve personally used this numerous times to communicate while on vacation (mostly for fun) and I’m very impressed with its ease of use and effectiveness in communicating with a complete stranger, in a foreign land, in a foreign language. Yes…it’s that impressive. You may ask Google Assistant to repeat a phrase by saying, “OK, Google, repeat that” if you didn’t quite get it the first time.
My Favorite Google Assistant Commands
Those are some of the cool things you can do with Google Assistant commands. But what about commands that are some of my favorite or most frequently used?
1. “Hey Google, set a timer for 5 minutes.”
This is my go-to command when I’m in the kitchen cooking or only want to spend a set amount of time on a task. It’s so much easier than fumbling with my phone and setting the timer there. Leveraging IFTTT, you can also have your smart lights flicker on and off when the timer is up.
2. “Hey Google, play some music.”
I use this one all the time when I’m working from home. It’s a great way to get into a productive mindset and it helps to drown out any distractions. I also use this sometimes at night while I’m laying in bed and want some relaxing rhythms playing to help me sleep. It’s not just music either. You can ask Google to play podcasts and even get news updates as well.
3. “Hey Google, what’s the weather like today?”
This is a great way to start my day, especially if I’m planning on going for a run later. I can quickly check the temperature and see if I need to dress accordingly. Yes, I know there are weather apps, but getting a weather or temperature update in a hands-free way is an efficient way to start the day.
4. “Hey Google, set an alarm for 6 am tomorrow.”
You might be thinking, ‘I have an alarm on my phone.’ And that’s true, but some people don’t keep their phones in their bedrooms at night. I use this command from time to time whenever I have an early meeting or an appointment. If you are one of those people who are the phone-only alarm types, give this Google Assistant command a try.
5. “Hey Google, add milk to my shopping list.”
I love using this command because it means that I never forget to buy milk (or any other groceries) when I’m at the store. I used to keep an ongoing shopping list in a Notes app on my smartphone, but having a Google Assistant device in my vicinity I’m going to use this option instead.
6. “Hey Google, turn all the lights off in my house.”
It’s the 21st-century version of the clap-on clap-off lights. I’m not afraid to admit it. How many times have you rolled into bed ready for sleep and realized you’ve left the lights on? Happens to me all the time. This simple Google Assistant command is one of my favorites.
Leverage Google Assistant: It’s Life Simplified
Google Assistant can make life more fun and easier by adding a voice-controlled assistant to your Google account. Google Assistant will help you get more done in life by keeping track of your schedule, reminders, and to-do lists. This incredible AI-assistant can also control your smart home devices, play music, and provide information about the weather and traffic. One of the best things about Google Assistant? It is always available to help you. All you have to do is just ASK!
Google Assistant and Google Home commands are something we spend a lot of time using and for good measure…they WORK! Come back to this page periodically, because we’ll check in with the assistant to see if it has any recommendations or easter eggs or new hacks we deem cool enough to share.
