What is Google Assistant and What Can It Do?

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

• What Google Assistant is
• Explore examples of how Google Assistant works

Before We Begin:

• Have your smartphone nearby if you wish to try out some of the examples of Google Assistant

2. What Is Google Assistant?

What is Google Assistant?In general, Google Assistant is an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant created and maintained by Google. You interact with it, primarily, through natural voice communication, using your smartphone, tablet, or Internet-connected speaker. 

Google Assistant isn't an "object" in your home, nor an "app" on your smartphone; rather it is a platform you use your smartphone or other devices to access in a simple, natural way. This is an important distinction; it means anything you set or connect to Google Assistant, will be available to any and all devices you use to control Google Assistant.

Ways to Interact With Google Assistant

Your Google Home speaker, Android Smartphone, Google TV, and Wear OS smartwatch can all use these features. This creates a powerful, integrated platform.

Google Assistant App

Available on every Android phone and tablet simply by saying "OK Google" or "Hey Google", then asking a question, or giving an instruction. The Google Assistant is also available as an app on Apple iOS devices.

Google Home App

The Google Home app allows you to add Smart Home components to your Google account that the Google Assistant can control.

Google Home Speaker

A robust speaker with room filling sound and microphones that responds to "OK Google" or "Hey Google" just like your phone.

Android TV

A Smart TV with Android TV built-in, or a set-top box, Android TV can now respond with a push of a button on your remote, just like on your phone or smart speaker.

Wear OS

Wear OS is used primarily on watches and fitness bands, which can respond just like other devices.

What Google Assistant Can Help With

Google Assistant can interact with a huge variety of different aspects Google's services and searchable data, media, media playback, and thanks to new smart home products, it can assist you with managing your home, as well.

Answer Your Questions

Google Assistant can answer many of your questions, such as "How tall is the Empire State Building?" or "How many cups in a quart?" fast and easy, with the answer spoken to you. 

Plan Your Day

Google Assistant can help with the weather, and access your calendar. You can get a weather report to tell if you need the umbrella, and get a rundown of your meetings at work for the day.

Manage Your Communications

Not only can Google Assistant read out your text messages and Gmail to you, but compose simple, short messages to those on your contact lists.

Media Playback

You can have Google Assistant start playing your favorite playlists from the most popular music streaming services, identify songs you hear on the radio or in your favorite shows, or start watching your favorite series on supported services such as YouTube and Netflix.

Get Directions

Asking for directions to your a specific address, or simply the name of a business or type of business, will often get you the results you want quickly and easily. You'll get directions for walking, driving, as well as public transportation in most cities.

Control Your Smart Devices

Adding your smart home devices allows you to extend the voice control of Google Assistant to your whole home. Asking Google Assistant to turn on the bedroom lights, lock the front door, even enable the alarm are all possible, depending on the capabilities of the systems you have.

Google Assistant has even more features than this. It's always best to just try asking your question or making your request; Google Assistant will try to complete it for you!

3. How to Link Your Device with Google Assistant

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.