Summary:
Google is removing 17 features from Google Assistant, claiming that they are rarely used. These features include voice controls for various communications, commerce, and media management tasks. Google is positioning the changes as a way to improve the reliability and overall performance of the voice assistant. This comes as Google eliminates several Google Assistant positions and focuses on generative AI, particularly Bard.
Introduction:
Google Assistant is undergoing changes as the company removes 17 features that are deemed underutilized. The goal is to enhance the reliability and overall performance of the voice assistant. This move coincides with Google’s restructuring and emphasis on generative AI, specifically Bard.
Main Points:
1. The removed features include voice controls for social media posting, sending emails, video and audio messages, contact lookup, payments, and reservations.
2. Voice controls for audiobooks on Google Play Books, custom media for alarms, and caller ID on smart displays are also being removed.
3. Google is redirecting the microphone icon and the Pixel Search bar from Google Assistant to Search results.
4. Google has provided alternative options and workarounds for several of the features, such as casting audiobooks from mobile devices and using standard alarms.
5. Google’s focus is on generative AI projects like the Gemini family of LLMs and the Bard AI assistant, which has already been integrated with Google Assistant features.
6. Bard improves Google Assistant’s reasoning and communication abilities and can pull answers from Gmail, Docs, and other Google productivity apps.
Conclusion:
Google is trimming down Google Assistant by removing 17 features that are rarely used. The company aims to make the voice assistant more reliable and efficient. This move aligns with Google’s shift towards generative AI, particularly Bard, which has already been integrated with Google Assistant features. As Google continues to invest in generative AI, it is reorienting its strategy and eliminating some Google Assistant positions.