Google Assistant Finally Comes to More Chromebooks
Not long ago, we posted a piece outlining some of the newest additions coming to Chrome OS’s next stable update and one of the most standout features was how Google Assistant will hit more Chromebooks.
The update has already begun rolling out now to more non-managed, consumer devices giving us a taste of the once Pixelbook-only feature.
This is all part of Google’s big plan to stay ahead of the competition with companies like Amazon and Apple pushing for wider adoption of their smart assistant platforms like Alexa and Siri.
Google Assistant on Chromebooks promises to help users stay productive by giving them easy control their smart devices.
The company created a how-to list on its website highlighting some resourceful ways users can harness the power of Google Assistant to get more done with less effort.
Here are some of the commands you can shout at your computer and have it taken care of for you.
“Hey Google, create a new document”
Google Assistant can help you access files in your drive a lot faster. You can easily create new Docs, Sheets, and Slides in your Google Drive with this command. Or open a pre-existing file by specifying its title in your query.
“Hey Google, what’s next on my calendar?”
Google Assistant can help you sort through your busy appointments by reminding you of important meetings, add an event to your calendar, or even have it schedule your next flight.
“Hey Google, play some party music”
With Google Assistant easily accessible on your device, you can use your Chromebook to play music through Assistant enabled-speakers like the Google Nest Hub Max or control other Google products.
How to Enable Assistant on Your Chromebook
On Chromebook, you can communicate with the Assistant by using your voice or typing. Here’s how to enable the Assistant and access it with your voice:
- On your Chromebook, go to Settings > Search and Assistant > Google Assistant
- Enable voice input and train your Assistant to recognize your voice.
- Just say “Hey Google” and your Assistant will respond.
After enabling the Assistant in Settings, you can also access it by using your keyboard:
- Use the keyboard shortcut: “Search” + “a”
- Type a query. You can even skip writing, “Hey Google.”
The things you could do with Google Assistant are endless and the platform can complete over a thousand tasks either by listening to a query or reading it after you’ve typed it.
If the feature hasn’t already hit your device, check to see if there is an update available for your Chromebook by heading over to settings>About Chrome OS>Check For Updates to manually update your device.
