If you let it into your life, Google Assistant can be a helpful piece of software, especially since it’s built right into your Android device. But if you use it nearly daily, you’ll be disappointed to hear that Google will drop some of the most convenient features Assistant has. There’s good news, though: most of these features will have homes in other Google apps.
Which Features Are Getting Axed From Google Assistant?
There’s a sizable list of Google Assistant features heading for the chopping block. Google says these are features that don’t get enough use, but several of these are going to be sorely missed based on how useful they are.
The good part is that many of these features aren’t going for good. You can still access them from the Google services and apps that Assistant was linking to in the first place. Google Assistant’s convenience is gone, but the functionality lives on somewhere else.
By January 26th, Assistant will begin notifying you when you use features that are slated to lose support, though the exact date isn’t specified. Here are some of the features Google says it’s time to say farewell to:
- Sending an email, video, or audio message using your voice.
- Using your voice to reschedule an event that was set in Google Calendar.
- Using your voice to do things like send payments or make posts to social media platforms.
- Using your voice to control audiobooks in Google Play Books.
- Managing media, music, and radio alarms on any Google Assistant-compatible hardware.
- Requesting meditation through the Calm app.
- Using your voice to view your travel itinerary.
Google Assistant: Shaking Things Up For Higher Quality
So, there are a lot of incredibly handy features being kicked to the curb. “What gives, Google?” you must be asking. I asked the same question, especially after realizing I wouldn’t be able to use my voice to send quick emails to friends anymore.
Well, according to Google themselves, these features are being cut from the Google Assistant portfolio because they’re “prioritizing the experiences” we love to use. In other words, the features being cut are some of the less utilized ones.
It’s hard to fault the logic. With fewer features for their developers to work on, they can focus on making sure that the most popular Google Assistant features are made to be more reliable, higher quality, and easier to use. It’s for the greater good, but those features will still be missed.
The Most Useful Things Google Assistant Can Help Out With
To make things a little better, let’s focus less on what Google Assistant can’t do and more on what it still can. Needless to say, Google Assistant is incredibly smart, and being interwoven with the Android operating system means there’s a lot you’ll be shocked it can handle.
- In an unusual part of town (or another country) and need cash quickly? Ask to “find the closest ATM.”
- Or maybe you developed bad heartburn after eating too much unfamiliar food on your travels. Get help quickly by telling it to “call the nearest pharmacy.”
- Have issues recalling the Wi-Fi password for your numerous guests and friends? Tell it to “remember my Wi-Fi password is…”
- You can’t send emails with your voice anymore, but sending text messages and starting phone calls still work great.
- Trying to stay hydrated? Tell Google Assistant to “remind me to drink water every two hours”.
The life cycle of Google software is unpredictable. Google Assistant was the end of Android Auto for phones, after all. While Assistant might be losing a few great features, it is still alive and still packs a lot of usefulness. With the promise that the surviving features will get better, it’s easier to move on.
