Ditching "Hey Google": Pixel Buds Pro Get A Handy New Feature
Google Assistant has always been about making life easier with voice commands. Now, Google is taking things a step further with Quick Phrases, a feature that lets you use certain commands without saying "Hey Google" first. This feature, previously exclusive to Pixel smartphones and tablets, is finally available on the Pixel Buds Pro, expanding its already impressive set of features. But how do Quick Phrases work, and are they truly a game-changer for the Pixel Buds Pro?
What are Quick Phrases?
Quick Phrases are a streamlined way of interacting with Google Assistant. Instead of the usual "Hey Google" wake phrase followed by your command, users can simply utter the specific phrase related to the task they want to accomplish. Think of it as a shortcut for common functions.
For instance, on Pixel devices, you can now simply say "accept" or "decline" to manage incoming calls, "snooze" to delay an alarm, and "stop" to end a timer. These phrases are designed for quick and easy interactions, minimizing the time and effort required to control devices.
What’s New With Pixel Buds Pro?
The Pixel Buds Pro update brings the convenience of Quick Phrases to your ears. It allows you to use three specific phrases without needing to invoke Google Assistant:
- "Answer": To answer an incoming call
- "Decline": To reject an incoming call
- "Silence": To mute an incoming call
This can be a game-changer for users on the go who need to quickly manage calls without taking their phone out of their pocket.
How Do I Enable It?
Enabling Quick Phrases on your Pixel Buds Pro is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Search for "Quick Phrases".
- Toggle the switch ON for each Quick Phrase you wish to enable.
- You can also review which devices support each Quick Phrase in this section.
Potential Downsides
While the convenience of Quick Phrases is undeniable, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- Accidental Activation: The use of short phrases could lead to accidental activation. Imagine being in a conversation and a word like “answer” or “decline” happens to pop up. Your Pixel Buds Pro might interpret that as a command and answer or reject a call, even if you weren’t intending to.
- Misinterpretation: If someone else’s voice near you uses a word similar to a Quick Phrase, it may trigger the command.
- Limited Functionality: Quick Phrases currently only support a handful of functions. While they are quite useful for calls, their versatility is quite limited compared to the full range of Google Assistant commands.
- Language Limitations: Currently, Quick Phrases are only available in a few languages including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
The Bigger Picture
The introduction of Quick Phrases on the Pixel Buds Pro is a step towards a more seamless and intuitive user experience. The ability to manage phone calls with simple voice commands without summoning the digital assistant is a significant improvement.
With that said, Quick Phrases are still in their early stages. Expanding the range of supported commands and addressing the potential for accidental activation will be key to unlocking their full potential. In the future, we could see Quick Phrases become a more fundamental part of Google Assistant, empowering users to interact with their devices in more natural and efficient ways.
