Google Assistant Go

What Google Assistant Go is for

Google Assistant Go is the Google Assistant built for phones running Android (Go edition). You speak a request and it carries out a task or answers you. The listing pitches it at hands-free use while travelling and at everyday small tasks, such as calling someone or checking the weather.

The listing says it works in English only. It is aimed at people who want voice control of basic phone tasks on a Go edition device, not at setting up reminders or running a connected home.

Calling and texting by voice

You can place a phone call by saying a contact's name, for example "Call Sameer". Texts work the same way: you say who the message is for and what it should say, as in "Text Sara I am running late". Both let you keep your hands off the screen while you move around.

These are the main actions the listing gives for communication. It does not describe reading incoming messages aloud or replying to them.

Playing music, getting directions and checking the day

Music is started by voice. The listing's example is asking for jazz to be played on YouTube. For getting around, you ask for directions to a place such as the nearest coffee shop, and the assistant gives you the route.

Asking "Tell me about my day" gives a spoken preview of your upcoming events. Weather questions such as "Do I need an umbrella today?" and factual questions such as "How tall is Mount Everest?" are answered the same way, without opening a browser.

Opening the assistant and its limits

You can start the assistant by tapping its app icon or by long-pressing the home button on the phone. The listing notes that a few standard Android features are not available on the Go edition: reminders, controls for smart home devices, Actions on Google and Device Actions. English is the only supported language.