Google Assistant

What Google Assistant is for

Google Assistant is Google's voice assistant for Android. The listing describes it as a hands-free helper for small everyday jobs, such as opening an app, calling someone, setting a reminder or getting directions.

Everything runs from spoken requests, so you can keep your hands and eyes off the screen while you do these things. The listing names four main areas: phone control, calls and messages, everyday tasks, and smart home devices.

Controlling the phone by voice

You can ask the app to open other apps and change phone settings. The listing gives turning on the flashlight as one example of a quick toggle you can trigger this way.

Calls, texts and email by voice

You can place phone calls and send text messages by speaking to the app. The listing also says you can manage email by voice, so messages and mail can be handled without typing.

Reminders, lists, questions and directions

Reminders and lists can be created by speaking them, which is useful when you are busy with your hands. The app also answers questions and finds directions to a place you name.

Smart home devices and the Gemini option

Smart home control covers lights, thermostats and other connected devices. The listing says this works from anywhere.

You can opt in to Gemini, formerly Bard, from Google Assistant and set it as your primary assistant on the phone. The listing calls Gemini an experimental AI assistant with direct access to Google's AI models. It says some actions do not work yet while more are being added, and you can switch back to Google Assistant in the app settings.