Google Assistant Built in

[bmoguy]

On one hand it sounds like it is "built in" in other discussions it sounds like something that that can/will be in the OS. So what do they mean by "built in"? Is there better integration than there will be in other phones that just get it via OS upgrade?

 

[Richard Servello]

On one hand it sounds like it is "built in" in other discussions it sounds like something that that can/will be in the OS. So what do they mean by "built in"? Is there better integration than there will be in other phones that just get it via OS upgrade?

It just means it's exclusive to pixel. No reason other than to make it more unique a device.

It's not Apple. There's no silly hardware excuse.

 

[LeoRex]

I think they are simply referring to the fact that Google Assistant will work, in its entirty, without the need to install another app, etc. It'll be part of the stock Pixel software load... Akin to how the Google Launcher is 'built-in' to the Google Nexus, as opposed to downloaded as an app on other phones.

 

[akin_t]

It just means it's exclusive to pixel. No reason other than to make it more unique a device.

It's not Apple. There's no silly hardware excuse.

It will make it's way to the Android and ChromeOS eventually.

Google isn't in the business of hardware, they're in the business of collecting information, and assistant let's them collect information that will probably help them improve the NLP of their software.

 

[Richard Servello]

I think they are simply referring to the fact that Google Assistant will work, in its entirty, without the need to install another app, etc. It'll be part of the stock Pixel software load... Akin to how the Google Launcher is 'built-in' to the Google Nexus, as opposed to downloaded as an app on other phones.

It's not quite the same as google now. Android 7.1 will not include it on other devices.

 

[LeoRex]

It's not quite the same as google now. Android 7.1 will not include it on other devices.

Well, they've been very cryptic about that. Every "will not be on other phones" is always tempered with language like "at this time" or "for the foreseeable future" or some other platitude that renders it hollow.

I think the Pixels will get it and have access to the full functionality of Google Assistent, then we'll see it show up in some fashion to replace Now and On Tap on the Nexus phones, maybe even when 7.1 goes full release on those later in the year.

Google is attempting to build a little bit of excitement for the Pixel line, so I Think they are playing up the "Only the Pixels will get GA" angle, but it won't stay that way for very long. It's against their nature. Apple is a hardware company and if they don't sell iPhones, the company is toast. Google is a content company, the Pixels are a means to an end, and that end is having everyone using their services to go about their lives. Limiting a feature that wraps their entire ecosystem in an easy to use interface... I'm not buying it.

 

[akin_t]

Well, they've been very cryptic about that. Every "will not be on other phones" is always tempered with language like "at this time" or "for the foreseeable future" or some other platitude that renders it hollow.

I think the Pixels will get it and have access to the full functionality of Google Assistent, then we'll see it show up in some fashion to replace Now and On Tap on the Nexus phones, maybe even when 7.1 goes full release on those later in the year.

Google is attempting to build a little bit of excitement for the Pixel line, so I Think they are playing up the "Only the Pixels will get GA" angle, but it won't stay that way for very long. It's against their nature. Apple is a hardware company and if they don't sell iPhones, the company is toast. Google is a content company, the Pixels are a means to an end, and that end is having everyone using their services to go about their lives. Limiting a feature that wraps their entire ecosystem in an easy to use interface... I'm not buying it.

It's almost as if it's common sense.

With that being said, I can sympathize with early adopters that want to believe they're special.

 

[Almeuit]

It's almost as if it's common sense.

With that being said, I can sympathize with early adopters that want to believe they're special.

I don't think I'm special.. I just want to try it .

 

[LeoRex]

I don't think I'm special.. I just want to try it .

Well, we get a taste in Allo....

And, to be perfectly honest, it might be a little bit before Google Assistant gets its stride. Yes, it's building off Google Now, but it's also brand spankin' new... so it'll have a few growing pains and bugs.

 

[Dadstar0410]

Because it's presumably a part of the pixel's software, does that mean it can be disabled, too? I've been a Cortana guy ever since it came out and would rather use that. That's the only thing holding me back from buying this phone.

 

[arthurhkt]

The built in part of it is mean that currently Google Assistant was optimized for the Pixel phone, it's also deeply integrated to the Pixel launcher. So even one day Google Assistant is available to download by other Android devices, the experience that you use it on other Android phone will be slightly different than you had use it at the Pixel Phone.

 

[dsignori]

Because it's presumably a part of the pixel's software, does that mean it can be disabled, too? I've been a Cortana guy ever since it came out and would rather use that. That's the only thing holding me back from buying this phone.

It's pretty integrated on the Pixel it would seem. I can understand being used to Cortana, but if you were to buy the Pixel, I would HIGHLY recommend using the Google Assistant, as it is completely optimized for this phone and you might be surprised just how beneficial it can be. It's not easy changing ecosystems though, I can understand that.

That said, you can obviously download and use Cortana on it just fine, it just won't be nearly as integrated (or useful IMO) on the Pixel as the Google Assistant. You don't have to disable the assistant to use Cortana though. Even so, I would at least TRY Google Assistant for a while and see how you like it .. The Google ecosystem is pretty great overall IMO..


Good luck with your decision..

 

[jlangner]

I was curious what "Google Assistant card" means. Saw on Included in the box. Coming from windows.

 

[PhiPsi32]

I think GA is a Pixel exclusive as a demo. They'll collect the data from the GA optimized Pixel and then formulate an opinion as to whether or not and how to release GA to other handsets.

 

[jlangner]

I think GA is a Pixel exclusive as a demo. They'll collect the data from the GA optimized Pixel and then formulate an opinion as to whether or not and how to release GA to other handsets.

Thanks, I assumed same as Cortana, but was curious with the "card", code to use to activate?

 

[PhiPsi32]

Dunno, might be some kind of promo or a cutsheet. I'm sure it will be on all the unboxing videos . . .

 

[Dadstar0410]

It's pretty integrated on the Pixel it would seem. I can understand being used to Cortana, but if you were to buy the Pixel, I would HIGHLY recommend using the Google Assistant, as it is completely optimized for this phone and you might be surprised just how beneficial it can be. It's not easy changing ecosystems though, I can understand that.

That said, you can obviously download and use Cortana on it just fine, it just won't be nearly as integrated (or useful IMO) on the Pixel as the Google Assistant. You don't have to disable the assistant to use Cortana though. Even so, I would at least TRY Google Assistant for a while and see how you like it .. The Google ecosystem is pretty great overall IMO..


Good luck with your decision..

Well if I recall correctly, Cortana on other Android phones can be configured for the home button in place of Google Now. (if not, I apologize; coming from Windows and have been slightly out of the loop with Android). I was wondering if this is the same case here.

And thanks! At the end of the day, I'll probably end up buying this phone regardless because of the guaranteed updates and the HTC hardware (big fan of their phones). I'm really excited to jump back into the Android ecosystem. That being said, I don't wanna leave all Microsoft services (Bing, Cortana, Office, OneDrive, Xbox) behind, because they are all integrated pretty deeply in my life.

I would love suggestions on how to make the switch seamless and/or Android tips in general! (haven't used Android since OG Samsung Fascinate running Android 2.1 Froyo on 2010).

 

[1dtbrown]

I was wondering if Google Assistant will be a data hog? Alway poking around looking for ways to "Help"? Not really sure I care but I think I will watch it to see how much extra it uses over a month.

 

[dsignori]

Well if I recall correctly, Cortana on other Android phones can be configured for the home button in place of Google Now. (if not, I apologize; coming from Windows and have been slightly out of the loop with Android). I was wondering if this is the same case here.

And thanks! At the end of the day, I'll probably end up buying this phone regardless because of the guaranteed updates and the HTC hardware (big fan of their phones). I'm really excited to jump back into the Android ecosystem. That being said, I don't wanna leave all Microsoft services (Bing, Cortana, Office, OneDrive, Xbox) behind, because they are all integrated pretty deeply in my life.

I would love suggestions on how to make the switch seamless and/or Android tips in general! (haven't used Android since OG Samsung Fascinate running Android 2.1 Froyo on 2010).

The Fascinate! I had that too, though I was soooo mad that Bing was the default search there.

I am not sure about configuring the home button IN PLACE OF Google Now though, I'll let others answer that one. Being Android, just about anything can be done so I wouldn't doubt it.

The Office, OneDrive, and Xbox apps work well enough (I use them all actually), but I still feel using Google and the Assistant are going to benefit you much more on the Pixel than Bing and Cortana, though I don't know how integrated your workflow is with them. Hopefully someone can answer your question about the home button (though I still would urge you to at least try the default Google setup to see how that would work for you, before trying to move it all to Bing/Cortana). When in Rome, you know?

 

[LyricalNonsense]

They want to make the pixel unique from the Nexus series and this is one of the ways they are doing just that