"hey google" with Pixel and Home, Wrong Device Answers

can3gxw

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Nov 1, 2010
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So, after weeks of waiting for "Hey, Google" to make it to my Pixel, now I'm wishing it hadn't. Until now, I could control my phone with an "OK, Google" and my Mini with "Hey, Google!"

My Pixel got the "Hey, Google" update on the weekend. This morning, I wanted to listen to my local radio station on my Mini (it's on TuneIn Radio) so I said what I always say "Hey, Google, play <insert my radio station here>". Before, my Mini would say "Playing on TuneIn" and turn it on. Today, both devices answered to "Hey, Google", my phone responded with "TuneIn is not installed on this device". I don't know what my Mini said because my Pixel drowned it out. In order to get it to work, I had to go closer to my Mini and almost whisper to it. I don't like keeping secrets from my Pixel. :p

I even tried telling it to play on my "Mini" - that's what it's named in my Home App - and it didn't understand.

I've read that you can supposedly set up one device to do it all regardless of what device answers... is this true?

How does everyone else deal with this if you carry your phone on you and you want your Home (or Mini) to do things and not your phone?
 

Golfdriver97

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Dec 4, 2012
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re: "hey google" with Pixel and Home, Wrong Device Answers

It would be nice if Google could allow to add an ID at the end of either 'Hey Google' or 'OK Google'. Like 'OK Google Pixel; will I need an umbrella?' or 'Hey Google Mini, play Metallica on Spotify'.
 

Aquila

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Feb 24, 2012
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re: "hey google" with Pixel and Home, Wrong Device Answers

Something seems off here, both should be listening but your Pixel should give you a message (text toast message) that says answering on another device and the Mini should be the only one answering. Going to test this more when I get home. One thing you can do is retrain your phone's voice recognition and just say "ok google" at all 4 prompts instead of using hey google. Then "ok google" would be activating the phone, and "hey google" would be activating the homes.
 

osubeavs728

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Jan 27, 2010
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Something seems off here, both should be listening but your Pixel should give you a message (text toast message) that says answering on another device and the Mini should be the only one answering. Going to test this more when I get home. One thing you can do is retrain your phone's voice recognition and just say "ok google" at all 4 prompts instead of using hey google. Then "ok google" would be activating the phone, and "hey google" would be activating the homes.

I did that, but the phone still picks up Hey Google.

Mine two devices did that for a bit, but after a only saying hey Google to my home devices and ok Google to the phone, it has gotten less prevalent.

However, as Aquila said, even when both devices answer, my pixel tells me another device is handling. So maybe something is a bit goofy with your settings?
 

steelrain82

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Dec 7, 2013
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my mini picks up when I saw "Okay, Google." it's so annoying when I'm just trying to use my phone. the worst thing is mini tells me it doesn't understand.
 

Almeuit

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Apr 17, 2012
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On my Pixel I use squeeze for assistant. I don't have the voice activated except during maps / Android Auto.