Google has announced that it is removing some underutilised features in Google Assistant “to focus on delivering the best possible user experience”. As per the list shared by the company, Google will be removing 17 features.
Starting January 26, the company said when users ask for one of the removed features, they may get a notification that it won’t be available after a certain date. “As we continue to make Google Assistant more helpful, we’re prioritising the experiences you love and investing in the underlying technology to make them even better — which means that some underutilised features will no longer be supported.”
Some features being removed include — the functionality that allows users to use their voice to send an email, video, or audio message. Users will also not be able to use their voice to perform tasks such as making a reservation, sending a payment, or posting on social media. Users also will not be able to manage a stopwatch on Smart Displays and Speakers. Voice control for activities will no longer be available on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices. Calls made from speakers and Smart Displays will not show up with a caller ID unless you’re using Duo. Moreover, the tech giant said that it is bringing a more consistent experience within the Google app.
According to the company, the microphone icon will now trigger Search results in response to your queries. This change won’t let you use the Search bar microphone to do things like turn on the lights or send a message.Google said that Pixel devices will also be affected, as the microphone in the Pixel Search bar will now activate Voice Search instead of Assistant.
Meanwhile, Google has confirmed that it has cut several hundred jobs across hardware, core engineering and Google Assistant teams.
The layoffs will impact employees in Google’s hardware and central engineering teams, as well as workers across Google Assistant, reports CNBC.
Google introduces Circle to Search on Android
Google has been experimenting with ways to search on smartphones since the dawn of Android and the latest attempt involves drawing circles. Circle to Search allows users to draw a circle around information on their device screen to search for the highlighted item. While the feature is officially called Circle to Search, you can also highlight text and scribble on items instead of drawing oval shapes to trigger the new search option.
Circle to Search works anywhere on your device but you’ll have to long press the home button or the navigation bar for those using gestures to activate the feature before you start circling items. Google is advertising this feature as more convenient alternative to switching between various apps like screenshotting items and then using Google Lens.