Google announces deeper Assistant control for third-party apps

I’m probably not exaggerating when I say that the Google Assistant has become one of Google’s most important products. While the dream of a completely touch-free computing experience has not yet come true for most people, the assistant has made its way into people’s lives with a variety of products such as Google Home and Chromecast. While the assistant was great for controlling your smart home and asking for answers on the internet, you couldn’t yet fully control your device without actually touching it.

But now Google wants to change that. In a blog post this morning, Google announced a deeper integration of assistants into apps, starting with a list of selected partners.

Also read: Google Assistant Guide: Make the Most of Your Virtual Assistant

This integration allows you to do things that would normally require multiple taps in the apps themselves. Some examples Google uses are logging a berry smoothie in MyFitnessPal or starting a run with Nike Run Club. Not having to unlock your phone or enter information will save you a lot of time.

Google initiated this deeper integration by partnering with over 30 of the best apps on the Google Play Store. Here is a list of some apps with deeper assistant compatibility:

1. Nike Adapt
2. Nike Run Club
3. Spotify
4. Postmates
5. MyFitnessPal
6. mint
7. discord
8. Walmart
9. Etsy
10. Snapchat
11. Twitter

In apps that support this, you can also create custom shortcut phrases that perform these actions for you. Google uses the example that with Nike Adapt training shoes you can create a shortcut that will trigger when you say “Hey Google, lace it up” which will automatically tighten your shoes. You can check out shortcuts and create your own by saying “Hey Google, show me my shortcuts”.

The new functionality is a big step towards Google and offers a completely hands-free computing experience. While Android 11 has already added some really great options for voice control accessibility, this adds even more functionality to the Google Assistant.

Google is also hosting its Google Assistant Developer Day today, which will discuss how all developers can join the promotion. If you have a favorite app and want deeper assistant integration, chances are it will be available soon.