- Google has tested a function with which the Assistant can be called without speech on smart displays.
- Ultrasound may be used to activate the AI helper when you enter the room.
- There is no indication that this will become an official feature.
Tired of talking to your smart display to make the wizard perform a command? There might come a time when you don’t have to. The well-known tipster Jan Boromeusz claims to have discovered (via Android police) an experimental feature that may use ultrasound to activate the Google Assistant on a smart display without saying “Hey Google”.
The test appears to use ultrasound detection on a smart display like the Nest Hub Max, which is typically used to adjust the user interface based on distance to bring up the Google Assistant when you approach. You would just have to walk into the room to get the AI helper’s attention. This can be helpful if you want to turn on the lights without first announcing your presence. Keep still and the assistant will walk away.
Do not rely on this to get to the public. Boromeusz’s smart display apparently uses internal firmware for Google employees only. The function is located in a menu with the functions “Dog food” (in relation to dog food or using your own product). You probably can’t find this on your own hardware, and there is no guarantee it will be released anytime soon, if at all.
See also: Google is redesigning the user interface of smart displays
We asked Google for a comment.
Voice-free activation of the Google Assistant may not be very far. It would be all too easy for someone to accidentally give an order. However, the experiment could serve as a glimpse into future interaction with smart homes. Instead of barking wake-up words or tapping screens, you may just have to walk in one direction or make a gesture.