The advancement of smart home automation technology has become mainstream nowadays. I mean, who wouldn’t want to invest in such reliable and convenient home improvement devices, especially when you’re stuck at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic?
Needless to say, smart home automation turns out to be more than just for entertainment and fun, it’s now a necessity to some since it can perform vast operations in different places at home. It could make your lighting, security, ventilation, laundry, and even cooking system easier and faster.
The Rise of Digital Assistants
Today, many people are already maximizing digital assistants’ usage in their everyday life, from checking their schedule to playing their favorite playlist, up to even doing household chores.
Speaking of digital assistants, Google Assistant is classified as one of the most famous among many households. This helpful tool can be used on your tablet, smartphones, or any other google supported devices.
The rise of Google Assistant started at Google I/O 2016. Technically, it’s just an upgrade of Google Now. After years of continuous innovation and upgrades, people tend to enjoy its usage and find it an exciting device to invest in at home.
However, many users are still stuck on using the entertainment features and clueless about what else this tool can do.
Let’s take a look at some commands and features that you can do with Google Assistants.
Basic Command Features
Hey Google!
Of course, let’s start with the most basic of all, activating your Google Assistant. Just make sure that your microphone and internet connection is on, then you’re good to go. But I believe you might already be aware of it.
However, if you don’t feel like using “Hey Google”, that’s totally fine, you can simply use “OK, Google”, that’s pretty much the same.
Web Searching
Google will not be Google if it can’t perform web surfing and search. Luckily, Google Assistant is integrated with the comprehensive search platform of Google. Hence you don’t need to key in your searches anymore, simply ask Google Assistant.
Here are some commands that you can perform when doing web searching.
“OK, Google, how do you calculate for volume?”
“OK, Google, how far is the nearest Mcdonald’s from here?”
“OK, Google, who discovered Google?”
“OK, Google, who is Warren Buffet?”
Checking Time
Hate to be late? Don’t worry, Google Assistant can basically handle your schedule. It can notify you when you have scheduled meetings or appointments. It can also remind you of the soonest out-of-town vacation with your family.
Here’s how you can command it.
“OK, Google, set the alarm 10 minutes before my meeting at 3 pm.”
“OK, Google, set a workout timer for 5pm.”
“OK, Google, schedule our vacation trip on [date] at [time].”
Apparently, you can also check the time across all other countries in the world.
“OK, Google, what’s the time in Singapore?”
“OK, Google, how many hours till 6pm in Los Angeles?”
Playing Music
You might be familiar with this already, but just in case, here are some additional commands that you may opt to try.
“OK, Google, what album is this?”
“OK, Google, dislike this song.”
“OK, Google, read my book,”
“OK, Google, play relaxing instrumentals.”
Controlling your Smart Home Automation
You shouldn’t be here if not for home automation devices. Don’t worry, we got you. Google Assistant can also navigate your home automation devices, so you wouldn’t need to manually operate them.
Here are some of the ways on how you can do it.
“OK, Google, turn on/off my bedroom lights.”
“OK, Google, turn on the TV.”
“OK, Google, lock the front door.”
“OK, Google, lower the temperature by 1 degree.”
That’s a Wrap!
Believe it or not, there are pretty much more exciting commands that you can try and explore using Google Assistants. It’s just a matter of regularly using the tool.
If you already have one at home, then all you need to do is a little bit of experimenting and continuous trying of different instructions. If you still don’t have one, it’s not too late, you can visit the official Google Store and look for devices with built-in Google Assistant.
