City
Epaper

Google removes 17 'underutilised' features from its Assistant app

By IANS | Updated: January 13, 2024 12:55 IST

New Delhi, Jan 13 Google has announced that it is removing some underutilised features in Google Assistant "to ...

Open in App

New Delhi, Jan 13 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.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Open in App

Related Stories

Business6 Top Image Upscalers to Transform Your Low-Resolution Photos

NationalPresident Droupadi Murmu to attend academic events in Gujarat next week

Other SportsISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol: Divya's 4th, Gajanan's fighting 5th highlights of India's day at Granada

NationalOver 1,927 Indian seafarers repatriated so far: Union Shipping Ministry

NationalWill apprise Punjab Guv about businessman threatened by minister, says Union Minister Bittu

International Realted Stories

InternationalSri Lanka: India-supported restoration of cyclone-damaged Northern Railway Line resumes services after Cyclone Ditwah

InternationalNepal PM Balen Shah adds two new ministers to his Cabinet

InternationalOur ministers visiting Gulf countries to strengthen energy security: MEA

InternationalIran embassy in India hoists flag on 40th day of mourning for Ayatollah Khamenei; mourns death of former Iran FM Kharrazi

InternationalHezbollah attacks border towns of Kiryat Shmona, Avivim in retaliation to Israeli strikes