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

InternationalDNA evidence links suspect to Charlie Kirk's killing: FBI

LifestyleToday's Horoscope, September 16, 2025: Check Your Zodiac Signs Predictions, Lucky Numbers and Colours

InternationalIAEA conference urges protection of nuclear non-proliferation scheme

InternationalTrump claims US military again strikes alleged Venezuelan drug boat, killing three

InternationalUnited Nations affirms importance of Quartet's statement on restoring peace, security in Sudan

International Realted Stories

InternationalYudh Abhyas 2025: Indian, US soldiers conclude exercise in Alaska

InternationalRuler of Sharjah announces 'Majma' Al-Tawarikh' to debut at SIBF

InternationalAs US Trade Envoy lands in India, analyst says ‘narrow’ package could deliver an early deal

InternationalGrowth rate of Russian economy should outpace dynamics of global economy: Putin

InternationalDUCAB Group keen to provide cable solutions for Namma Metro