The Google Assistant has settled in the Netherlands and is also available on iOS. These six things you should know when using the Google Assistant on iOS.
Google Assistant on iOS: you need to know this
Of course, every iOS user already has the personal smart voice assistant Siri, but that doesn’t stop Google from rolling out their own Google Assistant on iOS as well. Now it’s up to you to decide who you like better – Siri or the Google Assistant. If you’re using the Google variant, these six things are good to know:
1. Actions on Google
The Google Assistant does not know everything, so there are ‘Actions on Google’. Companies build their own ‘actions’ to help users. These are special promotions developed by other companies, organizations or people.
For example, PostNL has built an ‘action’ to inform whether your package has already been delivered, while at Albert Heijn you can ask for a recipe with bell pepper and chicken. These Actions can be anything: the NOS shows your audio and video, Buienradar shows a weather map and sometimes a single line of text is sufficient.
Unfortunately, you will not be automatically diverted to the right helper. For example, if you want to see the weather map of Buienradar, you must first say ‘talk to Buienradar’ and then ask your question. Moreover, the app does not contain a clear list of all Actions on Google, so sometimes it is still a matter of guessing what will and will not work.
The following companies already have their own Actions: Albert Heijn, Andrélon, Bol.com, Buienradar, Centraal Beheer, Eneco, Essent, ING, Jumbo, KLM, KRO-NCRV, MediaMarkt, NOS, PostNL, QMusic, NPO, Rabobank and Transavia .
2. This is how you adjust the Google Assistant privacy
Much information about your Google usage is stored in your Google account. In the My Activity section you will find, among other things, which websites you have visited via Chrome, which YouTube videos you have viewed and where you have searched on Google Maps. It also stores all voice commands that you give to the Google Assistant. Through this link you will specifically find all your speech and audio activities. By clicking on ‘play’ you can listen to these voice commands.
Touch the three dots to delete individual voice commands. It is also possible to delete all voice commands at once. To do this, go to the menu and choose ‘Delete activity based on’. There you click on the arrow at ‘Today’ and choose ‘Unlimited’. Then click on ‘Remove’.
You can also indicate in the My Activity menu of your Google account that Google is no longer allowed to save your spoken history. To do this, go to ‘Activity options’ in the menu. There you will find ‘Speech and audio activity’. Or you click on this link to go directly to this page.
By moving the switch to the left next to ‘Speech and audio activity’ on this page, you ensure that your spoken commands are no longer recorded. Saving is done to improve the use of the Assistant. Among other things, by learning the sound of your voice and the way you pronounce words and sentences.
3. Add a widget
Android users can activate the Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or “Okay Google.” On iOS, you need to open the app to talk to the Assistant. But that can be done faster by adding a widget. On your iPhone home screen, swipe left to your widgets and scroll down. Add the Google Assistant there via ‘Edit’. As soon as you click on the widget, you can start talking.
4. Google Assistant has humor
Google has not only taught the Assistant to speak Dutch, but also learned Dutch customs, jokes, sayings and sayings. For example, ask the Assistant about a joke, saying or let him beatbox. The smart assistant is also never afraid to sing a piece for you.
5. Smart extras
In addition to the Actions on Google from external companies, Google has also added a range of useful ‘actions’ to the smart voice assistant. For example, ask which films are currently running in Arnhem, or which matches are scheduled in the Eredivisie. You can also ask to set a timer. You will automatically receive a notification when it expires, or ask how long the timer will continue to run.
6. Don’t talk, but type
Do you prefer to type commands instead of talking to your phone? To the left of the microphone icon – or when you can talk, the colored dots – is a keyboard icon. Press to type your questions or assignments for the Assistant.
→ Read also: ‘Siri is getting smarter, but lags behind Google Assistant’