CES 2019: Check out what's new in Google Assistant

Among the various novelties presented so far this week at CES 2019, the innovations that are coming to the Google Assistant have gained prominence. By bringing the best of Google services and AI to the Assistant, the company is focused on creating the most useful digital assistant when you're at home, in your car, or on the go.

Assistant Connect at CES 2019

Google has previewed the Google Assistant Connect, a platform for device manufacturers to put Google Assistant into their products in an affordable and easy-to-implement way.

Connect uses our existing smart home platform to expand to new types of devices while simplifying device setup and discovery for people.

Assistant Connect creates opportunities to bring different types of smart devices to market. For example, a user can create a simple and inexpensive e-ink display that continuously projects the weather or calendar, while using Assistant Connect to deliver content from their linked smart speaker.

The new Smart Clock and Smart Display

Google has partnered with Lenovo to help users manage their morning and evening routines with a new Smart clock. With the 4-inch touchscreen, you can see alarm suggestions based on your daily routines, wake up smoothly with auto-adjusting screen brightness and animations, and control your smart home devices. 

O Lenovo Smart Clock will be available this first semester for US$ 79. Furthermore, at CES, the Whirlpool also previewed the new KitchenAid Smart Display with Google Assistant, which guides you through cooking recipes and simultaneously controls your smart home devices.

With a 10-inch screen, the KitchenAid Smart Display is water resistant, for when things get really messy while cooking.

Home entertainment improvements

Listening to music and podcasts is one of the most popular ways people use Google Assistant. With the built-in Assistant, you'll be able to control your favorite music, podcasts and radio stations from around your home without having to pick up the phone.

Later this year, Google Assistant will work with even more popular media and entertainment devices, including Samsung TVs. You'll be able to use your voice to turn on the TV, change the volume and channels, and switch between inputs.

And, this week at CES 2019, Google's top partners are launching and showcasing Android TV devices with the Google Assistant, including Sony, Hisense, Philips, TCL, Skyworth, Xiaomi, Haier, Changhong and JVC.

Many of these devices will be powered with far-field microphones that allow Assistant to pick up your voice even with noise in the room or on the TV.

Control more devices in your home

Google Assistant works with 1.600+ home automation brands and 10.000+ devices, giving you more control over the devices and appliances in your home.

At CES 2019, Google is working with even more brands to launch new smart home devices this year, including some connected appliances from Whirlpool, the smart microwave oven from GE and security products from August.

There are also new devices that work with Assistant in several new categories, including: appliances, thermostats, security, EV charging, irrigation, etc. 

Productivity and safety on the road

Starting today, Assistant can help you navigate the Google Maps for Android and iOS. With just your voice, you'll be able to share your itinerary with friends and family, reply to text messages, play music and podcasts, search for places along your route, add a new stop, and automatically score your message.

On Android, Assistant works with messaging services from the following providers: SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, Hangouts, Viber, Telegram, Android Messaging , and more.

And when you're driving, Assistant automatically calculates your Google Maps itinerary if you want to send your arrival time to friends. Suffice it to say “Hi Google, take me home” to open Google Maps and get help from your Assistant on your journey.

Google is also working with Anker and JBL to create the Car Accessories Wizard. The Anker Roav Bolt and JBL Link Drive plug into your car's power socket, so you can connect your phone to your car stereo via Bluetooth ou AUX.

Once the accessories are connected to your car, you can use Assistant without having to unlock your phone. These accessories simplify audio input/output and allow Assistant to hear you clearly, even if there is loud music or conversations going on. 

Your smartphone always ready!

An example of the innovation that Android offers OEMs and users is Google Assistant, which is integrated with more than 1 billion devices, including Android phones. Google Assistant can be useful all day on Android devices, whether on the go, in the car, or at home.

There's a lot to keep track of when you're travelling, from your flight confirmation number to your hotel address. You'll soon be able to check in for your flight (starting for the first time with domestic flights with United Airlines), save and retrieve your boarding pass, all with Google Assistant on Android or iOS.

Suffice it to say “Hey Google, check in my flight”. There is no need to remember your confirmation number. Assistant will also proactively notify you when your flight is ready for check-in.

After choosing your settings, Assistant can respond to you even when your Android smartphone is locked. You can ask your Google Assistant to show you nearby restaurants, set and dismiss alarms, schedule reminders and timers without unlocking your phone.

You can also choose to see responses to personal queries, such as traffic updates to work or calendar updates. Currently available to Pixel users, this feature is coming to all Android devices in the coming weeks.

The Assistant will be an interpreter

Speaking a different language no longer has to be a barrier to having a good conversation. As interpreter mode, a new feature rolling out in the coming weeks on Google Home devices and Smart Displays, you can ask Google Assistant to help you chat in dozens of languages.

Suffice it to say “Hey Google, be my French interpreter” to launch Interpreter Mode and get a written translation in real time and (on Smart Displays) to help with the conversation. We see this technology expanding to more places – it can help you check into a foreign hotel or understand the bus schedule.