google: Google Assistant now works without saying ‘Hey Google’ for some users – Times of India

Few Pixel smartphone users have reportedly started to receive the new Google Assistant feature called ‘Quick Phrases’ that allows you to command your Android smartphone to perform certain tasks without using the ‘Hey Google’ trigger phrase. As per a report by XDA-Developers, the feature is found on Pixel 3 XL running Android 12 beta and Google App version 12.39.17.29. The feature needs to be enabled in Settings and once enabled it can be used for various commands to answer calls, stop alarms and few other basic functions.
The feature puts the Assistant on standby and whenever you receive a call, the Assistant will wait for your command to ‘Answer’ or ‘Decline’ the call. Similarly, when your alarm goes off, the Assistant waits for your command to say ‘Stop’ or ‘Snooze’. According to the report, Google Assistant will remind you when you can skip saying ‘Hey Google’ through a small popup under the heads-up notification.
As per previous analysis, the feature will be available across devices including smartphones, speakers, televisions and many others. Although the company has not officially revealed anything about the new feature yet, the decoded app APK report by 9to5Google tells a lot about the update. According to the report, apart from the command mentioned above, users will also be able to add specific commands as per their choice. These commands will be categorised into ‘Recommended’, ‘Alarms’, ‘Connect’, ‘General Info’, ‘Lights’, ‘Media Controls’, ‘Timers’ and ‘To-Dos’.
So far the feature has only been reported in Google Pixel 3 XL smartphone, but it is expected that the company will roll out the feature in other smartphones soon. As per a screenshot previously shared by 9to6Google, list of commands that will no longer require to use the hotword include – set alarm, cancel alarm, turn light on and off, turn volume up and down, set timer, family notes and many others.