What is Google Assistant, can the app make phone calls and how do you change its voice?
Google Assistant underwent a flawless upgrade allowing it to replicate natural human speech and even use linguistic fillers
THE use of artificial intelligence assistants is on the rise as tech firms compete with each other to have the best one - but Google may have just won the race.
They've overhauled Google Assistant and given it the ability to hold a two-way conversation. Here's the lowdown on the virtual assistant.
What is Google Assistant?
Google Assistant is an artificial intelligence app that is found on mobile and smart home devices that can be used to answer questions, search the internet, set alarms and more.
The app is the tech giant's version of Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa - just without a funny name.
The bot was unveiled in May 2016 and was originally only rolled out on Google Pixel phones but can now be downloaded on to most Android and iPhones running the latest operating system.
Users can activate the AI app by saying "okay Google" or "hey Google" and then follow it with a command of what they want the robot to do.
The assistant can also be woken on Pixel phones by swiping upwards on the home screen or by clicking on the app.
It was originally created as an extension of Google Now, which has since been killed off.
Google Assistant is integrated into Google home devices and will soon be featured in headphones, Android TV and Android Wear.
Can the app make phone calls?
Google Assistant can make phone calls and has been able to assist users by dialling a number for them since its inception.
The phone call function is activated by a voice command starting with "Okay Google call" and then finishes with whoever you want the assistant to call.
On May 8 the tech firm announced that Google Assistant would now be able to make phone calls and have a two way conversation on behalf of the user.
This means the AI app can make bookings, such as at a restaurant, without anyone realising they're speaking to a robot.
Google Assistant will need to be given and time and date to make the booking, but it handles the rest including adding it to your calendar.
The new innovation was announced at Google's annual I/O developer conference and is expected to be piloted this year.
It's also hoped users can enjoy the new two way conversation feature and start being able to chat with their phone.
The flawless development is powered by new technology which Google have named Duplex.
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How do you change its voice?
Google Assistant has a range of voices that users can choose from which can be done by opening the AI app.
Once open you select the icon that looks like a
Then select the "More" option from the menu and then click "settings".
After opening settings you select "Preferences" and then "Assistant voice" which will bring up a range of voices to choose from.
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