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Google Assistant on Wear OS watches is getting much more useful

Google Assistant on Wear OS watches is getting much more useful

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Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Google’s smartwatch platform, Wear OS, is getting several updates that should make interacting with Google Assistant more convenient with watches using the platform.

Smart suggestions will soon be integrated, so when you ask Google Assistant a question, it will automatically populate an array of follow-up questions that are contextual to the conversation. If you asked about the day’s weather, for example, Google Assistant will return that information, and then suggest other inquiries, like tomorrow’s weather, which can be tapped on.

Also forthcoming, if you ask Google Assistant to “tell me about my day,” it will speak the answer back to you over the watch speaker or through Bluetooth headphones, giving you information like your commute times and what’s on deck for the day. Previously, these answers would only be displayed on the watch face.

Last, Google has announced that all Wear OS watches will support third-party actions with the Assistant. Actions are all the little things Google Assistant can do, built by Google, developers, publishers, and other third parties. This includes things like finding a photo in Google Photos, or engaging in a meditation session with Headspace. Bringing Actions to Wear OS watches means it’s super easy to do things like use a voice command to turn on a compatible oven while unloading groceries, or check on when your next train is arriving.

Google says these new features will be rolling out to Wear OS by Google watches over the next several days.