A lot of news came out yesterday around the Google Assistant from Google at CES, here is Google's official announcement.
In short, Google has expanded the Google Assistant to many more devices including many voice-activated speakers from Altec Lansing, Anker Innovations, Bang & Olufsen, Braven, iHome, JBL, Jensen, LG, Klipsch, Knit Audio, Memorex, RIVA Audio and SōLIS. Plus not just speakers but displays, Google said the Google Assistant will work on "new smart displays from four companies, including JBL, Lenovo, LG and Sony." Google said it now works on "over 225 home control brands and more than 1,500 devices."
Of course, Google Assistant works on Android phones and iPhones but is now also coming to Android Auto. Check out this fun video:
On top of all of this, Google launched a directory to go through many of the Google Assistant powered features. This way you can explore and discover new things to do with the Google Assistant.
Casey Markee posted on Twitter that Google also blasted notifications to webmasters via Google Search Console that they are pushing you to add Google Assistant features to your content. The emails read "improve discovery of your content in the Google Assistant." Here is a screen shot from his inbox, but I am not able to see this on any of my accounts and I do not see widespread webmaster chatter about these notifications:
Here is the full text:
Bunch of clients got an email today inviting them to claim a directory page for Google Assistant. This is a new message to me. Haven't seen it before. pic.twitter.com/3Ecykdz7hX
— Alan Bleiweiss (@AlanBleiweiss) January 9, 2018
I am very bullish on the Google Assistant, over Amazon Alexa and other voice assistants - which is probably a no brainer to most of you.
Forum discussion at Twitter.
