4 Very cool things you can do with Google Assistant

The voice-assistant game is getting bigger, with Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa being joined by Google Assistant — from the search engine giant, Google.

While some like Alexa may be considered the public’s darling, Google Assistant is no less useful. There are quite a number of useful things this handy little tool is capable of that you may not even be aware it can do.

So to ensure your voice-activated partner is being put to good use, here are some features that could come in handily when when you need them to.

1. Make a shopping list

For a tool that was designed to assist you, it makes sense that a basic, yet important thing as making a shopping list can be done using your voice.

You no longer have to draft a list or scribble one o a piece of paper anymore. All you need do is to say “Add [item] to my shopping list”, and that does it.

And to ensure you haven’t left anything out, Google Assistant will read back what’s on your currently saved list for confirmation.

2. Send a text message

Have you ever had those moments when you have to send a text, but you’re sort of too tired to make a move? Well, you’ve got Google Assistant at your service.

Simply say “send a message” and after confirming the recipient, you say what you need texted. Once you’ve confirmed the message, it’ll be delivered — without you lifting a finger.

3. Find your way home

With the amount of information that Google’s search engine has at its disposal, one of the many things Google Assistant can do is to help find the best route to any location.

Simply saying “get me home”, will draw information from Google Maps to give you the best route based on your current location.

You can check traffic updates via the voice-activated element — getting the latest information on diversions and closures.

4. Follow up on emails and appointments

Using Google Assistant means there’s a great possibility you use some other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Drive. If so then, it makes sense to connect these apps to your Assistant.

You can ask Assistant to check through your emails; using certain keywords. Also, you can bring up appointments added to your Calendar app.

Also, Google Keep is available should there be a need for you to quickly jot down an idea or thought while you’re busy with other tasks.