The new listing of Google Assistant on the Play Store allows for faster updates and a new app icon shortcut.
Since its launch with the original last fall, the has come a long way. We've seen an expansion of the service to devices running Android and above, plenty of new features, and even . In the latest update, Google is pushing the Assistant to the Play Store for a speedier and more streamlined update process.
This is a move that we've seen time and time again from Google and other companies, as it allows for software updates to be pushed out considerably faster than relying on server-side releases or having to update the entire OS itself.
Along with the presumably faster update process, this also means that you can now add a shortcut for the Google Assistant in your app drawer and on your home screen. As long as you have a phone running Android Marshmallow, Nougat, or Oreo, you can download the Assistant from the Play Store and get a new app icon for it. This doesn't add any new functionality, but it does offer a new way to prompt it if you'd rather not say "Ok, Google" or hold down on your home button.
Also, if you have a phone or tablet running Lollipop or older, don't think that this means you'll magically be able to get Google Assistant on your device. Try to do so, and you'll receive a message saying that the app is incompatible with your device.
Since its launch with the original last fall, the has come a long way. We've seen an expansion of the service to devices running Android and above, plenty of new features, and even . In the latest update, Google is pushing the Assistant to the Play Store for a speedier and more streamlined update process.
This is a move that we've seen time and time again from Google and other companies, as it allows for software updates to be pushed out considerably faster than relying on server-side releases or having to update the entire OS itself.
Along with the presumably faster update process, this also means that you can now add a shortcut for the Google Assistant in your app drawer and on your home screen. As long as you have a phone running Android Marshmallow, Nougat, or Oreo, you can download the Assistant from the Play Store and get a new app icon for it. This doesn't add any new functionality, but it does offer a new way to prompt it if you'd rather not say "Ok, Google" or hold down on your home button.
Also, if you have a phone or tablet running Lollipop or older, don't think that this means you'll magically be able to get Google Assistant on your device. Try to do so, and you'll receive a message saying that the app is incompatible with your device.