Google Assistant Update Brings Flight Check-ins, Interpreter Mode, Google Maps Integration And More

At the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Google announced a bunch of new tricks for the Google Assistant. The search giant has integrated new features into the AI-based personal digital assistant some of which have been requested for a long time.

Interpreter Mode

All Google Home devices are expected to get a new interpreter update which will allow users to have a conversation in various languages. To activate the mode, users just have to say “Hey Google, be my Hindi interpreter” and the speaker should start translating in real-time. If users happen to use a Google Assistant powered smart display, it will also show the text on the screen.

Flight Check-in

A long-awaited feature, Google Assistant will finally be able to do flight check-ins for you. Users will be able to check-in their flights and directly receive their boarding passes with Assistant. While it is currently only available for United Airlines domestic flights, it should eventually reach more airlines in various countries. Apart from that, the Assistant will also give you notifications around your flight check-in.

Google Maps Integration

Google is finally integrating Assistant into Google Maps. As of now, the Assistant offers limited functionality, but now users will be able to ask Assistant to share Map information to your friends like your ETA. It will also be able to search for places along your route, add new destinations, auto-punctuate your messages and even reply to text messages. The messaging features will work with SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, Hangouts, Viber, Telegram, Android Messages and more.

Google Assistant Connect

The company also announced a new platform called Google Assistant Connect. This is going to help manufacturers add Google Assistant to their products easily. It relies on the existing smart home platform to make its way to new device types. For instance, an e-ink display that shows the weather and calendar could use Assistant Connect to offer content from an existing smart speaker in your house.

A bunch of new devices were also announced at CES equipped with Google Assistant. Lenovo showcased the compact Smart Clock, Whirlpool introduced the Kitchenaid Smart Display, while Anker and JBL are working on bringing Assistant to cars with small audio devices.