Google Assistant, the base behind the Google Home speaker and the virtual assistant found on Android phones and watches and within Allo, is oddly fragmented. Google Assistant’s feature list varies based on how or with which device you use it.
Something you can do with Google Home, you might not be able to do with Assistant on your Android device. Here is how Assistant is different in all the places it’s available.
What can Google Assistant do?
Google Assistant can help you out in so many things. Here are a few to consider:
- Ask questions about almost anything
- Get nutritional facts
- Set timers
- Create alarms
- Get news and sports updates
- Get weather updates and forecasts
- Check traffic
- Find nearby businesses
- Perform calculations
- Convert units
- Get definitions
- Get translations
Google Home
The Google Home is missing some of the more phone-specific features, such as directions, making calls or sending messages. Also Google Home would make a really great speakerphone.
Assistant on the Google Home can’t:
- Create reminders and new events
- Make calls
- Send messages
- Get directions
- Get movie showtimes
- Create notes
- Identify songs
- Subscribe to searches
Android
Assistant is pretty handy when it comes to android but it is still missing a few things.
Assistant on Android can’t:
- Identify songs
- Subscribe to searches
- Shop with Google Express
- Throw content to Cast devices
- Access third-party services
Android Wear
It supports most of the features found on the Android version of Assistant; some features are missing from the list.
Assistant on Android Wear can’t:
- Identify songs
- Subscribe to searches
- Shop with Google Express
- Throw content to Cast devices
- Access third-party services
- Get movie showtimes
- Play games
- Create a shopping list
Allo
Allo is one of Google’s many chat apps and a user following. Assistant on Allo can’t:
- Request upcoming calendar events
- Tell you about your day
- Create a shopping list
- Create notes
- Play custom playlists
- Identify songs
- Throw content to Cast devices
- Control smart home devices
- Trigger IFTTT applets
- Shop with Google Express
- Access third-party service
