Google Assistant in Transition: What it Means for Smart Homes and Your Independence
For many of us, Google Assistant has become a familiar voice, helping us manage our days with a simple "Hey Google." But like most technology, Assistants are constantly evolving, and recent changes announced in January 2024 have sparked divisive discussions about accessibility and its impact on people with disabilities.
As smart home experts, we understand the immense power of tailored tech for individuals with diverse needs. Let's delve into the changes Google is making and explore their potential implications for smart home accessibility.
Changes on the horizon:
Focus on Core Features: Google is prioritising commonly used functions like setting reminders and making calls, while sunsetting less-used features like specific news briefings and custom actions. While this streamlines the Assistant experience, it also raises concerns about the loss of niche functionalities potentially helpful for individuals with unique needs.
Farewell Microphone Button: The microphone icon within the Google app will now primarily trigger search results. While voice commands remain accessible through "Hey Google" prompts, this shift might confuse users accustomed to the microphone button for actions.
App Upgrade Push: Older versions of the Google app (v12 and below) will require an upgrade to ensure compatibility with the latest Assistant features. This might pose a challenge for users with older devices or limited technical knowledge.
What’s the impact?
While Google promises improvements to core functionalities, these changes (17 in total) could create barriers for smart home accessibility:
Loss of Specialised Tools: Removed features like custom actions might have served specific needs within the disabled community, like controlling niche smart devices or accessing tailored information. Their absence could create gaps in accessibility for individuals who relied on these functionalities.
Learning Curve and Confusion: The microphone button shift and app upgrade requirement might create a learning curve for users with disabilities, especially those less comfortable with technology. This could lead to frustration and hinder their ability to seamlessly interact with their smart homes.
Potential for Exclusion: If the focus solely on high-demand features continues, the needs of smaller user groups, including those with disabilities, might be overlooked in future updates. This could widen the accessibility gap instead of bridging it.
A positive outlook
While these changes warrant consideration, it's important to remember that technology is never static. At Homeable, we remain optimistic about the future of smart home accessibility for all.
Here's how we can navigate the changes together:
Explore Solutions: As a team dedicated to accessibility, we're always actively researching and staying on top of the latest changes in smart home technology. While some Google Assistant features might be departing, we're committed to finding alternative solutions to ensure your smart home remains functional and personalised.
Embrace Guidance: We understand the initial confusion these changes might bring. That’s why we provide SmartCare with all our client solutions, a 6 month check-in to problem-solve challenges just like these. And remember, we’re only a call away if you require more urgent support.
Stay Informed: We'll continue to monitor Google Assistant updates and share relevant information with our clients, ensuring they're equipped to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving smart home landscape.
At Homeable, we're here to empower you to live independently and comfortably with the help of technology. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
