After making the feature available on other Pixel devices like smartphones, tablets, and Nest devices, Google is finally bringing the Google Assistant quick phrase feature to Pixel Buds Pro. Pixel Buds Pro were launched more than a year ago and are already quite smart thanks to many built-in Google features such as translation. Quick Phrases is another Google Assistant feature that now makes it easier to use your phone without having to say “Hey Google” before a voice command.
What is a quick phrase?
Quick Phrases are an easier way to use voice commands. Users can simply speak the command without using a wake phrase (or hot word) such as “Hey Google” before speaking the Google Assistant’s command/task. The feature has been available on Google Pixel devices since the Pixel 6 series and is only available today on the Pixel Buds Pro (officially).
While this feature sounds exciting, it’s primarily for completing tasks rather than initiating them. On Pixel devices, users can simply say “accept” or “decline” to handle an incoming call. Just say the word “snooze” to snooze the alarm. Just say the word “stop” to stop the timer.
what’s new?
This may sound very convenient, and to an extent it is, but it’s still very limited in functionality compared to regular “Hey Google” voice commands, which are less restrictive and have far more volume and versatility. Currently, Pixel devices only support a handful of commands, which include the ability to answer, reject, and mute calls, as well as snooze and stop alarms and timers. The new Pixel Buds Pro update lets you control calls using the first three quick phrases without having to invoke Google Assistant first.
How do I enable it?
Enabling quick phrases on Pixel Buds Pro is easy. Open the Settings app and enter a Quick Phrase. Once in the section, simply toggle the “On” setting to open each quick phrase scene. You can also see which devices support which quick phrase scenario in the same section.
There are several disadvantages to activating it. If you happen to be talking to someone and happen to use any quick phrase in your sentence, there is a high chance that your phone will pick up an unknown call. The same thing can be triggered by the sound of other people’s voices (standing near you). Finally, Google Assistant will be triggered if it detects a word that sounds very similar to any of the three quick phrases mentioned above. In addition, users only need to select a language in the Google Assistant settings. Currently supported languages only include English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
