Android-powered smartphones serve as more than just everyday tech devices; they act as a digital gateway to your personal world. From managing apps and calendars to controlling smart home devices, the array of features is enhanced by the capabilities of Google Assistant. Launched in 2016, this virtual companion continues to thrive, although it is currently available only on Android devices running Android 9 “Pie” or lower. Beneath its user-friendly surface lies a wealth of advanced settings and customizations, including a transformative feature known as Shortcuts, which can revolutionize how you interact with your frequently-used apps.
How to access Google Assistant shortcut phrases
Utilizing shortcut phrases with Google Assistant can significantly enhance your Android experience, particularly for apps like Google Maps and YouTube. For instance, if there’s a specific YouTube channel you adore and want quick access to, enabling Shortcuts allows you to simply say, “Hey Google, play FailArmy on YouTube,” prompting Google Assistant to launch the app and navigate directly to that channel’s page.
To discover all the apps on your device that support shortcut phrases, navigate to your Google Assistant settings. You can do this by saying, “Hey Google, open Assistant settings.” Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Shortcuts. This will lead you to a menu displaying all the apps compatible with the Shortcuts feature, along with a list of preset voice commands that can be activated by tapping the “+” icon next to each option.
How to create custom shortcut phrases
While Google’s default shortcut phrases are designed for ease of use, personalizing these commands can streamline your experience even further. To create your own automation phrases, tap the “+” icon next to the command you wish to customize. This will replace the “+” icon with a pencil icon. Tap it, then enter your desired custom phrase. A confirmation pop-up will appear, allowing you to finalize your new command.
Once your custom phrase is set, simply say, “Hey Google [insert custom phrase],” and your personalized automation will execute seamlessly. You can also establish multiple shortcut phrases for the same function, such as “Hey Google, show me my favorite fails” and “Hey Google, launch FailArmy.” This flexibility is particularly beneficial for households with varying preferences or for those utilizing a Google Home ecosystem shared among multiple users. Additionally, you have the freedom to edit or delete your custom phrases whenever necessary, ensuring your commands remain relevant and efficient.
