Google Maps for your Android device have now been updated to feature OK Google along with a host of other commands. This feature was demanded for a long time by a majority of Google Android's vast user base. Now, with the addition of this functionality, Android users have lots to cheer about as far as navigation is concerned.
With the latest update, you can make Google Now take notice of your queries by just saying ''OK Google''. You can try out voice commands such as "Ok Google, find fuel stations" and ''OK Google, what is the traffic like'' to get real time updates with regard to current conditions. You can tap the circle to cancel an ongoing command. If, for some reason, you want to use a non-hands-free alternative to saying "Ok Google", tap the microphone and simply say "Find nearest fuel stations."
To leverage the functionality, navigate to Settings and OK Google. Then select 'While Driving' option that allows you to say ''OK Google'' during navigation while using Google Maps. You can also choose to activate ''Always on'' to be able to use OK Google from anywhere within your Android smartphone.
The latest enhancement also lets you use OK Google to monitor current traffic conditions; just say "Show traffic" and you will be presented with the latest traffic condition. You can also choose to avoid toll roads; for this, just say "OK Google, Avoid toll."
"If you want to add a little fun to your drive, you can say "Play some jazz", "Send a text", or maybe even "Call mom"," state folks at Google. Check out some important commands, below, which you can use to test OK Google to the maximum:
Directions and travel
- "Mute." or "Mute voice guidance."
- "Unmute." or "Unmute voice guidance."
- "Show traffic." or "Hide traffic."
- "Show satellite." or "Hide satellite."
- "Navigate home." or "Navigate to Starbucks."
- "Show route overview." or "Show alternate routes."
- "What road is this?"
- "What's my next turn?"
- "What's my ETA?"
- "How's traffic ahead?" or "How's traffic to home?"
- "Avoid tolls." or "Enable tolls."
- "Avoid highways." or "Enable highways."
- "Avoid ferries." or "Enable ferries."
- "Exit navigation."
Generalised
- "Call Mom."
- "Find gas stations." or "Find restaurants."
- "Send a text to Larry." or "Send an SMS to Sergey, I'm feeling lucky."
- "What's the weather like?" or "How's the weather in Seattle?"
- "Play some jazz." or "Play happy birthday on Google Play Music."
- "What's the closest hotel?"
- "When's my next meeting?".