Google's annual software updates bring a series of new features, but some devices are stuck in the previous generation software. In this case, Android Nougat came with plethora of new features, the biggest one being Google Assistant integration, but there are several smartphones that aren't eligible to get it.
But that's not the end of the world. Thanks to Android's open-source nature, there is a workaround to get Google Assistant working on your non-Nougat device. Although other Nougat features can be ported into devices running older versions of Android such as Marshmallow and Lollipop, the tweak to get Google Assistant requires Android Marshmallow.
Google Assistant is an exclusive AI just like Siri and Cortana available on Pixel smartphones, which run Android 7.1 Nougat. The Android 7.0 Nougat smartphone users could enable the feature by tweaking the build.prop file, but now there is a way to get the smart personal assistant on all Marshmallow devices.
The process involves rooting your smartphone, which will void the device's warranty. It is necessary that users backup all the data before starting the process, as there is a good chance that everything on the device will be wiped by the end of it.
Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.
XDA developer Max Rumpf, after series of tweaks, introduced a fully-operational Google Assistant into the AndroidN-ify Xposed module. Xposed is a tool used to customize the system and the UI on a rooted device. It requires custom recovery.
Android 7.0 Nougat users can activate Google Assistant by following the guide posted by XDA user brianelv.
In case your Android smartphone is running Android Marshmallow, follow the steps below:
- Your device needs to have Xposed installed and active in the Xposed app
- Download the latest APK built from Jenkins website
- Install AndroidN-ify module. Make sure you are not running an older AndroidN-ify module
- Reboot your phone to activate the Xposed module
- Long press the home button to launch Google Assistant.
Via Tech Firstpost, XDA Developers
