Google had announced its Assistant feature to be exclusive for the Pixel phones at the Google I/O 2016 conference. Now, the company has made a U-Turn by releasing the Google Assistant feature for the iPhone in the US.
The Google Assistant app has already received positive reviews from the iPhone users, despite Siri's dominance on the iOS platform. However, there are several caveats that limit the use of Google Assistant in contrast to the ubiquitous Siri.
IBTimes India explores the top reasons why Google Assistant has been playing second fiddle to the predominant Siri on the iPhone:
Limited availability
Unlike Siri which comes pre-installed on the iPhone, Google Assistant needs to be downloaded and installed separately from the App Store. Furthermore, the Assistant feature for the iPhone is currently limited to the US market.
No hands-free support
You cannot invoke the Google Assistant without tapping the microphone icon on your iPhone. Commands like 'Ok Google' and 'Hey Siri' will work only after the microphone is activated with your touch and only then the app will pay heed to your commands.
Alternatively, you can use voice commands only when the Assistant app is running in the foreground.
Launching limitations
Google Assistant cannot be launched by long pressing the Home button. The app can only be accessed via the Home screen or Notification widget, which means you cannot launch Google Assistant until you unlock the iPhone.
Limited functionality with no system integration
Unlike Siri which can turn on various features like WiFi and AirPlane mode at your command, Google Assistant has limited functionality and cannot turn on features like Bluetooth or WiFi on your iPhone as it does not support system integration.
Extra step for making calls or sending messages
Siri can run in the background and hence supports hands-free experience as well as advanced functions like placing calls or sending messages through voice commands.
Google Assistant needs to be invoked or activated with the app running in the foreground, before you can make calls or send messages.
No support for third-party apps
Google Assistant has limited integration and hence it works with native Google apps like Google Maps, but not third-party apps like UberX. However, Siri brings seamless integration with third-party apps.
Google is planning to introduce third-party app integration in the near future.
Apple imposed restrictions on third-party apps
Apple has imposed limitations on the third-party app functionality on iPhones citing security reasons. Consequently, iPhone users are unable to set any third-party app as their default in iOS and this will further affect the seamless functionality of Google Assistant.
For instance, Google Assistant cannot be invoked as part of the in-car infotainment system unlike Siri.
