17 features of Google Assistant are removed

From January 26, a series of features will be removed from Google Assistant - the assistant, a smart tool that can be used by voice, on Google products due to not being used enough.

Google Assistant appeared and was advertised as one of the central features of Google devices, from phones to smart speakers and displays.

17 features of Google Assistant are removed Picture 1

Google said the removed features were "underutilized". So this removal will allow them to focus on quality and reliability, ultimately making it easier to use the Assistant across devices. This announcement came shortly after Google said it would lay off about 1,000 employees.

Details of removed features

1. Feature to play/control audiobooks (talking books) by voice.

2. Google Assistant can no longer access or manage recipes.

3. Ability to set alarms with media/music/radio on Google Assistant enabled devices.

4. Your travel itinerary is no longer displayed.

5. Does not provide users with contact information but users can still make calls.

6. Stopwatch management feature on smart displays and smart speakers.

7. Voice feature to send audio, email or video messages.

8. Feature to notify the user or family's schedule using Google Assistant

9. Feature to start a meditation session in the Calm app using Google Assistant.

10. Voice control options for activities on FitBit Sense and FitBit Versa 3 devices.

11. Call/message transfer feature to Google Family Group.

12. Sleep summary feature on smart phone/speaker.

13. Smart display 'Commute to work' time estimator with Google Assistant built-in

14. No longer perform certain actions using voice commands including sending payments, making reservations, posting to social networks.

15. Reschedule feature in Google Calendar by voice

16. Calls made from smart displays/speakers will not be displayed with caller ID, unless Google Duo is being used.

17. Ability to control audio, make calls, or read/send messages using Google Maps in Google Assistant driving mode via the app launcher

David Pac

Update 16 January 2024