You can now use the Google Assistant without the keyword “Hey Google”

Source: Joe Maring / Android Central

In June of this year, a teardown of the Google app revealed a new feature called “quick phrases,” which would allow users to interact with the assistant without saying “Hey Google.” Almost four months later, the feature has finally started rolling out to users.

According to XDA Developers, the feature is making its way to Pixel devices running the beta version of Android 12. Even though the feature has yet to be officially announced by Google, there’s a good chance it will spread to best Android phones from other manufacturers in the coming weeks.

Once the feature is available, you can answer a phone call by saying “Answer” or decline a call by simply saying “Decline”. Likewise, you will only have to say “Stop” or “Snooze” when an alarm or timer goes off.

However, Google warns that the assistant can sometimes inadvertently connect the call when the feature is enabled. This can happen if you say “answer” when your phone is in silent mode, or if the Assistant detects something that looks like “answering”.

After enabling quick phrases, you’ll also see a bullet just below the heads-up notification for phone calls and alarms, reminding you to ignore the “Hey Google” keyword.

According to a report released by 9to5Google last month, the feature will also allow users to drop the “Hey Google” keyword on other Google Assistant devices such as smart speakers and smart displays. However, it’s unclear exactly when the feature will expand beyond phones.