You've probably seen the TV ads for OK Google, but what is OK Google and how do you use it? We explain everything you need to know about OK Google, including how to access the Google Now voice search from any screen on your phone, even if you live outside the US. Also see:
What is OK Google?
"OK Google" is the voice command used to activate Google Now voice search on your Android smartphone, as well as other Google devices such as its Google Glass smartglasses (check out our awesome ).
Google Now can be accessed by opening your phone's Google Search app or Google Search widget and either tapping the microphone icon or saying "OK Google". Alternatively, you can set up your Android smartphone to recognise the "OK Google" command no matter in what app or screen you're currently browsing. This latter feature is technically available to users in the US, but don't let that stop you... Also see: .
What can you ask OK Google?
You can ask Google Now pretty much anything you like, just as you normally would with Google Search. However, you can also use the "OK Google" command to set alarms, make calls and texts, schedule meetings and more on your Android device.
With the Google Search app open you simply say "OK Google" or tap the microphone icon, then ask it a question or set it a task. For example, you might tell it to "Call Jonathan Robson", "Show me walking directions to get home", "Text Margo", "Remember to book flights tomorrow", "Schedule a meeting tomorrow with Matt", "Open Calendar app", "Listen to Diamonds by Rihanna" or whatever you like.
If you're not in a position to use voice search, you can also type in your request.
How to use OK Google from any screen, even outside the US
You can bring up Google's voice assistant from any screen on your Android smartphone, even when your device is charging. The screen simply needs to be switched on.
Technically this capability is available only to users in the US, but here we'll show you how to use OK Google from any screen in the UK or elsewhere.
Note that your device must be running Android 4.3 KitKat or later, and that you must have the latest version of the Google Search app installed. Audio history (Settings, Language & input, Voice Search, Audio history) must also be turned on.
Go to your phone's Settings menu, then tap Language & input. Choose Voice Search, then tap 'Default - English (UK)' to change it to 'English…', then select 'English (US)'.
Still in the Settings, Language & input, Voice Search menu, tap '"OK Google" Detection'. Enable the option 'From any screen'.
Google will ask you to agree to a recording of your voice being stored on its servers each time you use the "OK Google" command. It says this is to help it recognise your voice and improve speech recognition. Tap I Agree.
Now you need to teach Google Now to recognise your voice. Hold your phone at arm's length and say "OK Google" three times to teach it your voice.
That's it. You can now call up Google Now using the "OK Google" command from any screen on your phone.
Also see on Android smartphones.
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