Google testing a feature that allows you to command smart displays without wake up phrases

Google Blue Steel cover EDITED.jpg

Cover image credit: 9to5Google

Most of the voice assistants require you to say a phrase or word to wake them up before proceeding with making the request. Some users who frequently use a voice assistant through any smart device might find it annoying and wish they didn't have to do that. It is reported that Google is testing with a new feature that lets the Google's smart displays listen to your commands without the need of saying "Hey, Google" or "OK, Google" out loud.

Through a video posted by Jan Boromeusz on YouTube, the feature named "Blue Steel" has been leaked showing some actions of a Nest Hub smart display responding to the user without any waking phrase. The Nest Hub Max Smart in the video is said to be running the leaked firmware that is meant for testing within Google.

It is mentioned that the feature works by using its existing ultrasound sensing to sense a person's presence and start listening. Therefore, if you want to give out any command, it looks like you still need to be near to the smart device. Although not saying the waking phrases might save you some seconds, the feature is deemed to increase the risk of the devices hearing things that they're not supposed to. Therefore, no matter how convenient it is, privacy still does matter so let's hope Google will come up with something to address the mentioned issue.

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