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Voice controls for media playback coming soon to Google Now

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With the introduction of wearables and cars into the Android ecosystem the need for voice control is greater than ever. Android Wear and Android Auto are heavily dependent on voice for getting things done. Anything that requires a physical touch is a simple tap or swipe. You don’t want to be fiddling with your watch or car dash for extended periods of time.

Right now there is already a lot you can do with your voice on Android Wear and Auto. This is thanks to the powerful Google Now integration. Google is constantly working on bringing more functionality to Now, and it looks like media playback is coming next. Screenshots from a new version of Google Now show “play next song” and “stop music” commands.

In the video below you can see the “next song” command in action. The music stops while the user says “Ok Google, next song.” It also brings up a “Go” button that allows you to physically skip to the next song. These commands will come in handy especially for Android Auto. Now there will be no need to take your eyes off the road to hit “Next.” The update is arriving on devices as we speak.

Thanks everyone!

Joe Fedewa
Ever since I flipped open my first phone I've been obsessed with the devices. I've dabbled in other platforms, but Android is where I feel most at home.

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11 Comments

  1. I want volume control for my android wear G.

  2. Is there a way to change the opening command from OK google to whatever I want? . Like star trek with computer? . But I’d prefer a quick 2 syllable simple word

    1. No

    2. Nexus 4 had the ability to do it.

  3. For driving it seems like Android has not expanded its voice control abilities enough.
    It could do a far better job but will this work when you are not connected to a network? As we drive we loose connectivity all the time and having a feature that works sometimes would be worse than not having it.

  4. They should make it so Google Now can be used to control your Chromecast!

    1. I’ve often wanted to be able to say “okay Google, pause” and have it pause my casted Netflix show.

  5. Comes to mind an episode of “30 Rock”, with a voice controlled TV. When whatever character say on the TV set immediately recognized as commands, and the movie essentially takes over control of itself.

  6. I can’t play this video because it starts Google now

  7. I was trying to do this yesterday. I had my Bluetooth headphones on and was listening to slacker while riding my bike. I asked Google to skip song, next song, etc.

    Can’t wait for this feature

  8. That’s clunky as f*ck. Not impressed.

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