Google Assistant could soon find its way on non-Pixel Android smartphones, according to recent findings in the latest Google app.
Alpha releases of Google apps aren't typically made available, but some users who are part of Google's beta channel have reportedly received an alpha release of the Google app, despite. It's unclear if Google intended to release such a build, but the pandora's box, as it were, has been opened nonetheless.
Google Assistant Rollout Imminent?
The Google app version 6.13 alpha release itself contained hints that Assistant is soon defer from being a Pixel phone exclusive, because users who have received the alpha release build have reported that it adds a functioning Google Assistant feature on their non-Pixel Android phones.
A Galaxy Note 5 With Google Assistant?
According to a report by Android Police, Assistant is currently working on both Android 7.1.1 Nougat and even Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. The Nougat powered device is reportedly a Nexus 6P, which doesn't come as totally bizarre, since the device is Google's own. The device running Marshmallow, on the other hand, is reportedly a Samsung Galaxy Note 5, which comes as added speculation that Google may indeed be cooking up an Assistant rollout not only for non-Pixel devices, but also for non-Nexus devices.
It's also suggestive that users probably aren't required to have Nougat installed for their phones to support Assistant, although before it could work, users might be required to run at least Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow or up. It's also been reported that on both devices, holding down the home button invoked Assistant, which is the same way it's done on Pixel handsets. Doing so on the non-Pixel devices for the first time will trigger a message that says "New! You just got the Google Assistant," followed by a setup process for voice training.
Google Assistant Availability Limited
Not all phones are given Assistant functionality, according to the report, and it's still up for speculation what factors control the selection process, although it appears that it's not dependent on the actual device — Some Nexus 6P units have gotten it, while others haven't, so it might be rooted to another key factor.
Google Assistant is currently available on non-Pixel handsets via Allo, Google's messaging app, but it's not as feature-rich as the one integrated in the Pixel and Pixel XL. In an attempt to heavily incentivize those who'll pick up a Pixel, Google has been visibly tight about putting out Pixel-exclusive features to its older siblings, although in theory, those handsets are capable of running them, a notion even made truer now, given sightings of Assistant where it shouldn't be.
This, however, shouldn't be determined as a certainty that Google will release Assistant widely, so it's best not to get one's hopes up. It's possible Google simply added it in as a way for beta testers who don't have Pixel phones to conduct tests.
However notional its broad availability is at this point, with the rumor that Assistant will land on Nexus 5X and 6P, it stands to reason that people may soon be using Assistant, irrespective if they own a Pixel or not.
What do you think? Would you like Assistant to land on your non-Pixel Android smartphone? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
