The Google Assistant can now read and reply to Whatsapp, Telegram messages

Google’s Assistant app has just received a powerful upgrade from Google, making its message reading functionality that much better.

Previously, when a user requested the assistant app to send or reply to a message, it would only access the Android Messages (or other default messaging) app and scan text messages there. As this is 2019 and people generally use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger instead, the feature wasn’t as useful as it could have been. Until this week, the firm has rolled out an update allowing users of the Google Assistant app on Android to also access instant messaging apps in addition to their regular SMS apps.  Similarly to how it worked for the Messages app, you can ask Google Assistant to read your messages, and it’ll come, audibly noting which messaging app its currently reading from. You’re also able to reply and compose new messages using only your voice.

It doesn’t work for all apps, Slack and Snapchat were a no go in my testing. Telegram, WhatsApp and Messenger worked well enough, so that’s a few solid points in its favour.

Like with all related features, you’ll have to hand over access to your notifications to your Google Assistant to get this working. It’s probably not a big deal, but if you’re super privacy-conscious, that’s something to keep in mind.

The update appears to be a server-side one, so you’ll get it when you get it.

Via: Android Police