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Google wants you to talk to your browser

Hands-free search is coming to your Google Chrome browser.
Written by Tyler Falk, Contributor

 

 

Talking to our devices and getting a valid answer is becoming more commonplace. We talk to Siri. A few of us talk to Google Glass. And while you've been able to search on Google with your voice through a Chrome extension, now Google has announced that the latest Chrome Beta will support hands-free search using just your voice.

How does it work? If you have Google's homepage (google.com) open on your Chrome browser and say the command "Ok Google." Then, just ask a question or ask Google to perform a task, like setting a timer or a reminder. 

Here's a demonstration:

 

   

Do I see myself using this feature often? No. But I see myself using it in the kitchen when my hands are dirty and I need a cooking tip (i.e. measurement conversions). And a major benefit for Google will be that, if you find it useful, you'll always have the Google homepage open in your tabs, just in case.

Google says it will roll out the service on Mac, Windows, and Linux over the next few days. It is currently only available in English, but support for other languages and Chrome OS is "coming soon."


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