Google is bringing Assistant to a heap of devices this year, including smart displays

Lenovo Google Assistant smart displayGoogle is stepping up its AI virtual assistant game by bringing its Assistant to a host of third-party devices – including smart displays, speakers, and more. We also finally know what to call the abilities that Assistant has.

The tech giant has announced that Assistant will be making its way to smart displays from LG, Sony, Lenovo, and JBL later this year. These devices will work much like Amazon’s Echo Show, but aren’t made by Google itself. The displays will have Assistant baked in, while they can still be operated via a touchscreen. The screens will enable people to watch videos from YouTube, video call with Google Duo, find photos from Google Photos, and more.

Google Assistant, which is already available on over 400m devices, will also be finding its way onto voice-activated speakers from Bang & Olufsen, iHome, JBL, LG, and more. Plus, the digital assistant will be rolling out to more Android TVs such as AirTV Player, LG U+, and Xiaomi.

Furthermore, over the coming year, headphones from Jaybird, JBL, LG, and Sony can be expected featuring Assistant. And, starting this week, Assistant will arrive to Android Auto in the US – making the assistant available to the over 400 models from more than 40 brands that Android Auto is found.

Finally, Google announced that it has decided to name all the things that Assistant does as ‘Actions’ – the same way Alexa has its ‘Skills’.  

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