OK Google Voice Activation: Chrome Beta Adds Hands Free Search
As part of the Google's push to develop greater and more precise voice integration, the company has added hands-free voice command with the launch of its latest Chrome Beta.
Chrome's new build, made available or Linux, Mac and Windows, will allow web surfers to make use Google's search engine just by speaking. All users have to do is activate the voice command by saying "OK Google," and the browser will search any spoken query. Users will also be able to set a timer or a schedule a reminder through this method.
This is the not the first time Google has utilized voice control for its programs. If you have a mobile device with Android 4.4 KitKat, then you are already able to use "OK Google" for web searches and Google Now commands. Google had also previously added a voice command feature to the Google homepage in 2011, trigged by a microphone icon next to the search box. This latest version was made available to Chrome users through the Hotword extension in November, but the new Beta eliminates the need for the extension.
Google is excited about the possibilities this new feature could provide users.
"If you've ever tried to cook and search at the same time-say, when your hands are covered in flour and you need to know how many ounces are in a cup-you know it can be tricky," said Google on their official Chrome blog. "With the latest Chrome Beta, you can search by voice on Google-no typing, clicking or hand-washing required."
The new Chrome Beta also comes with a number of other features users should find helpful. Parents will be able to manage their children's access with more ease and efficiently given the new "supervised user" controls. Developers will also be able to create images that adapt resolution based on varying screen sizes.
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