Google’s Pixel 2 XL is finally here in Singapore! Google’s latest smartphone features many unique aspects that gives it Google’s “smarts” to it. From portrait mode using a single camera, to intelligently identifying important sections of an image using Google Lens, Google brought whole a lot to the table.
Another product in the Google lineup also took the stage in today’s event. The Pixel Buds is also now available in Singapore! It provides good listening experiences, but most importantly, provides easy access to Google Assistant and Google Translate for real-time translation!
However, the highlight of today is the announcement that Google Assistant now supports Singaporean English! Speaking to Google Assistant now has a local touch, with it being able to understands the lah’s and ah’s in the everyday Singlish sentences. This feature is exclusive to Pixel 2 XL users in Singapore starting 15 November.
Press release down below:
Google launches the Google Assistant in Singaporean English
Google Pixel 2 XL users will be able to access the Google Assistant in Singaporean English from day one
Singapore, 2 November 2017. Today, Google announced that the Google Assistant will be made available in Singaporean English. The Google Assistant is your helpful kaki that can answer questions and help get things done in your world–from telling you about your day, to giving directions to the closest hawker center, or just setting a reminder to pick up groceries.
With this update, the Google Assistant will now be available for local Singaporean accent, improving voice recognition and providing locally relevant information to users. Pixel 2 XL users will have access to the Assistant in Singaporean English starting 15 November when the phone goes on sale. It’ll also come to Android phones 6.0+ (Marshmallow and above) over the next couple of weeks and to iPhone devices soon as well.
The Google Assistant lets you have a conversation with Google to help you get things done in your world. To try it out, just say “Ok Google” or touch and hold the Home button and your personal Google Assistant will be ready to help you throughout your day. Even when your hands are full, you can quickly send text messages, set reminders, or get directions with the Google Assistant.
Google has a unique blend of expertise in natural language understanding, deep learning, computer vision, and understanding user context. That’s how the Google Assistant is able to understand intent behind words to handle follow-up questions and complex, multi-step tasks. And it’ll get better over time–with your permission, it can learn your preferences, your likes and your dislikes – all done in a private, secure way that puts you in control.
Here are some examples of questions Singaporeans can now ask the Google Assistant:
- Where is the nearest POSB ATM?
- How do you say ‘how are you’ in Mandarin?
- How far is the nearest 7-Eleven?
- Set a reminder at 7pm to get groceries from NTUC Fairprice
- Remind me to book movie tickets at Shaw Lido in 3 hours
- How long will it take to get to Little India?
- Show me the recipe for Chilli Crab
- How to cook Nasi Lemak?
- Play music from YouTube
Stephanie Davis, Country Director, Google Singapore said, “Singaporeans are avid smartphone users who are always on the go. With this latest update to the Google Assistant, we hope to help more Singaporeans get things done quickly on their phones – take a selfie, get directions from Google Maps, find your photos, get help with translation and more. With the Google Pixel 2 XL now available in Singapore, we hope to offer the best Google experience bringing our hardware, software and AI capabilities to more people here.”
With today’s update, the Google Assistant is now available in Singapore, the US, UK, Canada (English and French), Australia, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil, India (English, Hindi), Mexico, Spain, Korea, and Indonesia.
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