Google Assistant Broadcast seemingly needs two steps to comply

Google Assistant’s “Broadcast” feature needs users to complete two steps before their message is delivered. The nifty and useful feature may have become more cumbersome. Although the added step might be a bug or a necessity, it certainly isn’t meant to improve security.

Has Google added an extra step for Broadcast?

Google Assistant includes multiple devices such as smart speakers, smart TVs, and even smartwatches. These devices, often scattered throughout a smart home, can be turned into a Public Address (PA) system.

The Broadcast feature essentially allows users to turn connected smart devices into an impromptu intercom system. To use the Broadcast PA system, users had to merely say, “Hey Google, Broadcast”, followed by the message.

Simply put, just a single instruction, followed by the intended message, was enough. Google Assistant would immediately obey with an “Alright, Broadcasting now”. However, it appears users need to add an extra step before Google Assistant delivers the message to connected devices.

 Why should users wait for Home Assistant’s confirmation?

Google Assistant users have to reportedly pause after saying “Hey Google, Broadcast”. The AI system then responds with, “What’s the message?” Users can then convey the desired message that has to be sent out to connected devices.

Although not a huge inconvenience, the new method does add a few extra seconds to the process, which was once nearly instantaneous. Interestingly, Google hasn’t added a pause to boost security or prevent users from accidentally broadcasting undesired messages. In other words, Google might not have intentionally split up the process.

Several users have observed that Google Assistant has trouble understanding vocal instructions. There have been complaints about the AI assistant not grasping most “broadcast” commands that are immediately followed by the message.

There have been several instances wherein Google Assistant has initiated a Google Search instead of broadcasting the message. Incidentally, the assistant is still delivering several common messages such as “dinner is ready”, without any hiccups.

Hence, it is likely that Google Assistant needs users to split the instructions so that it understands they intend to broadcast a message. Hence, it will know that any audio that follows the “Hey Google, Broadcast” keywords will have to be delivered, and not searched.

Google had recently restricted the ability to call a device or broadcast a message to a Google Family Group. Users can only broadcast messages to devices that are on the premises where the message originated.