Google Assistant Navigation & Local Search

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Google Assistant, apart from managing your daily tasks and controlling smart devices, is also a useful tool for navigation and local searches. It can help you get directions, check traffic, find nearby places, and even book rides, all using simple voice commands.

In this chapter, let's find out how you can use Google Assistant to enhance your navigation and local search experience −

Getting Directions and Traffic Updates

Google Assistant can integrate easily with Google Maps to provide you with real-time navigation assistance. To get directions, you simply need to say,

"Hey Google, get directions to [place]" 

Google Assistant will open Google Maps and guide you to your destination by providing the best route options.

You can also specify your mode of transportation. For example, you can say,

"Hey Google, give me driving directions to [destination]" 

Or,

"Hey Google, how do I get to [place] by public transport?" 

Google Assistant will calculate the best routes based on real-time data and guide you step-by-step to your destination.

Traffic updates are another useful feature. Before going to work or a meeting, simply say,

"Hey Google, hows the traffic to [destination]?" 

Google Assistant will give you an update on current traffic conditions and let you know if there are any delays or faster routes available. This is especially useful for avoiding traffic jams.

Finding Nearby Places Using Google Assistant

Whether you are in your hometown or exploring a new city, Google Assistant is an excellent travel companion. It helps you find nearby places. You can use Google Assistant to search for restaurants, gas stations, cafes, ATMs, hospitals, or other points of interest around you.

For example, if you are looking for a nice place to have dinner, you can ask,

"Hey Google, find nearby restaurants" 

Google Assistant will present a list of options along with reviews, ratings, and distance. You can also specify the type of cuisine you want to have by saying,

"Hey Google, show me Italian restaurants nearby" 

This feature is not limited to just food, Google Assistant can also help you find anything nearby. It can be a pharmacy, grocery store, or park. Simply say,

"Hey Google, find the nearest [place]"

Booking Rides and Managing Travel Plans

Google Assistant allows you to book rides with ease. It can integrate with popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Rather than opening the app manually, you can simply say,

"Hey Google, book a ride for me to [destination] with Uber" 

Google Assistant will arrange it for you. You can also compare prices by saying,

"Hey Google, give me some ride options to [destination]" 

Google Assistant will show you the estimated fares for both Uber and Lyft.

Google Assistant can help you manage your travel plans also. If you have upcoming flights, Google Assistant can tell you your flight details, check-in status, and even provide gate information. You can simply ask,

"Hey Google, what is my flight status?" 

Or,

"Hey Google, when is my flight to [destination]?" 

Google Assistant will give you real-time updates.

Moreover, if you have travel plans saved in your Gmail or Google Calendar, Google Assistant can get those and give you reminders also. You can also ask questions like,

"Hey Google, what is my hotel check-in time?" 

Or,

"Hey Google, what is the departure time of my flight?"