Google Home fans will see a useful tool – that they may not know even exists – get dropped from Assistant-powered devices in the UK next month. Did you know that right now you can ask your Google Home or Google Nest speaker or display to make a free phone call? Well, if you didn’t know about this hidden Google Home tool and would like to take advantage of it then time is running out.
The Mountain View firm has announced that from mid-December this feature is getting dropped for Google Home and Google Nest users in the UK.
This feature is being scrapped for fans of Google Home or Google Nest speakers and displays in Blighty, however it will still be available in the US and Canada.
If you are already actively using this Google Home and Google Nest feature and have been left disappointed it’s getting scrapped then there is one small silver lining.
You will still be able to make calls to Google Duo users via a Google Home or Nest speaker or display.
READ MORE: Google Nest Audio review: If only it looked as good as it sounds
Announcing the change-up, Google said: “Starting in mid-December 2020, if you’re in the UK, you won’t be able to make Google supported calls on your speaker or display. You’ll still be able to make audio or video calls through Duo.”
The news was revealed in a post on the Google support pages, and was later highlighted in an article by Android Police.
If you want to take advantage of this Google Home feature before it disappears then here is how you can activate it…
• To start with, make sure you have the latest versions of the Google Home app and the Google app
• Then, ensure your Google Nest or Home speaker or display has firmware version 1.39.154941 or later
• If you’re in the UK you will be able to make phone calls to UK numbers. If you’re in the US or Canada you can make calls to US or Canadian numbers
Then, it’s quite straight forward. As Google explains: “In the US, CA, and UK, you can make Google supported calls without any additional setup.
“To make a call, say ‘Hey Google, call [phone number]’ or ‘Hey Google, call [business name].'”
If you want to be able to call contacts via their name here is how you can enable this on your Google Home or Google Nest speaker or display…
GOOGLE HOME OR NEST SPEAKERS
• Open the Google Home app
• Tap your device and then Settings
• Under ‘More’ tap Recognition & personalization
• Turn on Allow personal results
GOOLE HOME OR NEST DISPLAYS
• Open the Google Home app
• Tap your device and then Settings and then Recognition & sharing
• Tap Recognition & personalization
• Turn on Allow personal results
