Skip to main content

Google Assistant might be coming to your non-Pixel device sooner rather than later

You don’t have to go out and get a Google Pixel in order to get Google Assistant — rather, it would appear that the AI tool is beginning to make its way onto non-Pixel hardware. As first reported by Android Police, it looks as though an alpha version of the Google app has appeared in the wild by way of the version 6.13 update, and while it’s rather buggy, it’s the first time we’re able to see Assistant on a phone that isn’t a Pixel or Pixel XL.

As Android Police noted, both a Nexus 6P (running Android 7.1.1) and a Samsung Galaxy Note5 (running Android 6.0.1) were able to launch Google Assistant with the user simply holding the Home button. After a few moments, a dialogue with the message “New! You just got the Google Assistant” popped up, and allowed for users to set up voice training.

Recommended Videos

Be warned, however, that given that this is still an alpha version of the newest software, it’s working better for some than it is for others. It doesn’t seem to be linked to device type (some Nexus 6Ps got Assistant to work, while others didn’t), though it could be contingent on phone settings or other app versions. Regardless, the very presence of Google Assistant on v6.13 could mean exciting things for folks who have been waiting to get Google Assistant on their existing Android devices.

While we’re not rushing to any conclusions, it could be the case that Assistant will be made available to everyone when v6.13 becomes officially available. However, it’s also possible that some devices got Assistant as an error when mistakenly identified as a Pixel handset in settings (that said, the introductory messages that new users received suggest that this was not an error).

Regardless, we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see exactly when Google Assistant becomes more widely available, but perhaps not as long as previously thought.

Lulu Chang
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Google’s Find My Device tracking tool could soon serve Apple’s best trick
Google's Find My Device app showing linked devices on a phone.

It’s roughly been a year since Google launched its new Find My Device network, fortifying it with security features such as encrypted location sharing, unknown tracker alerts, and more. But so far, it has missed out on a notable feature that enables precise object tracking within Apple’s rival Find My network. 

That is about to change soon, it seems. Talking to The Verge, Google’s Angela Hsiao hinted that the company will soon make an announcement regarding UWB integration within the Find My Device ecosystem. 

Read more
Google Pixel 10: everything you need to know
We're expecting to see the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold very soon
Leaked render of Google Pixel 10 angled view from front and back.

Summer is around the corner, and with it comes talk of the Google Pixel 10. This year, the Made by Google event is scheduled for August 20. At 1 pm ET (10 am PT), the keynote kicks off for what we expect to be a Pixel-packed fest.

The Google Pixel 9 has been enjoying its time in the sun for the last 11 months, thanks to its stunning cameras, spectacular battery life, spontaneous use of Gemini AI, and a matte finish on par with the iPhone 16. We've also seen the affordable Pixel 9a launch, which really does leave things open for the Pixel 10 to be the next smartphone announcement from Google.

Read more
Android 16 is finally expanding beyond Google Pixel phones
Android 16 logo on Google Pixel 6a held in hand.

The next major build of Android has reached a handful of new milestones, ahead of its public release. Google has just started the rollout of Android 16’s fourth beta update, reaching the second platform stability. 

Developers who have optimized their apps to target Android 16 can now ship their updates via the Google Play Store. The latest beta update is also the near-final version, as all the app behaviours and background functionalities have been finalized. 

Read more