Feb 13, 2017 05:59 AM EST By Jordan Pine, UniversityHerald Reporter

Google Assistant has been reported to arrive in a few smartphones launching this year, but it appears that it has arrived sooner than expected. The new Google app beta version has brought Google Assistant to older android devices like the Nexus 6P and the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, which may indicate that the feature may be rolling out to everyone soon.

Google Assistant has been exclusive to Pixel phones although there have been reports that upcoming non-Pixel devices may have it too. A voice assistant like Siri in Apple or the rumored Bixby of Samsung may have other smartphone manufacturers like Huawei lining up to have Google Assistant in their flagship devices as well. Google to catch up to its rival, Amazon Alexa, may opt to spread its wings by jumping straight into other devices outside the Pixel ecosystem.

Google Assistant in Non-Pixel Devices

After completing the installation of the v6.13, older Android devices have received a notification that says "New! You just got Google Assistant." This has been confirmed in the Nexus 6P running on Android 7.1.1 and in the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 running on Android 6.0.1., Android Police reported. The new feature can be enabled by holding the Home button just like in launching Now on Tap.

However, not all users who have the said phones will get the new feature. The availability of Google Assistant may be tied to individual accounts and not on the kind of device. It could also be attributed to change settings or brought by some app versions.

Payments using Google Assistant

Last December, Google has already confirmed that the Google Assistant may be able to make purchases. The new beta version brings forth an evidence for the first time with a setup flow for the new capability. An interesting addition to the service screen is the prominent display of the Google Express, which is the localized shopping and delivery service of Google.

Google Assistant Gets Keyboard Support

Another rumor about adding keyboard support in Google Assistant gets another evidence of the feature's new capability. The new beta version reveals a setting where users can choose their preferred default mode, namely voice input or text entry.

Having access to Google Assistant adds a convenient way of doing tasks using smartphones. However, users are warned that the version is still in beta stage according to Digital Trends. Nonetheless, the inclusion of Google Assistant may be an indication that it will be available for everyone soon particularly when v6.13 becomes official.

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