Google Now Offers System-Wide Hotword Detection

Everybody would like a personal assistant, and for many of us, Google Now is the closest thing we are going to get. Recently, with the app up, you could summon this digital Jeeves with the phrase: “OK Google.” Now that hotword works throughout the entire phone instead of just when the app is running (even if you are on the lock screen)!

Once you have the update, in order to turn on hotword detection you need to head into Google now, scroll to the bottom and tap Menu>Settings>Voice>”Ok Google” Detection. From there you can also toggle any other options according to your preferences.

Don’t be alarmed if you haven’t yet seen this change as it may take a little while to roll out to you –Google is releasing it in waves, so just keep checking for updates. Once you grab it, be sure to check out Audio History so you can help the app learn the sound of your voice.