If you use Google Now as a daily attendee and feel it falls short, there is a practical way to unlock additional features Without root and with simple voice commands. Below, we explain how to do it safely, what you can do exactly, and how to take advantage of integration with other apps.
Google does not offer a complete API to work with Google Now But the developer that we are going to present to you today has used a rather clever way to improve the functions of Google Now, expanding it with a lot of really useful commands. The application is called commander and you don't need any special requirements, just that we will have to use the English wizard.
What is Commandr and how does it extend Google Now?
commander acts as an intermediary taking advantage of the dictation command “note to self”. Instead of creating a note, redirect that command to system actions and useful integrations. This allows turn settings on or off, control music, create notes in your favorite apps, and launch custom tasks. As with many new features of the assistant, the commands work in English and availability may vary by device.
Ryan Senayake, the developer and creator of this idea, has managed to use the "note to self" command quite intelligently. This voice command normally adds a voice note to services such as Google Keep, Evernote and other specialized applications, but by selecting Commandr as the default application for that Google Now feature, we will be able to use a large number of voice commands for the voice assistant (in English):
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- Turn On / Off WiFi
- Turn On / Off Bluetooth
- Turn On / Off GPS (for some phones)
- Pause Music
- Resume Music
- Next Song
- Previous Song
- Note (adds to note-taking app)
- Tasker commands
How to set it up step by step
- Install Commandr from Google Play and grant the requested permissions.
- Open the app and activate the option integration with Google Now.
- Of "note to self"and when the system asks you which app to complete with, choose Commandr as default.
- Check out Commandr list of available orders and his exact phrase. Examples: “note to self flashlight on”, “note to self wifi off”, “note to self bluetooth on”.
- Remember that some actions (such as GPS) depend on the device and system permissions; on some phones, it is not possible to switch them directly.
Recommended commands and examples
In addition to the system toggles, you can control playback: “note to self pause music”, “resume music”, “next song”. For quick notes, say “note to self-buy milk” and it will be sent to your default notes app. If you prefer, add more natural phrases like “note to self flashlight off” o “Wi-Fi on” to speed up your daily routines.
A useful tip is to combine these commands with Google Now habits. The assistant already manages alarms, reminders, timers, weather and traffic; with Commandr you add instant adjustment controls and shortcuts, reducing screen touches when you're cooking, driving, or working out.
Tasker: Create your own commands
If you use bike Bags, Commandr adds a bridge for shooting custom profiles and tasks by voice. Create a task in Tasker (e.g., activate power saving mode and send a message) and assign a Commandr command. Then say “note to self” followed by the name of that command. This combination allows you to go beyond the toggles and automate complex flows with a single sentence.
Compatibility, language and best practices
To keep everything running smoothly, keep the English assistant and be careful with the pronunciation of key verbs (on/off, pause/resume). Keep in mind the variability between brands: Not all mobile phones support it the same status changes by voice. For reference, Google Assistant already natively offers categories such as apps and settings, messages and calls, weather information, alarms and reminders, travel and traffic, relationships with contacts, General inquiries y games/leisure. Commandr complements these areas with switches and quick shortcuts that are not normally exposed by voice.
In the event that it seems little to you and you are interested in an even greater integration, the developer hopes to include some even more interesting functions for Google Now such as integration with Wolfram Alpha, read out Gmail emails, turn Wi-Fi hotspot on and off, turn Wi-Fi connectivity on and off… To do this, the application itself has a voting system in which users can choose what they want for the next updates, increasing even more the functionality of Google Now and Commandr.
If you are interested, you can find all the information on their website. Google Play StoreThis is certainly a way to get the most out of the voice assistant, although for now it's only available in English, which is a relatively significant drawback in our country.
Via Android Pit.
With this setup, you turn “note to self” into a Swiss Army knife for immediate actions, with support for custom tasks and more powerful use of the assistant without technical complications.