The Google Pixel has been a game-changer for Android phones. Besides being the first Google smartphone compatible with Daydream virtual reality, the Pixel introduced a new assistant to the industry: Google Assistant. The tech giant promised more than just software to answer your questions; they envisioned an intelligent assistant capable of understanding your queries and acting accordingly. Currently, this feature is exclusive to this phone, but we'll show you how to use Google Assistant on any Android phone.
Android 7.0 essential
The virtual assistant trend is booming, and every brand has its own. Cortana is the only one that's truly cross-platform, although now that Google Assistant exists, you'll probably prefer the Mountain View company's software to Microsoft's. The downside is that you need two things to use it: a Google Pixel, in which case you'll have to switch phones, or a phone running Android Nougat or 7.0, since you can install Google Assistant on any phone that meets this requirement.
If you're one of the lucky ones who can update their mobile device to this new version, or if you already have it installed, there are only two steps left. According to the XDA Developers forums, the first is to root your device , a procedure that will only take about 10 minutes, and the second is to navigate through the folders to change your phone model.
Before you start, remember to make a backup in case you have to recover your previous version. First you have to go to the System folder and find the build.prp file. Hold it down for a few seconds and open it with a text editor to change the model of your smartphone to Google's. It would look something like this: ro.product.model = Pixel XL.
The change will take effect when you go to the end of the document and copy this text at the end: ro.opa.elegible_device = true. In this way, the operating system will recognize that the device on which it is installed is that of the big G and you will have the smart assistant of that phone available.
The alternative to the manual method
The previous method for getting Google Assistant on any Android phone is the manual method. Of course, there's an alternative that makes everything simpler, faster, and includes a backup. All you have to do is install three folders on your smartphone that will automatically perform the entire procedure described above, giving you the new Google Assistant on your device.