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Google employees are reportedly testing new firmware that allows their Nest Hub Max smart display to process Google Assistant voice commands instantly, without having to say ‘Hello Google’ or any wake-up words.
Tipster Jan Boromeusz released a video (first found by Android Central), showcasing this feature, dubbed ‘Blue Steel’. In the video, Boromeusz brings his face close to the Nest Hub Max screen, instantly causing the Google Assistant logo to appear in the corner, indicating that the device is listening.
With simple commands like “Weather”, “Music” and “Open YouTube”, Boromeusz was able to control the smart screen without having to verbally attract Google’s attention at all times. You can see Blue Steel in action below.
The Nest Hub Max uses ultrasound sensors to determine how far you are from the smart screen and adjust the text size accordingly. It appears that Google uses the same ultrasound technology for simple motion detection here, turning the Google Assistant into listening mode when it detects motion and turning it off when you leave the room or sit down.
This feature is currently only being tested internally, and Google has not indicated that Blue Steel will ever be available to customers.
Google Assistant: always listening
Google is currently exploring ways to make its smart speakers and displays hear more than just wake-up words. This could make them more useful to customers, but it also raises privacy concerns.
If motion activated Google Assistant functionality were enabled, accidental voice commands would be much more likely, and Google would store those recorded “commands” on its servers.
Imagine talking to your roommate about bad weather or your favorite album, only so Nest Hub Max can check the weather forecast or start playing the album on Spotify.
Earlier this year, Google accidentally released a security update for the Google Home speakers, allowing it to hear smoke alarms and send a notification to your phone if it detected a problem. While it is a useful feature, it was installed on Google Home without the knowledge of customers.
