Galaxy S8/S8+ – How to Use Ok Google

What’s the best way to learn about the possibilities that virtual assistants have to offer?

Start using one yourself. Every virtual assistant is designed to be intuitive, though some are easier to use than others.

So which virtual assistant can you use on your Galaxy S8/S8+?

These smartphones all come with Google Assistant. To access your Google Assistant, you’ll need to use the command “Ok Google”.

Additionally, the S8 and S8+ are equipped with Bixby. This is another virtual assistant, and it was developed by Samsung. While this article focuses on Ok Google, it also briefly covers Bixby.

How to Activate Ok Google on Your Galaxy S8/S8+

Before you can start using Google Assistant, you have to teach it to recognize your voice. Here is how you can do that.

1. Touch the Home Button

The Home button is in the middle of the screen. Touch and hold it.

2. Select Continue

3. Give Google Assistant Permission to Access Your Device Information

Tap on YES I’M IN to let Google Assistant use your location history, see your web and app activity, and access other data that you generate.

4. Select GET STARTED

Now you need to repeat the phrase “Ok Google” three times. This will teach Google Assistant to respond to the command. But it will only respond to your voice.

When you’re done with this, you get constant access to this virtual assistant. You can make it a part of your everyday activities.

Using Ok Google

By touching the home button, you can access the Speak icon. Tap this icon to start learning more about your Google Assistant. If you swipe left, you can see a list of Ok Google’s functions, which include:

• Making Calls
• Sending Text Messages
• Looking Up Facts
• Giving You Directions
• Posting to Social Media

You may need some time to get used to phrasing your commands. But Google’s machine learning process is constantly evolving. Ok Google is getting better at recognizing your needs and responding to them in the most convenient way.

What Is Hello Bixby?

Bixby is another virtual assistant that comes with the S8 and the S8+. To voice-activate Bixby, you should use the command “Hello Bixby”.

But first, you need to set it up. Press the Bixby button on the left side of your phone to get started.

The signup process is similar to the one above.

1. Press the Bixby Button
2. Select More Options
3. Select Settings
4. Turn On Bixby Voice
5. Turn On Voice Wake Up
6. Teach Bixby to Recognize Your Voice

Again, you’ll need to speak the command out loud and allow Bixby to record it.

Google Assistant or Bixby?

Google Assistant might be the most efficient virtual assistant currently in use. It responds really well to natural language. It’s also improving at a startling rate.

Bixby isn’t as multi-faceted. For now, it is still in development. But it can do a good job when it comes to controlling your apps.

A Final Word

For now, Google Assistant is better at completing any of the tasks you need. However, Bixby is easy to use and it may still hold surprises in the future.

You get easy access to two virtual assistants on your S8/S8+. The best thing you can do is try them both out and then go for the one that works better for you personally.