• Voice dialing from a Bluetooth headset on Android. Download VoiceButton for Android. Android voice control. What settings are available for Android voice recognition?

    This application will be very useful in various situations when you urgently need to make and answer a call, and your hands are busy at that moment, for example, you are driving. The program supports voice dialing not only using the gadget's microphone, but also using a Bluetooth headset.

    Voice Dialer for Android

    Start communicating with your Android device not only with your hands, but also with your voice. In addition to quickly calling a contact, the application can search for contacts in the Android device's address book, call the desired contact, launch any installed phone applications, and check the time. And you don’t have to take your smartphone out of your pocket or case to do this. Press the button on your headset and tell your mobile phone what to do.

    If you are walking down the street on a cold, cold winter day, and your phone is deep in your jacket pocket and you want to know the time and listen to music, then now you don’t have to take the device out of your pocket and freeze your hands. Give a voice command to your smartphone and it will tell you what time it is and play your favorite track.

    Google Corporation began its activities as a search engine, and at the moment, searching for information using mobile devices remains one of the main directions of development. With each update of the phone/tablet system, Google Play Services and individual programs, more and more new functions appear to make life easier for the user. In this article, I'll talk about the most useful voice commands, Now on Tap contextual search, and also show you how to set up your phone to perform any voice commands, including using Tasker. After all, this is exactly what we dreamed about when reading the works of science fiction writers in childhood.

    Traditionally, all the latest developments from the “good corporation” are implemented on Nexus line devices. This was the case with voice control and with Google Now, a system for presenting information in the form of a set of cards. One application is responsible for Google Now, simple Google search and voice search, this is Google. It is included with standard Google applications and is available on any certified Android smartphone.

    Previously, voice control was only activated when you clicked on the microphone icon while the search program was open (or on widgets on the desktop). Then came the Google Start launcher, which allowed you to execute voice commands directly from the desktop (using the phrase “Ok, Google”). Starting with Android 4.4, the same feature became available in other launchers, but only if the launcher explicitly supports this feature (almost all popular launchers do).

    There are also several smartphones with advanced voice control functions that are activated even when the smartphone screen is turned off. For example, MOTO X contains a separate processor with very low power consumption, which does nothing but listen to all surrounding sounds in the background for a key phrase.

    Search widget on desktop


    Voice control

    Simple search for information is, of course, the most important function of Google Now. Moreover, it is intelligent enough to understand the context, which means commands can be combined into chains. For example, if you say, “Okay Google, who is the president of Nicaragua?” the search will return the answer “Daniel Ortega.” And if you further ask “How old is he?”, then the answer will be “Seventy years old.” Google Now understands a lot of commands, here are ten of the most useful ones.

    • Maps and navigation- “let's go/navigation #title streets #number Houses". Launches Google Maps in navigator mode at the specified address. You can also indicate a city, store, organization, and so on.
    • Calculator- “thirteen percent of five thousand.” Will display the answer and the form of the calculator in the search window. You can use your voice to dictate addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and the root of a number. You can also translate measures of weights, lengths, etc.
    • Sending SMS/messages- “write an SMS to Oleg, text I’m driving, I’ll call you back later.” You can also send messages through WhatsApp, Viber and several other popular instant messengers. Using a simplified scheme, you can dictate “message #program #contact #text.” For example: “Whatsapp message Oleg I’m driving.” After this, you can also confirm the sending by voice with the “send” command.
    • Dialing a number- “call mom.” You can also dictate an arbitrary number that is not in the address book. When using the “call sister/brother” command, you can specify a number from your contacts (if written differently), then the next time the call will be made automatically.
    • Reminders and alarms- “wake me up on Saturday at eight in the morning” or “remind me to turn off the stove in ten minutes.” You can also add events to Google Calendar. Events can be tied not only to time, but also to place. If you add “remind me to print the text at work,” then if geolocation is turned on and the work address (location on the map) is specified, the reminder will automatically pop up on your phone. The regular timer built into the Clock app is just as easy to start.
    • Guess the melody- “what kind of song is this?” Will start recognizing the playing music.
    • Music/video- “listen to (music) #group #song.” Launches the specified music in Play Music or a clip on YouTube. It works normally with Russian titles, but since it identifies English words and performers, sometimes incorrectly interpreting them for the Russian language, it does not always work.
    • Photo/video- “take a photo / record a video.” Will launch the camera in the selected mode.
    • Manage Settings- “turn off Wi-Fi”, “turn on the flashlight”.
    • Notes- “note to yourself: test password for service one two three four.” Adds a note to Google Keep.

    Now on Tap

    The description of this service was given special attention at the presentation of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. And it was presented as one of the main features of the new firmware. But we received more or less normal functionality in Russia only in December. In the official Russian translation it is called context from Now.

    How does this work? “When you launch context from Now, Google analyzes everything you see on the screen and searches for information based on that data,” is the official description from the support page. What this means is that instead of highlighting and copying phrases of interest on the screen, then opening the search and pasting the phrase, you can simply press and hold the Home button. Google will then offer suggestions for the keyword phrases found. This could be pictures, videos, a proposal to open this place on maps, news. May offer to open the organization’s website or make a call, open a Facebook profile or look at a celebrity’s Twitter account, or add a note. If there are corresponding applications on the device, after tapping on the icon, the page will open immediately inside the application. When listening to music from different applications, you can call up artists, albums, YouTube videos and more with one click.


    Easter eggs in Google search

    Just like the desktop version of search, voice search has Easter eggs. I will give only a few commands, the rest you can find out at this link. Unfortunately, almost all of them work only in English and with an English interface, or when only English is selected in the settings.

    "Do a barrel roll."
    “Make me a sandwich!”
    “Sudo make me a sandwich!”
    "When am I?"
    "Beam me up, Scotty!"
    “Up up down down left right left right.”
    "What does the fox say?"

    Tasker

    If, after everything you've read, you still don't have enough commands to make your fantasies come true, then, with a little time, you can configure Google Now to execute almost any command. To do this, we will first need the AutoVoice plugin.

    Using Tasker, you can perform many actions: launch applications, control sound, run scripts, control the screen, manipulate files, press buttons on the screen, manage media, make HTTP Get and Post requests and respond to them, manage advanced phone settings. And all this can be done by issuing voice commands. And with the help of many plugins, the functionality expands even further.

    To get started, you need to enable the Google Now Integration item inside AutoVoice. In Tasker you need to create a separate profile for each team or group of teams. As usual, to create profiles, I recommend turning on English in Tasker settings. For the test profile, we will create a voice command to turn off the sound. To do this, create a new profile with the parameters Event → Plugin → AutoVoice Recognized. Fill in the following fields:

    • Command Filter- here we enter the necessary voice command, in our example: “turn off the sound.” If you click on the Speak Filter line, you can dictate the command.
    • Exact Command- if you check the box, it will only work on the exact command, otherwise it can work on every single word or form of a word.
    • Use Regex- use regular expressions. Allows you to configure recognition of several words in one profile. If in the first field you enter “(turn off|turn off) (sound|volume)” without quotes, then the profile will respond to the commands “mute sound”, “turn off volume”, “mute sound” and “turn off volume”.

    For the action we use Audio → Ringer Volume and Audio → Notification Volume. To control the triggering, you can add a pop-up notification via Alert → Flash and enter “Disabled” in the Text field.

    The commands “turn off Wi-Fi” work immediately in Google Now, and “turn off the sound” prompts you to open the settings. And after intercepting the command through Tasker and executing it, it still remains on the current screen with the request. Therefore, we will additionally add App → Go Home to the actions. Well, to amuse your friends, in all profiles for voice control, you can set Alert → Say as the first action and enter the phrase “I obey, master.” Then the phone will respond with voice in response to commands.



    Using additional plugins, such as AutoRemote, you can control other Android devices. And if you install EventGhost on your computer, then with the help of numerous plugins you can do a lot of interesting things. One of the most useful applications will be setting up a smart home, but this is a separate big story. Joao Dias, the developer of all Auto* plugins, also has an add-on for the computer, which allows you to integrate mobile device management through the Cortana voice assistant on the desktop.

    A few tricks

    Tasker is hardcore. You can do amazing things, but to do this you need to master a lot of information, understand variables, regular expressions, and so on. For those who don't want to bother with Tasker, there are a large number of programs that use voice control capabilities, but have a clearer and more accessible interface and are easy to use. I'll stop at three.

    The program allows you to change the key phrase from “Ok, Google” to any other. Unfortunately, after one of the service updates and a request from Google, it stopped working with Google Engine, leaving only PocketSphinx. In this regard, only English phrases are suitable for the key phrase, but previously it was possible to surprise those present by calling the phone “hey, you” or “listen to the command.”

    However, the developer promises to fix everything in the next updates. Other functions include the launch of recognition by the proximity sensor (two waves of the hand) and by shaking the phone. Like MOTO X, it supports recognition when the screen is off, but, unfortunately, this greatly affects the battery, so it is relevant for a phone on charge or car media centers on Android with constant power. Works with a Bluetooth headset, has integration with Tasker, and can read text messages.


    Another program from the developer Open Mic+. Integrates with Google Now and allows you to use an expanded set of commands. The list of supported ones includes the following: turn on/off the wireless access point, pause/resume music, next/previous song, unread SMS/gmail (voices them out), volume, phone lock, take a photo, take a selfie. You can also turn on the voice recorder, control the backlight, and auto-rotate the screen. With root, you can turn off/restart your phone, clear notifications, and enable Airplane mode. For supported functions, you can change the commands to your own. It also has integration with Tasker, allowing you to enable triggering for each task by the name Task. There is a module for Xposed that allows you to use Commandr with Android Wear.


    Assistant Dusya

    And finally, the brainchild of Russian developers is the Russian-language voice assistant Dusya, which combines all the advantages of the described applications and utilities. Like Tasker, Dusya allows you to create your own voice functions (they are called “scripts”), in a much more understandable and simpler form (there is help in Russian, video tutorials) and with more powerful functions for working with speech commands. In addition, it also has its own online catalog of ready-made scripts created by other users. At the time of writing there were about a hundred of them.

    Just like Commandr, Dusya can integrate with Google Now, and also has many types of other contactless activations - by shaking, waving, using a headset, bringing it to the ear, and including its own activation phrase in Russian. And if you want to use the interface, then it is there, very simple, fast and functional. Among the functions there are 25 most frequently requested ones, there is even control of smart homes and home theaters.


    Conclusions

    Today, voice search functions in smartphones are very developed, and, as you can see, developers offer us not just a set of commands for searching for information, but a full-fledged smartphone control system, which, with some effort, can be integrated with a home computer and even a smart home. So if you're more comfortable controlling it all with your voice, you've got everything you need to do so.

    Last updated by at November 18, 2016.

    – we bring to your attention a very practical and convenient application from the developer Hakuna_Matata, which will be appreciated by transport drivers, since using voice commands in this application you can dial a number, call, search for the necessary contact, get directions, open programs, as well as VoiceButton will announce incoming calls and automatically turn on speakerphone and much, much more. The program is activated using Bluetooth and a wired headset.

    More information about the program:

    The application can work in two modes:
    Normal - a mode in which the program will not talk to you. When identifying a contact with high accuracy, automatic dialing can be performed after a time specified in the settings. This mode can be used when there is no headset.
    While driving - a mode in which the program will synthesize voice messages. This mode is useful when using a headset or when your hands are full.

    Modes can automatically switch when you connect and disconnect a headset. Each mode can use personal settings that you specify. You can launch the program using Bluetooth or a wired headset. Typically, to start from a Bluetooth headset, you need to press and hold the call button. For clarification, please read the instructions for the specific model. In some cases, launching the program from the headset does not work. The reason may be either in the headset or in the phone itself. To start from a wired headset, press and hold the headset button. To make launch when locked work, activate the item in the settings. You can use aliases (words for automatic replacement) for all commands. The program uses voice input and a speech synthesizer built into the system. To search for places and navigate by voice, the program supports Yandex navigator and Google maps. It is possible to backup and restore settings and a list of aliases.

    Working with contacts
    To search for a contact, you need to start the program recognition and, after the sound signal, say the search text.
    Contact search works by name, number or part thereof, type, organization name
    Example: Alexey Ivanov, Anton 911, Mom at home, Anton worker. You can use an alias to accurately identify a contact. This function is available online and offline.

    Working with programs
    To start the program, you need to say the command “open application” + “program name”.
    For example: open the gallery application.
    If you use an alias, you can run programs using simpler words. For example, instead of “Open the gallery application,” you can say “show pictures,” unless, of course, you create such an alias. Aliases can be used to open programs with complex names. This function is available online and offline.

    Working with the Yandex navigator
    To find the nearest place, you need to say the command “navigator” + “place name or address”. The Yandex people's map service is used for searching. If you have Yandex navigator installed and the place is found, the navigator will be launched and the route will be plotted. This feature is only available online.

    Working with Google Maps
    To find the nearest place, you need to say the command “map” + “place name or address.” The Google service is used for searching. If you have Google maps installed and a place is found, a program will be launched offering directions. This feature is only available online.

    Current time
    To find out the current time just say the command "time" and the program will tell you it.
    This function is available online and offline.

    Voice dialing lets you make a call by speaking a recorded voice tag for a contact.
    Voice tags allow you to make calls without dialing a number. Voice tags can be any words,
    for example, names.

    You can store a certain number of voice tags in your phone's memory.

    The name should be pronounced exactly as it was pronounced when recorded.

    Background noise may interfere with the normal operation of the voice recognition system, so it is recommended to record and

    Tags that are too short are not perceived by the phone; use long enough voice tags and don't

    record similar labels for different numbers.

    You can record a voice tag for any contact that is saved in the phone memory. Save or
    Copy the contacts for which you want to record voice tags to the phone memory. Voice tags are possible
    add for numbers stored on the SIM card, but in this case, when replacing the SIM card, you will need to first
    remove old voice tags and then add new ones.

    1. In standby mode, press

    and scroll to the contact you want to record a voice tag for.

    2. Click

    Details

    , highlight the desired phone number, press

    Var-you

    and select

    Phonogram

    3. Click

    Start

    and clearly say the words you want to record as a voice tag. Upon completion

    recording, the phone plays the recorded tag.

    Phonogram saved

    accompanied by a sound signal. Next to the number for which you added a voice tag in the list

    Contacts

    symbol is displayed

    Click

    Menu

    and select

    Contacts

    Phonograms

    need to be reproduced, modified or deleted.

    If you have an application open on your phone that uses a GPRS connection to receive or send data, close
    This is the application before working with voice tags.

    1. In standby mode, press and hold the selection key

    . The phone will beep briefly

    signal and the message appears on the display

    Say soundtrack

    seconds will automatically start dialing the number.

    Information numbers and service numbers

    The SIM card may contain information or service numbers stored by your service provider.

    Click

    Menu

    and select

    Contacts

    Info numbers

    Service numbers

    . Select the required information or

    service number and press

    to call this number.

    Your numbers

    Phone numbers assigned to the SIM card are stored in the menu

    Your numbers

    (if such function is supported by SIM

    card). To view numbers, click

    Menu

    and select

    Contacts

    Your numbers

    . Highlight the required name

    or number and press

    Cm.

    CONTACTS

    Copyright © 2004 Nokia. All Rights Reserved.

    You may also be interested

    What are the advantages

    Let’s immediately talk about the strengths of this method. With normal activated voice input, all commands must be spoken close to the smartphone so that your voice is heard clearly and clearly by the system. This method may be inconvenient in some situations. The situation can be corrected by connecting a Bluetooth headset and speaking commands into it while holding the smartphone in your hands as conveniently as possible.

    In addition, commands such as “Okay, Google, set the alarm for 7 am” do not require the participation of a smartphone at all: it is enough that the headset is within range of the radio module and the “Recognition from all applications” mode is activated.

    About the cons

    The weaknesses include the rapid discharge of your earphone, since it is in an active state almost all the time, waiting for a new command “Okay, Google”. Also, when the “From all applications” mode is enabled, problems with the camera occur on almost all devices: when recording video, the “microphone busy” error pops up and it is impossible to enable video recording. You must first disable this speech recognition method.

    Instructions

    If all the listed advantages and disadvantages suit you, you can proceed to the settings. We have described in detail How to connect a Bluetooth headset to an Android mobile phone.

    After these steps, spoken commands will be picked up by the headset microphone.

    To make the control work no matter what you are running on your smartphone:

    Notes: If this value is turned on, the headphone battery will drain faster and there will be problems with recording sound when filming videos.

    Another method is to use the Voice Search icon.

    When you select it through the menu, a special window will open: you need to pronounce commands in it.

    With this method of using the above problems there will be no problems.


    is a program that will literally give you a free hand. There are often situations when it is inconvenient to take out the phone to make a call - now you can make a call using a voice command. And this is not all the capabilities of this application.

    Video available:





    The program is convenient and functional: in addition to its main task - dialing numbers by voice command, it can also launch various applications, open maps and get directions. In addition, the application can communicate the time to the user. This option will be convenient, for example, for those who listen to music on headphones and do not want to take out their phone again. It should be noted that the program is of particular interest when using a telephone headset. By pressing and holding the button on it, you call the program, after which you can give commands to it. It would be a good idea to install voice dialing on your tablet, especially if it has a GSM module and is sometimes used for calls.


    The developers have worked hard on the convenience and functionality of the application. There are two modes that can be switched when the headset is turned on and off. The mode with the headset on means using the device while driving - nothing will distract you from driving. It should also be noted that VoiceButton will work without the Internet on devices with firmware versions older than 4.1. For greater ease of use, as well as to eliminate erroneous commands, it is possible to set command aliases. By default, to make a call you need to say the name of the contact or program, but this is not always convenient. When assigning a nickname to a team, it is better to use simple words that are not similar to each other.
    The extensive capabilities and convenience of the add-on speak for themselves, so it won’t hurt to download voice dialing to your Android tablet or smartphone.

    Articles and Lifehacks

    Not every user is aware that there is voice dialing on Android, how to enable Not everyone imagines this function either. But if you look at the list of released models, it becomes clear that almost every modern device is equipped with it. We'll tell you how to start using voice dialing, using standard options offered by the system or third-party applications.

    Basic voice command input involves dictating text to your mobile device without using keys. To be able to use this function, you need to perform several simple and consistent steps. Let's start by placing the cursor in any text input field. We will be prompted to use the Android keyboard. Find the microphone picture and click on it. A panel for voice input will appear in front of us, where there will be several important elements, including a list of languages, a voice indicator and the “Done” key, in English “Done” (switches to normal text mode).

    By default, a Google search widget is installed on one of the desktops of our smartphone, which also has an icon with a microphone. By clicking on it we can activate the voice dialing function.

    How to manage this feature? You should be aware that the red frame around the microphone changes its thickness depending on how loud our voice is. As commands are processed, they will appear as words in the field.

    Let us add that the function only works with an active Internet connection. The input language is selected in a special field (“Select dictation language” > “Add languages”, that is, “Add languages”). Now you can use voice dialing without any problems.

    Now we have an idea of ​​what voice typing is on Android, how to enable it and how to use it. However, you should know that you can activate this function in the same ways: that is, not only with the built-in tools of the system, but also with the help of third-party programs.

    A good program is Voice Button. It can be found and downloaded from the Play Market. This is a good application for voice control of all home appliances. It is built on the base module of an Android cellular device, as well as an Arduino module.

    After the very first launch of the application, go to “Settings”, and then select “Please click and tell”. A window with a picture of a microphone will open. The voice commands we speak will appear in the top field. To save a command and bind it to a specific button, click on this button labeled “Change Voice command No.” The command text will appear in parentheses.

    Another good program is Cyberon Voice Commander. It has a high degree of accuracy. The application allows you to make outgoing calls, launch other programs, etc. The voice dialing function is paired with a wireless Bluetooth headset.

    The disadvantage of this application is that it is offered on a paid basis. Its price is $5.99.