With Android 10 and the Pixel 4 lineup, we were treated to, yet again, new revamps and takes on different Google services. One of the most noteworthy changes is clearly the new Google Assistant. It is still the same Assistant we know and love, but it has received a couple of revamps to both the way it looks and the way it works. It's smarter, quicker, and looks overall better and more fitting with Google's new aesthetic. But as was the case with the original Google Assistant when it first launched with the Google Pixel roughly 4 years ago, the new Google Assistant is, as of this moment, is exclusive to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL to incentivize people to buy them.
Pixel 4 Forums ||| Pixel 4 XL Forums
But that doesn't mean it will always be the case; and by the looks of it, it could potentially change very soon. A new change to the Google Assistant means that the app can now be used on the Google Pixel 4 using three-button classic navigation buttons, meaning that you can access it just like you would on other devices by long-pressing the home button. Previously, it was confined to gestures only, requiring a swipe from the corner to access the Assistant. Given how lots of other devices are still using classic navigation buttons, this could potentially mean that this Google Assistant could be coming to other devices very soon, although as of now, you can't use it on other phones. So take that as you will. We have also independently confirmed that this works as of Google App version 10.93.13.29.
The new Google Assistant working with classic navigation buttons. Image credits: 9to5Google.
With the exception of a few visual bugs—which could mean anything from "it's almost finished" to "this is not intended behavior at all and will be removed soon"—it is seemingly working flawlessly, too, but don't get your hopes up for a rollout soon as Google likes to keep things for themselves for a while. While it could happen very soon, there is also the chance it won't. We'll keep you informed.
Via: 9to5Google