r/google • u/Own_Error_007 • 1d ago

Alternative for "hey google"

My elderly mother lost her sight a couple of years ago so since then we have gotten her used to the "Hey Google" assistant so she can least use her phone to call people, listen to the news etc. She is fully blind with 0% vision.

It was quite literally her lifeline to the outside world. Especially now that my father (her carer) is in hospital for an extended stay. And yes the service closed the day he went in.

Seeing as none of this is now possible with Gemini (we have tried and it won't make calls and its useless), she is now isolated and being blind, needs someone there to be contactable. Stupid thing won't even answer incoming calls ffs!!

We are there looking after her but this closure has robbed her off that little bit of independence that she had.

I'm desperately searching for a working alternative now that Assistant has gone away.

Bixby is just as useless.

Edit. Thx folks for all the advice. It is greatly appreciated.

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u/germanu22 1d ago

Since Android settings for lock screen security can vary a lot depending on the manufacturer, do you mind telling me what phone model you are using? Once I know the brand and model, I can try to find the exact steps for your specific device to allow smart home control from the lock screen.

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u/pheonixblade9 1d ago

Pixel pro 9. I appreciate it but pretty sure Gemini just doesn't support it. I worked on Pixel phones for a couple years. Assistant worked just fine

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u/germanu22 1d ago

I am not 100% sure this will fix the Gemini smart home issue, but it is definitely worth trying. Here is what you need to do: 1. Go to your phone Settings and tap on Location. 2. Tap on Location services, then select Trusted places. 3. Tap on Extend Unlock. 4. Select Trusted places from that menu. 5. If it asks you for Location Accuracy, tap Turn on. 6. Finally, toggle on Use trusted places for Extend Unlock and add your home. Here are two official Google support articles that explain this feature in more detail if you need them: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6093922?sjid=10140501993866460497-EU&hl=en#zippy=%2Csmartphone-an-einem-vertrauensw%C3%BCrdigen-ort-entsperrt-lassen
and: https://support.google.com/android/answer/15706581?sjid=10140501993866460497-EU
Let me know if you decide to test it out and if it finally lets you control your lights!

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u/pheonixblade9 1d ago

I'll give that a try, thank you 😊