Database Users

Using hotwords when NOT in Google now

So I am finding conflicting information online about this functionality. Essentially when I would like to do is say a hotword (the default is "google") and the phone would launch a search. As far as I can tell this can only be initiated from within Google Now, which to be honest is almost pointless. Given that you need to touch the screen to launch Google Now its just as easy to hit the little microphone icon. Is it possible to launch the Google Now search without actually being in Google Now? It would be great if I could simply roll over after I get up in the morning and say a hotword which wakes the phone and launches the search app.

webmaster said:
So I am finding conflicting information online about this functionality. Essentially when I would like to do is say a hotword (the default is "google") and the phone would launch a search. As far as I can tell this can only be initiated from within Google Now, which to be honest is almost pointless. Given that you need to touch the screen to launch Google Now its just as easy to hit the little microphone icon. Is it possible to launch the Google Now search without actually being in Google Now? It would be great if I could simply roll over after I get up in the morning and say a hotword which wakes the phone and launches the search app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, that's how it is supposed to work. The phone Googling every time somebody said Google would be out of control.
It's probably possible somehow, but the constant listening for voice input would reduce your battery to a potato.

TheFiveDots said:
You are correct, that's how it is supposed to work. The phone Googling every time somebody said Google would be out of control.
It's probably possible somehow, but the constant listening for voice input would reduce your battery to a potato.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would it really hurt the battery that much?

webmaster said:
Would it really hurt the battery that much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The microphone constantly enabled while endlessly comparing the input to listen for a keyword?
Absolutely, yes.

Ok, so what about if that only happened when it was charging? For instance, when I am sleeping I leave the phone on the nightstand next to my bed and it is plugged in. Alternatively if you have it setup in your car so that it is charging while you drive. Both instances are ideal for when you would need truly "hands free" access to search functionality.

TheFiveDots said:
The microphone constantly enabled while endlessly comparing the input to listen for a keyword?
Absolutely, yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And obviously yes. OBVIOUSLY.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Leave Google now screen on while you sleep and click setting to keep screen awake.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

droidmakespwn said:
Leave Google now screen on while you sleep and click setting to keep screen awake.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats actually not a terrible idea, although the glowing phone might get kind of annoying while trying to sleep! For driving however that is a great way to do it, so thank you for the suggestion.

webmaster said:
Thats actually not a terrible idea, although the glowing phone might get kind of annoying while trying to sleep! For driving however that is a great way to do it, so thank you for the suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also use some kinda of app (I forget the name of it) that would auto launch google now and leave the screen on when the phone is plugged in.

jakejm79 said:
You could also use some kinda of app (I forget the name of it) that would auto launch google now and leave the screen on when the phone is plugged in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent been able to find such an app. If you remember the name please let me know.

webmaster said:
I havent been able to find such an app. If you remember the name please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tasker I believe.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...EsIm5ldC5kaW5nbGlzY2guYW5kcm9pZC50YXNrZXJtIl0.

[Q] Difference between S-voice and Google Now

Sorry if this is the wrong place but:
What's the difference between the S-Voice from the S4 and Google Now?
I watched sum comparison videos on youtube, but they seem a little bit inaccurate. For example, it said that "google voice" can't open apps, but it can on my Nexus 4.

S voice is Samsung's own personal assistant developed for Galaxy devices . I guess it has been used in GS3, Note 2 and GS4 as well.
Google Now is vast new concept started by Google. It's more than just a personal assistant. It's like improved version of Google Voice..
for ex. if you are entering any highway, GN will warn about traffic
you are entering into a tube station, GN will alert you about the next trains lined up..
Google voice can certainly open apps.

Google now is better .S voice sucks that's the difference. Half the time s voice doesn't function right or gets s##t wrong that you ask for.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

imeem said:
Sorry if this is the wrong place but:
What's the difference between the S-Voice from the S4 and Google Now?
I watched sum comparison videos on youtube, but they seem a little bit inaccurate. For example, it said that "google voice" can't open apps, but it can on my Nexus 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-Voice is like another apps on Samsung Device that begins with "S", and i prefer to put S as Silly except Samsung
Silly apps that u can find all of them for free in play store but samsung preinstall them on galaxies device!!! on Android OS that it has its own preinstalled apps......................!
of course Google Now is better.

Ok, this is turning into a fanboys sort of thread.
Back to the OPs question:
Essentially, theyre the same thing. Its like iOS' Siri versus Google Now, theyre both designed to do the same things but by different companies
And S-Voice is part of a proprietary framework called Touchwiz, so it can only be installed on devices running a Touchwiz ROM. Google now on the other hand, relies on no underlying framework and so could be installed on any Android device, as long as the Android version supports it

thx for the reply. The reason i ask this question is i installed S Voice on my Nexus 4 from here: http://www.sammobile.com/2013/03/26/samsung-galaxy-s-4s-s-voice-apk-now-available-to-download/
Is there any reason to have both? I just downloaded it for fun.
With further testing, it seems like the Google now can't open sum apps. Such as PPSSPP, CloudOn, Office Suite, and GTA Vice City. While S voice.apk from the S4 can do this and can do stuff like "turn off wifi" and "turn on bluetooth".

imeem said:
thx for the reply. The reason i ask this question is i installed S Voice on my Nexus 4 from here: http://www.sammobile.com/2013/03/26/samsung-galaxy-s-4s-s-voice-apk-now-available-to-download/
Is there any reason to have both? I just downloaded it for fun.
With further testing, it seems like the Google now can't open sum apps. Such as PPSSPP, CloudOn, Office Suite, and GTA Vice City. While S voice.apk from the S4 can do this and can do stuff like "turn off wifi" and "turn on bluetooth".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, just use whichever is best for what you do, no point in really having 2 of the same sort of utility app
And obviously one will have more features than the other, it just depends on which features are most important to the user
Question, did the s-voice install properly and isnt giving you any force close issues? Strange because I was sure it would rely on the Touchwiz framework

CNexus said:
Not really, just use whichever is best for what you do, no point in really having 2 of the same sort of utility app
And obviously one will have more features than the other, it just depends on which features are most important to the user
Question, did the s-voice install properly and isnt giving you any force close issues? Strange because I was sure it would rely on the Touchwiz framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. It installed properly. It only crashes when i go to language & input , select samsung for voice recognizer, and then press voice search.

imeem said:
Nope. It installed properly. It only crashes when language anD input , select samsung for voice recognizer, and then press voice search
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting....thanks, gonna check it out now!
It would seem that it would rely on the TW framework since its an assistant sort of app...

imeem said:
Nope. It installed properly. It only crashes when i go to language & input , select samsung for voice recognizer, and then press voice search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you getting it to work? For me it kept saying "network connection error"?

CNexus said:
How are you getting it to work? For me it kept saying "network connection error"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u turn on ur wifi or data? It needs internet. Other than that, i didnt do anything

imeem said:
Did u turn on ur wifi or data? It needs internet. Other than that, i didnt do anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried with both. Could you upload yours since i know it's working? Thanks

CNexus said:
Tried with both. Could you upload yours since i know it's working? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what phone do you have?
https://hotfile.com/dl/201722708/fd3276b/S-Voice_Android_phone_J.apk.html

imeem said:
what phone do you have?
https://hotfile.com/dl/201722708/fd3276b/S-Voice_Android_phone_J.apk.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evo shift, I'm on AOSP 4.2.2 though, so it should be fine. Strangely, that's where I downloaded it from and no luck.

CNexus said:
Evo shift, I'm on AOSP 4.2.2 though, so it should be fine. Strangely, that's where I downloaded it from and no luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try your evo 4 g

CNexus said:
How are you getting it to work? For me it kept saying "network connection error"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used it for a day then got the network connection error also. Samsung (actually Vlingo/Nuance) reads the incoming device ID and blocks the connection if it's a mismatch with the device ID the app's intended to work with. Same thing happened when people were using bootleg copies of the SGS3's S Voice APK before it was released.
As for S Voice vs. Google Now I use S Voice more. To send a text message for example, Google Now opens up the recipient from the address book but you can't dictate the message, at least not from within Google Now. Same thing with e-mail. Dialing's also kind of clunky where if there are multiple options for your request you have to pick one manually. S Voice also repeats the number back before dialing where Google Now just dials and can miss digits you dictate pretty easily. Using a BT headset you can pretty much completely accomplish things hands free with S Voice while quite a few require a second manual action with Google Now.
Here are some examples
If you're in an app like the browser you also can't get Google Now to launch from the menu key because it's now serving the open application and doesn't recognize the "long press" command to open Google Now. Some people have disabled S Voice and remapped the home key to either Google Search or Voice Dialer. S Voice allows you to post to FB and Twitter too. Also, a lot of Google Now's neatest features (flight departure, package shipping, etc.) require you to use Gmail because Google's servers scrape your messages looking for pertinent data. I don't use Gmail and don't like the idea of Google's servers searching my data, even with my permission so to anyone not exclusively on Gmail certain feature don't mean very much.
Voice controls are also tied to S Voice. I use them pretty frequently; especially with the camera, music player, and to launch apps from the lock screen by voice.
I played with Google Now for a short time when I got my N2 so if it's improved or I'm being too hard on it someone speak up.

CNexus said:
How are you getting it to work? For me it kept saying "network connection error"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think my S voice stopped working, says no network connection

imeem said:
i think my S voice stopped working, says no network connection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's being blocked because the device ID from the APK you downloaded doesn't match the device ID the server's reading from the actual device.

I love Samsung devices but I can't stand S voice. Unless there has been MAJOR improvement over the S3's/Note2 S voice I will still dislike it. First thing I do when I set up my Galaxy phones is disable it and get rid of the home button delay.
I think google now is better, faster, much more accurate and much more unique ( S voice is a clear copy of Siri).

barondebxl said:
I love Samsung devices but I can't stand S voice. Unless there has been MAJOR improvement over the S3's/Note2 S voice I will still dislike it. First thing I do when I set up my Galaxy phones is disable it and get rid of the home button delay.
I think google now is better, faster, much more accurate and much more unique ( S voice is a clear copy of Siri).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. HTC Speak is on its way as well.

Guide: Note 4 with "Ok Google" While Screen is off

No root, no need to download or install anything.
This work for other devices as well as the Note 4. This enables the Google now "Ok Google" Feature where you can active Google now while the screen is off. This is something like the Moto X feature.
How To:
1) Open Google Now
2) Go to Google Now Settings
3) Click on "Voice"
4) Enable "Audio History"
5) Click "Ok Google Detection"
6)Click "Always on" and follow the remaining directions.
You Can also watch this How To Video if you want:
If you device is unsupported or it just wont work, then there is an app called "Open Mic+ for Google Now" which does this for you.
This also works on the Lg G3, Nexus 5, and Galaxy S5, from what I know. Please feel free to try other devices and let me know if they work as well.
Mod Edit: closed as a duplicate.

I'm wondering what the battery impact will be having this running.
Very useful though and I'll be using it, thanks.

Itchiee said:
I'm wondering what the battery impact will be having this running.
Very useful though and I'll be using it, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Wifes G3 has this on. Doesn't seem to impact the battery too much. Then again she is a very light user compared to me

Itchiee said:
I'm wondering what the battery impact will be having this running.
Very useful though and I'll be using it, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery went from 2% to 1% in the 6 hours I was asleep. I had the Google now active during this time.

And that could be anything running so it might not be a bad thing.
Thank you

blackout720 said:
Battery went from 2% to 1% in the 6 hours I was asleep. I had the Google now active during this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that wasn't a typo and you truly went to bed with a 2% battery without charging it...Android would automatically start conserving resources and limiting background data, etc.

UPSGuy said:
If that wasn't a typo and you truly went to bed with a 2% battery without charging it...Android would automatically start conserving resources and limiting background data, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes 2% and woke up with 1%. I actually though it died and plugged it to find that it was still on. I though hey 2%, ill let it die and charge it to max in the morning.

I can't get this to work with Nova Launcher. It looks like it requires the TW Launcher. Bummer. I don't like that launcher, but I love "OK Google" with the screen off.

sparhawk6 said:
I can't get this to work with Nova Launcher. It looks like it requires the TW Launcher. Bummer. I don't like that launcher, but I love "OK Google" with the screen off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill try that, odd that it wont work with a different launcher.

sparhawk6 said:
I can't get this to work with Nova Launcher. It looks like it requires the TW Launcher. Bummer. I don't like that launcher, but I love "OK Google" with the screen off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool feature. I have Nova Launcher installed on this phone and my G3. No problems at all using it.

Please do not spam the forums with the same post across multiple devices. Thanks!
Thread closed.

Samsung possibly disabling "Ok Google" from anywhere

http://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS6/comments/339zyv/ok_google_crippled_and_per_samsung_no_longer_a
I don't know if this is related to the recent Google Play Services updates or not, or if this really came from Samsung or not. But the options are definitely gone and were there when the phone was first released:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1rC3Pne6YD1bHFRc2ZXRm53RmF1T2NjUmZLX3J0TjhMWE93/view
Normally you'd see the options for using it from any screen and using it while the screen is off and charging, and those options were definitely there when the phone was first released. There's a Note 4 user on G+ that might be seeing the same, but hasn't confirmed for sure yet.
Edit: I'm on the Verizon variant, but have seen a few others that are not Verizon seeing the same thing.

It's gone for me as well. ATT variant.

Finagle69 said:
It's gone for me as well. ATT variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to be a widespread problem. People aren't noticing it since it was an option not everyone turned on. Those that did are missing it and pissed. The fact that the Retrain Voice option is missing makes me believe this is more an error than deliberate, but you never know.
Google Help Forums

Sprint. Gone for me now too. I used this all the time too.

it makes me wonder if there is some sort of security concern. like the ability for someone to walk up, say OK Google and then say a command that could execute an unwanted command. like maybe wipe the phone, or email all your money to my account! ha ha
Both are unrealistic examples...but you catch my drift.

It wouldnt surprise me if it werent removed due to some battery bug or otherwise.
I'd expect it to come back like the Google Fit support did after an update of sorts

Anyone know if the Exynos chip inside the S6 supports low-power hotword detection, similar to the Moto X and Nexus 6?

JLishere said:
Anyone know if the Exynos chip inside the S6 supports low-power hotword detection, similar to the Moto X and Nexus 6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's there and already works with s voice. There was a way to make it work with Google now but now that Google has removed that feature no longer works. To me this is a big deal and needs more noise than it's getting. This was done on purpose not a mistake. Whether was Samsung or Google its jacked up.

I got tired to working with a crippled phone, so decided to do something about it. I did a little research on the internet and found a workaround. It involves dumping the Touch Wiz launcher. And, since neither Google nor Samsung will acknowledge this as I problem, I was NOT about to use the Google Now Launcher. Therefor, I have now installed and configured the Nova Launcher and now have "Ok Google" working from all pages! It still does not launch with the phone in standby, but at least I have the majority of "Ok Google" restored.

bikerbrent said:
I got tired to working with a crippled phone, so decided to do something about it. I did a little research on the internet and found a workaround. It involves dumping the Touch Wiz launcher. And, since neither Google nor Samsung will acknowledge this as I problem, I was NOT about to use the Google Now Launcher. Therefor, I have now installed and configured the Nova Launcher and now have "Ok Google" working from all pages! It still does not launch with the phone in standby, but at least I have the majority of "Ok Google" restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it works from the home screen, but it does not work from anywhere. JUST when you are in nova launcher. So it's not really a fix. Everyone wants it from ANY screen no matter what app.

eatonjb said:
it works from the home screen, but it does not work from anywhere. JUST when you are in nova launcher. So it's not really a fix. Everyone wants it from ANY screen no matter what app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, it may be just a work around, but at least it restores some functionality until Google or Samsung fixes this issue!

zathus said:
Yes it's there and already works with s voice. There was a way to make it work with Google now but now that Google has removed that feature no longer works. To me this is a big deal and needs more noise than it's getting. This was done on purpose not a mistake. Whether was Samsung or Google its jacked up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same. I feel honestly like it was Samsung not wanting competition for its garbage s-voice crap, and worked it out with google. I hope i am wrong but this is samsung and i wouldnt put it past them.

The problem I had with the setting was if it was on detection for all apps then and hangout video or calls would not work. On my S4 before this phone I had it turned off even though I liked the "OK Google" from any screen.

frettfreak said:
I feel the same. I feel honestly like it was Samsung not wanting competition for its garbage s-voice crap, and worked it out with google. I hope i am wrong but this is samsung and i wouldnt put it past them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would make sense if this feature was also not working on other TW devices with wake-up S-Voice. That's not the case however, as it works flawlessly on my Note 10.1 2014. What I'm hoping is that Samsung is working with Google to give the Google app access to the cpu Samsung uses in the S6 for screen off voice control. Then we'll have 'ok google' voice controls with no battery drain.

¿Will-it-Blend? said:
That would make sense if this feature was also not working on other TW devices with wake-up S-Voice. That's not the case however, as it works flawlessly on my Note 10.1 2014. What I'm hoping is that Samsung is working with Google to give the Google app access to the cpu Samsung uses in the S6 for screen off voice control. Then we'll have 'ok google' voice controls with no battery drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense! That would be nice for sure. I didnt think about it working on other phones that had s-voice (duh lol). good catch. :good:

Love svoice that launches from any screen even the locked one and you can tell whatever name you gave it (could just be 'OK Google') to open Google. And voila you have Google from any screen.

Make some noise people! OK google! Fix this

Many of you already know that Samsung or Google, neither is taking full credit has removed the ok Google from any screen option. This is utter bull crap. The fact that our phone is being crippled without any explanation or reasoning is unacceptable. we as the Android community need to be loud about this. Whether you use the Service or not isn't the issue. You should at least have the option. We need to be loud about this. Bombard them with our inquiry as to why this feature is no longer there. Below is a few links to get you started. I'm still working on finding a direct contact number for Google so that we can call them. the squeaky wheel gets the oil!
https://www.change.org/p/google-inc-restore-ok-google-from-any-screen-options
https://productforums.google.com/forum/m/#!category-topic/websearch/issue-search/xGiV6D4PMS8

I frankly couldn't care less about that feature but I understand your concerns. I'm pretty sure Google will eventually return the feature after they make some tweaks.

msavic6 said:
I frankly couldn't care less about that feature but I understand your concerns. I'm pretty sure Google will eventually return the feature after they make some tweaks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me it's like is suddenly Gmail no longer had a spam folder. yes you still have gmail. and it essentially function the same. But a feature, and maybe a key feature to some people is removed and its only for one particular phone. now it's already been established that spam folder works just fine. But without any reason or explanation its just gone. most people wouldn't care. just a few more emails you have to delete. But to the few that really want it it's a big deal.
I Drive a lot. A lot of us do. And that hands-free experience of okay Google is essential. It actually might become a deal breaker for me. its not there yet but it might be . let's hope I don't have to make that decision and google just fixes this

Your problem is not a Google problem. You will be barking up the wrong tree. Install Nova launcher and see for yourself. It is Touchwiz that is lacking the feature. Talk to Samsung about it.

BCSC said:
Your problem is not a Google problem. You will be barking up the wrong tree. Install Nova launcher and see for yourself. It is Touchwiz that is lacking the feature. Talk to Samsung about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung can't remove it. And didn't. They may have influenced Google to do it but google is the only one that could turn that feature off. Remember, it was on for the first few weeks. Then it was randomly turned off with out any app update or software.

What a logic. If a different launcher brings it back, it's Samsung's fault, otherwise it's Google's fault.

BCSC said:
Your problem is not a Google problem. You will be barking up the wrong tree. Install Nova launcher and see for yourself. It is Touchwiz that is lacking the feature. Talk to Samsung about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you understand how the feature is supposed to work. Turning Nova's feature on only gives you listening when you're on a home page. The full Google feature listens from any screen, no matter the app (and from screen off if you're plugged in).
Nova's feature was rolled out before Google's came to all devices and they're not really related.
That the feature is missing has nothing to do with the launcher.

This is a pretty big issue. I suspect the latest update broke it. I liked having the "From any screen" and from a locked screen feature.

Humm looks like a Samsung tweak to me and coincides with the battery drain fix we got through Samsung Services app. I'm really not a fan of always on Hot words and the like id rather my device was saving its battery than slamming its self listening for a word.
The choice should be their though but my guess is the battery hit just wasnt worth it for the very small number of users who want / need the feature. as other have said new launcher or root/rom and fix the problem yourself
Chances of Samsung "Fixing" this very very very very very very small.
ADZ

Samsung definitely removed it. Just got my phone last Thursday and I had the option on the phone, as soon as I received the Samsung push for the battery drain it was gone.

I personally couldn't care less about it but hey, if you need it you need it. I don't feel as my phone is "crippled " , didn't even notice it.
Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

I've actually started using S-Voice now (don't kill me) and it's actually really nice. The fact that I can activate it from the lockscreen with the screen off, NOT charging, is a big win too.

¿Will-it-Blend? said:
I've actually started using S-Voice now (don't kill me) and it's actually really nice. The fact that I can activate it from the lockscreen with the screen off, NOT charging, is a big win too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hotward detection while the screen is off is the one feature I miss most from the Nexus 6.

JLishere said:
Hotward detection while the screen is off is the one feature I miss most from the Nexus 6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would give S voice a try. I'm liking it more than I thought I would. It's just on par with Google in speed and it has more functionality.

Perhaps i am weird (or maybe its working in an office), but i have never had the urge to yell at my phone to search.. or do things.... Ill admit i have used my wear to do some texts in the car, but even then i feel pretty silly.
That said, i am not a fan of removing features, but i also air on the side of caution. If an update removed it, i would suspect it was for a cause less nefarious than an evil samsung, and more likely to fix a bug or battery issue. But till we hear something official, its only really guessing...

I'm really ticked off about it. I left my Moto X 2014 for the S6 because of the camera. I probably wouldn't have if I had known that I wouldn't have the full Google Voice functionality on this phone; I typically use Google Voice to interact with my phone several times a day. What really gets me upset is that I didn't realize it until the DAY AFTER my 2 week return period... Luckily, I have a Moto 360 that I can use Google Voice with. This was a crappy move by Samsung. I hope they bring it back.

Google now from any screen fix
Hi Guys, as its one of the features I use a lot especially when driving I uploaded a YouTube video showing a work around
Link below. Hope it helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztPR_zXObJc
Cheers.

It works in Nova launcher now from any home screen. No widget needed.

Japultra said:
It works in Nova launcher now from any home screen. No widget needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works on Apex too, under advanced settings

Japultra said:
It works in Nova launcher now from any home screen. No widget needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Painless001 said:
Works on Apex too, under advanced settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are not what the thread is referring to. OP is referring to "OK Google" from any screen (not just launcher home screens) - for instance, you could trigger Ok Google while in Gmail, Maps, etc - any app really, without needing to go back to Nova or Apex.