Database Users

[Q] 4.4 stock: no Google Now?

Hi guys!
I just flashed the 4.4 factory image with full wipe, didn't root or anything, the phone is completely stock. Everything seems fine, except for Google Now: swiping up (including lock screen) starts Google Search, which doesn't listen to "Ok Google" and doesn't display what Google Now used to display, in fact it's just a blank white page with a search bar at the top.
How do I get Google Now back?
I will appreciate your suggestions!

kzakhar said:
Hi guys!
I just flashed the 4.4 factory image with full wipe, didn't root or anything, the phone is completely stock. Everything seems fine, except for Google Now: swiping up (including lock screen) starts Google Search, which doesn't listen to "Ok Google" and doesn't display what Google Now used to display, in fact it's just a blank white page with a search bar at the top.
How do I get Google Now back?
I will appreciate your suggestions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think OK Google is available just in the US
Also, You have to slide left for Google Now.

have you tried turning google now on? longpress any empty space on a homescreen. press settings, turn on google now. if you dont have that option, install google search from the play store.

Log into your Google account, then go in "Google Settings" -> Search, and enable Google Now in there.
Both of you are referring to the Google Experience Launcher which KitKat for Nexus 4 do not come with, it needed to be sideloaded. (Not Google Search, the Launcher apk)

After changing the language and locale to English (US) I got the "Ok Google" listening back. Looks like this feature is not available if the device is set to English (UK), which is a bit dumb.
The Google Now screen with cartoonish mountains, Google Now cards, etc are still missing. I have a blank white Google Search page with the "Search, or say "Ok Google" search bar.
I tried long-pressing on an empty space on my homescreen, there are no Settings and/or way to enable Google Now there. Any other suggestions?

I had a similar issue, even GEL and GoogleNow were installed, but "Say 'Ok Google" didn't show up.
Cleared the data of Google Play Service, had to assign my widgets again, but "Say Ok Google" showed up

kzakhar said:
After changing the language and locale to English (US) I got the "Ok Google" listening back. Looks like this feature is not available if the device is set to English (UK), which is a bit dumb.
The Google Now screen with cartoonish mountains, Google Now cards, etc are still missing. I have a blank white Google Search page with the "Search, or say "Ok Google" search bar.
I tried long-pressing on an empty space on my homescreen, there are no Settings and/or way to enable Google Now there. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried what I posted above?
Also what launcher are you using?

eksasol said:
Log into your Google account, then go in "Google Settings" -> Search, and enable Google Now in there.
Both of you are referring to the Google Experience Launcher which KitKat for Nexus 4 do not come with, it needed to be sideloaded. (Not Google Search, the Launcher apk)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response! I am logged into my Google account, but there is no Google Now in Google -> Search settings.

eksasol said:
Have you tried what I posted above?
Also what launcher are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have, please see above. I am using the stock launcher that comes with 4.4 factory image. Everything is stock.

kzakhar said:
I have, please see above. I am using the stock launcher that comes with 4.4 factory image. Everything is stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then install this launcher. Tap and hold on, go into Settings and see if it has an option to turn on Google Now. http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...once-you-get-your-kitkat-update-apk-download/
Also there are some bugs for Google Now right now: http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...-5-users-problem-may-spread-to-other-devices/

eksasol said:
Then install this launcher. Tap and hold on, go into Settings and see if it has an option to turn on Google Now. http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...once-you-get-your-kitkat-update-apk-download/
Also there are some bugs for Google Now right now: http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...-5-users-problem-may-spread-to-other-devices/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I tried the Google Experience launcher. Unfortunately, Google Now is still missing and the settings still don't have anything related to Google Now
Update: I also tried adding a Google Now widget to the homescreen, the widget appeared saying "Google Now is not available".

kzakhar said:
Thanks, I tried the Google Experience launcher. Unfortunately, Google Now is still missing and the settings still don't have anything related to Google Now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay one last thing. Are you in Greece? I think its only available for USA.
You can try this: http://rezzo.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/how-to-get-google-now-working-fully-outside-of-the-usa/

1. Uninstall Google Search using Titanium Backup
2. Find and install Google Search v2.6
3. Activate Google Now
4. Update Google Search to the latest version

eksasol said:
Okay one last thing. Are you in Greece? I think its only available for USA.
You can try this: http://rezzo.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/how-to-get-google-now-working-fully-outside-of-the-usa/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in Cyprus, and Google Now worked just fine before.
The issue may be related to Google Location Reporting suddenly being unavailable. I can't change its settings, it just says "not available in Cyprus". I wonder why, as it used to work.

ch3ckm4t3 said:
1. Uninstall Google Search using Titanium Backup
2. Find and install Google Search v2.6
3. Activate Google Now
4. Update Google Search to the latest version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, this seems to require root, and my device is not rooted.

Well, let me try a factory reset, may be something screwed up during the initial setup
Update: tried everything suggested, except deleting Google Search which requires root, and Google Now is still missing I give up.
Update 2: apparently, I'm not the only one with this issue, Google product forums are full of people with missing Google Now. So far nobody knows why it suddenly disappeared after upgrade to 4.4 and/or how to get it back.

Unresponsive Ok Google

With all of the settings correctly configured and several Google voice training programmings later, I am only getting about a 25% detection rate when saying "Ok Google" - especially when the phone is off or on the lock screen.
Anybody else have this issue?

For me OK, Google and the S Voice stopped working after an hour and never worked since then.

Magnesus said:
For me OK, Google and the S Voice stopped working after an hour and never worked since then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, really?
I'm very curious to see how others are fairing with this

Well, what is funny is that S Voice woke my phone a few times while I was playing games on my computer and once when I was watching a movie. I turned it off, something must be wrong with my voice pattern or something. :laugh: I never intended to use it anyway - was just playing with it - so it's not a huge loss for me. I think I might have blocked too many apps or I need to reboot or something because my fingerprint sensor also does strange things.

I just discovered Nova Launcher is causing this problem. When using TouchWiz home it works perfectly.
Anybody know how to get in contact with Nova Launcher?

Dissable svoice then go into google search app info and clear info. Now when you go into google now voice settings you can set it up with google recognition. It won't work when the screen off buy at least it works the rest of the time.

beno0055 said:
Dissable svoice then go into google search app info and clear info. Now when you go into google now voice settings you can set it up with google recognition. It won't work when the screen off buy at least it works the rest of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already have S Voice disabled, but I'm a little confused about what this would solve?

using hot boots causes this problem too. I had some problems with nova launcher but now it works just fine.
try to reboot and check you google now settings+ you can turn it on or off in nova's settings

Does anyone have Google Assistant on a J3?

I've rooted my J320A, installed the beta versions of Google Play Services and the Google App, cleared all storage for each app and I'm still not seeing Google Assistant. Is anyone else having this problem?

mines not rooted, but i'm having the same problem

I have a stock SM-J327P with the beta Google App and Google Play services too and it's not on my phone yet either.
---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:40 AM ----------
Also we could try posting to https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/websearch/RC1pw4QhcfE/GCZx2ZbMBgAJ with answers to Ron's and hopefully prompt a better response.

Maybe im confused, but isnt the screenshot google assistant?
Didnt do anything, just updated stock thru playstore.

Guess what I posted above isn't assistant, just Google on tap...I've tried a lot to get this working
The non rooted methods out there can get to assistant in a round about way (launching some settings menu), but after assistant is activated I still could not launch it.
Using current versions of Google app the only way I could access assistant is thru rooted terminal, using the following command
Code:
am start -n "com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity"
But typing that is a half and I couldn't come up with a practical way of using (I plan to learn tasker tho, that might help)
Only decent way I can launch it is by using an old version, 6.11.21.21 works. And installing the xposed module assistant enabler (n-ify's experimental settings has this feature too)
You must also disable auto update in your play store.
Using old versions has it's drawbacks. For instance Pixel launcher doesn't get read your weather card, so no weather widget. Who knows what else.
[EDIT]
I was able to update and it still work, it didn't last tho... Needs more testing
[/EDIT]

DamienMc said:
I was able to update and it still work, it didn't last tho... Needs more testing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great work! Any further progress on this?

sjowns said:
Great work! Any further progress on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah havent really messed with tasker yet.
Only really have time to play on the weekends, and worked on another project last weekend (that alt root thing). Now with the holliday im not sure what ill have time for...i did work out the highest version assistant enabler works for us tho (6.13.25.21 works)
Ill be sure to report any updates

Think this is the best i can do with tasker using the command above (and updated google app)
Install tasker and autovoice
In tasker click the profile tab and import the two attached profiles
In autovoice goto google now
Choose not enabled
Turn on both autovoice and tasker accessibility options
Back out then check enable and uncheck voice only
Now goto advanced and check always cancel
And thats it
Now when you say 'ok google' (or use voice search) voice search will popup and close and google assistant will launch...holding the home button will bring up on tap, auto close and launch assistant.
It will probably fail the first time, but itll work afterwards.
Also the first time you open the google app itll activate assistant, but again, itll work afterwards.
Enjoy
-D
Btw im still looking for another method, i dont like the delay

I had a little luck using Google Assistant Launcher, which seems to launch the same intent you suggested and may be easier than messing around with tasker.
Here's what I've done:
De-enroll from the Google App beta, uninstall the beta, and then install the latest (non-beta) Google app.
Then run the Google Assistant Launcher and click on the "My Stuff" tab, create a new reminder and train the voice model
Go to settings / apps / defaults and change the default assistant to Google Assistant Launcher
If the Assistant Launcher doesn't launch the Assistant, clear storage for the Google app and Google Play services and try again

sjowns said:
If the Assistant Launcher doesn't launch the Assistant, clear storage for the Google app and Google Play services and try again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm for me this would always bring up the settings were you set the reminder
[Edit]
Google app must have changed. Now what you wrote will bring up plain old voice search here...what version are you on?
[/Edit]

DamienMc said:
Think this is the best i can do with tasker using the command above (and updated google app)
Install tasker and autovoice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I have Tasker and AutoVoice. I am running your (@DamienMc) "pixel experience" ROM for J320A with root and Xposed. When I try to enable AutoVoice's accessibility setting, it tells me "Universal switch does not support the current system language. The text to speak language will be set to English (United States), but this might cause unexpected behavior." I click Turn On, and then it says unfortunately, settings has stopped. This happens every time I try to enable any accessibility setting for any app. So please consider this in an update to your ROM.
sjowns said:
I had a little luck using Google Assistant Launcher, which seems to launch the same intent you suggested and may be easier than messing around with tasker.
Here's what I've done:
De-enroll from the Google App beta, uninstall the beta, and then install the latest (non-beta) Google app.
Then run the Google Assistant Launcher and click on the "My Stuff" tab, create a new reminder and train the voice model
Go to settings / apps / defaults and change the default assistant to Google Assistant Launcher
If the Assistant Launcher doesn't launch the Assistant, clear storage for the Google app and Google Play services and try again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Assistant Launcher is working for me. However, pressing and holding the home button does not work.

I have Google Assistant on my phone and I installed it without rooting my phone I found the following video that shows you how to install Google Assistant on any Android phone without having to root the phone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSP6gICNfLY

Just install Google Assistant Launcher apk(180kb) and update Google Application to latest version.
Press and Hold home button, and voila Google Assisten Launched

How about the Assistant Enabler Xposed module? DamienMc added it to the J320A ROM. It works great

I think that's work.
Try ^^

Maybe i was trying the wrong app when I tried. Only one I see is 149kb

DamienMc said:
Maybe i was trying the wrong app when I tried. Only one I see is 149kb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it's right app ^^

I have Samsung galaxy j3 and qhen nnyni try to install Google assistant it say,"this version is not compatible with your device." So I deleted date from Google and Google play services plus I became beta tester. And guess what.GOOGLE ASSISTANT STILL WAS NOT ABLE TO BE INSTALLED ON MY DEVICE!!!!! I NEED HEEELP!!!

So are you primarily using Google assistant or bixby?

I know the full bixby features aren't available for use yet, but are any of you using it more than Google assistant? Why or why not?

neither. what do you even use these for?

Google assistant is so much more interesting and useful than Bixby !
There is no voice command for bixby yet. And anyway, even when Bixby will get these voice commands, there is no chance that it will be better than Google Assistant.
I disabled almost every Bixby services, I remaped the bixby button to the Google App (I use home button to get the google assistant).

I found use for scanning QR codes with Bixby Vision and that's about it. I want to disable everything related to bixby and remap the button to Google now/Assistant but I don't want to disable and realtime day to day use of the phone. Also, I'm on a non rooted tmobile s8 and doubt it's possible on stock.

My ok google is not working please help

Raphael17 said:
I found use for scanning QR codes with Bixby Vision and that's about it. I want to disable everything related to bixby and remap the button to Google now/Assistant but I don't want to disable and realtime day to day use of the phone. Also, I'm on a non rooted tmobile s8 and doubt it's possible on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an app to remap Bixby button. Works great. Find it in the app store. It's called bxActions. You can make use of it for Google assistant. ?
---------- Post added at 06:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
Malik828 said:
My ok google is not working please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What seems to be the issue mate?

Malik828 said:
My ok google is not working please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you set it up? The ok Google hotword

Yes I have set but there is no option to set for use in app and ok google does not turn on I say ok google in app and Mic does not come up

Malik828 said:
Yes I have set but there is no option to set for use in app and ok google does not turn on I say ok google in app and Mic does not come up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you gone to :
Settings>applications>default apps>device assistant app and make sure Google is set to be the one. And try again.

Danhack000 said:
Have you gone to :
Settings>applications>default apps>device assistant app and make sure Google is set to be the one. And try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is set to google but it does not recognize my voice ok google I say and nothing happens

Malik828 said:
it is set to google but it does not recognize my voice ok google I say and nothing happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long click on Google app> when it wiggles click on app info>scroll down to permissions>click and make sure microphone is clicked on. If this doesn't work, you can try deleting cache first then data in Google. Let me know.

Danhack000 said:
Long click on Google app> when it wiggles click on app info>scroll down to permissions>click and make sure microphone is clicked on. If this doesn't work, you can try deleting cache first then data in Google. Let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s s
it is on permission for microphone is allowed still it does not turn on when I say ok google nothing happensns

Malik828 said:
s s
it is on permission for microphone is allowed still it does not turn on when I say ok google nothing happensns
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there are no options within Google app for Google assistant? Try uninstallimg it then install again.

I did that and still ok google not recognize my voice it doesn't work

I use bixby to launch google assistant...

I use Bixby and Google Now. Don't use assistant.

Malik828 said:
I did that and still ok google not recognize my voice it doesn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird though. Mine works flawlessly. No problems. ?

I use google assistant to set alarms and turn off my lights at night. I disabled Bixby completely because when I remapped it it either accidentally launched what I mapped it to or it would still launch bixby. Now the button does nothing and i'm happy. If Samsung works around package disabler then I'll crazy glue the button in place. Lets see them patch that ****! ?

Malik828 said:
I did that and still ok google not recognize my voice it doesn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go on Settings and do the retrain voice model again

Now unable to use "Ok Google"

For a while now the hotword has not worked on my device. When I looked in settings just earlier, they're now completely greyed out!
Anyone else experiencing the same issue?!
Tried changing the language to English (US) instead of (UK). No difference.
PS: I'm using a substratum theme, that's why my Google app is black.

MDW 100 said:
For a while now the hotword has not worked on my device. When I looked in settings just earlier, they're now completely greyed out!
Anyone else experiencing the same issue?!
Tried changing the language to English (US) instead of (UK). No difference.
PS: I'm using a substratum theme, that's why my Google app is black.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you disabled some speech app, if you disable the motor syntethiser of google it won't work well. I had this issue and reenabling/reinstalling the app solved the problem.

mprovi_15 said:
Have you disabled some speech app, if you disable the motor syntethiser of google it won't work well. I had this issue and reenabling/reinstalling the app solved the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your suggestion. However, I found that I had to uninstall all updates to the Google app, then it started working flawlessly.
It's very weird that you have to decide whether you want the latest Google app, or its main feature to work.
A number of people also reported this issue. I'll update again once it gets fixed.
Edit: the app updated again automatically, and I realised I could set up the voice model again and it's now working on the latest version!