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Google Home, the tech giant's digital assistant and answer to the popular Amazon Echo, is adding a long list of new features, Google vice president Rishi Chandra announced at the company's I/O conference Wednesday. The laundry list of upgrades includes more helpful notifications, Bluetooth connectivity, and an expansion to non-U.S. markets. 。
SEE ALSO:Google's data center raises the stakes in this state's 'water wars' 。Proactive assistance was the first new feature announced onstage. That means the device will automatically notify if there's traffic on the way to a calendar event, for example. 。
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Chandra called his mom from the stage to demonstrate Google Home's new hands-free calling. All you have to say is, "Hey Google, call mom," or whomever you'd like to ring on cell and landlines throughout the U.S. and Canada. The new calling feature is rolling out in the next few months, Chandra said. 。
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Anyone who has been trying to listen to their Spotify playlists on the device will be happy to hear Google Home is also adding the music service, along with Soundcloud and Deezer.。
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The new features don't stop there. Bluetooth support is also coming to Google Home, so you'll be able to hook up your Bluetooth-enabled devices to play audio on Google Home. 。
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The final big reveal was visual responses. Currently Google Home offers auditory assistance, like telling you what's next on your calendar. Now with visual responses, you can ask Google what's next on your schedule and directions to your event will come up on your phone or whichever device you want. 。
Through Chromecast, Google Home can display things on your TV screen — such as the weather or a YouTube clip. You can even ask Google Assistant to turn off your TV. No remotes or hands required. 。
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On top of all of that, the device is coming to the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Japan. 。 Tweet may have been deleted 。
UPDATE 12:59 p.m. PT: 。
LG announced Wednesday that several of its smart appliances will soon be compatible with Google Home. In the next few weeks LG's washing machine and dryer, refrigerator, oven, air purifier, air conditioner and robotic vacuum will be available to use through Google Assistant. Turning on the air, making more ice or cleaning the carpet is just a voice command away. 。
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