Google Assistant Action Blocks – Unlocking its Potential

27 May 2020, 17:35

On May 21, Google Assistant launched a stand-alone app Action Blocks, which allows users to create custom widgets on your device. The announcement was surprisingly low-key without much fanfare. However, Computerworld has released a guide outlining the multitude of hidden uses this application provides.

Understanding how to make the most out of Google Assistant Action Blocks could be a gamechanger to many. This makes it all the more surprising that such little attention has been paid to this announcement given all its real-world applications as will be outlined.

Replacing the Need For Speech

A significant portion of us loath talking commands into our phones. Either finding it inefficient and error-ridden or just simply uncomfortable as well as awkward. This can lead to many people not making the most out of Assistant and therefore missing out of the significant potential that this app holds.

Google Assistant Action Blocks removes the need to to this. By creating widgets such as 'read the news' or 'start do not disturb mode' one can access these functions easily without needing to talk. By creating widgets for simple tasks that could be done by talking to your phone you get the best of both worlds. For those that find it difficult to talk to their phone to use Google Assistant, they do not have to. Additionally, they are still able to make the most out of its functionality by creating this quick and easy to use widgets.

This application of Action Blocks is also pertinent for those that do use Google Assistant to talk to their phone. Sometimes it is simply not feasible to use For example, in a noisy location or in a meeting where you cannot talk. Action Blocks replaces this function whilst maintaining efficiency.

Using Multiple Commands

Some of Action Blocks simpler uses were revealed back in October 2019, however, creating single commands are just the tip of the iceberg. One can utilise Actions Blocks by creating custom widgets that cover more that one command. For example, for after leaving a meeting you could create a widget stating 'turn my phone off silent and read my messages'.

By exploring this as an application of Action Blocks this can be a gamechanger for many. The thing to think about here is actions that often go in combination and the times in which they occur. One example includes watching videos, where you may wish to turn the sound up as well as the brightness. Simply create a widget that states 'turn my phone brightness to 100% and increase volume to 80%'.

Situations where you may wish to use this could also include going offline to avoid distraction for a period of time. A potential widget could like like 'set my media volume to 80% and turn on do not disturb and text Tony I'll be offline for 30 minutes. This example sets out three instructions, so there really is no limit to the amount you can use. A phone setting that makes sense in the car is another helpful us of Google Assistant Action Blocks. Perhaps a widget that enables Bluetooth and increases media volume.

The possibilities really are endless here. The key thing to remember is to always use the word 'and' in-between different commands to ensure all are working. Also, remember to test out your command when you create it, just to make sure it works as it should.

Using Multiple Devices

This can be multiplied across different devices as well. As long as your devices are Google Assistant connected then you can use Action Blocks to work across all of them. For example, changing the temperature on your thermostat or playing music in different areas in your house.

For those of us that have all our devices connected on one system Action Blocks is the perfect app to maximise this potential. A situation where this also may be helpful is taking a break whilst working from home. Say you want to move rooms and switch off distractions. How about a widget that says 'turn my phone to silent and turn off the office lights and turn on the TV in the living room'.

Action Blocks and maximise and expand the way in which you think about Google Assistant. The overall thing when using this app is to never limit yourself when using it. This app has amazing capabilities that are extremely wide-reaching. Most likely it will be your mind that limits it, so try your best so that does not happen.

Routines

Another key point noted by Computerworld was to not forget about routines. Although many do not use the routines feature, Action Blocks is applicable to it. Any existing routine in your account can be added to the app in order to streamline the process. The process of doing this is simple. Open the Action Blocks app, choose a custom command option and type in your routine's launch phrase.

This is just another little thing that can maximise Actions Blocks' potential. Not many people will know about it or have thought about. Therefore, making using it all the more satisfying.

Extending Native Capabilities

The final, and perhaps most important use of Action Blocks, is extending it beyond its native capabilities. By using IFTTT (If This, Then That), one can extend the use of Action Blocks into other external apps. IFTTT is a reputable third-party add on service which acts as the go-between to connect different app services together.

They have a ready-made list available to use making it easy to use as well as giving you ideas for how to make the most out of the system. Essentially the idea is to reconcile different apps into the Google Assistant system.

For example, if you commonly send similar messages on a service such as slack then you can create an Action Block to do just that. Through IFTTT create a widget starting will 'tell slack' then your message and off you go. You can also use this to create tweets or other posts on social media apps.

Again here it is worth repeating that you can add multiple commands together across devices. This may seem overkill but if it makes sense to your personal situation then it can be a timesaver. For example, one such case could be 'tell slack I'm going to be late and turn Bluetooth on and turn off lights in my office' as you struggle to leave the house on time before getting in the car.

Overall, although Google Assistant Action Blocks has arrived with little attention, it can be used for a range of applications. This guide has hoped to illustrate the extents of its functionality as a demonstration of what can be achieved when one explores the limits of this app. The key overriding feature of this whole guide is to think big with Action Blocks. This app can change the way you operate if you allow it to. Do not be satisfied with simple but strive to take it to the extreme then you will get the most out of it.