AI-generated Key Takeaways
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Google Assistant in cars enables hands-free media control through voice commands, initiated by hotword, button, or onscreen action.
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App developers should support voice actions for relevant media categories like genre, artist, album, playlist, and title to allow users to easily find and play media.
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Apps need to handle non-specific requests such as "Play some music" to provide a seamless voice experience.
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Utilizing voice actions for media control minimizes driver distraction by reducing the need for visual interaction with the car's infotainment system.
Supporting voice actions helps users find and play media by talking to Google Assistant, so they can keep their eyes on the road.
Google and car makers control how users invoke Google Assistant, typically via hotword (“Hey, Google” or “Hey, G”), steering wheel button, or onscreen affordance. Once invoked, Google Assistant can recognize requests to play app-supported categories of media, as well as requests to pause media play or advance to the next track.
To optimize the voice experience for your users, you need to:
- Decide which media categories to support. Possible categories for voice actions include genre, artist, album, playlist, and title. Choose those that make sense for your app.
- Anticipate non-specific requests. Decide how you want your app to respond to requests that don’t ask for specific media content, such as “Play some music.”
Voice plate example

Voice action requirements
In the table below, SHOULD requirements are recommended but not required.
Requirement level | Requirements |
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SHOULD | App developers should:
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Rationale
- Minimize visual distraction: Users controlling media via voice can keep their eyes on the road.