Can Pixel phones be voice controlled like Google Home/Alexa?

[dwlotter]

I plan to buy a Pixel XL when they come back into stock, moving from a Note3. While driving (or riding my bicycle - I live in Davis CA) I want to be able to say "Phone, remind me in 30 minutes to .....", or "Phone, snap photos until I say stop." (phone on dashboard, drunk driver ahead of me).
I assume that "Phone" could be replaced by a name for the phone, as with Alexa.
Please can you inform me on these issues.

 

[Dannydet]

Any newer smartphone can do this. Just install an assistant or use Google voice to be always on.

 

[dwlotter]

I have had the Google Now Assistant since the beginning. When I press the microphone button and say "Remind me at 2 o'clock to ..." it does very well. However, it seems to be not possible to do this when the phone is blacked (i.e. in pocket etc., during which it needs a button push, then a PIN input, then to touch the microphone, none of which I want to do when I am driving or riding my bike). There is no response to voice. I would like the phone to to respond to a unique name that I give it so that I can have ordinary conversations without it waking up. This doesn't seem to be possible on my Note3 with Android 4.4.4.

 

[Dannydet]

Try installing Nuance Dragon from the play store. Let me know what results you get

 

[tommo47]

This doesn't seem to be possible on my Note3 with Android 4.4.4.

On my HTC M9, "OK Google" detection works with the device off but being charged :-



I have a car charger so don't have a problem whilst driving and as I have a battery pack it is also possible to have the function available at other times, albeit slightly cumbersome, but definitely manageable.

 

[dwlotter]

Try installing Nuance Dragon from the play store. Let me know what results you get

I downloaded and installed Nuance Dragon app. The Attentive Mode works well - wakes up when in screensaver lock mode. HOWEVER, it prevents the Google Now microphone from working, so it is useless for me. When I tap Google Now microphone, it immediately gets turned off, every time. Nothing in their FAQ about this. No forum to go to either.

 

[Dannydet]

So if you replace the Google now mic for the Nuance Dragon mic it doesn't work?

 

[dwlotter]

So if you replace the Google now mic for the Nuance Dragon mic it doesn't work?

How do I do that? I have looked for microphone in settings and see nothing.

 

[Dannydet]

Long- press on the Nuance icon and drag it to your desktop. Done.

 

[usnrma]

The Pixel and Pixel XL will take pictures, set an appointment and many other things from just a voice command. All of these work with the screen locked and work quite perfectly. I have the Pixel XL and previously had the Nexus 6P. It is quite frankly the best phone I have ever touched and I have touched every flagship available in the United States.

All these features are built in and do not require any third party apps.