Google has launched “Google Voice Search Hotword” on Tuesday which allows users to do voice commands by downloading it on their Google Chrome browser.
The new extension can activate the voice command search in computers. Users will no longer need to type the “word” or “phrase” they’re looking for and can just say it directly to the computer instead.
The new search tool works by going to the search page and saying, “OK, Google” followed by your query.
In the explanatory video, since the Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, Google gave some cooking-related instance. In the video, the user said, “OK, Google, what is five tablespoons in ounces?,” or “OK, Google, compare olive oil and butter.”
Users can also schedule reminders with the service. Users can say, “OK, Google, set a timer for one hour,” to remind you on when to take out the turkey out of the freezer, or “OK, Google, remind to me a meeting on Wednesday at 3 p.m.”
The new search tool isn’t functional on all Google sites; the active tab in the computer’s browser needs to be www.google.com for the voice command search to work properly. Furthermore, users will get a green light if the microphone icon at the end of the search bar comes out bold.
The new voice command feature is part of Google’s plans of improving the ranking algorithms on its keyword search. The company wants to provide a more accurate response no matter how complicated the question is.
So far, the Google Voice Search Hotword has garnered unfavorable reviews from those who have downloaded it from the Chrome Web Store. Some complained of it not working on their browsers and some saying that the microphone won’t work as they have no Internet connection even if they have. There were also comments that it doesn’t seem to work on Chromebooks.
Despite its flaws, there were some who were able to use the extension. A comment from smith etienne said “works great, make sure your input setting is set correctly.”
Not bad for its first day, Google Voice Search Hotword has reached more than 5,000 downloads already.
© 2025 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
