At today’s press event, Google introduced Voice Actions for Android, a series of spoken commands that let you control your phone using your voice. Commands are limited to US English at this time and include:
- send text to [contact] [message]
- listen to [artist/song/album]
- call [business]
- call [contact]
- send email to [contact] [message]
- go to [website]
- note to self [note]
- navigate to [location/business name]
- directions to [location/business name]
- map of [location]
Google also released an updated version of the Google search widget for Android. Local search results now include addresses and ratings. Refining a query is also easier thanks to the pencil icon that now appears to the right of search suggestions.
Unfortunately, both Voice Actions and the new Google search widget require Android 2.2 (Froyo). They are pre-installed on the DROID 2 by Motorola. Phones upgraded to Android 2.2 will require that Voice Actions and the new search widget be downloaded from the Google Market.