Google gives new voice to Android

Users could already search by voice on Android devices, now Google has added new voice commands to make it easier to complete other tasks such as sending a text message or listening to music.

In a blog post detailing the new capabilities, called Voice Actions for Android, Google said users can interact with the phone via voice by tapping on the microphone on the Google search box or holding down the physical search button on most Android phones. Those actions will spawn a “Speak Now” screen that will let users issue voice commands.

The full list of voice commands include send text, listen to, call, send e-mail, go to (Web site), note to self, navigate, directions to, and map of (among others).

Many of the services that get spawned by such commands are Google services – such as Google Maps or Google Search, which in turn drive mobile advertising opportunities for the search giant. Integrating dead-simple voice commands directly into top-level screens and hardware buttons could make it more likely that users will use those Google services rather than alternatives from rivals.

That seeming feature and service tie-in via simplified, embedded access to Google services comes at an interesting time, with Google facing criticism for its softened stance on Net neutrality issues. Of course, rival Apple has made its mark by deeply integrating the hardware, software and service elements of the iPhone. And third-party Android developers can have access to the Voice Actions features, too – for instance, requesting music using Voice Actions can spawn any number of music players or services.

In addition to Voice Actions, Google on Thursday released an updated Google search widget that includes improved search refinement and recommendation features.

All of the new features require the latest Android 2.2 release (Froyo). Google will pre-install the new capabilities in Froyo moving forward, starting with the upcoming Droid 2, the company said. For users that already have Froyo-capable phones (such as the Nexus One, HTC Evo or Motorola Droid), downloadable versions of the new voice and search capabilities are available in the Android Market.