Soon, Google Assistant will let you text from lockscreen
What's the story
Even with all the fancy features, Google Assistant misses the ability to handle commands from the lockscreen. It is an accepted tradeoff for maintaining security, but recent reports have indicated that the tech giant is working on a way to enable lockscreen-based messaging via Assistant. The move would let you send texts with simple voice commands, even when your phone is locked. Here's how.
Problem
Right now, Google Assistant doesn't allow lockscreen actions
In its current form, Google Assistant doesn't offer a way to control Android phones from the lockscreen. Yes, it handles a few basic queries, but apart from that, all commands designed to trigger phone functions, including those for messaging, are blocked if the device is locked. The user is prompted to unlock the device, which largely affects the experience of interacting via voice.
Test
But, it is getting the ability to text from lockscreen
While the lack of lockscreen-based control is disappointing, the folks at 9To5Google reported the search giant is working to give some levy on the case. They recently spotted a server-side A/B test, which enables Google Assistant to take voice commands to send messages from the lockscreen. This means, even if your phone's locked, you'll be able to ask the Assistant to text your friend.
Working
How the feature would work
To use the feature, you'd have to say "Hey Google, send a text to" while specifying the name of the recipient and the message to be sent. It will show a lockscreen icon indicating that the phone is locked but will then process the command and send the message. You will get visual and verbal cues from Google confirming that the message is sent.
Availability
When it would be available
Google would probably make the feature available with the release of Google app version 10.28 but the timeline remains unclear. It is also worth noting that the capability could also raise some privacy concerns considering Assistant's ability to detect false positives. For instance, it could recognize someone else's voice, enabling them to send text messages without the permission of the owner.