Google Assistant Now Lets You Book Hotels, Check-in for Flights With Your Voice
Already capable of telling you why your flight is delayed and how to book your next Uber, Google is one step closer to world travel domination thanks to two new Google Assistant features that just rolled out.
Using just your voice (look, Ma, no hands!), users will be able to check-in for "domestic flights serviced by United Airlines" on smartphones with Android or iOS simply by saying, "Hey Google, check in to my flight," according to the company.
One perk of this new technology is that Google Assistant will send a notification to your phone to remind you that check-in is available, and you'll be able to view your boarding pass, hands-free (i.e. no more trying to dig up or remember your confirmation number). Although currently only available on United flights, Google says it looks forward "to expanding this feature to more airlines and flights soon."
In addition to these new flight capabilities, you can also now book a hotel room in the US via your Android or iOS smartphone with a simple command like,"Hey Google, I'd like to book the Cambria Hotel in New York on January 12th," which will pull up availability, pricing, booking and payment using existing Google Pay credentials.
Google says it's working with a range of companies on the new technology, including Choice Hotels, AccorHotels and InterContinental Hotels Group, as well as online travel agencies and partners such as Priceline, Expedia, Mirai and Travelclick.
At this rate, it won't be long before Amazon one-ups Google by having its virtual assistant, Alexa, pack your suitcase for you.
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