Google has been steadily increasing its presence in our lives, from the search bar on our browsers to the omnipresent Google Now voice assistant. But what about all of the other devices and services that rely on Google? From home automation to entertainment, there are plenty of ways to integrate Google Assistant into your life. Here are four tips for using Google Assistant speakers and displays in your home.

  1. Start with the basics. If you don’t already have a Google Home or Chromecast device, now is a great time to get one. These small, voice-activated speakers can do everything from controlling your lights and thermostat to streaming music and video from services like YouTube and Netflix. You can also use them to control smart home devices like Nest and Philips Hue, but be sure to read the instructions carefully before you start tinkering so you don’t accidentally turn off your lights or set your thermostat too high!
  2. Get creative. If you already have a Google Home or Chromecast device, there are plenty of ways to use it in your home. For example, you can use it as a digital assistant for tasks like setting alarms or checking weather forecasts; control smart home devices; or even turn on your TV using voice commands! You can also use it as a display for photos, videos, and other content from services like YouTube and Netflix—just ask it to show you a particular video or photo from your collection (or any content on YouTube that’s currently playing). And if you have an Android phone or tablet with Android Auto support (version 7.0 or higher), you can use it as an input device for controlling car functions like climate control and audio playback—just say “OK Google, start my car”!
  3. Take advantage of third-party integrations . There are dozens of third-party integrations available for both Google Home and Chromecast devices that let you do things like control smart ..

You may be familiar with the ability to “broadcast” a message to a Google Nest speaker or display. While this can be useful in certain situations, it can also feel limiting. Sometimes, a two-way conversation is better.

RELATED: How to Broadcast Messages on Google Assistant Speakers and Displays

Requirements

There are a few things that you’ll need to make this calling feature work. First, of course, you need some Google Home or Google Nest speakers and smart displays. You will also need to install Google Duo on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.

Link Google Duo to Speakers & Displays

We’ll start with making sure that you have Google Duo set up for your devices. First, open the Google Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device and tap “Settings.”

Next, select “Communication.”

Now, go to “Video & Voice Apps.”

If you’ve already set up Google Duo, you’ll see it listed here with your phone number underneath. You don’t have to do anything else.

If it’s not already linked, tap the chain icon to proceed.

You’ll be asked to enter your phone number to link it with Google Duo. When you’ve verified your phone number, tap “Done.”

Once that’s complete, you can select the devices that you want to be able to make and receive calls on.

Make Calls to Speakers & Displays

With Google Duo linked to your account, it’s very easy to call speakers and smart displays in your home.

When using a Google Assistant speaker or smart display, say:

“Hey Google, call living room speaker. ” “Hey Google, video call kitchen display. ”

These same commands work from an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet. Simply launch Google Assistant and say the same commands.

“Hey Google, call playroom speaker. ” “Hey Google, call office display. ”

If you’re calling a smart display from your phone, it will default to a video call. You can turn off the video when the call starts or, alternatively, you can use the command, “Hey Google, audio call office display,” to specify from the start.

When the call rings the speaker or smart display, someone on the other end will need to say, “Hey Google, answer the call.” You will now be having a two-way conversation!

RELATED: How to Send Audio Messages with Google Assistant