"Hello Google" still doesn't work
20.2.2020
The Google Assistant is supposed to understand Swiss German. This rumour made the rounds last autumn and got me all excited. A quick test shows that there's not much to the rumour.
"OK Google, when is the last bus to get here?" is a very useful question, as I can't remember the journey times. But the assistant understood "scharfe" instead of "schaffe" and kindly pointed out to me that it didn't understand anything about sharp buses. An enquiry to Google finally clarifies that only a few Swiss web services are integrated into the Nesthub and not Swiss-German speech recognition.
Instead of giving up straight away, I make a few more attempts with my Baden dialect. And lo and behold, the smart picture frame does understand some questions. Weather queries, music requests and alarm clock settings also work consistently in Swiss German. A tiny victory that doesn't do much to change the sobering result.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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