If you’ve been dying to make Google searches with your voice, you’re in luck – Google has rolled out hands-free search to every version of Chrome. The feature was previously available for beta testers or as part of third-party extensions, but came with additional bugs that hadn’t been worked out yet. But now the feature is available to anyone based in the US – or anyone who has Chrome set to US English. To get started, go to Google’s homepage or open a new tab in Chrome. Say, “OK Google” to wake up your computer or webcam’s microphone, then speak the phrase you want to search. If you don’t like the idea of your computer always listening to you, it’s easy to make sure the feature is turned off. Click on the Chrome menu in the top right corner of your browser, then click Settings. At the bottom of that screen, click “Show advanced settings,” then uncheck the box that says “Enable ‘Ok Google’ to start a voice search.”
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.