Google Voice Actions – Another blow in Android vs iPhone

Google has launched another new feature on their Android 2.2 platform which allows users to execute a number of actions on their phone through voice recognition technology. Google claim the new features are quicker and easier and offer consumers another option for when typing just isn’t convenient.

The 12 new Google voice actions are:

• Send text messages
• Listen to music
• Navigate to
• Get directions
• Call businesses
• Call contacts
• Send email
• Set an alarm
• View a map
• Go to websites
• Write a note (and email it to yourself)
• Search Google

What makes this new Google software stand above the voice recognition used on the iPhone is that Android users can use both the files contained on their phone, and any information gathered by Google search. For example, when calling a business, the number you require doesn’t have to be stored in your phone or local app. As long as the number is available in Google search the technology will find and dial it.

The software comes pre-installed on phones running Android 2.2, including the HTC Desire, Nexus One and Motorola Droid 2. Although it is only currently available in US English there is the promise of other languages in the near future.

Google have put together a very nice promo video and reports from the launch press conference, where text messaging and emails were demonstrated, are positive.

It now remains to be seen whether, in the hands of real people, with real accents and dialect, the app will still come out on top. Feel free to let us know of your own experiences.