Google removes ‘Ok Google’ voice command from Chromebooks

Google is likely to remove the option to initiate a search by yelling “Ok Google” from Chrome OS. This is evident from references in the source code of the operating system. Google may do that to make room for Assistant.

A Google developer created a commit in the source code that displays a string to tell users that the feature will be going out of Chrome OS. The option is disabled by default and can be found in the settings of devices with Google’s operating system for laptops. The option has existed since 2014.

The site Chrome Unboxed, which found the reference, speculates that the search giant is taking that step to make room for Assistant. The digital assistant already works on many phones with Google’s mobile operating system Android, but is not yet available on Chrome OS. An upcoming Chromebook from Google would even have an Assistant button on the keyboard.

It is unknown when the voice command feature will disappear from Chrome OS, and it is also unknown when Assistant will start running on Chromebooks. Google has not confirmed the steps.