How to use voice commands on your Samsung Galaxy device

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One of our favourite features of the latest wave of Samsung Galaxy devices (smartphones and tablets) is their voice recognition capability.

By improving their voice-command software, Samsung has created a great new line of products that are more convenient and provide safer hands-free functionality than past smartphones.

The importance of voice commands

Voice command technology on your mobile device has many perks. The most notable benefit is that it eliminates the need to touch your device while driving. This hands-free experience allows you to take important calls and receive messages while still keeping your eyes on the road.

Voice commands can also simplify life at home or in the office. Being able to make calls or access apps without having to dig through your contacts list or scroll through multiple screens is perfect for those constantly on the go or multitasking.

Let’s take a look at how to use voice commands on a range of Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime

 

General voice commands for finding information, such as map locations or Google inquiries, can be performed on your Samsung Galaxy Core Prime by going through these easy steps:

• Press and hold the Home button on the bottom of your handset.
• Tap the microphone or say “OK, Google.”
• A screen with a large blank space will appear that says “Speak now.” Ask your question or deliver your command.

You can also use your voice to audibly type text messages using Google Voice Typing. To enable it follow these simple steps:

• On the home screen, tap the Apps icon.
• Tap Settings, denoted by a small blue circular shape.
• Tap Language and Input.
• Check the box next to Google Voice Typing.
• To configure options such as input language, offensive word limits and offline speech recognition, tap the Settings icon next to Google Voice Typing.

Instead of typing on the keyboard on the message writing screen, you can press the small microphone icon toward the bottom of the screen.

Use voice typing to perform other tasks, such as writing notes and reminders, by tapping the microphone on the appropriate screens as well.

Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5

 

The Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 use S Voice technology, a voice recognition program that helps you perform functions ranging from searching for information to sending text messages.

You need to set up the function before you can start using it, using these simple steps:

• Tap the Apps icon on the home screen.
• Tap the S Voice icon, denoted by a white microphone with a blue background.
• Read the disclaimer and tap Confirm at the bottom.
• Read the Terms of Service and tap Agree at the bottom.
• To learn the basics of S Voice, proceed through the About S Voice tutorial that pops up by tapping Next. Alternatively, if you are already familiar with the program, tap Skip.
• After reading the information on the Say What You Want screen, tap Next.
• Set the Wake Up S Voice options to your liking. This is how you will access S Voice audibly. The default voice trigger is “Hi Galaxy” from a locked screen. At this stage you can change that trigger phrase. When finished, tap Next.
• Learn about altering incorrect text on the Edit What You Said screen, then tap Next.
• Learn what standard voice commands will help you complete tasks such as making calls, writing and sending messages and memos, scheduling your calendar and playing music, then tap Finish.

You can further customise S Voice by tapping Menu, a rectangular icon with no bottom line and two lines inside of it, and then tapping Settings. Here you can determine language settings. Another key feature of the Galaxy S4 and S5 is S Voice Drive, a stripped-down version of S Voice made for drivers. Here is how to get it going:

• Tap the Apps icon on the home screen.
• Tap the S Voice icon, denoted by a white microphone on a blue background.
• Tap the Menu key.
• Tap Set Driving Mode On.
• When you want to activate Driving Mode, activate S Voice and say “Driving mode on.”

Now you are ready to safely use your Samsung Galaxy S4 while on the road. S Voice Drive is tailored to make driving a safer experience. It features larger text, making it easier to read the words on display while it’s fastened to your dashboard or windshield. Notifications are read aloud, too.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

 Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1KO4Jhk

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 phablet requires similar steps in order to take advantage of S Voice options. Follow these directions to further customise your S Voice settings:

• From the home screen, tap the Apps icon.
• Tap the Settings icon, denoted by a white and blue gear graphic.
• Tap Application Settings and choose S Voice.

From here you can also:

• Choose your S Voice language
• Set offensive language settings
• Access Facebook and Twitter
• Learn more about the voice command feature and
• Set up a reading of your personal schedule when you open S Voice.

Practice, practice, practice

Now that you know how to get the most out of the voice command features on your Samsung device, it is a good idea to take them for a test run before relying on them on the go. While voice recognition technology has improved, getting used to the process, cadence (modulation or inflection in your voice) and volume you need to use to take advantage of voice command options can take a while.

Data usage

While using voice commands can be safe and convenient, be aware that it may use up some of your data quota if you access apps or websites that need the internet. If data usage is a concern for you, don’t forget iiNet will double your data when you bundle your broadband internet with 4G mobile service.

Do you use voice commands on your mobile? Do you find it helpful? Let us know in the comments below.

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