Build Actions for the next billion users
Blog post from Google Cloud
In 2019, Google announced a series of updates and tools for Actions on Google, aimed at expanding the reach and engagement of its developer community, which saw significant growth in 2018. With the Google Assistant available in over 80 countries and nearly 30 languages, the focus is on catering to the next billion users, particularly in rapidly growing markets such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico, where voice interaction is prevalent. The integration of Actions on Google with entry-level platforms like Android Go and KaiOS will allow developers to create applications without additional work, making them accessible in over 100 countries. New features include improved text-to-speech (TTS) voices in multiple languages and expanded transactional capabilities across 22 markets. Developers are encouraged to use templates for rapid deployment of Actions in various languages, with examples like Hello English and Where is My Train? already addressing local needs. The initiative underscores Google's commitment to enhancing user experience across diverse global markets, irrespective of language or location.