The newest update of the Google App for Android has a bunch of secrets hidden deep in its code.

Perhaps most telling is the ability to enrol multiple people to control its voice-activated functions.

Meanwhile, there is a mystery mention of a new device-type called Bisto.

Active functions

Google’s release notes for the latest iteration of their app gives four simple dot points to describe what’s new:

• Cosmetics: the search page has a fresh look and feel
• Novelty: Doodles are now designed for in-app experience
• Browsing: Web pages open directly inside the app
• For US users, some voice actions will now work even when the device is offline.

The latter includes simple everyday tasks like ‘play music’, ‘turn on wifi’ and ‘turn on flashlight’.

Hidden capabilities

Beyond the public face, the latest app update includes a bunch of new code under-the-hood.

‘Hotword Enrollment Multi-User’ function is a program that looks to allow the registration and recognition of multiple user voices to control voice commands.

This may be yet another signal that Google Home is heading for a major consumer push.

Bisto mystery

The new Google App code also makes mention of a hitherto unheard of device type. In the code, it is referred to as Bisto and associated with audio functionality.

That’s not much to go on, though it may be enough to get Android fans fantasising.  

Share your favourite voice-activated assistants in the comments. Unless it's Clippy.

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