how do I talk to my phone rather than Google home?

[Dollarstar]

When I talk to my phone, Google home speaker answers instead. I don't want to always talk to the speaker, but there seems to be no way to differentiate my requests. why is there no seperate wake word for each device?

[Azarco]

Hey Dollarstar,

If the Google Assistant detects something that sounds similar to “Hey Google” or “Ok Google,” it may accidentally activate the device. But you can adjust the sensitivity of your device to the hotword. 

Follow these steps:

Make sure the customer's mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi or linked to the same account as the speaker or display.

1. Open the Google Home app .
2. Tap the device card of the preferred speaker or display.
3. At the top right, tap Settings Audio “Hey Google” sensitivity.
4. Use the slider to raise or lower the device's sensitivity to make it more or less responsive to "Hey Google".

Note: 

• This feature is available on most speakers and Smart Displays with the Google Assistant language set to English.
• To change the sensitivity setting for a device, the customer must be the primary account owner on that device.

Thanks,

Alex

[Dollarstar]

Hi,

im not sure how that is supposed to help.

I want to talk to my phone while in hearing range of Google home.

[Azarco]

Hey Dollarstar,

If your speaker and phone are signed using the same Google account, both devices may wake up from the command "Okay Google,"  but only the speaker or display will respond. Adjusting the sensitivity of your Google Home will help lessen your interaction with it.

Best,

Alex

[Azarco]

Hey Dollarstar,

I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know if you are still having any trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Thanks,

Alex

[Dollarstar]

Hi,

I don't think you are understanding my problem. I want to say "hey Google" and my speaker answers, but if I say "ok Google" I want my phone to answer. I don't want BOTH to answer even when both can hear me, and I want to be able to select WHICH ONE answers by use of a different wake word.

[Azarco]

Hey Dollarstar,

Understood. Sorry for the confusion. Personalizing the hotwords and assigning them for your phone and Google Home speaker isn't supported, we're always looking for ways to improve and we'll take it as feedback. Let us know if you have additional question as I'll be locking this thread after 24 hours.

Kind regards,

Alex

[Dollarstar]

Is there an official reason why this isn't supported? Competitor products support it and it's clearly a very popular feature, would be easy to implement and feels like it isn't being done deliberately at this point.

I honestly am considering hard-exiting Google's infrastructure over things such as this. it feels like you just want to be in control over every little detail. in a relationship we would consider this controlling and coercive behaviour, but for some reason tech giants think it is okay?

Offline home automation is feeling more compelling by the day exactly because it allows you to have a say over things like wake words.

I would really like to see a large change in Google's attitude and approach in this aspect. I know I'm just one voice, but i'm not the only voice, so hopefully I can add to the growing ocean of dissatisfaction.

[Azarco]

Hey Dollarstar,

We hear you — we appreciate users who are keen on sharing with us their thoughts/experience. We'll make sure to pass it along to the right team. You can also send feedback on your Google Home app and device.

Best,

Alex