Find out what your kitchen is up to with Google Assistant for LG and GE appliances

Android and Google Home devices already support Google Assistant (with iOS support rolling out as well), but the search giant wants its AI-empowered virtual assistant in more devices. That is why Google announced that appliances will eventually support Google Assistant, starting with LG and GE.

Both companies announced they will update their existing line of appliances in order to use Google Assistant to control them. Appliances from LG include fridges, ovens, washers, dryers, and an air purifier, while those from GE include an air conditioner and water heater.

However, you must use your phone or Google Home to control these appliances — you cannot speak directly to them. Commands are also very specific, since Google Assistant must speak to either LG’s or GE’s connected app in order to carry them out. In other words, it almost sounds as if Google Assistant acts as the middleman between you and either company’s connected app.

Even so, this looks to be a simpler process than having to go through LG’s or GE’s app in order to issue commands. LG and GE also know a thing or two about connected devices, even though this is an important step for Google – all of GE’s aforementioned appliances already support Amazon’s Alexa, while LG offers a fridge you can talk to through Alexa.

According to LG, it will roll out support for Google Assistant sometime this month. GE, meanwhile, rolls out its support for Google’s virtual assistant today.