App similar to Motorola Assist - Moto X Q&A

Is there a google play equivalent app that is similar to Motorola Assist that I can use on a non-moto X phone? I want to use it primarily for the reading out of text and being able to respond back verbally.

biggiestuff said:
Is there a google play equivalent app that is similar to Motorola Assist that I can use on a non-moto X phone? I want to use it primarily for the reading out of text and being able to respond back verbally.
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Maybe this? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.matthew.rice.voice.text
It claims to automatically read aloud texts, and allow responding hands-free.

Tasker?

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I might return this phone. Do I just need to give it more of a chance?

I got this phone after having an iphone 4s for two years. Prior to that, I had a mytouch 4g for 5 years. Since getting this phone, I am almost in a state of shock. I might just need to adjust, but it is pretty off putting. 75% of what I do with my phone revolves around listening to music and texting, with occasional app use and photo taking here and there (Games, yelp, etc.).
This phone is completely failing me in several categories. I'm not sure if I am just not giving it enough of a chance or what. Here is my experience so far.
I picked this phone specifically because of it's size and hands free features. When driving, I used to give commands to siri to play certain songs, artists, albums, or playlists. This phone will only play songs. It attempts to play albums and artists, but fails in several ways (searches for them in the app or searches for them on the web). Playing playlists doesn't even seem to be an option at this point, and neither does telling the phone to shuffle music.
I have yet to get a real answer on my group messaging does not work. Everybody seems to recommend textra, which I am going to try, but I don't understand why the stock app would botch such a commonly used feature. Messages received from group texts end up all over the place. Some are in the group text, some of them are sent to me as one on one texts, etc. It is miserable.
The pictures taken by this phone are disappointing, but I knew that coming into the purchase.
I might just be in shell shock or something, and I'm going to give it a week or so. The first day with this phone has been a huge let down, however, and all of my research suggests that several of these issues are not actually going to get any better. I get that this might be an incredible phone for some users, but maybe I need to look somewhere else.
Am I wrong?
edit: Through extensive screwing around, group messaging now works.
While this is of little help, with the exception of the camera, your complaint is about Android and not this phone.
I'm curious if the music issue is sufficient to drive you back to iOS?
Solutions Etcetera said:
While this is of little help, with the exception of the camera, your complaint is about Android and not this phone.
I'm curious if the music issue is sufficient to drive you back to iOS?
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Well, I use bluetooth to listen to music in my car, and I don't like to look at or touch my phone while driving. Selecting music was the only thing that I ever used siri for. Every other feature of voice recognition seems like it is catered to people who are too lazy to type. The fact that I can't change what music I am listening to or even select a playlist while I am driving is a big setback to me.
I don't know whether your music is on your device or "in the cloud" but if it is "in the cloud" through Google, voice commands for music are totally broken on Android.
You should not leave iOS and think Android will be the same thing. It's a completely new ecosystem, and you might take some months to adapt to it. It's better, but you will take some time to realize it. (I came from an iOS aswell). I didn't get why you left iOS if it seemed to work pretty well for you, though.
For "listening to music and texting, with occasional app use and photo taking here and there", maybe a Samsung with its included apps like S-Voice, Chat-On and such. But don't complain when everything gets slow and it takes eternity to open any app you'd want. Moto X has the best Android experience though.
But anyway, for that kind of average user, I think an iPhone will fit you better.
Your complaints are very specific and a matter of need/taste. While they are real issues for you, they aren't to some others.
I personally think the best thing you can do is get an iPhone 5 and call it a day. I doubt Android will be something you like.
As far as a phone overall goes the Moto x, to me is one of the best out there....and again, your issues are specific and not everyone's....that said, my wife had an s2, hated it and went back to her old, slow 4s iPhone....But after playing with my phone for a few hours, she was blown away and wants one bad now. Just has to save her pennies now. Also...I'm not sure about others, but the pics I've taken have made her want a Moto x even more....She and I agree, they are superior to her 4s.
But that's us.
Again...I don't think you will like this phone or any other Android.....touchless control is about as good as it gets for any Android...so if the Moto x voice command isn't for you.....best to go back to iPhone.
Just my advice.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses.
I think I managed to sort out some group text stuff. I also found a music app that will stay on shuffle mode and allow me to call out specific artists and albums (not quite as good as ios, but good).
I also agree that these are specific issues for me. I never suggested that they were problems with the ecosystem or problems that everybody would have. It is just a very frustrating experience to switch and have several key features not function. This is coming from somebody who used android phones for 3 years prior to using an iphone.
With a few of those things out of the way, I am going to try this out for another week or so before making a call on hopping back.
beelbeel said:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses.
I think I managed to sort out some group text stuff. I also found a music app that will stay on shuffle mode and allow me to call out specific artists and albums (not quite as good as ios, but good).
I also agree that these are specific issues for me. I never suggested that they were problems with the ecosystem or problems that everybody would have. It is just a very frustrating experience to switch and have several key features not function. This is coming from somebody who used android phones for 3 years prior to using an iphone.
With a few of those things out of the way, I am going to try this out for another week or so before making a call on hopping back.
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Click to collapse
iDevices = MP3 player from start then turned into a phone so when it comes to music capabilities they are allways going to be much better then anyother device. because everything was built around them being MP3 player's
Android was built as a phone and slowly they have been adding better music capability and touchless controls and so forth but i will always be a android person because i like to customize my phone to my liking.
kj2112 said:
Again...I don't think you will like this phone or any other Android.....touchless control is about as good as it gets for any Android...so if the Moto x voice command isn't for you.....best to go back to iPhone.
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Click to collapse
I don't think it is an issue about whether voice command is for him or not, I think the issue (and it is an Android issue not specific to Moto X) is that Voice Commands for Google Music are broken.
robjulo said:
I don't think it is an issue about whether voice command is for him or not, I think the issue (and it is an Android issue not specific to Moto X) is that Voice Commands for Google Music are broken.
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Yeah. Google and Moto X voice recognition are great. But Google Now isn't as smart as Siri, yet.
robjulo said:
I don't think it is an issue about whether voice command is for him or not, I think the issue (and it is an Android issue not specific to Moto X) is that Voice Commands for Google Music are broken.
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Yes...and it's relatively new...give it time.
Make a tasker app to shuffle or play a playlist...all started with voice command. Best we can do for now.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
And as said already....if playing music with voice commands is anyone's top phone priority...which seems to be the case here, since OP is thinking of returning phone over it......get an iPhone. Yes, they started out a music device.....so stands too reason it'll work better.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
kj2112 said:
Yes...and it's relatively new...give it time.
Make a tasker app to shuffle or play a playlist...all started with voice command. Best we can do for now.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
And as said already....if playing music with voice commands is anyone's top phone priority...which seems to be the case here, since OP is thinking of returning phone over it......get an iPhone. Yes, they started out a music device.....so stands too reason it'll work better.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
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I didn't even know that you could create custom voice commands with tasker. That actually changes quite a bit. I'm more than willing to substitute customizable voice control for the pretty fleshed out control that Siri has.
I had to return mine because of the camera and broken exchange on 4.4. I am anxiously awaiting a fix for both. Yes I know you can sideload a different exchange services but I didn't want to root my none DE x.
Plus I expect another sale to come in the next month or two even after the price drop.
beelbeel said:
I didn't even know that you could create custom voice commands with tasker. That actually changes quite a bit. I'm more than willing to substitute customizable voice control for the pretty fleshed out control that Siri has.
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Not really voice commands....more like virtual screen touches. As far as I know anyway. Look in moto x apps section. I made a tasker app to start music and shuffle. Can start it by voice. Tasker makes it that you need to be rooted tho....no idea why.
So without root...it wont work.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
If ur music is on ur phone, you can try the app eva to use voice to choose music. Its not free but does have a 28 day trial version
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...AUkLz3RzTAvqkasKQ&sig2=SwkUCoEast3YCyYwbl7spg
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Restola said:
I had to return mine because of the camera and broken exchange on 4.4. I am anxiously awaiting a fix for both. Yes I know you can sideload a different exchange services but I didn't want to root my none DE x.
Plus I expect another sale to come in the next month or two even after the price drop.
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Why not just use touchdown exchange app for exchange services. Works awesome than stock email app.
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
beelbeel said:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses.
I think I managed to sort out some group text stuff.
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Can you or someone give me some direction on this? I DON'T want to move to another messaging app. I want to use the stock app for messaging AND be able to group text. Of course, most know by now that you cannot select a contact GROUP as an option to text to.
Please help with this. Is there some workaround, hack, app development, or play store app that can allow me to use stock messaging app for group sms? Primarily what I want is to be able to send a group text without having it input all their names, but just select the group contact to do so
lancelot916 said:
Can you or someone give me some direction on this? I DON'T want to move to another messaging app. I want to use the stock app for messaging AND be able to group text. Of course, most know by now that you cannot select a contact GROUP as an option to text to.
Please help with this. Is there some workaround, hack, app development, or play store app that can allow me to use stock messaging app for group sms? Primarily what I want is to be able to send a group text without having it input all their names, but just select the group contact to do so
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Well, I fixed my issues with imessage and switched to textra. I am not sure if I would still have a problem if I was on the stock app.
One of the main advantages of android is the ability to substitute the apps used for key functions. I agree that the stock app should absolutely be able to handle this if a third party app can't, but you shouldn't be afraid to switch to a third party app. It is a very easy process, and it will retain all of your past messages.
beelbeel said:
Well, I fixed my issues with imessage and switched to textra. I am not sure if I would still have a problem if I was on the stock app.
One of the main advantages of android is the ability to substitute the apps used for key functions. I agree that the stock app should absolutely be able to handle this if a third party app can't, but you shouldn't be afraid to switch to a third party app. It is a very easy process, and it will retain all of your past messages.
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Click to collapse
Well, from what I hear, Textra won't work with Motorola assist. Does someone know of an app that just adds an option on contacts to send text from groups on contacts?
Have you tried Hangouts for SMS?

Android Lollipop taking advantage of DSP

So from what i can tell phones using DSP chips will be able to use ok google now from stock android. Our Moto X's do use that for the Motorola assist features. Does this mean that android lollipop could help go around moto assist? I don't like the delays that Moto assist comes with, and getting to use Google now through stock would be amazing. They only mention that Nexus 6 and 9, will be able to use it, but i don't see why our phone wouldn't be able to.
It might be able to in theory, but is it possible to disable assist? Havent got the phone so i dont know lol
raze599 said:
It might be able to in theory, but is it possible to disable assist? Havent got the phone so i dont know lol
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Yes, assist can be disabled. The problem is because assist and the files for it are installed, it disables one from saying "ok, google" and letting google now take over. Assist needs to be on if you want to do voice related things. Unless I'm missing something, I haven't found a way to allow google now voice commands to work with assist on or off
sent from my Moto X (2014)
If you disable Moto Voice, Google Search "Ok Google" will work just fine....
I know if you turn moto assist off it will allow ok google hotword with the google launcher. So hopefully the files that allow lollipop to use dsp chip will be included in the software, so it doesn't have to be integrated into moto voice. Cant wait for Lollipop, had L with my Nexus and coming back to kitkat was like a slap to the face.
MaKTaiL said:
If you disable Moto Voice, Google Search "Ok Google" will work just fine....
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ZeroAlphawolf said:
I know if you turn moto assist off it will allow ok google hotword with the google launcher. So hopefully the files that allow lollipop to use dsp chip will be included in the software, so it doesn't have to be integrated into moto voice. Cant wait for Lollipop, had L with my Nexus and coming back to kitkat was like a slap to the face.
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Strange...failed for me before. I'll try again
sent from my Nexus 7
0.0 said:
Strange...failed for me before. I'll try again
sent from my Nexus 7
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I know that on the 2013 X this did not work. There is an internal, hidden config flag in Google Search that lists the devices on which hotword detection is permanently disabled -- meaning that nothing you did to to moto touchless controls would help.
That being said, there is an app out there, UnleashTheGoogle, that will un-hide all of the hidden settings in Google Search and then you can just remove your phone from the blacklist (if the '14 X is in there)
So after the recent Moto Voice update, i can't get the Google Now hot word Detection to work at all. Going into Google Settings to try to train it to listen to me, it won't activate the mic at all to listen to me, completely refuses too. Plus, to top it off, Moto Voice now says "Opening Google" Whenever it is too retarded to be able to do what i want it to with my voice, which is ridiculous. I Force closed Moto Voice, and the google now search bar had the mic showing that it was ready for voice. (The filled in one.) but did not respond to Ok Google, and by the time i went to train it, Moto Voice had restarted. I might try freezing Moto Voice with Titanium and seeing if i can get google now to work then. All in all, this is disappointing as it stands.
Ok! So Freezing the Moto Voice app did it for me. (That or yelling ok google at my phone for 5-10 minutes in the training voice part of Google Now Voice Settings.) Regardless i can activate Ok Google again from any screen. Though, my Google Now Settings includes the check box for google searching from the Lock Screen, it doesn't seem to work. That might come with Lollipop proper... -crosses fingers.
Edit: It will allow it to Google Search from lockscreen , But not with sound off... that is the feature that might come with Lollipop.

Some Moto Voice commands not recognized

Hey everyone,
So I got my new Moto X yesterday and I have some questions, particularly with Moto Voice. After watching videos online, and reading some various articles/websites, I have been trying to various voice commands to see what happens . However, there are certain ones that are not being recognized. For example, whenever I say "Good Night", it just brings up a Google search instead of "putting my phone to sleep". Also, "Good Morning" brings up a Google search, and the one that I am really bummed doesn't work is, "Talk to me" where it supposedly reads your notifications aloud for a given amount of time. Anyone know if these commands got pulled from the build or if I'm just missing something?
Also, in the Accessibility settings, there is an option to turn on or off "Moto Voice". What is this setting changing, because it doesn't seem to be affecting anything?
Thanks for your help everyone!
1 more unrelated question, are you guys running your phones on ART or Dalvik?
I have the exact same issues with "goodnight /good morning" I can't get them to work no mate what I try.
Had these issues too..
Fix: simply update all the moto stuff via Playstore!
In the accessibility settings moto voice needs to be "on" for it to work properly..
Moto needs this to read from/control other apps! E.g. if you say "play mozart on youtube"..
Edit: In Playstore under "my Apps" you won't find those apps to update. Instead you have to search for "moto"! Seems to be a Playstore bug.
sent from XT1092 using Tapatalk
I updated all of the moto apps it still won't recognize the command goodnight or good morning
Edit: I was able to get the phrases to work by uninstalling the moto voice and re installing it. It now works without a problem
rTek said:
I updated all of the moto apps it still won't recognize the command goodnight or good morning
Edit: I was able to get the phrases to work by uninstalling the moto voice and re installing it. It now works without a problem
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Click to collapse
I tried them all....still not working for me
freeintruth said:
I tried them all....still not working for me
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Click to collapse
Uninstall moto voice and re install it after it's done restart the phone and see if that would solve it. If that still doesn't work i'm not sure how else it could be solved.

[Q] Disable Moto Voice in favor of Google Now

Does anyone know of a way to disable Moto Voice and simply use the voice wake to activate Google Now? Perhaps via an Xposed module?
Moto Voice, in it's current iteration is too slow and not value added enough for me to prefer it over Google Now. Plus, if I hear "Opening Google" one more time, I'm going to go crazy.
Tykin said:
Does anyone know of a way to disable Moto Voice and simply use the voice wake to activate Google Now? Perhaps via an Xposed module?
Moto Voice, in it's current iteration is too slow and not value added enough for me to prefer it over Google Now. Plus, if I hear "Opening Google" one more time, I'm going to go crazy.
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Click to collapse
it's pretty simple: open the Moto App, tap the Settings button on top right, tap the Voice button/icon and uncheck the Launch phrase. you might have to setup up voice activation on Google Now. like you i prefer Google Now for the time being. hope this was helpful.:good:
cortez.i said:
it's pretty simple: open the Moto App, tap the Settings button on top right, tap the Voice button/icon and uncheck the Launch phrase. you might have to setup up voice activation on Google Now. like you i prefer Google Now for the time being. hope this was helpful.:good:
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That will disable the voice wake. I'm looking for a way to jump straight into Google Now anytime I say my Moto Voice launch phrase.
OK, yeah that's different. Interpreted that you wanted to just go to Google Now. With my suggestion, saying "OK Google" takes you to Google Now (vs your moto launch phase).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Do you have the pure edition or carrier? Pure if you root there is a way to do it, if its carrier and locked you can't, sorry. Hopefully Lollipop will make it possible too, Nexus 6 has ambient display to rip off active display, and will use the always listening chip it has to act like moto voice, but built into google now.
ZeroAlphawolf said:
Do you have the pure edition or carrier? Pure if you root there is a way to do it, if its carrier and locked you can't, sorry. Hopefully Lollipop will make it possible too, Nexus 6 has ambient display to rip off active display, and will use the always listening chip it has to act like moto voice, but built into google now.
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Click to collapse
can you share your "tip" to make this happen? I have a rooted Pure version.
cortez.i said:
can you share your "tip" to make this happen? I have a rooted Pure version.
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Click to collapse
Here is the link to the reddit discussion about it, i didn't manage to get it set up myself, cause i dislike Xposed and prefer to use ART. OkGoogleNowTrigger
ZeroAlphawolf said:
Here is the link to the reddit discussion about it, i didn't manage to get it set up myself, cause i dislike Xposed and prefer to use ART. OkGoogleNowTrigger
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Click to collapse
Thanks! Now I need to figure out if I want to root my phone now or wait for L and Xposed to run on ART.
Lollipop is supposed to be able to do ok google from screen off with phones using the always listening chips. The nexus 6 and 9 are supposed to use it with theirs. I'm still hoping that our moto's well be able to use it as part of stock android so i don't have to use moto voice at all. Only i don't know if they intend to add custom phrase support, which i could stand losing. Though i concur about ART xposed, that i can't wait for.

Google Now can't unlock??

Hi all,
I'm running into an odd issue on the N6, although other devices seem to have this as well. . .
I used to be able to use google now to set alarm, send message, etc while its locked.
Now, doing the same things, google now replies that it can't complete the task until device is unlocked.
Is anyone else running into this and is there any way around it?
Thanks!
Bump ... help please?
rom you are using? and android version?
it only happens when the device is locked with a password or something similar. If you disable that you're good to go.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I have this issue. I can't set alarms or reminders unless I unlock the phone. The voice prompt tells me so. Quite annoying. Hopefully they remedy it with smart voice unlock soon
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
This updated feature now affects texts via voice now. I can no longer wake my phone from sleep and send a text unless the phone is unlocked. More of a reason to move to a moto x pure now. what a huge step back.
arts711 said:
Hi all,
I'm running into an odd issue on the N6, although other devices seem to have this as well. . .
I used to be able to use google now to set alarm, send message, etc while its locked.
Now, doing the same things, google now replies that it can't complete the task until device is unlocked.
Is anyone else running into this and is there any way around it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just saw your post and I was having the exact same issue. The only way I can get around it currently is by rolling back to an old version of the "Google App" which seems to encompass Google Now, Voice Search, Google Now Launcher, and most importantly the OK Google "always on" functionality.
I went back through previous versions testing the "OK Google call _____" (screen off & device locked) feature until I found where it stopped working correctly and the "4.9.22.16.arm" version is the last one that does work the way it is supposed to. You can find older versions of the Google App on Apkmirror. Hopefully they track down the root cause of the issue and fix it soon.

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