yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] RoboJoe:
I have an confession to make: I rarely use Utter. (I know; it's sad)

The problem, for me, is that pretty much everything I might want to do with Utter, I already do with Tasker + Google Now. (There is the strong chance that I'm not the target user for Utter, of course.) For instance: I already have Tasker announce my SMS (from GV), my Facebook, my Google+ and my GTalk.. that functionality is built into Tasker-- I don't need Utter to do it for me. If I'm driving or using a headset, it asks me if I want the message read (where applicable) and responds to "Yes", "No", and "Stop asking". I don't need Utter to turn on and off my wifi/bluetooth/gps because those things are already handled 98% of the time without me asking.

The other things I do with my phone are, more or less, ask questions, or perform simple commands, like navigation, SMS, etc-- all which GNow does.

I follow this thread (well, as close as I can with school, work, a two month old baby, and a social life) because I'm hoping that something will happen that makes me want to use Utter over/with Tasker+Gnow.

The major issue I think Ben is having right now is that while he was building this very amazing app, Google went and released Google Now, which performs most of the functions I believe the average user would want from a voice assistant. (Tight integration with other apps, like Springpad/Evernote/etc being the only place GNow falls down.)

I'm sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but that's just my own personal feelings. What I would love to see, and am looking forward to, is tighter integration with Tasker AND Google Now. If Utter was a "front end" to both those apps (so to speak) I would use it much more often.

If I had a a real personal assistant, I wouldn't want them to know how to do everything I asked, but instead know how to get everything I asked done by going to someone who already knows the task. Utter could really shine as an app that I go to, to tell other apps what to do.

I could be totally off base for what most people want, but this is what I want in a personal assistant.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
So you must be using Jelly Bean? Isn't this the only version that integrates Google Now? Jelly Bean is 10% of the android population. What about people like me with GB where about 50+% are still on phones? I've watched Google Now and I must say it's very impressive, but Utter I think can surpass that. It's just not gonna happen right away.
[Android Apps and Games] malerik:
I am most interested by the idea of having it be activated by voice, like the galaxy s3's feature.

If I can achieve something by pressing a button on my phone, in all honesty unless it's an internet search or navigation search, I can probably do it faster by hand. If I'm already pressing a button in order to activate the voice app, why not just keep pressing buttons?

Here's what I want to be able to do:

Me: "Beemo."

Phone: "Yes, Kieran?"

Me: "Take us home."

Phone: "Okie Dokie!"

Then it opens navigation, puts gps and data on and sets the destination as home. All without me having to take my hands off the steering wheel.

When this feature becomes live, I am going to be annoying everyone at work a lot by talking to Beemo all the time.
[Android Apps and Games] RoboJoe:
That's a very fair point, but that's not a static number-- devices are released quite often running JB, aiming at that 90% now will just mean by the time Utter! leaves beta, the people without GNow will be fewer. That's not even taking into account that rooted people on JB can get Gnow, and that Google has a tendency to roll things out, first to it's newest version, and slowly to the older versions. (See "4.2" Gmail being rolled out to everyone, etc.)

I, in no way, am trying to say that this app isn't going to succeed, I'm just throwing in my personal input. More data is better, right?

Also, a little off topic, I didn't even know Utter! was ad supported. (Ad block is baked into my ROM, but I've used an app to do it in the past.) Is there a paypal or something available? I'd happily toss a beer at Ben to ensure that Utter keeps moving forward. (Well, not literally.)

---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 AM ----------

Traditionally, constantly monitoring the microphone is very battery intensive.
[Android Apps and Games] jesusice:
Me, personally, I would like to be able to do anything and everything on my phone by voice. Sure, I can do it all by hand but I actually really enjoy the personification of my phone. I love my phone and when my phone becomes a vocal, pleasantly helpful, female assistant I love it even more. The magic of Utter isn't all what it *can* do but also *how* it can do it. With Utter set to replace my Google Now swipe up action I'm attempting to use her for everything.

Also, yes, many functions I can do faster with the buttons and my fingers but many times my fingers are occupied. When doing dishes or cooking I especially don't want to touch my phone or have to wash my hands and dry them off every time I need to Di something with my phone. That's why every minor action should be able to be triggered by Utter. When cooking I not only want to be able to search for recipes I also want to be able to zoom in on the webpage and scroll down without having to touch my phone.

With the cooking example it makes me think of a feature I'd like to see. I'd like to be able to say something like "Pay attention for a while" or even a set amount of time like "pay attention for the next 30 minutes" and during that time Utter would keep listening ready to do whatever I need so that I don't have to touch my phone to get her attention again or shake to wake her.
[Android Apps and Games] malerik:
some messG1

Yeah, I'd only use it when I've got it plugged in. Surely I can tasker that? WHEN plugged in THEN turn utter on.
[Android Apps and Games] RoboJoe:
That's actually a pretty elegant way to find balance between the battery drain vs constant monitoring dilemma, and a bit more natural. Couple that with the ability to start listening when a power source (user choice whether USB is considered a "power source") is connected and it probably covers a significant chunk of the scenarios where constant listening is desired. Maybe even add in a user settable time limit where Utter will specifically ask you if you want it to keep listening. (So, if you ask for 30 minutes of monitoring, but don't activate it in 10 minutes, it can prompt you to have it stop monitoring, to save battery.)

Another thing I'd like to see if the option to pass a failed command to another app, as well as the ability to decide what phrase is said when a command fails, globally, if any. For example, if I say "How old is jack johnson?", Utter will have no idea what to do with that-- it would be nice to be able to tell utter; "If you don't understand a command, send the entire command to App X". (For me, this would be tasker, or Gnow)

Also, I would like to be able to just play a noise when a command isn't understood. (because, if the above request is fulfilled, I'll actually plan on messages failing!)

Obviously, those two requests are probably going to be unused by most users, but it never hurts to ask. :laugh:
[Android Apps and Games] jesusice:
Huh. It seems Google has updated the Play Store again. Now the top app lists only extend so far, like trending only shows about 20 apps it seems.

Luckily Utter is now showing in the 9th spot for me
[Android Apps and Games] RoboJoe:
We need to get Utter to have that nice little "Editor's Choice" icon. How does one do that?
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Showing number 20 in the US. Also, when I get to the bottom after the first 20 apps, it just takes a minute to load the next group. Yours doesn't do that?
[Android Apps and Games] jesusice:
Not anymore. It did yesterday and showed at 20 but today it doesn't and shows at 9. I know it's due to an update because when I opened the Play Store today I had to agree to the terms and conditions again.

I show Play Store v3.10.9.

EDIT: Yeah, I'm gonna say this may not be the greatest update. Here's what the top games looks like:
[Android Apps and Games] Drifternz:
Ok utter is at number 20 here in New Zealand.

The prevoius posts make some good points. Useability is the key. The average joe blow isn't worried what he can make utter do with tasker. He is more worried about what he can do with it without any stuffing around. I think utter does most of the basics now, but...

The one big thing I miss with Utter which I think is also a turn off for alot people is the alarm bit.

The ability to say set an alarm at 6.00am for monday, and Friday, (rather than saying set alarm for 3 hours.) The time + set has its uses but is not good for long term alarms.

I know that it is on the to do list, but after watching how both my friends and even myself use their smartphones, alarms and reminders seem to play a huge part. One of my friends has six alarms set per day and is constantly making new quick reminder alarms.

Personaly I think that when you get this implemented the retention rate will climb.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
I also think the Calendar is an important feature too. (My 2 cents for the day)
[Android Apps and Games] ewingr:
Just a couple annoyances:

JB Bug Notification

I must be dyslexic, I can't find any settings that offer English (UK), so have been unable to stop the messgaes and voice announcment coming up about that.

Message when launch commands

While I am learning the commands, I often say "Show Commands". I don't want to listen to the 5 or 10 second message about that. Just launch them please.
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Thanks

Hi folks, sorry for the lack of responses, shut myself away today to try and get on with the damn tutorial, it's not very exciting and slow progress....

Anyway, thanks for all of your posts, suggestions and opinions, I've just read them all. I won't quote any specifics in response, I'll just summarise very quickly:

Everything comes down to resource. There just aren't enough hours in the day for me working alone. Almost all of your suggestions are so easily implemented, but get pushed down the list when the importance of fixing bugs and retaining installs with a tutorial etc jump the queue.

If I had a small team around me, all of your suggestions, tweaks, annoyances would already be fixed, built in and working.

About Google Now - I actually don't consider it direct competition and it being released is the best thing that could have happened to me/utter!

Google will never take the risk of implementing features that I will - anything that may not provide a totally streamline experience for the user simply wouldn't make their release list. I believe that will never change. All of Google Now's functions are very basic and easily replicated - they are just API calls, available to every developer - who has time!

The advantage they have is limitless resource to make their product interpret most questions out of the box. That kind of database can be bought from an external company though and when utter! generates some cash, will be bolted on....

Many users will call on Google Now to do things for them occasionally and it will just 'work' - those aren't the users I'm after.

It's not high on my list to replicate the actions of Google Now, I need to demonstrate to a potential investor where utter! will be different, even if that is only in its basic implementation of a coming soon button! It doesn't take much to see what utter! could be (within weeks) if there were 10 of me working on it. That's a very small investment for a company who see the average number of users established 'assistant' apps get...

Anyway, I'll stop waffling as I need to get on with it! To summarise, I need development support to get my to-do list done! Until I get that support, I've just got to keep my head down and keep coding....

Thanks again for all input, it's appreciated. If I've missed a specific question, do let me know - All suggestions in your comments have been added to the list somewhere....

Trending is still rubbish... Another quiet day. Very disappointing, I really thought that would be the holy grail! :crying:
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Hi, it's your Android Google Voice Search settings (there is a link in the recognition and voices section if you need it) - You should get a huge drop down list.

Say 'float commands' to just get the command list up!
[Android Apps and Games] ewingr:
HI

I just updated Google Now (which I think is the 'new' Google Voice Search, and did find it there. So hopefully that works.

Thanks for the tip on 'Float'.

[EDIT]

Hmmm...just tried 'Float Commands', and still get the long message spoken about reading them, etc.

"Please see the structured command list...."
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
The only thing you should here is...."there you go" It's a transparent window that's scrollable identical to the window you get with enable visual results. Are you not seeing that?
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Yup, it should just say 'there you go' ?

Glad you got the voice sorted.
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Question

I've had it reported on two separate devices that when requesting translation to Polish or Romanian, the voice engine doesn't reset properly? I can't replicate - anyone else??
[Android Apps and Games] guy4jesuschrist:
I just checked xShortcut FREE, and it looks like it might be possible, IF the user knows how to acquire or is provided the info to enter into the fields pictured below to create the shortcut.

The option to capture an app's specific activity and create a shortcut from it is possible, but saving the shortcut in a list/log for later use is not available in the free version, as informed of in the pictured below.

No problem! I followed your great example of keeping up with everyone in this thread. So thank YOU! :)
[Android Apps and Games] beez1717:
I can't wait until I can select my voice recognition engine. That way I can select whatever engine works best for me. I'm wondering if Vlingo will ever be an option if you've installed it.
[Android Apps and Games] ericdjobs:
Just to let people know the free app secure settings has the ability to "launch activity" and can activate utter by using the "launchershortcutactivity". It's mainly a tasker plugin but the latest version added the ability to create a shortcut for any secure settings action. This lets you easily create a shortcut to activate utter.

As a bonus it also expands taskers functionality quite a bit in turn expanding utters. Like I have utter commands that turns wireless adb on on my phone, from my tablet.. this is also using autoremote for passing command and variables to/from devices. Or I can restart my phone by telling utter "restart phone" from tablet... Also with just autoremote+tasker I can ask utter "what is my phones battery level" and she will give me the percentage.. on my tablet. I wanted to never have to take my phone out of my bag lol.. check them out, both of them are mainly tasker plugins but autoremote is freaking amazing in what it allows you to accomplish. Plus it integrates with zapier which is like IFTTT on steroids which.... Expands taskers and utters functionality a thousand fold
[Android Apps and Games] RoboJoe:
Doh! There's a "DONATE TO ME" button right under his name! Why didn't anyone tell me? :P
[Android Apps and Games] gab1972:
Happy to see everyone is keeping Homer Simpson's "Doh!" is being kept alive and useful. =)
[Android Apps and Games] Adam Lopresto:
Could you make the notification low priority (on JB, at least)? I wouldn't mind it in my notifications, but it clutters the top bar.
[Android Apps and Games] HunnyBearLewis:
I cannot replicate this either. I'm on an HTC Sensation, but running a 4.1.2 AOSP based ROM.
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Thank you :good: So, just to clarify, does that free option appear for Widget Locker users? Sorry, I couldn't tell if you mean it works or it doesn't!?

It will be great to have the choice - and also take some pressure off the app 'not understanding' - I hope anyway...

Good question about Vlingo - I've not got it installed - does it come up as an option anywhere? I wouldn't have thought they would allow third-parties to use their recognition for other apps though. I might be wrong, but it wouldn't really make sense....

Thanks for posting this. I so badly want some free time so I can create the beast of all Tasker projects that has examples of stuff like this! My website is coming soon, do definitely have a dedicated Tasker + others area to see what users can come up with.

Thank you :good: You're a gent.

Ha! It's not something I used to use much, but it seems to pop out of my mouth every time I mess something up in my code - which at the moment, is quite a lot.....

I've been rather selfish, as not having a JB device, I haven't looked what I can do with the notifications. I'm sure I read another user report that you can choose to hide foreground notifications in the JB settings somewhere? I don't believe I will be able to lower the priority, otherwise Android will just murder it mid-command.

Thanks for confirming :good: baffled by this one.... as with many others!

Sorry I'm a little slow on the responses folks - do really appreciate them all - juggling messages and all social media etc + coding is hard to keep up with!
[Android Apps and Games] ewingr:
Nope. As I said, it has a fairly long statement. To quote complete statement, it goes like this:

Me: "Float Commands"

Utter: "Please see the structured command list to understand what I can do and how you can get me to do it. If you have a problem, please see the troubleshooting and tbugs tab in and application, If you are still stuck do feel free to email the developer."

Funny when it says troubleshooting. It sounds like "trial blessing".
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Could you try typing it in at the top of the trail blessing tab please :D

It must be a recognition 'problem', where GVS is returning associated commands too. Even if 'float commands' is appearing at the top of the list in the return results, I still analyse the others and if they outnumber the first, then I overrule it, so to speak. I think the solution would be a replace words customisation - put 'balloon' (or whatever you want!) in the top box and 'float commands' in the bottom box - that way an assigned and unrelated keyword won't cause issues any more.

For me, I get text and call at the start of most commands and if I mention bluetooth, I get WiFi in the results. If I say 'no' somewhere in the list will be 'yes'. Constantly updating the algorithms to catch these things, but only have my issues to go by.... And in fairness to GVS, I probably have the most unusual usage pattern with all of the random tests I do!

Anyway, waffle complete, back to bug solving! Or should I take a quick nap..... that could be dangerous.... :sleepy:
[Android Apps and Games] ewingr:
Sorry, I have no idea what the trail blessing tab is. I looked around on the command list; and opened Utter and glanced around in there. Didn't click for me.
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Sorry, my sense of humour is perhaps a little cryptic when I'm tired... I meant the Troubleshooting Tab.

Sent via xda premium
[Android Apps and Games] ewingr:
Thanks.

Ok, that did the right thing.

FYI...I have always found Google to be problematic understanding and returning right things. It's too bad everyone has to use Google's translations (or what ever you want to call it).

I never had any problems, well, very very few anyway, with MIcrosoft 'Voice Command. Old technology, and still much better than Google has offered.
[Android Apps and Games] IAmAN00bie:
Yep, what I do is go to Settings --> Apps --> Utter --> Uncheck "Show Notifications"
[Android Apps and Games] guy4jesuschrist:
Yes, the options in the first screenshot I posted are available to Widget Locker users, but I finally figured out the technical info needed to type in to create the shortcut to activate utter!. The issue is, that it creates the shortcut, but it doesn't attach it to the slider or even WL at all, it creates the shortcut and places it on the home screen. :/

You'd think that they would make it attach the shortcut to the item you chose the xShortcut menu entry from, since there is a menu entry for it in the first place. Guess they dropped the ball on that one. Glad that it can be done using the free app Secure Setting, as referenced above though. :)
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Will have iSpeech, Nuance and AT&T built in as soon as possible. Hoping the various options will help a user find one that works well for them.

:good:

Thank you. If I could ask one final thing from you please! - In the guide you wrote, if you could reference the Secure Settings Activity method that ericdjobs posted, then I can link to the guide and put both your names in lights as a thank you! Thank meter +1 waiting too! Sorry to be a pain...

---------

On this topic, I'm just about to upload the standalone apk which does nothing but launch the voice recognition in English - useful for those that don't want to go hunting for activities etc... I assume it will work fine for you. If it does, I'll recompile it several times with different icons so users have a choice, upload one version to the Play Store with a link to the other icon choices!
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
utter! - Stand-alone English recognition launcher

Attached is a simple apk that can be used to launch the voice recognition in English, for those struggling with creating shortcuts.

Enjoy! It's a work of art....
[Android Apps and Games] PeglegJones:
User Guide/Tutorials?

Are these available anywhere besides in the app ? Hard to keep switching from app to the user guide to the app to try things out.
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Here you go - It's in the description in the Play Store, but not sure that many spot it there.
[Android Apps and Games] Drifternz:
There is a tutorial here, http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=28785748&postcount=1275

It does not contain the list of commands, but useful if you are just trying to get to grips with Utter.
[Android Apps and Games] guy4jesuschrist:
I sure can! And you're not being a pain at all! I'm glad to help, especially with all the time you put into utter! for us. Also, on a related note, I know that I said that xShortcut FREE doesn't work, but apparently I had restored an older version from Titanium Backup and the updated version does offer the ability to create a shortcut. This is done by choosing xShortcut from the Widget Locker Shortcut menu and then entering the below pictured details into the corresponding blanks...

I have tested this from within Widget Locker and can confirm that it works. So now we have the options of xShortcut FREE, Secure Settings, or the utterQuickLaunch apk that you created for us a few posts back. Thanks, by the way! :)

[EDIT] The Widget Launcher shortcut creation instructions have been updated! :D

Also, if you'd like me to, I can attach the "utterQuickLaunch.apk" file that you created to the instructions as well, as another option?

For now though, it's bedtime! Up for work in less than 3 hours, yikes! :P
[Android Apps and Games] urfrndsandy:
Guys one help... how to use utter without a data connection
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Can't right now unfortunately. Hopefully that will change in the future
[Android Apps and Games] urfrndsandy:
An offline speech database won't do?
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
It uses Google engine but I think the developer is working on an offline solution. I'm sure it's on his to do list.