First hints of the new Google Assistant appear in update to the Google app beta

The beta version of the Google app is usually the first to spill the goods on upcoming features. That's what appears to be the case in version 6.1, as we finally catch a glimpse of how the new Google Assistant may work when it comes time to take over as your new best friend. In a dig into the APK, Android Police found several code strings that reference the assistant being ready to help when summoned. It's not available now, but Google often does a lot of the pre-work before features go live. Expect to see more before the Google Assistant debuts, which should occur alongside Android Nougat.