Google Assistant's Ambient Mode shows timely info and controls on your lock screen

Google Assistant, Google's omnipresent AI that can switch off connected lightbulbs and give a rundown of the day's events on command, is becoming more … ambient. Today at IFA 2019 in Berlin, the Mountain View company detailed Ambient Mode, a new visual overview that collates info and controls on select Assistant-enabled device lock screens. "With the Google Assistant, we're helping you get things done around the house -- whether your hands are full in the kitchen, you're too tired to get up from the couch after a long day, or you're rushing to get out of the door," wrote director of product Chris Turkstra in a blog post. "With the Assistant now available in more than 30 languages and 80 countries … you have even more ways to get help, whether you're at home or on the go." Whether you're using Google Assistant on a supported smart display, phone, or tablet like the newly announced Lenovo Smart Tab M8 HD, Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, Nokia 7.2, and Nokia 6.2, Ambient Mode will bubble to the top relevant notifications, reminders, playlists, and settings toggles whenever your device is plugged in and actively charging.