From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch
Google Voice has really come of age in the Jelly Bean operating system. It is so nice to just push a button on my pocket computer and say “Google, find me a place to eat.” Almost immediately, a list of all the places to chew in the immediate area are listed. I then go to the nearest McDonald’s and think about how my pocket PC is starting to remind me of a 24th century Library Computer Access/Retrieval System. I just hope it doesn’t become HAL 2000.
Voice Shortcuts Launcher is a utility program that utilizes Google Voice to allow you to create customized voice commands. You can open another app, a website or a file on your device. You can also open your contacts and initiate phone calls by voice.
I’ve installed and tested several other voice assistants, but the Voice Shortcuts Launcher is by far the easiest to use. Another thing I like is the interface doesn’t talk back to you. I really don’t need my computer to tell me that it is working.
The application is easy to use. After installing, all you have to do is open the app, specify the type of shortcut you want to create, and speak in your voice command. Try to speak as clearly as you can. You may use any word combination or phrase to launch whatever aspect of your Android you wish to.
Voice Shortcuts Launcher is a free app but it is supported by advertising. The ads appear at the bottom of the screen but are far away from the command buttons. There is no free ads-free version of the app, but if ads bother you, you can purchase GVS Pro for $2.33.
GVS Pro combines Voice Shortcuts Launcher and Gesture Shortcuts Launcher, a similar application from the same company. I was so impressed with the voice program that I purchased the licensed version within fifteen minutes of installing it.
If you’re interested in an easy launcher, give it a try. I’m sure you’ll like it.