How to get your holiday shopping done with Google Home
Your smart speaker can make buying gifts easier.
With days left until Christmas, the mall is the last place you want to be. But that doesn't mean you can finish the last of your holiday shopping.
Turn to your Google Home speaker instead to buy those last few gifts. While Google Assistant is no match yet for Amazon Alexa and its direct tie-in to the e-commerce juggernaut, new upgrades promise to give Google Home devices greater purchasing powers.
So don't freak out if you're behind the shopping curve this holiday season. Instead, learn how Google Assistant can lend a helping hand with buying your holiday gifts.
Read more: 5 ways to celebrate Christmas with Google Home
Find things to buy
Though Alexa can search all of the millions of products listed on Amazon, Google Assistant has similar shopping chops in the works. Tied to the search giant's nascent e-commerce platform, you can now place orders through Google Home smart speakers.
Start by saying, "Hey, Google, how do I shop?" Google Assistant then outlines an overview of the Google Express shopping service. Participating stores include vendors such as Walmart, Costco, Target, Best Buy and Home Depot. Shopping from your couch sure beats going to your local brick-and-mortar store this time of year.
Use the shopping list in the Google Home app to shop for gifts on Google Express.
Gift lists
Google also announced that Google Assistant can create shopping lists for you as well. For instance, when you say, "Hey, Google, create a gift list" Assistant will comply. You can add items to this list as well. Saying things like, "Add opera tickets for mom to my gift list" does the trick.
You could already ask the Google Assistant to add items to your "Shopping list," connected to Google Express. The list is tucked away inside the Google Home app. Go to Account > Settings > Services > Shopping list.
The best gifts for everyone on your list: CNET's Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday memories: Create a holiday photo slideshow for the Google Home Hub