LG G7 ThinQ[1] is expected to debut on May 2[2]. But weeks ahead of the formal launch, it has now been reported that the upcoming LG flagship will come with a dedicated Google Assistant[3] button. This new move will bring the LG G7 ThinQ against Samsung's top-end, Galaxy S9[4] and Galaxy S9+[5] that come with a Bixby[6] button. It was previously reported that the LG handset will come with a button[7] to offer direct access to artificial intelligence (AI) features, including Q Lens and Q Voice.
The dedicated hardware button will be placed on the left side of the LG G7 ThinQ, while its power button will be available on the right, reports[8] CNET, citing people familiar with the development. The smartphone is also said to include a fingerprint reader on the back, similar to what was available on the last year's LG G6[9].
Notably, the LG G7 ThinQ will be the first smartphone to feature a physical button for Google Assistant if the latest report comes true. It is also worth pointing out here that none of the Pixel and Nexus devices have so far debuted with dedicated Google Assistant access through a hardware key, though Google[10] offers its native brand on those models. As mentioned above, the strategy of offering a button to provide access to a virtual assistant has so far widely been adopted by Samsung[11] that offers a dedicated Bixby button on its range of Android[12] devices, including the latest Galaxy S series models.
Alongside the rumoured Google Assistant button, the LG G7 ThinQ...