The latest beta of the Google app is rolling out today and it reveals a great deal of new information about “Bisto.” References to a new device type emerged with version 7.0 in April and only returned earlier this month to the app.

With version 7.10, we now know much more about this device, including that Bisto in fact refers to headphones that run Google Assistant.

About APK Teardowns: In this ‘APK teardown,’ we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that was uploaded to the Play Store. When an app (or an APK, to be specific, in the case of Android apps) is decompiled, we’re able to see various lines of code within it that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. With that in mind, read on.

Today’s strings resounding confirm that Bisto are in fact referring to headphones that run the Google Assistant.

<string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>”Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>

OEM model for headphones

Several strings suggest that Bisto is the name for a class of headphone products that OEMs can build rather than just a single Google-made product. Two lines in the code make reference to an “oem_partner_app” that provides “Additional settings for your headphones.”

<string name=”bisto_device_oem_partner_app_summary”>Additional settings for your headphones</string> <string name=”bisto_device_oem_partner_app_title” />

Most akin to Android Wear, the code suggest that Google is providing most of the software and services backend, while partners will be able to offer a variety of hardware styles and choices.

Google Assistant can be disabled

Giving more credence to the OEM model is how Assistant can be seemingly “removed” from, with the headphones continuing to work as regular Bluetooth headphones.

<string name=”bisto_confirm_removing_device”>Your Google Assistant has been removed from your headphones.</string> <string name=”bisto_device_remove_device_pref_title”>Remove your Google Assistant</string> <string name=”bisto_udc_cancel_confirm_message”>”Your headphones won’t have the Google Assistant, so you won’t hear your messages, calendar events, and other important info.

Listen and reply to notifications

Besides answering search queries and giving commands through Assistant, this device is also able to route and play your notifications. In turn, users will are able to verbally reply to notifications.

<string name=”bisto_device_notification_access_pref_summary”>Allows spoken notifications on your headphones</string> <string name=”bisto_device_notification_access_pref_title”>Turn on Notification access</string <string name=”bisto_device_notifications_pref_summary”>Hear incoming notifications read aloud</string> <string name=”bisto_device_tutorial_pref_summary”>Get tips on how to talk to your Assistant, get notifications, and reply to messages</string>

How notifications work

Having notifications immediately read aloud as they come in might make for an extremely disruptive experience. On Bisto devices, a “notification chime” will play as alerts come in. Afterwards, users will be able to tap and hold a button to have them read aloud.

<string name=”announcement_chime_only_prompt”>When you hear a notification chime, you can press and hold the top button to hear it.</string> <string name=”announcement_chime_only_prompt4″>When you hear a notification chime, you can press the Google Assistant button to listen to the notification.</string>

Other features

Like Google Assistant on phones and Home, there is a briefing feature, as well as the ability to hear the time and the current battery level for the headphones:

<string name=”announcement_queue_stop_prompt”>You can stop this briefing at any time – just press and hold the bottom button.</string> <string name=”time_announcement”>It’s %1$s.</string> <string name=”battery_level”>”Your headset’s battery is at %1$d percent.”</string>

Physical buttons on headphones

Various strings point to Bisto headphones coming in at least two hardware configurations. One feature a solitary Google Assistant button, while the other has three buttons: top, middle bottom.

<string name=”expand_bundle4_2″>Press the Google Assistant button.</string> <string name=”expand_bundle_2″>Press and hold the top button.</string> <string name=”announcement_queue_stop_prompt”>You can stop this briefing at any time – just press and hold the bottom button.</string>

One particular string suggests that users will have to press and hold on a button — rather than simply tap — when speaking a query.

<string name=”voice_query_wrong_button4″>To talk to me or ask me a question, press and hold the Google Assistant button on the left earcup while talking.</string>

Setup and update process

The new strings detail the setup process, as well as the ability for these headphones to receive OTA firmware updates:

<string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_title”>Meet your Google Assistant</string> <string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_connected”>Connected</string> <string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_connecting”>Connecting…</string> <string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_notification_text”>then set up your Google Assistant on these headphones</string> <string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_notification_title”>Connect %1$s</string> <string name=”ota_apply_action”>Update</string> <string name=”ota_applying_notif_text”>”Your headphones won’t be available for a few minutes</string> <string name=”ota_applying_notif_title”>Updating %1$s</string> <string name=”ota_fail_notif_text”>Try restarting your headphones. To troubleshoot, visit the Help Center.</string> <string name=”ota_fail_notif_title”>”Can’t update headphones”</string> <string name=”ota_notification_description”>Bisto firmware update</string> <string name=”ota_ready_notif_text”>New features and fixes are available</string> <string name=”ota_ready_notif_title”>Update %1$s</string> <string name=”ota_up_to_date_notif_text”>Your headphones have been updated and are ready to use</string> <string name=”ota_up_to_date_notif_title”>%1$s connected</string>

Thanks Dylan!

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