How do I enable text to voice on my surface duo 2 WITHOUT unlocking the phone?

Anonymous
2022-12-12T21:56:29+00:00

On my Lumia 950XL, my Bluetooth headset using Cortana would receive texts and verbally ask me whether I wanted to read it or ignore it. I did not have to touch my phone or unlock it. I could dictate my text and verbally send it. I could also touch my headset and request to call, text, search or make a note without ever touching my phone. I cannot seem to get this feature to work the same on the Surface Duo 2 with Google Assistant. I require this feature as I am constantly using my hands for work and often can't touch my phone for safety/health concerns, not to mention driving. Hardly anyone calls anymore. Everyone texts. I can't be constantly stopping my work and going through and elaborate procedure just so I can unlock my phone to tell it to read my texts or pull over and do the same. This is unreasonable.

Surface | Surface Duo | Mobile connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-10T21:26:21+00:00

    Hi Jay Caldwell,

    It sounds like you are looking for a solution to use Google Assistant without unlocking your device. This is not specific to the Surface Duo 2, but is a setting for Google Assistant. To see if the setting is activated:

    Go to the Google app (not 'Google' in the system settings) > tap on your picture in the upper right > Settings > Google Assistant > Lock screen > Enable the setting for "Assistant Responses on the lock screen". For more information, see this page: Get Google Assistant on your Android lock screen - Google Assistant Help

    If you are looking for full control of your device using your voice, we would recommend exploring the accessibility options available under:

    System Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack

    Thank you

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