Most people on Earth can speak two or more languages, but voice-operated virtual assistants have always forced them to pick and use just one—at least until today. Google Assistant is now the first multilingual virtual assistant. Users can specify that they want listening done in two languages in the app’s settings on their phone or Google Home smart speaker. Then, a person can call out requests or commands in either language.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices