45 things you can ask
You do not need these exact words. Say them with Start voice chat, dictate one message, or type them. Talk the way you would talk to a neighbor.
Your assistant cannot place phone calls for you yet. It can help you write, and it can remind you to call someone yourself.
45 shown
Medicines and appointmentsDaily pill reminder
You say
“Remind me to take my blood pressure pill every morning at 8.”
What happens
It sets up a daily reminder. Each morning at 8, you get a gentle note on your phone or computer.
Medicines and appointmentsDid I take it?
You say
“I took my morning pills just now.”
What happens
It notes the time. Later, if you ask “Did I take my pills today?”, it can tell you what you told it.
Medicines and appointmentsRefill reminder
You say
“Remind me to call the pharmacy for a refill next Thursday.”
What happens
It adds a reminder for Thursday so you can make the call yourself.
Medicines and appointmentsDoctor appointment
You say
“Put my eye doctor appointment on my calendar for November 12 at 10 a.m.”
What happens
It adds the appointment to your calendar and can remind you the day before and an hour before.
Medicines and appointmentsWhat’s coming up?
You say
“Do I have any appointments this week?”
What happens
It reads your calendar and lists them in plain words: day, time, and where.
Family and friendsA quick message
You say
“Send a message to my son Mark saying I’m home from church.”
What happens
It writes the message, shows it to you, and sends it once you say yes. This works for people and apps that were connected during setup.
Family and friendsHelp me find the words
You say
“Help me write a note to my sister. Her husband just passed away.”
What happens
It suggests a kind, simple note. You change anything you like, then send it or copy it into a card.
Family and friendsRemember to call
You say
“Remind me to call my granddaughter Sunday after lunch.”
What happens
It sets a Sunday reminder. You make the call yourself. It just makes sure you remember.
Family and friendsBirthdays
You say
“Whose birthdays are coming up next month?”
What happens
It lists upcoming birthdays from your calendar or contacts so you can plan a card or a call.
Family and friendsThank-you note
You say
“Help me thank my neighbor for shoveling my walk.”
What happens
It drafts a short, warm thank-you you can send or write out by hand.
Mail, letters, and billsConfusing letter
You say
“Here is a photo of a letter from my insurance company. What does it mean?”
What happens
It explains the letter in plain words: what it is about, whether you need to do anything, and by when.
Mail, letters, and billsIs this bill right?
You say
“Here’s my electric bill. Is it higher than usual?”
What happens
It reads the amount and due date. If you share last month’s bill too, it can compare them.
Mail, letters, and billsDue dates
You say
“Remind me to pay the water bill on the 15th.”
What happens
It sets a reminder for the 15th.
Mail, letters, and billsSorting the pile
You say
“I have five letters here. Which ones are important?”
What happens
You share photos of each one, and it tells you which look important, which can wait, and which look like advertising.
Spotting scamsSuspicious call
You say
“Someone called saying they were from Medicare and asked for my number. Is that real?”
What happens
It tells you to hang up and not to give a number. It will not send you off with a simple yes or no. Ask a family member before you call anyone back.
Spotting scamsGrandchild in trouble
You say
“I got a message from my grandson saying he’s in jail and needs money. What should I do?”
What happens
It tells you this pattern is a common scam and to stop before you pay. Contact your grandson or another family member in a way you already trust.
Spotting scamsStrange email
You say
“Is this email from my bank real?”
What happens
It points out warning signs, such as urgent threats or a request to click. It will not give you a yes or no verdict. Ask your family before you click or call.
Spotting scamsPrize winner
You say
“A letter says I won a lottery but need to pay a fee first.”
What happens
It explains that being asked to pay to collect a prize is a classic sign of a scam.
Groceries and mealsShopping list
You say
“Add milk, eggs, and bananas to my grocery list.”
What happens
It keeps a running list you can read out at the store or hand to whoever shops for you.
Groceries and mealsWhat can I make?
You say
“I have chicken, rice, and frozen peas. What can I make for dinner?”
What happens
It suggests a simple recipe with easy steps.
Groceries and mealsOrder groceries
You say
“Can you put my usual groceries in a cart for delivery?”
What happens
If a grocery service was set up for you, it fills the cart and shows you the list and total. Nothing is ordered until you say yes.
Groceries and mealsSpecial diet
You say
“Give me low-salt lunch ideas.”
What happens
It suggests easy lunches. For a diet your doctor gave you, it reminds you to follow your doctor’s advice first.
Getting aroundBook a ride
You say
“I need a ride to Dr. Patel’s office tomorrow at 9.”
What happens
If a ride service is connected, it finds options and shows you the price and time. It books only after you confirm.
Getting aroundPlanning ahead
You say
“How long does it take to get to the senior center from here?”
What happens
It gives you an estimate so you know when to leave.
Getting aroundAsk family
You say
“Ask my son if he can drive me to the dentist Friday.”
What happens
It drafts the message for you to approve and send.
Questions for the doctorPrepare for a visit
You say
“Help me make a list of questions for my doctor appointment.”
What happens
It asks what has been bothering you and builds a short, clear list you can print or bring on your phone.
Questions for the doctorUnderstand a word
You say
“What does “hypertension” mean?”
What happens
It explains in plain words: high blood pressure. It reminds you to ask your doctor about your own situation.
Questions for the doctorTrack a symptom
You say
“I’ve had a headache three afternoons this week. Help me keep track.”
What happens
It helps you keep a simple log to show your doctor. If something sounds urgent, it tells you to call your doctor or 911.
Hobbies and learningLearn something new
You say
“Teach me about the birds that visit my feeder in winter.”
What happens
It shares friendly facts and tips on what to look for.
Hobbies and learningGardening
You say
“When should I plant tulip bulbs?”
What happens
It gives simple timing advice for your area and season.
Hobbies and learningPuzzles
You say
“Give me a word puzzle to do with my coffee.”
What happens
It offers a riddle, word game, or trivia question, at whatever difficulty you like.
Hobbies and learningBook ideas
You say
“I loved “To Kill a Mockingbird.” What should I read next?”
What happens
It suggests several books you might enjoy and why.
News and weatherGentle news summary
You say
“Give me the main news today, in a few sentences.”
What happens
It gives a short, calm summary. You can ask for more on any story, or ask it to skip upsetting topics.
News and weatherToday’s weather
You say
“Do I need a coat today?”
What happens
It checks the forecast and tells you, simply.
News and weatherWeather warning
You say
“Is there any storm coming this week?”
What happens
It checks the forecast and lets you know about anything to prepare for.
Church and communityService times
You say
“Remind me about church every Sunday at 9:30.”
What happens
It sets a weekly reminder.
Church and communityLocal events
You say
“Are there any events at the library this month?”
What happens
It looks for public listings and tells you what it found, with dates and times.
Church and communityVolunteer
You say
“Help me write a note offering to help with the church bake sale.”
What happens
It drafts a friendly note for you to approve and send.
Memory aidsWhere did I put it?
You say
“I put my spare key in the blue jar in the kitchen. Remember that.”
What happens
It saves the note. Later, ask “Where is my spare key?” and it tells you what you told it.
Memory aidsWho is that?
You say
“What’s the name of my neighbor with the little dog?”
What happens
If you told it before, it reminds you.
Memory aidsWhat day is it?
You say
“What day is it today, and what do I have going on?”
What happens
It tells you the date and anything on your calendar.
Memory aidsFinding information
You say
“What’s the phone number for my pharmacy?”
What happens
It looks it up for you, or finds it in your saved notes if you stored it there.
Writing and everyday helpWrite a letter
You say
“Help me write a letter to the editor about the potholes on Elm Street.”
What happens
It helps you put your thoughts in order and drafts a letter in your voice.
Writing and everyday helpFill out a form
You say
“I don’t understand this form from the county. Help me fill it out.”
What happens
It explains each part in plain words. You fill in your own private details yourself or with a trusted family member.
Writing and everyday helpLife stories
You say
“I want to tell you about how I met my husband.”
What happens
It listens, asks gentle questions, and can save your story so you can share it with your family.