Yeah, it doesn't work well for me either. However my 6-year old son uses the Google assistant on my phone a lot. "Lego Ninjago Kai video please", "Play". "Why do dogs have tails?" That kind of thing.

I think it works brilliantly for certain narrow domains - answering factual questions, directions, distances, top rated attractions etc. And is quicker than typing and scrolling. But I agree the AI behind it has yet to demonstrate any real broad understanding - assimilating various contrasting opinions from text, providing context etc.

I also personally don't want to sit on a train, couch or a dentist waiting room listening to people talking to their phones or watches.