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Contributor I
March 12, 2021
Answered

Explain to me like I’m an idiot...

  • March 12, 2021
  • 5 replies
  • 123 views

Explain to me like I’m an idiot why Google Assistant isn’t available in certain countries. Why can’t it just be “switched on”. I live in Japan. I get why maybe Japanese language support isn’t ready but for those of us that are happy to communicate in English, why can’t we have the option?

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Best answer by Smilja

That’s subject to country-dependent copyright and media law, trade law is also involved. Are Google Home devices available for purchase in Japan?

5 replies

Smilja
SmiljaAnswer
March 12, 2021

That’s subject to country-dependent copyright and media law, trade law is also involved. Are Google Home devices available for purchase in Japan?

»And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space, Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind.« (›Windmills Of Your Mind‹ [1967]. Music by Michel Legrand ; English lyrics written by Alan & Marilyn Bergman)
106rallye
March 12, 2021

There's conflicting messages about the answer question if it still works to change your country of residence in the profile on the Sonos website to a country that has GA (i.e. US, UK or the Netherlands).

Contributor I
March 12, 2021

That’s subject to country-dependent copyright and media law, trade law is also involved. Are Google Home devices available for purchase in Japan?

Yes, Google Home devices are sold locally with Google assistant working well in both Japanese and English. That’s why I’m frustrated - everything except my Sonos system can be controlled by voice. I can use assistant to play music through the Google hub, but obviously it’s no Sonos!

Contributor I
March 12, 2021

There's conflicting messages about the answer question if it still works to change your country of residence in the profile on the Sonos website to a country that has GA (i.e. US, UK or the Netherlands).

I’ve tried it but it hasn’t worked for me. 

Enthusiast I
March 18, 2021

I wouldn't worry about it. Google assistant on Sonos is rubbish - you're not missing anything. 

If you want GA buy from Google.