Google has added a payments function to its voice assistant that enables users to send or request money from family and friends via Google Pay, according to a company blog post. 

The feature first will be available through Google Assistant on Android and iOS phones in the U.S. Google said it will add the payments function to voice-activated speakers like Google Home in the coming months.

Users who do not have a Google Pay account can set up an account as soon as they ask the assistant to send money to contacts. Funds are transferred almost instantaneously, even if the recipient doesn't have a Google Pay account. Recipients will receive an email, text message, or notification if they already have the Google Pay app installed, so they can cash out.