The way I see Google assistant is that it's a combination of many apps (or maybe interface to many). Now I can have Google Assistant Icon on my homescreen and use it to do many things like:

* Set up an alarm

* See the Distance

* Search nearby places/restaurants/gas stations

* Play some song

* Look up facts

* Look up news

* See my agenda for the day

* Search for my personal photos and maybe much more....

I rarely use the voice input. The thing I liked about allo is that I can chat with it. Even when i'm in a crowded bus, I can use my assistant instead of saying "OK Google".