Google Now can't unlock??

Hi all,

I'm running into an odd issue on the N6, although other devices seem to have this as well. . .

I used to be able to use google now to set alarm, send message, etc while its locked.

Now, doing the same things, google now replies that it can't complete the task until device is unlocked.

Is anyone else running into this and is there any way around it?

Thanks!