Last week Google made an announcement that it was going to be updating the Search and Google Now applications for Android. The update was going to include an overhaul of the interface and the addition of new features that are sure to get the public buzzing about the virtual assistant application. The update has arrived this week and if you have an Android powered device then you should be getting a notification at any time. Those that have the update installed already have described a more chatty and even smarter experience overall.
The Google Now application for Android is one of the most popular on any Android device with Android 4.1 or newer installed on it. This week’s update is set to bring features that are conversational similar to the Siri application that Apple has on the iOS software. Located on the top of Google Now card, you can also see “What to Watch”, “New Topic” and “Website Update” cards that have been added to the ever growing list. Website cards will allow you to see updates to your favorite blogs and websites right from the app, while the What to Watch card will give you TV recommendations based on history, past searches and other factors.
Another feature that is being added to the Google Now app, is an audio response when required. For instance, if you were going to call a friend, but have two of the same first name, the Google Now application will ask you which one before going through the call process. Asking for Brian with two of them in your contacts will get a response from the app like “Which Brian?”. At that time the microphone will be re-activated allowing you to answer and continue the process.
This will make it easier to call or message the right Brian and allowing the user to do so with less physical interaction with the device. This feature is still very nice for those that do a lot of driving and communicating while they do so. One of the last notable features is the “Ok Google” voice commands that you might have seen show on the Moto X and Nexus 5 smartphones. The new voice commands are now available for all devices that run on Jelly Bean software and have the updated Google Search application installed and running.
