GoogleNow
Latest
Google is killing Chrome's notification center for Mac and Windows
In 2013, Google added a full-fledged notification center to Chrome for Windows, Mac and Linux that combined rich notifications from web pages with Google Now info. However, it seems that almost no one ever used that notification center, so Google's killing it in the next version of Chrome. In its Chromium blog, Google admitted that "few users" visited the notification area, so it would be removed to streamline the desktop experience.
Android's Google Now redesign helps make sense of your info
Google didn't just unveil a redesigned logo -- it also gave Android's Google Now a welcome refresh. Grab the updated Google app for Android and you'll see that the once colorful info cards are both subtler and organized into clearly market categories, such as upcoming events, updates (think weather) and news stories. It's considerably easier to manage if you regularly receive a flood of data. You have more options for customizing Google Now when you dismiss cards, too. If you haven't already, swing by Google Play -- the new layout will take some getting used to (those colorful Google logos aren't exactly subtle), but it's worthwhile.
Bing beats Google Now to system-wide contextual search
If you can't wait for Android Marshmallow, Microsoft is offering an alternative for one of its most highly anticipated features. With the Bing Search app installed, you can now get "snapshots" by long-pressing on the home button, just as you would to launch Google Now on Tap. Microsoft's search engine will then scan what's on the page and bring up a small overlay card with useful information and shortcuts to related apps. So if you're watching the trailer for Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, for instance, you'll get its current IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes ratings, as well as an option to order tickets with Fandango. At the moment the feature is only supported in the US, and you'll need to download the app to get started -- unlike Google's offering -- which will almost certainly curb its popularity. Still, if you're curious to see what Google Now on Tap is all about, this is a good preview.
Facebook testing its own virtual assistant, 'Moneypenny'
It sounds like Siri, Cortana and the entity known only as Google Now could get some competition. Facebook is launching a virtual assistant of its own, according to The Information, and James Bond fans might smile when they hear what Zuckerberg and Co. are calling it. Moneypenny is a feature that lives within the social network's Messenger app and it'll apparently let you ask real people for help with stuff. Exactly what? The Information's sources say research and shopping. And that's about it. A release date wasn't given and details are otherwise pretty non-existent. Perhaps the function being a part of Messenger will help it avoid a fate similar to the Home or Poke apps.
Aviate's 'Smart Stream' is Yahoo's version of Google Now
Yahoo has given Aviate its first major makeover since acquiring it in 2014, completely replacing its contextual panel called "Spaces" with a new feature called "Smart Stream." This "stream" surfaces different cards throughout the day, depending on your location and activity. Sound familiar? Yep, the company might not admit it, but it's obviously Mayer and team's answer to Google Now. According to its official announcement, a card can pop up with nearby restos once you walk into a different city or town. It can also show live scores of games you've been waiting for and can put music apps to the top of the app list when you plug in a pair of headphones. Unfortunately, a quick peek at the reviews on Google Play shows that a lot of users aren't happy with the drastic change -- one reviewer even exclaimed "We don't need another Google Now!" After all, people who do like Google Now will use it instead of something that looks like it.
Google's 'My Ramadan Companion' offers tips during the holy month
The holy month of Ramadan began for Muslims this week, which includes fasting from all food and drink during the day. In order to keep you informed of the exact times for sunrise and sunset, Google launched My Ramadan Companion. In addition to the time info, the site also collects recipes, local restaurant listings, YouTube content and other useful items in a card-based format for easy browsing. What's more, the site pushes its findings to Google Now so the info you need is just a few swipes away on your phone. The digital assistant will suggest apps that can help you make the most of Ramadan -- like reminding you to wake up for Sahur. The site is live so you can peruse as needed through the 30-day period that ends the evening of July 17th.
Google voice search knows where you are and responds appropriately
One of the biggest problems with voice search is that, for consistent results, you have to use specific words and phrasing. The process often feels unnatural, and you spend most of your time trying to second-guess the sort of sentence Google will interpret properly. Well, Google is making it a little easier now with location aware queries. It means that your Android or iOS device will take your current position into consideration and pair your questions to nearby points of interest. So If you ask "how big is this lake" or "what's the name of this park," Google should know what you're referring to and provide the relevant information. The feature was shown off at the Search Marketing Expo in Paris and appears to be live right now for some iOS and Android users. If nothing else, it should keep you amused until Google releases Android M and its ambitious Now on Tap service.
Siri's 'proactive' overhaul makes it Apple's answer to Google Now
No, it's not the Rodan + Fields, Katy Perry-backed acne solution. At today's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Craig Federighi, Apple's SVP of Software Engineering, revealed a new "proactive" Siri, one with an overhauled UI and a feature set on iOS 9 that makes it Apple's take on preemptive search. With this new Siri, users can expect both a 40 percent reduction in word error rates for spoken commands and faster research results. It'll also surface user photos from their libraries with a simple voice command and even set "intelligent" reminders based on context-specific actions.
Recommended Reading: The new and improved 'Halt and Catch Fire'
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Hard Reboot: The Excellent Season 2 Makeover of 'Halt and Catch Fire' by Andy Greenwald Grantland Despite an interesting premise, AMC's Halt and Catch Fire never really took off during its first season. The show that chronicles the effort to reverse engineer an IBM PC in a Texas garage got a full revamp for season two, though, and Grantland's Andy Greenwald explains how the changes have drastically improved the series for version 2.0.
Google's Now on Tap makes Android M smartphones so much smarter
In no particular order, Google's invading our living rooms, our extremities, our skies, and — curiously — our Android phones. No, really! By announcing Google Now on Tap during today's I/O keynote, the company's going all-in on the idea that a Google smartphone isn't complete without the full power of the Knowledge Graph baked into it. And you know what? I think they're right. Even after just a few moments messing around with it, I don't ever want to use an Android device that can't do what Now on Tap can.
Google Now pulls info from 70 more Android apps
Google Now started pulling details from third-party Android apps back in January, but today the folks in Mountain View added support for a truckload more. As expected, in addition to the collection of nearly 40 integrations announced a few months back, Google displays info from 70 more inside the card-based repository. This means that you'll be able to easily keep track of items like your Zipcar reservation return time and quickly snag directions back to the drop-off spot. We won't run down the full list of new additions, but you can peruse the currently supported lineup right here -- just know that Spotify, ABC News, RunKeeper, Jawbone and OpenTable all made the cut. To leverage the new functionality, make sure you're device is properly equipped with the latest version of the Google app.
Chrome OS beta is getting a new launcher with Google Now
Intrepid folks running Chrome OS beta will soon get to test a huge new feature that's not quite ready for stable release: Chrome Launcher 2.0. This version looks more like a new tab on the Chrome browser than the platform's current, more traditional one that's basically a windows that shows app icons -- it even has its own search bar. It also comes integrated with Google Now that shows your appointment, flight, reminder, etc. cards if you use the feature on a mobile device or two. Of course, since it's still a launcher, it has an app list you can access when needed.
Google Now will soon show info from any app
Google Now only displays useful tidbits of knowledge from a handful of your apps right now, but the flood gates are about to fling wide open. Project director Aparna Chennapragada has revealed that Google plans to release a developer kit that lets any of your apps put their data into Now, not just those with special access. It's not clear exactly when this will turn up, but Chennapragada suggests that there shouldn't be collisions between competing software -- your app usage habits will determine which cards appear. While that may be a tad optimistic (it's easy to see two social networks vying for your attention), there's a good chance that Google Now will become a one-stop shop for things you need to know.
Google Now starts showing gas stations along your route
Google already has ways to find gas stations before you hit the open road, but it hasn't usually offered relevant stations. Wouldn't you want to see pumps that don't require a big detour? You might not have that problem from now on. Numerous drivers have noticed that Google Now is showing a "gas stations on your route" card that highlights fill-ups based on the direction you're driving. The feature isn't all that practical when you're the one behind the wheel, but it could help your passengers point out those much-needed pit stops well before your tank runs empty. Let's just hope this eventually applies to charging stations as well -- EV drivers need love, too. [Image credit: Kevin McLaughlin, Google+]
Android Lollipop lets you tweak some settings using voice commands
"OK, Google. Turn on WiFi" is something you might want to start practicing out loud if you're among the small percentage of Android users who already have Lollipop on their devices. Android Police has discovered that Google Now on the latest Android release can tweak some of your settings for you with just a voice command. Specifically, it can switch the device's Bluetooth, flashlight and WiFi on or off, whereas it could only bring up the Settings page in the past, leaving you to toggle things yourself. The feature can be really useful at times, especially if your device doesn't come with a built-in flashlight controller or if you need to use your phone while on the road. It seems to be limited to those three for now, and only for Lollipop devices, so you'll still have to work those thumbs to adjust any other setting.
Google Now finally pulls in data from your favorite apps
At long last, Google Now will support third-party apps. That means that in addition to serving you helpful information like when your next appointment is and how long it'll take you to get to the airport, Google's predictive search app will now push data from third-party apps too. The list for supported third-party apps at launch is long -- almost 40 at current count -- and include notable apps such as Airbnb, Lyft, The Guardian and Pandora. The idea here is if you already have these apps on your phone, info from those will be pushed to cards in Google Now. So for example, Pandora will offer recommendations to you on your commute, or Airbnb will remind you of the place that you were searching for and ask you if you want to book it. It'll also work in concert with contextual information from the phone, so if you've just arrived at the airport, Lyft might ask you if you want a ride.
Google's Android launcher lets you pretend you're using Lollipop
So you're still waiting for your Android phone's upgrade to Lollipop, and you don't want to look behind the times when your Nexus-toting friends show up. What to do? As of today, you only need to make sure you're using both the Google Now Launcher and a new version of Google's search app. The update gives you some of Lollipop's Material Design look in the Google search bar, app tray and some animations; previously, the launcher mimicked whatever version of Android you were running. This is largely a cosmetic tweak and won't really make you forget about all the Android 5.0 features you're missing, but it could tide you over for a short while.
Google Now code hints at spoken notifications and third-party services
As convenient as Google Now may be, it has its limits: you're limited to Google's official services, and it's not very useful when you're driving or otherwise can't stare at your phone. A recent Android Police teardown of Android's search app has revealed that Google is exploring a handful of new features that would let you use Now in more situations. To begin with, there's preliminary code for spoken notifications. If you're on the road, you could get your phone to read traffic warnings aloud instead of distracting yourself by looking at the screen. There have been hints of a hands-free mode in Android for a while, but the new code hints that you might not even need to look in many cases.
Use Google Now to control your Nest thermostat
After signs of the proverbial switch flipping surfaced this weekend, Google Now's Nest integration is live. You'll need to authorize both the Google app and its voice control separately, but once you do, a simple "change the temperature to 74 degrees" is all you'll need to make the adjustment. What's more, a new card will show up letting you know when the Nest is hard at work to make your abode comfy during that evening commute. In fact, it'll make the adjustment automatically based on your phone's location. The new feature plays nice Google's software on both Android and iOS, so smart thermostat owners can opt with either one. If you run into issues, Nest has a handy guide that should help.
Google Now is almost ready to control your Nest thermostat
Remember how Nest promised that you'd one day use Google Now to control your thermostat? That day is very nearly here. Droid-Life has discovered that the search tool is responding to temperature requests, and will show you a Google Now card when the thermostat is cooling or heating your home. However, you can't actually use this feature yet -- you need to authorize your Google account to make this work, and the necessary website isn't completely ready. Even so, it's clear that you'll soon be commanding your climate using little more than your voice.
