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Google Search on Android now warns you when traffic grinds to a halt
Your Android phone can now warn you when traffic is likely to crawl to a standstill on the drive home. Google has updated the platform's search app to send Google Now notifications if road work, accidents and other incidents might create major delays. The alert system won't be as slick as having your very own traffic drone, but it should help you find an alternate route before you're caught up in gridlock.
Leaks show BlackBerry working on a rival to Siri, Google Now (video)
Looks like Microsoft isn't the only latecomer scrambling to add a voice-guided assistant to its mobile platform. A leaked test-build of the new BlackBerry firmware (version 10.3.0.140, if you're curious) is rocking an app called "Intelligent Assistant," but as both N4BB and a ZonaBlackBerry forum poster have noticed, it doesn't quite work yet. The application sports a somewhat familiar circular icon for the primary UI, but, at the moment, it's hard to tell how deep the implementation runs and what its capabilities are. Should this feature actually make it into a future update, it could be the struggling Canadian company's answer to Android's Google Now and iOS' Siri. Let's just hope the beleaguered outfit can come up with a catchier name if and when that happens. Check out the sources and video below for a look at the rest of what the flatter BB 10.3 might offer.
'Okay Google, take a photo' comes to Search for Android app
Glass users are all too familiar with the battery of commands required to get the headwear to spring into action. Beginning today, two of those lines are available in the Google Search for Android app. If you say "Okay Google" followed by "take a photo," your device will launch the camera app. Similarly, "take a video" accomplishes the same, albeit it in movie mode. Of course, we prefer to speak into a smartphone only when absolutely necessary, and with plenty of other methods for launching into photo mode (including, of course, simply tapping the camera icon), this is a feature we don't plan to use anytime soon.
HTC's new smartwatch may be previewed next week with Qualcomm guts
Remember when HTC's Cher Wang said that her company solved the smartwatch battery life conundrum? Rumor has it the answer was Mirasol. According to Bloomberg sources, the company is preparing to share its smartwatch prototype with carriers at Mobile World Congress next week, a wearable that's said to be based on Qualcomm's Toq. If the would-be watch matches that model blow for blow, it'll have a Mirasol touchscreen, wireless charging capabilities and the ability to handle calls, music, calendar data and limited text messaging (read only) directly from the device. Bloomberg's leaker also said that the firm is also working on a second watch that leverages the power of Google Now as well as an "electronic bracelet that plays music." Variety may be the spice of a good product portfolio, but we'll admit, we're not sure what to make of that last item.
Android search update lets you pick video, on-demand providers in Google Now
Little software updates sometimes make a big difference. Google has rolled out an update to Android's search app that's currently listed as a simple bug fix, yet introduces a deluge of new features for Google Now. You can now choose specific TV and video on demand providers for viewing recommendations, and you'll see Airbnb reservations. There also won't be many excuses for being late after this upgrade -- Android Police readers note that the app introduces both simpler alarm controls as well as helpful tools for getting to an appointment on time. Google has even seen fit to officially rename the Nexus 5's home screen interface, calling it the Google Now Launcher. The new search hasn't been pushed to everyone just yet, but we'd expect it to reach many Android users in the near future. Update: It looks like the update is going out widely today. A Google Search post on Google+ focuses on the tweaks for arranging appointments -- cards note when you need to leave, and they can adjust for where you're leaving from and what type of transportation will be used -- while the Google Play changelog fills in the rest of the details.
Google Now comes to Chrome on the desktop in experimental form
You may not have to reach for your phone to check Google Now in the near future. The latest build of Google's experimental Chrome Canary browser introduces the context-aware notifications to the desktop; toggle a flag and you'll get alerts from the menu bar (Mac) or taskbar (Windows). Google Operating System notes that it's not quite a seamless experience. You'll have to use Google Now on your mobile device first, and location-sensitive cards like weather are tied to that device's location, not your computer. Even with those caveats in mind, it may be worth downloading the unfinished software for the added convenience.
Moto X Touchless Control update lets you speak your unlock code
You no longer have to give up some of the Moto X's voice commands if you want to rely on security codes. An update to the smartphone's Touchless Control app lets you speak a PIN code to unlock the device; as long as you're not worried about eavesdroppers, you can check private messages without poking at the screen. You won't even have to unlock the phone as often as before, since the upgrade expands the range of Google Now voice instructions that work while the handset is sleeping. You'll need to be running Android 4.4 KitKat on your Moto X to use the improved Touchless Control, but it's otherwise ready to download through Google Play.
Google brings flight, hotel and restaurant reservations to Maps for iOS (update: Android too)
If you fancy yourself a jetsetter, fine-diner, or, er, traveling salesman and happen to use an iDevice, Google has some good news for you. The latest update to Maps on iOS brings some of Google Now's functionality into the company's navigation app. Search for your restaurant, departing airport or hotel, and the application will auto-populate with your plans -- so long as the confirmations were sent to your linked Gmail account. Sure, it's similar to what the outfit added to Maps' desktop version earlier this year (pictured above), but since when was feature parity a bad thing? Update: Google has pushed the feature for Google Maps on Android as well, and notes that it's currently available only in the US.
Google Now's latest update adds Reader-like website updates, Waze traffic reports and more (updated)
Some of the Google Now enhancements mentioned at the Android 4.4 KitKat unveiling are ready to roll, as the search giant has started pushing a new version of its app on Android today. The ability to follow news about specific people started popping up last month, but the news update card follows specific topics you've searched about or chosen to follow. It's not quite a replacement for Google Reader (RIP), but the new website update card brings the latest posts from selected sources (we can recommend one you should follow), while the "What to Watch" card adds more suggestions for movies and TV shows. That's not all however, as the crowdsourced Waze traffic updates that we've started noticing on the desktop and in Google Maps are also coming to Google Now, with alerts relevant to your commute highlighted. The final additions noted are notifications for in-store pickups, real-time rugby scoring and the ability to set reminders that repeat. As usual, it's one of Google's staggered rollouts so you might not see the new features right away, check out the Google+ post for an idea of what they look like. Update: Android Police and Droid-Life point out that with this update, it also means you can easily add the Google Experience Launcher from the Nexus 5 to any device running Android 4.1 or higher. Both sites have downloads for the official Home APK, which along with this update lets you activate search and commands with the "Ok Google" hotword straight from your home screen, as well as enjoy some new animations. Update 2: As Ars Technica notes, the update also brings some notable improvements that Google's apparently chosen not to highlight. Namely, you can now interact with Google Now using more conversational voice commands, not unlike Siri. You can try that out yourself, or see an example in a short video Ars has put together.
Daily Roundup: Nexus 5 and Nook GlowLight reviews, Peripheral Vision with John Krohn and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Google Now updated for iOS, brings notifications, reminders, new cards and hands-free voice controls
Google Now's been bringing all kinds of handy new features to Android in recent months, and now its time for iDevice users to get a slew of new functions too. With today's update to the Google Search app, the iOS version has gained notifications, reminders and several new types of cards. Plus, iPhone users can now simply say "OK, Google" to their handsets to start a Now-powered search. Among the new cards are those showing your event tickets, flight updates, car rental reservations and public transit info. Along with those very useful additions, the app's also received a revised, simplified homepage, some UI tweaks and one touch sign-in should you already be using other Google apps on your device. Sound good? You know what to do, hit the source and grab the update.
Google wants local governments opening up more data to improve your local search
Google already uses a handful of municipal government data to provide services like mass transit navigation, but it now wants a bigger helping. The search firm's Americas President, Margo Georgiadis, tells those at Chicago's Metropolitian Planning Council that cities should open up their data as a matter of course. Google could significantly improve its personal assistant features if it had access to data for local events, jobs, neighborhoods and schools, according to the executive. We wouldn't count on urban leaders taking the company's advice, though. While cities like New York City and Paris publish their data, there are many others that still keep their information locked up -- it could be a long while before Google gets the openness it desires.
Android 4.4 KitKat lets you say 'OK Google' to activate touchless search
"Okay Google." Those Touchless Controls aren't just for the Moto X anymore -- they're now part and parcel of the Nexus 5. With today's unveiling of Google's (terribly leaked) Nexus 5, we're getting a first look at Android 4.4 KitKat on the handset, and that OS update comes with some significant tweaks to Search and Now. For starters, Nexus 5 users will have the ability to set hot keywords as a means of activating or "waking up" Now voice search. So, presumably, this means you'll be able to link any word you'd like to start barking voice commands at Now. Just don't be surprised if Now talks back to you: KitKat also apparently allows for a dialogue of sorts between users and the handset to refine search queries. This could be especially useful when directing Now to access contacts by first name. For example, saying "Text Jennifer" could result in it asking you to specify, "Which Jennifer?" It's smart control made smarter. But that's just the tip of the improvements Google's made to its Now and Search product. Overall, speech recognition is said to have been made 25% more accurate and manual access to Now can be triggered by a swipe to the left (Nexus 5-only, for now) -- no longer a swipe from the bottom of the screen up. Now has also been outfitted with a wider array of "contextual cards." It's yet another step in making Google's digital assistant even more prescient, as it will now display information based on a user's current activity, like Fandango for ticket listings if you're at a theatre, or even updates on a favorite TV show you've searched for previously. And going even further, Google Now will also provide "deep links" to applications you've installed on the handset. In the use case Google provided, this means that a recipe search won't just display link results, but will also ping up the AllRecipes app or even OpenTable, if you're on the hunt for a restaurant. Though all of these Search tweaks are bundled into the Nexus 5 for now, they should soon rollout to other Nexus devices as Android 4.4 KitKat is made more widely available.
Google could start mass production of its smartwatch within months, says WSJ
We've already had an inkling of a Google smartwatch, courtesy of some timely patents, company acquisitions and Wall Street Journal's unnamed sources. The latest gossip points to a launch next year, if the WSJ's contacts are correct, because development on the wearable has apparently reached the point where it "could be ready for mass production within months," and Google is said to have already started talks with Asian manufacturers. Further details are scarce, but the same source suggests the watch's interface and "personal assistant" functions will be based on Google Now, potentially offering sophisticated voice recognition as well as predicting what sort of information the user will find useful at any given moment, based on the content of their emails and other personal data. None of this makes it clear if we'll see another companion device, like the Galaxy Gear or Pebble, or whether Google will push things forward somehow -- perhaps by incorporating a SIM and running Google Now locally on its own processor. For the sake of the whole wearables trend and our own selfish desires, we kinda hope it's the latter.
Modification lets Google Now use any language that Android supports
As smart as Google Now can be, its language support is limited; it won't always display results in your native tongue, for example. Sletmo at XDA-Developers has partly solved this through a modification of the Google Now app. His tweak makes the search tool provide information in any language supported by Android itself -- if you'd like to get restaurant lists in Swedish, you can. The code is very unofficial and may not work with every device, but those who aren't daunted by the risks can check out the Google Now mod at the source links.
Apple reportedly acquires Cue, hints at future agenda features in iOS
Apple already has an agenda-like notification tray in iOS 7, but there are new hints that it may upgrade that functionality soon. Both AppleInsider and TechCrunch report that Apple has acquired iOS developer Cue for at least $35 million. The deal would give Cupertino technology that creates agendas based on email and other personal information; like Google Now, Cue displays meetings and other events in interactive cards. Apple is only acknowledging the purchase with a familiar statement that it occasionally "buys smaller technology companies," and won't discuss its plans. As such, there's no way of knowing if or when Cue's features will surface in Apple products. Still, we won't be surprised if a future iOS release automatically generates rich daily calendars. [Image credit: Blue Wheel Media]
Google Search for Android gets Now cards for notable people, new voice search hotword
Google showed off its refreshed search experience last week, and now we're starting to see it on our Android devices. As is usual, with its staggered updates different people may see the features at different times, but the changelog just got an update today. In case you missed it, one tweak Android Police first noticed last week is that the hotword for voice search has changed to "Ok Google," similar to the "Ok Glass" command for the company's headset. The new "more beautiful" search results are rolling out gradually according to the notes, so you may not see those right away. Finally, you can add "notable people" (we haven't seen our own names listed, clearly that's just an omission) to the list of items Google Now will keep you updated on, via a button on their card when you search for them as seen above. If you've been living with the new experience already, let us know how you like it, others should just keep an eye on their devices as it slowly rolls out.
Google Search app for Android updated (update)
Today's the day for updates to Google's Android apps. The latest to get a revision is the company's main Search app, which sees a slew of new features and minor tweaks. That includes the ability to display a related website based on your current location, as well as offer sports and flight updates in realtime instead of on a 15-minute delay. Beyond that, you'll now be able to set reminders based on things like album or book releases, view event tickets from select websites, and see additional Smart TV cards (which require an actual smart TV) for news and music that's currently on your TV. Another feature that's said to be "rolling out gradually" is the ability to automatically tell others when you've left work. You can find the full rundown of all the new features (and the app itself) in the Google Play store. Update: We'll have to cool our jets for now -- while there is a fresh APK for Google Search in the Play Store, it appears the features in the changelog are just hanging around from the last update. We'll let you know if anything new and interesting surfaces (with the pace of updates rolling out today, a Google change-tracker dashboard would be nice).
Google Now updated with car rentals, concert tickets and more
Traffic and weather updates are great, but Google Now never shines better than when you're on vacation. To that end, Mountain View has taught the feature a few new tricks, equipping it with cards for keeping track of car rental and concert tickets. Not traveling? No problem, Google also updated Now's public transit cards to notify users when the last train home leaves -- a feature that was announced for Japan at Google I/O. While waiting, users will also be able to check the latest NCAA scores with a new football card. New cards are always good, but more interesting are the reminder features the latest update tacks on. Thumbing a new "remind me" button while searching for media will prompt Google Now to notify you when your favorite band, TV show or author releases something new. A tweaked TV card will offer real time data as well, sussing out what program you are watching using your smartphone's mic and digging up program information. Itching to try it out? Skip on over to the Google Play store and update your search app. You'll find that link below.
Google Now's voice query support gets ported to Google Search: ask, and you shall receive
Google Now's a solid product, but it's reach is also fairly limited... compared to Google Search, anyway. Now, the company's voice element in Search -- which was updated in a major way back at I/O in May -- is gaining some of that Now flair. In the coming days, Google will be rolling out a smarter Search to all US, English-speaking users on desktop, tablet and smartphone, regardless of platform. You'll need only to tap the microphone icon instead of typing in a search query, and then ask humanistic questions about your upcoming flight(s), reservations, purchases, plans and photos. Naturally, you'll need your flight confirmations sent to Gmail and your photos stored in Google+, but if you're already neck-deep in Google's ecosystem, the newfangled functionality ought to serve you well. For a few suggestions on questions to try, check out the company's official blog post. (Hint: don't ask what your Facebook friends are doing tomorrow.)
