GoogleNow
Latest
NTT DoCoMo trials Tap-de-Concier service with a Google Now flair
Japan's NTT DoCoMo isn't content waiting for Google Now to become commonplace before it gives customers a taste of predictive search. The carrier is near launching a trial for Tap-de-Concier, an Android-based service that will pop up maps, media, games and more depending on both the user's own habits, as well as usage and trends from DoCoMo's other portals. The result is a service that theoretically knows what you want, when you want it: Tap-de-Concier can tell that you're looking for train schedules before work on a Monday morning, and restaurants on Friday night. We imagine that some will like the alternative just because it won't be confined to Jelly Bean -- any DoCoMo-offered phone or tablet with at least Android 2.3 can run the service, including Raku-Raku phones. Locals will have between March 26th and September 30th to decide whether or not Tap-de-Concier is more helpful than its Google parallel.
The Daily Roundup for 03.21.2013
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 isn't awaiting approval
Perhaps you're an iPhone user who has been wistfully looking at the features of Google Now on a number of Android phones and hoping that someday, your phone would be able to perform many of the same functions. According to a comment made by Google CEO Eric Schmidt today at the Google Big Tent Summit in India, Google Now may be making it to your iPhone and iPad sooner than you think. Although Jim Dalrymple and John Paczkowski throw cold water on this notion, noting that the Google Now app hasn't been submitted. When asked by a moderator when Google Now would work with his iPhone, Schmidt responded by saying "You'll need to discuss that with Apple. Apple has a policy of approving or disapproving apps that are submitted into its store, and some of them they approve and some of them they don't." As TechCrunch's Darrell Etherington notes, that's "similar to the kind of messaging that came out of Google and its execs when rumors were swirling about releasing Maps as a standalone app." Engadget received a supposed leaked video (below) last week showing how Google Now would work on iPhone and iPad, and demonstrating how the service is available from within the Google Search app with a simple swipe up on the screen.
Eric Schmidt says Google Now for iOS hinges upon Apple (update 2: Google responds)
Sometimes, it's what you don't say that matters. When asked at Google's Big Tent Summit about when Google Now might show on the iPhone, the company's Eric Schmidt told a questioner that he'll "need to discuss that with Apple," and that there was no certainty Apple would approve what Google sent. Conspicuously non-committal? You bet -- but the statement also suggests that a Google Now release is just a question of whether or not Apple gives the thumbs up, not whether the iOS port exists at all. We'd add that the remarks sound eerily familiar. Schmidt was saying similar things about Apple's responsibility when he downplayed the odds of a stand-alone Google Maps release for iOS, and we all know how that turned out. Skip forward to about 17:50 in the video at the source link for Schmidt's own words. Update: And the plot thickens. CNET is reporting that Apple hasn't received a Google Now iOS app submission as of yet. C'mon guys -- the queue can't be that long. Update 2: Google is also chiming in with confirmation that it hasn't submitted Google Now to the App Store. Whether or not the app is real, it's not in a state that would reach customers.
Google Now for iOS? Promo video appears, removed
Users of Android's recent editions have been exposed to Google Now, the "before you know you need it" search tool. Google Now tries to look ahead at your schedule and physical location to let you quickly access the most relevant results -- traffic for your commute, flight schedules for your trips, local restaurant recommendations and the like. G-Now uses a card metaphor to pop the necessary info right onto your device screen with minimal intervention. While Siri can handle quite a few of those search chores on iOS, she's not exactly the anticipatory type. SRI's recent Tempo calendar app gives you some of the same halo of savvy around your schedule, but you have to get cleared first (Tempo still has a waiting list several thousand users long). Google's own Field Trip app delivers location-based tidbits (local art, attractions, restaurants and more) as you move around, but it's not integrated into the main search tool. There may be changes afoot. Engadget unearthed a promotional animated clip that seems to preview a version of Google Now for iOS; the original video appeared on YouTube and has since been removed. In style, content and narration the clip is entirely in line with Google's original promo for the Android launch of Google Now, which lends quite a bit of weight on the authentic side of the scale. If this clip is legitimate -- and doesn't represent a development dead end, but a real product -- then it appears that Now will integrate into the existing Google search app, rather than sitting standalone. Some of Field Trip's functionality (the nearby attractions, movies and restaurants bit) may be duplicated in Now, but it doesn't seem likely that Field Trip would be folded back into the main search tool so rapidly after being launched. Looking forward to the new Now? Think this is all spindrift and moonbeams? The comments await.
Alleged Google Now for iOS video leaks on YouTube, is promptly pulled
iOS fans jealous of Jelly Bean's creepy Google Now might finally have something to get excited about. An October update to the Google Search app finally delivered an updated voice recognition experience to Apple's platform, but sadly alerts and contextual cards of data were nowhere to be seen. Of course, Mountain View has never been one to keep its wares to a single platform, and many expect that it's only a matter of time before Now makes its proper debut on iOS. Those that like to dip their toes in both ponds might be interested in a video brought to our attention by a tipster earlier today. The clip, embedded after the break, is allegedly a low resolution version of a promotional video for Google Now on iPhone and iPad. The video has since been pulled from YouTube and appears to feature the same voice actress as the original Now announcement (which you'll also find after the break for comparison). Supposedly, Now will be accessible in an upcoming iOS app update simply by swiping up from the main screen. Of course, there's always the chance that is an impressive fake or even a canceled project that's only being leaked now. We've reached out to Google for comment, but even if the search giant remains silent, we're confident the truth will be known soon enough. [Thanks, Jason]
Google Now seen in Chrome Browser code, hints at impending arrival
Google Now seems another step closer to arriving to the Chrome browser on Windows and Chrome platforms, thanks to yet another code spot by Chromium savant François Beaufort. He previously noticed hints that such a feature might arrive, and this time he espied it in a full-fledged Chrome beta release -- sadly, sans the server address necessary to run it. Despite that omission, it looks ready to eerily track your life anew on non-Android devices, so if you're in the mood to look at (but not touch) the new add-in, grab it at the more coverage link after the break.
Google Now shows Google Doodles for art-loving Android users
Google Now holds a place for artwork, but it hasn't had much visual variety outside of major cities -- there's only so many times you can see a generic mountain landscape before boredom sets in. To our (admittedly mild) relief, Google has quietly spiced up the area for certain users. At least some of us running Jelly Bean now see an optimized version of the latest Google Doodle while we're busy dictating a search. Not everyone who's technically capable is seeing the Doodle at this stage, so don't be disheartened if there's still a generic backdrop. If the daily image becomes more ubiquitous, though, we'll have an extra reason to come back to Google Now for more than just weather or sports scores.
The Daily Roundup for 02.13.2013
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 with support for widgets, added information sources
Google already tipped its hand on this one, but those looking for some widgets with their Google Now can get their fix today with the latest update to the Google Search app for Android. In addition to letting you add a Now widget to either your home screen or lock screen, the update also adds ratings from Rotten Tomatoes and movie passes from Fandango (including a reminder for when you need to leave for the movie), as well as real estate listings from Zillow.
Google Now widget leaks, gets the 'now' up front and center
Mountain View has silently been updating Google Now for a while -- throwing in a pedometer, some travel tools and even limited desktop support. A premature update to the feature's support page has revealed what's next: widgets. The proposed tool promises to give your Now cards a suitable abode on your device's home or lock screens, presenting a summary of your card selection at a glance. A single tap will dive directly into the full Google Now experience, offering you a better look at the corresponding deets. We aren't sure when or even how this feature will land, but it's sure to be a welcome addition when it does. After all, it's all about getting the right information at the right time.
Grammy Awards 2013 ads see Google and Microsoft go head-to... foot (video)
This year's Grammy Awards weren't as packed with gadget advertising -- gadvertising* -- as the Super Bowl, but Microsoft and Google still coughed up to hawk their wares. The former wanted to demonstrate the productivity chops of the Surface Pro with a commercial that implies the device will cause your employees to breakdance involuntarily. Google, on the other hand, wanted to show off the powers of the Nexus 4 and Google Now to help you distinguish between fish and vegetables, in case the smell isn't enough. Curious to know more? We've stashed the clips after the break. * A term we just invented. Hollywood, call us.
Google tests new notification center in latest version of Chrome, bringing Google Now reminders... soon
Google's web browser might be creeping even closer to its mobile OS, with François Beaufort noting that the latest build of open-source Chromium for Windows has folded in some new "rich notifications". These are easily enabled by dabbling with the chrome://flags component, and you'll even get a look at the decidedly Chrome-ish pop-up box, seen above. The code elaborates on how devs can work their own notifications into the service, with the Clear All button presumably signposting that several notes can be stacked. We're still dealing with the test iteration at the moment, but after those Google Now cards made their appearance, it makes sense to see more functions permeate Chrome -- especially if you own one of their Books.
IRL: HTC 8X, Google Now and the iPod shuffle
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. We swear we didn't plan it this way, but it looks like we've got a little trifecta this week, with write-ups pertaining to Apple, Google and, last but not least, Microsoft. On the pessimistic end of the spectrum, Dana would rather have the third-generation iPod shuffle than the model she's using. Terrence is hooked on Google Now and Jon likes the HTC 8X -- just not as much as the Lumia 920.
Firefox 18 launched with Retina support, Android browser also updated
We took a look at Mozilla's mobile OS at the final pre-proper CES event yesterday, and little did we know the official release of its Firefox 18 browser was dropping today. The update adds the new Javascript compiler IonMonkey, which is said to make wep apps "perform up to 25 percent faster." Mac users who will settle for nothing less than high-res browsing will be happy to know Retina display support has been implemented, as long as you're on OS X 10.7 or above. Preliminary support for WebRTC has also been added. The upgrade is available now, but if you're reading this on FF, you've probably got it already. The Android version of the Firefox browser has received a little TLC alongside its computer-based counterpart. The IonMonkey compiler is also new to this version, the Google Now search widget has been integrated, and Mozilla suggests mobile browsing has never been safer. Head to the source link for the release notes for both versions.
Google trials shipping, flight and event tracking in search results
It's not quite Google Now in your browser, but the latest search experiment from the internet giant certainly blurs the line between its mobile personal assistant and its desktop search product. The company has been testing showing Gmail-based results in your search sidebar for months, but now it's actually parsing those snippets for relevant information. If you opt in to the trial, simply searching for "my orders" will spit out a history of your recent purchases along with tracking info. You'll get similar cards (yep, cards, just like in Now) if you search for "my events," "my flights," "my hotel reservations," or "my restaurant reservations." Slowly but surely Google is becoming not just a way to search the web, but an indispensable way to track all of the disparate chunks of information that make up your daily life. To sign up for the field trial hit up the source link.
Google+ update offers seasonal cheer through 18 new features: improves mobile apps, hangouts and events (updated)
If Google+ communities didn't fix those social network blues you've been feeling recently, perhaps a bumper edition of new features will. When the mobile app update goes live later today, you'll be able to edit your profile through it as well being updated on what's happening through new content notifiers. Subscription options will also expand to include Google+ Communities. Google will now give full-sized image back-ups when uploaded (up to 5GB are yours for free), while any Android Jelly Bean users will be able to share their photospheres directly from the phone app. Support for gifs is also included, as well as birthday reminders in Google Now and a new lock screen widget. Hangouts has been put on a data diet, and Google+ Vice President of Engineering, Dave Besbris reckons it should now offer a smoother experience even on low bandwidth connections -- you'll now need only 150KB to connect to Hangouts on this new setting. Only hanging out with yourself? Well the new interface won't show that depressing strip of black and will instead fill the screen with your own video. In Events, you'll be able to send messages to individual guests, harass them check that they've read the invite and even invite more party-goers by inserting the event URL into emails or instant messages. It's also now easier to replicate your previous events and have Google fill in the rest of the details. You can expect the Android app update to hit your device later today, but until then, visit the source for Google's full explanation. Update: Looks like iOS users will be getting a little more Google love this week. They'll also be getting a Google+ app update with community functionality and new conversation cards for shared content. Again, the refreshed version is set to arrive later today
Google Now coming to Chrome browser, brings reminder cards to the desktop
Google Now is fast becoming one of Android's defining features. But, if some recent additions to Chromium are anything to go by, the nifty little life-predictor could well be finding its way to Chrome browsers, too. An entry in the Chromium project code site titled "Show Google Now notifications in Chrome" along with some code revisions for "Creating a skeleton for Google Now for Chrome implementation" hints that the idea is, at least, at some level of development. This of course means that the service would leap out of its current mobile OS restraints, and become available to a much wider audience -- at least those using some portion of the Google ecosystem -- and not just its Android platform. The code was spotted by an eagle-eyed François Beaufort, who points out the reference to it working with Chrome's desktop notifications. While we wait for more official word, we guess a card to notify us of when this might be coming would be too much to ask?
Google Now updated with more travel-minded features, expanded voice search
It's already been a fairly big year for Google Now, but the folks in Mountain View have at least one more update in store before we roll into 2013. The company's today released an updated version of its Google Search app for Android that adds a number of new features designed largely with travellers in mind. That includes the ability to tell you the weather at your destination, automatically pull up your boarding pass at the airport (albeit only for United flights at the moment), inform you about nearby events, and offer more information about things like artwork at museums using Google Goggles. Alongside those updates are a number of additions to the voice search component, including the ability to search for the name of a track that's playing by saying "what's this song?" or look up additional information on a product by saying "scan this barcode."
The Daily Roundup for 11.22.2012
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.
