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Google's Android search may drop the 'Now on Tap' name
Google signaled that its Google Now branding was on the way out when it unveiled Assistant in May, and it now looks like the company is determined to erase whatever traces were left. The team at 9to5Google has discovered that Google's latest search app beta kicks the Now naming scheme to the curb. Now on Tap is just "screen search," while Now cards are your "feed."
HBO Now comes to the Xbox One
It's already available on all of the devices that cord cutters like to shove under their TVs, but HBO Now was underrepresented in the console stakes. Now, however, that's set to change after the Game of Thrones maker announced that its on-demand platform has come to the Xbox One. Much like the other platforms the service has already come to, users can pay $14.99 and get all of that premium TV content from John Oliver through to Veep without a cable subscription. And look, HBO made the announcement just in time for that show everyone loves (to pirate) comes back. Update: HBO announced that the app is also newly available on Samsung's smart TVs.
Foursquare cards are popping up in Google Now, even without the app
Google Now has been serving up cards with info from your apps for a while. According to a report in VentureBeat, you might start seeing cards from apps you don't have installed -- starting with Foursquare. Cards with tips from the app were spotted alongside Google's own regular location-based recommendations. Foursquare still isn't listed on Google's partner page, so likely these cards are part of a limited trial, and the search giant isn't confirming anything when asked.
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 app gets a conversational search upgrade, learns to use OpenTable
Nothing makes voice-recognition software shine more than good conversational algorithms -- and the natural-search function in the Google app just got a minor upgrade. Not only can use your hotel confirmation to find nearby restaurants, but also now you can casually ask it to show you the restaurant's menu or book a reservation via OpenTable. You'll still have to do a little work to complete the reservation, however (Google only gets the booking started), and it's still not perfect: If a given restaurant doesn't support OpenTable or doesn't have a menu online, the process kind of falls apart. Still, it's a nice upgrade, assuming you've already come to terms with the fact that Google's algorithms are skimming your email. [Image credit: Google]
Google Now's latest trick is finding you a cheaper flight
Google Now has been showing off alternate info for when your flight's been delayed for a bit, and as of late the app's looking to take another bite out of air transit frustrations: keeping an eye on ticket prices. Poking around on Google Flights for a trip will drop a card into the search giant's digital assistant now and will alert you when prices change based on your recent destination or itinerary searches. It's sort of like what Airfare Watchdog does, but is possibly more convenient. As pointed out by by Android Police, however, it doesn't look like searching for a flight on the likes of Kayak or Travelocity will trigger the same activity. Update: Google has confirmed the feature in a post on Google+ and explained how it works. It's only in the US for now, you will need the latest version of the Google Search app on Android, and yes, it has to be a flight you've searched for on Google. If all of that lines up and the price drops, boom, you'll have a notification coming through.
Mulling a new wardrobe? Google Now alerts you when it's available nearby
Sometimes you have to run out for a meeting seconds before you're able to commit to a well-researched online purchase. Fret not though, Google Now is here to help. The card-based system will display the items that you're longing for when they're available from a retailer you're passing by. All you need to do is update Search for Android and the software will remind you of the products and pricing info, allowing for a quick stop on the way home. That's after you find your car, natch.
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 updates Glass with video player, improved voice commands, additional Now cards
It's a big day for Glass. Google's pre-production wearable just scored a variety of additional features, including a video player, improved voice control, voice-activated Path and Evernote updates, #hashtags, boosted SMS support and additional Google Now cards. Let's break them down. With the new video player, you can tap a video to play it, tap again to pause, and swipe backward or forward to rewind or skip. Path and Evernote users can update those apps by saying "okay glass, post an update" for Path or "okay glass, take a note" for Evernote. Speaking of which, voice controls are improved across the board, so you can now chat with Glass a bit more naturally. Instead of saying "okay glass" and waiting for a cue, you can speak in complete sentences, without pausing. On the cards front, there's a new method for adjusting volume controls, even while you're on a phone or video call. There are also Google Now cards to remind you of upcoming hotel or restaurant reservations, identify movie showtimes, or catch an emergency alert. Today's release, XE8, is expected to roll out to users over the next few days. Catch the full release notes at the source link below.
Sky's Now TV box isn't a Roku replacement, but it's still a great deal
It's fair to say, no one was expecting Sky to release a dedicated streaming box for its Now TV service the same week Google entered the same market. But, it did, and with relative panache, too. Why? Well the hardware it's using is based on Roku's popular LT player, and it's only charging £9.99 for it. That, in itself is a pretty good deal. There are, of course, some caveats. Most notably a custom version of the UI that denies access to certain channels -- high profile ones at that. And, of course, it heavily pushes Sky's own premium channels. Still, for such a low price, with no subscription to Sky's own services actually needed, could this be the ultimate budget TV box for UK viewers? We compare it to the pure Roku experience to find out.
Google Search Android app updated with location-based offers, voice-activated music playback
Jelly Bean users running Android 4.1 or later can now snag a few more features with Google's Search app. The update (version number varies depending on your device) delivers three notable additions. The first tool pushes saved offers as you approach a redemption location, reminding you of forgotten deals when they're most relevant. Next up is a new voice action, which lets you control music playback -- both on your device and in the Play Store -- by speaking to your handset. (Voice action tips also make a debut with this refresh.) A third addition enables instant access to information about television programming you're currently consuming, assuming your HDTV is connected to the web and on the same WiFi network as your device. Get your download on at the source link below.
The Weekly Roundup for 04.29.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Google Now update adds real-time package tracking, faster search results
Have an Android smartphone running Jelly Bean? You might have come across Google Now, the search giant's information hub that aggregates personalized content from your inbox, calendar and GPS. Now, an updated version of Google's Android app, which hit Play today, adds a few more features to the mix. The latest revision brings real-time package tracking from certain carriers, assuming a tracking number arrived in your inbox, a new info option that provides a basic settings readout, and faster Google search results. You should be able to snag these additions right now -- simply update your Google Search app to take advantage.
Out today: Super Stickman Golf 2, The Croods by Rovio, Danger Boat and more
The biggest (and best) iOS release today is probably Ridiculous Fishing, but there were quite a few really good games hitting the App Store this week. First up, Super Stickman Golf has earned itself a sequel called Super Stickman Golf 2, and it features the excellent 2D golf game that made the first game so great and then some: More courses, more powerups, more achievements, new customizable characters and a new race-based multiplayer mode. Super Stickman Golf is excellent, and the sequel is even better, available now for US$0.99. Rovio's The Croods is now available, and sure enough, it's a freemium Farmville-style game featuring the characters from the upcoming movie. It'll be very interesting to see how this one does as compared to the studio's other big franchise, a little game you may not have heard of called Angry Birds. I was a huge fan of Pixelocity's great Disc Drivin' multiplayer turn-based racing game, and the studio has now released a new title called Danger Boat. It's not too closely related to Disc Drivin' (it's more like "Temple Run in a Boat," I'd say), except that it's very well-polished and a whole lot of fun. Both this and The Croods are completely free. And finally, I haven't heard much about Stargate: SG-1 Unleashed, but it's apparently an episodic adventure game featuring the characters and settings of the famous sci-fi franchise. It's a little pricey, at $4.99, but it looks pretty solid, and if you're a Stargate fan you've probably already gone to check it out. Some very excellent releases on the App Store this week -- we iOS gamers continue to be really lucky.
Google adds public alerts to Search, Now and Maps in Japan
When trouble looms, most people turn to the internet before anything else. As such, the search giant is ensuring that it's offering public alerts to those in disaster-prone regions. Following a rollout in the US last year, Google is also adding disaster warnings to its local versions of Search, Maps and Now -- using data from the Japan Meteorological Agency. At the same time, Google is teaming up with 14 Japanese prefectures and cities to make governmental data online during crises and that troubling period afterward.
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 update brings public safety alerts, lets sports fans manually pick teams and adds movie listings
If you're sporting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean then one of its most notable features just got better, as an update for the Google Search update is enhancing Google Now (still getting adjusted? check the guide book for a list of commands) functionality in a few key ways. The new version brings public alerts to your Now page, with emergency messages like storm warnings or earthquake alerts, so if you're in range of Hurricane Isaac, it may be worth grabbing sooner rather than later. A more trivial change lets sports fans manually select their favorite teams from 140 pro soccer, baseball, basketball and hockey clubs -- we tried to find our college favorites and were denied, for now. While trying to automatically decipher our preferred squads from searches is nice, it might not be practical when we're just looking up information on our fantasy football players so this should be a help. It has also added support for movie listings as seen above. Search for a flick that's in theaters and you will not only receive relevant information, but also when and where it's playing in your area. If that's not enough, it can be set to pop up on your "movie days" or when you just happen to be loitering outside a theater. Finally, in a move that should please many prospective Galaxy Note II owners it is ready to work in Korea -- grab the new version of the app at the link below.
Apple releases new 'Now' iPad 2 ad
Apple has released a new iPad 2 television commercial entitled "Now." The commercial points out how with an iPad people can interact with forms of media differently than they could in the past, such as by "watching" a newspaper. From the ad: "Now, we can watch a newspaper; listen to a magazine; curl up with a movie; and see a phone call. Now, we can take a classroom anywhere; hold an entire bookstore; and touch the stars. Because now, there's this." You can see the ad below and also check it out on Apple's official YouTube page or on Apple's iPad 2 product page.
'True Grit' cinematographer Roger Deakins makes jump to digital cameras
Sorry film diehards, another ally has bitten the dust -- and this one's a biggie. After years of dismissing digital cameras over quality concerns, Roger Deakins, the cinematographer behind The Shawshank Redemption, Revolutionary Road, and pretty much every Coen Brothers movie, has made the jump to digital. The-nine time Oscar nominee confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that he shot the forthcoming sci-fi thriller Now using an Arri Alexa digital camera and is leaning toward using one for his next film, a Sam Mendes-directed James Bond flick. I'm sure Q would approve -- not to mention James Cameron and Peter Jackson, assuming they can put down their respective RED EPIC cameras for long enough. [Image Credit: Sony]
Samsung Omnia 7 review
We knew Samsung's been in the Windows Phone 7 game pretty much since day one, but the Korean giant's managed to keep its Europe-bound Omnia 7 under tight wraps until mid-summer this year. Two months onwards, we find ourselves cradling this macho-looking device, and giggly flicking through the various tiles in its newborn OS. Just to freshen up your memory, we're looking at a 4-inch Super AMOLED-donning slate, garnished with a dash of Tyrian purple aluminum on the back, and capped with some dark gray polycarbonate at the top and bottom. Well, you know the drill -- join us after the break to find out how the rest of this phone fares. This review is primarily of the Samsung Omnia 7 hardware. Check out our full review of Windows Phone 7 for our thoughts on the OS. %Gallery-105343%
