Google Now is an artificial-intelligence-like feature introduced in Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) which is now running on at least 10% of Android devices out there according to Google. It has been billed by some as a competitor to Apple’s Siri, but at this point offers a much different type of functionality. Google Now is all about the prediction engine and serving up relevant “cards” that will help to improve the efficiency of your life.
So what can it actually DO?
Google Now has the ability to do a multitude of different things but the most functional ones are:
• Traffic and Flight information
• Next appointment
• Weather
• Boarding pass
• Hotel and Restaurant Reservations
• Sports results
• Public transit
• Nearby events and attractions
• Translation and currency
The main advantage that Google Now uses is the GPS capabilities of your phone to know exactly where you are and then it combines this with your search history to give you relevant cards based on what you are most likely doing. For example if you are traveling, Google Now can have your boarding pass, flight and hotel information ready for you. Once you arrive you will also be able to swipe through nearby restaurants and see any events going on in the area. Google Now also makes sure that you don’t miss a photo op by informing you of photo spots nearby and then gives you the current currency conversion rate and easy access to translation based on the country you are in to reduce confusion.
How is Google Now so Wise?
Google Now syncs flawlessly with your other Google services such as Calendar, Gmail, and Google+. Any calendar events that are put in will prompt a reminder to leave at a certain time according to the traffic conditions. Any reservations or barcode confirmations that are received in Gmail will allow a Google Now notification for any flight delays or package drop offs. Google+ integration makes sure that you never miss a friend’s birthday again. The more you allow Google to know about you, the better Google Now becomes on your Android phone.
Google Now is still relatively new and has added tons of new features since it launched. Google will continue to add more functionality and eventually combine this with the development of their new Project Glass to bring Sci-Fi movie tech into reality.
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