Android: Google has dropped a snazzy update to its search app today. It brings a redesigned Google Now (similar to the one on the Nexus 5) as well as some new features, including a conversational mode for text messages and emails.
Prior to this, if you wanted to use a voice command to send a text message, you’d have to make a complicated command, like “send message to Whitson saying did you get that thing I sent you” before it cuts you off. Now, simply say “send a text message” and Google will speak back “who would you like to text?”. This same method works with emails too. As if that weren’t enough, Google Now also has additional cards reminding you about updates to sites you frequent. For example, it told me about new web comics I haven’t read yet. Finally, Reminders can now be set to recur periodically, so “remind me I have a meeting every Wednesday” is a valid command.
As an added (yet unofficial) bonus, the update also includes certain necessary components to get the new Google Experience Launcher that shipped with the Nexus 5. As Android Police points out, you’ll need to install a separate APK to make the new launcher work, it requires Android 4.1 and up, and there is no guarantee that there won’t be very problematic bugs. However, if you’re feeling tinker-y, grab the necessary launcher APK from Android Police at the via link below.
Google Search [Google Play Store via Android Police]
Comments
2 responses to “Google Now Adds Recurring Reminders And Conversational Commands”
I really like Google Now (and in fact my visions for its greatness were one of the drivers to switch to Android) – but I am still waiting for it to be as useful as it should be. Understand we (Australia) are a different market than the States, but they seem to have a lot more functionality over there – and it could be just a symptom of not enough Aussie businesses “signing up” and may improve over time. And don’t get me started on the same phenomenon regarding Google Wallet!
Yeah, Google Now falls behind in a lot of countries outside of the US (including Canada, America Junior).
Adding Google Now support is apparently rather easy — you put some JSON information in any email you send out (e.g. concert tickets) and Google Now scans it and realises that it’s supposed to show it as a card, and does so.
KitKat adds support for HCE (Host Card Emulation), which, if my understanding is correct, Android apps can “pretend to be” other cards (e.g. NFC enabled loyalty cards). Google Wallet is a HCE enabled app, but you can’t even run it in Australia, even though there’s not really anything stopping us now (I think?)
Hopefully when Google Glass comes out, it’ll have more support for Australian services. I’m keen to get AFL scores on there.