Introducing Google Now

Introducing Google Now

Google has just started shipping the Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone loaded with the latest Android 4.1 operating system, code name Jelly Bean. This update is a marginal upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which has also just recently begun to ship on mobile devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X. Included in the upgrades are Project Butter, making the whole operating system run more smoothly, interactive notifications, an improved voice search which has been compared to Apple iPhone’s Siri, but most intriguing of all is Google Now.

Google Now is a notification layer on the operating system which customizes itself to your activities, locations, and interests. From notes and appointments to sports scores and traffic conditions.

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Google Now uses what they call “cards” which appear with a swipe of the finger. There are ten cards included to start, and more cards will be added later. These ten cards include:

  • Traffic
  • Public Transit
  • Next Appointment
  • Flights
  • Sports
  • Places
  • Weather
  • Translation
  • Currency
  • Time at Home

It appears that Google has focused first on items which will help you out throughout your day where you are before moving on to entertainment features. This is certainly for the person on the go. It tracks weather, buses, trains, airplanes and traffic. It provides currency exchange, language translation, and what time it is at home. It helps you find a place to eat, and even what to eat.

It also does sports.

About Steven Kippel

Steven Kippel has worked as a systems designer for a leading high-end audio/video custom integrator in Southern California since 2003. He is responsible for researching new technologies and integrating them into existing systems and new construction projects. He has designed several high-profile systems for discriminating clients on the cutting-edge of technology. When he is not hard at work, Steven is spending time with his wife, playing with his band or promoting concerts and bands in the Inland Empire. His favorite bands include The Cure, U2, Eisley, Living Sacrifice and DragonForce.

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One Comment on “Introducing Google Now”

  1. For those who might be searching for a Google Now Android app on the Google Play Store (formerly known as the Android Marketplace), your search will be futile. Google Now is a feature of the Google Search app, and is only available on the newest version of Android (4.1.x and above).

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