Just shortly after Apple unveiled Siri, the mobile personal assistant, Google released Google Now. Unlike Siri, Google was intended to be proactive and find relevant information before you even asked for it in form of cards. In the beginning the cards were few like weather and traffic updates. But the app has expanded and is now a very useful tool for everyday things. One of my favorite cards is the notification of packages and when it was shipped and estimated arrival time. If you have an upcoming flight there is automatic Google Now card to show if you flight is on time. Google also had reminders that you can set with your voice and even alarm clocks. There are plenty of great Google Now cards as part of the Google Search app. And recently even more useful features and cards have been added so let’s take a look.
Mall Directory
We’ve all had that experience to walk into a huge mall these days and wonder around trying to find a store you might be interested. First you have to walk about 5 min just to find the mall directory. Then you stand there competing with others to look at the directory. It’s not a great experience. Luckily that experience is going to end for a better one. Next time you enter mall check your Google Now and you should see a card for that mall with searchable directory. Search for you store and Google will take you to indoor map in Google Maps with exact pin for the store. Awesome right!!
Source: Google+
Parking Reminder
It’s happened to all of us at one point or other. You’re heading out somewhere with full of excitement to concert, dinner, or similar. You have a great time till its time to head home. Except you totally forgot exactly where you parked. It just happened to a friend of mine in DC in which he spend 1 hr looking for his car. You never think it will happen to you till your standing in the middle of street scratching your head trying to remember. Thanks to Google that mystery can now be solved. Google Now app will now automatically set a parking reminder for you location. It’s not an exact pinpoint location but should get you in the vicinity and help you find your car. So next time you forget where you parked just check your Google Now app.
Source: Google+
No Internet Required
As useful as I find Google Now it has one major flaw in that it always required an internet connection. Although we are well connected with internet access these days it does happen that we can lose connection when you are on a flight, subway, elevator, or similar. With the latest Google Search app, Google Now will cache your cards so that they will be available anytime without a connection. So now you always have your Google Now cards ready to go.
Source: Google+
To get all the latest features and cards to Google Now be sure to update your Google Search app from the Play Store. Google Now also required an opt-in before cards are shown. You can find the link for the app below and enjoy.
Google Search
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