Just like Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana, Google Now is an intelligent personal assistant from Google. Intelligent personal assistants are going to be a key part of smart devices in future and Google Now is the offering from the search giant.
About Google Now and Capability
Google Now is an upgrade of Google Voice Search. Wraps was taken off the tool during the first demonstration of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean mobile operating system at the Google I/O event in June 2012.
It has a natural language user interface that is supported by a series of web services which help it perform tasks assigned to it. The personal assistant can predict what you need based on your observed search habit.
One thing that makes Google Now unique from its rivals is the way it helps you find information. It uses simple cards to automatically organise relevant information, preventing waste of precious time.
You only need to choose a card after signing in to find information that matters to you. These specialised cards include nearby events, event reminders, friends’ birthdays, flight, hotels, places, sports and stocks and several other types of information that may interest you. You can set information that you wish supplied to you as well.
You can use voice commands to get Google Now to find you needed information, as is the case with Cartona and Siri. To start searching for information, it is as simple as saying ‘Google’ once the feature has been activated. Sample commands include ‘What is the meaning of [keyword],’ ‘Who invented [item], ‘What is the stock price of [company]’ or ‘Open [app].’
There is so much more that can be done with Google Now, including setting a reminder for a TV show or movie when you conduct a search for one or an actor that stars in it.
What Devices Are Compatible?
Google Now runs on devices that are powered by its maker’s Android operating system (version 4.1 and above) and Chrome OS (via Chrome browser). It is also compatible with iOS 6.0+, Windows, OS X and Linux operating systems. It comes in English only.
