Google Now Launcher just keeps getting better and better... this time with news that the app has rolled out integration with 40 third-party apps. By taking advantage of this functionality, developers can use cards to display notifications, summaries, and any relevant details for you to view at a glance. According to Google (from their blog, describing the integration in more … [Read more...] about Google Now Integrates with 40 Third-Party Apps
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Google Now Can Remind You to Pay Your Bills
It is either the best feature Google Now offers, or the scariest. Apparently, Google can scan your email account looking for bills --so when you tap the microphone in the app and ask "Show me my bills" or "Which of my bills are due this week", a detailed list of what is owed and a summary of past bills will be presented. This is one more extension of the growing Google Now … [Read more...] about Google Now Can Remind You to Pay Your Bills
Google Tightens the Reins on Android
It's true that Android is open source software, but it's also the case that if you manufacture handsets and you'd like to run it as your operating system, there are rules (and now, even more than there were in the past). You must include the search bar positioned near the top of your display (currently on the home screen, though it may also become a requirement for every … [Read more...] about Google Tightens the Reins on Android
Remember Where You Parked Using Google Now
Friends of mine have voted me 'most likely to get lost at the mall'. I have a terrible sense of direction, combined with an even worse memory... which adds up to plenty of time wandering aimlessly through parking lots trying to remember exactly where I last saw my car. Of course, there are oodles of apps that will help you out in these situations, but you are already using … [Read more...] about Remember Where You Parked Using Google Now
Google Now Adds Voice Controls for Media Playback
One huge complaint against Google Now has been the lack of voice control support for using key features: especially playback for music apps like Google Play Music or podcast apps. Luckily for us, our wish is Google's command --limited support has been added that allows you to stop and play music (using phrases like: "Okay Google stop music" and "Okay Google resume music") as … [Read more...] about Google Now Adds Voice Controls for Media Playback
Google Now Offers System-Wide Hotword Detection
Everybody would like a personal assistant, and for many of us, Google Now is the closest thing we are going to get. Recently, with the app up, you could summon this digital Jeeves with the phrase: "OK Google." Now that hotword works throughout the entire phone instead of just when the app is running (even if you are on the lock screen)! Once you have the update, in order to … [Read more...] about Google Now Offers System-Wide Hotword Detection
Google Now Reminds You of Your Transit Stop
On more than one occasion, through my mass-transit riding days, I have had my nose in a book and not had my eyes on exactly where on the route we were. Fortunately for me, I read now using my smartphone or tablet and Google Now has added an alarm for saved locations... so when you are getting close to home (or work, or your BFF's house, or, or, or...) you can be alerted and … [Read more...] about Google Now Reminds You of Your Transit Stop
Google Now Allows Reminders Set Entirely By Voice
If you aren't using Google Now on your Android device, you should start immediately (after you finish reading this post, of course). Boasting itself as the service that offers you 'the right information at just the right time', Google Now is the personal assistant most of us do not have the luxury of employing. With the latest update, you can do even more with your voice, … [Read more...] about Google Now Allows Reminders Set Entirely By Voice
Android Launchers are in Big Demand
The new year has already proven to be big with Android launches. Android launches according to Flurry in just the first quarter this year has already surpassed that of the entire 2013, still not quite at the end of Q1, 2014. Some estimates are at about 30 million monthly users in the US, still far from assuming a dominant share. Nevertheless, the tremendous growth recorded … [Read more...] about Android Launchers are in Big Demand
Google I/O Wrap Up
The 2013 edition of the Google I/O event was without any fancy hardware launches, something that many analysts had predicted. There wasn't even a new Android update announced, which analysts were definitely expecting. Many are now suggesting that Google I/O might just have returned to the way it used to be, with the focus back on developers instead of the products or the … [Read more...] about Google I/O Wrap Up
Google Now Accessible On Some Rooted ICS Devices
Google's Google Now is perhaps making as much noise as the Jelly Bean update that it is part of. What this means is that you need to have Jelly Bean on your device first to have a taste of Google Now. However, that is the ideal case and there always are ways to get around such scenarios. As the folks at XDA Developers forum have hit upon, having Google Now up and running on … [Read more...] about Google Now Accessible On Some Rooted ICS Devices
Google Introduces Weather Widget on Tablets
Come rain, hail or storm, you will now be better prepared than ever before. At least the latest Google's dose of enhancement promises just such a thing. Typing weather on the search bar will unfold all that the weather gods have planned to unleash on us in the coming 10 days. A minor improvement it sure is but ever so useful. Also, the feature has always been available on … [Read more...] about Google Introduces Weather Widget on Tablets
What is Google Android Jellybean?
Jelly Bean is the latest in the series of delicious Android versions that Google has been doling out and as usual, promises to take things to the next higher level of computing be it in a smartphone or a tablet device. Designated Android 4.1 (and not 5.0 as some had speculated), Jelly Bean however brings about some significant enhancements over its predecessor, Android 4.0 ICS … [Read more...] about What is Google Android Jellybean?