Google has launched an update for its search app, with some new Google Now cards for: Events Nearby, Suggestions to help with research, Boarding Passes from Gmail (United only, but more to come), Search by camera when at museums or shops, Weather at upcoming travel destinations, and the approximate monthly summary of walking and biking activity.
“As you head off this holiday season, the latest update to Google Now makes it even more useful for traveling,” says product management director Baris Gultekin. “Before you even leave your house, Google Now will tell you what the weather will be like at your destination (just in time to make sure you remember to pack those mittens). At the airport, your boarding pass is automatically pulled up, helping you breeze through to the gate (launching shortly for United Airlines, with more to come). And once you’ve arrived at your destination, Google Now can help you uncover some great activities, by showing you events happening around you, suggesting websites for you to explore as you research things to do, or allowing you to learn more about specific pieces while you’re at a museum (using Google Goggles).”
“All of this builds on top of some of the other cards designed for travel, like the currency conversion, translation, and flight status cards — hopefully taking a little bit of the stress out of holiday travel so you can focus on family and fun,” he adds.
There are also some new voice actions for posting to Google+, the ability to say “What’s this song?” and find the song you hear, and the ability to say, “Scan a barcode” and find product info.
Meanwhile, Google is trying to figure out more things you’re seeking answers to, but aren’t turning to Google for.
