googlesearchGoogle today updated its Google Search app to version 4.0.0, adding new voice question capabilities that let users have smarter conversations with Google.

For example, after initiating a casual conversation with an "Ok Google" command, users can ask simple questions like "What's the weather like?" followed by "What about this weekend?" Google Search is able to interpret that the questions are linked together, providing weather information for each query.

The app's Google Now functionality will also inform users of interesting articles on preferred topics, give information about upcoming trips, and share information on favorite blogs and authors.

Finally, the app has also been updated with cricket sports cards in Google Now, faster loading of both Google Search and Google Now, and more fluid image results.

With today's update, you can ask questions with your voice & get updates on topics you care about.

Have a smarter conversation with Google:
- Tap the microphone or say "Ok Google" to start
- Ask questions such as "What's the weather like?"
- Then follow up with "How about this weekend?"

At Google, we know the web well. With Google Now, we'll tell you when there's an interesting article for:
- Your favorite topics
- Your upcoming trips
- Your favorite authors and blogs

Smaller updates include:
- Cricket sports cards in Google Now
- Faster loading of Google Search and Google Now
- More beautiful and fluid image results

Google Search can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

mdridwan47 Avatar
142 months ago
"Are you better than Siri?"

*displays search results*

It is a search engine not a personal assistant. But it has better speed and speech recognition than Siri.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
genovelle Avatar
142 months ago
[url=https://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image (https://www.macrumors.com/2014/05/13/google-search-google-now-improvements/)[/url]


Image (https://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2013/11/googlesearch.png)Google today updated its Google Search app to version 4.0.0, adding new voice question capabilities that let users have smarter conversations with Google.

For example, after initiating a casual conversation with an "Ok Google" command, users can ask simple questions like "What's the weather like?" followed by "What about this weekend?" Google Search is able to interpret that the questions are linked together, providing weather information for each query.

/url]
I find it interesting that Macrumors will quickly note Google new features without mentioning if Apple already had them and they are playing catch up. If the shoe was on the other foot it would be in the title of the article.

For the record, the example given I just tried it on Siri and the results are has they have been since the first update. Siri understands the context of follow up questions.

Even the Sports angle has been a powerful feature in Siri for some time now.

I almost missed the creepy part. Google "knows the web well". How do you think they know your favorite topic, or when you are going on vacation? They track what everyone is doing and scan your gmail accounts. And they call Apple fans sheep. Comical!!!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C DM Avatar
142 months ago
The main difference I see is that on Android devices you can just start taking to it. On iOS you have to launch the app first. Big difference.
All or even most Android devices just listen to you all the time?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bozzykid Avatar
142 months ago

Even the Sports angle has been a powerful feature in Siri for some time now.

It has been a part of Google Now since the beginning as well. The difference being you don't have to ask Google Now your favorite sports team's score (unless you want) because it knows your favorite teams and shows you cards for their current games.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
street.cory Avatar
142 months ago
It is a search engine not a personal assistant. But it has better speed and speech recognition than Siri.

I know the Google Search app uses voice recognition to do search queries and not literally have conversations.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jeffe Avatar
142 months ago
I find it interesting that Macrumors will quickly note Google new features without mentioning if Apple already had them and they are playing catch up. If the shoe was on the other foot it would be in the title of the article.

For the record, the example given I just tried it on Siri and the results are has they have been since the first update. Siri understands the context of follow up questions.

Even the Sports angle has been a powerful feature in Siri for some time now.


The article is about Google Now on iOS not Siri. Having said that Google now on iOS seems to be much less capable than its android counterpart at the moment.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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