Our cool new apps this week come by way of the supreme titan of industry, Google. Read on to find out what you need to download next…
Google Now
Don’t wait to make your smartphone even smarter. Formerly only available for Android devices, Google Now is part of an update to the Google Search app that is finally available on iOS for iPhone and iPad.
Launched April 29th, for iPhone users this app is an alternative to your personal assistant Siri. Google Now is all about giving you the information you need, with customized, detailed updates for you at just the right moment.
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Google Now will help you manage your day by staying on top of what’s happening in your everyday life. It will show you the weather, alert you when there’s heavy traffic on your route to work, remind you to leave for the airport, keep you connected to your interests, give you news updates that matter, and plenty of other cool features.
The concept operates as a group of scrolling cards. Choose cards that match your interests and let Google populate relevant cards for you based on your search history. For example, if you’ve recently searched the Maple Leafs, a card will appear as your scroll through your Google Now menu that includes the latest news for the team and the score of the game.
What if all the information you needed was in only one app? With Google Now, the hope is inching closer towards reality.
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Field Trip
Another Google entry this week, they’re doing it again, and doing it right with this cool new app. Field Trip is a must have app when traveling, or even for those just interested in learning about your own city. Available since February on Android, and March on iOS, Field Trip will be your guide to the cool, hidden and unique things around you.
To start, you will have the choice between three different types of notifications: Explore, Feeling Lucky, or Off. Giving you updates and notifications about cool stuff nearby, Field Trip will determine your location and will share it with Google in order to give you personalized alerts.
Not only will Field Trip provide you with historical tidbits about architecture, areas, and events, it will also help you discover everything about lifestyle, deals and specials, art, museums, and food and drink. The app will notify you when something interesting is nearby based on your interests. Another cool feature is that Field Trip detects when you’re driving and will automatically “talk” about fascinating places around you.
No more need to lug around your Lonely Planet and skim through Google searches when on the road, let Field Trip be your personal tour guide instead (just make sure you get a good data plan if you’re away from home).
Photo generously provided by Google’s Official Blog
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