Google released a new version of its app for the iPhone and the iPad on Tuesday, and it’s filled with so many features that it’s hard to figure out which are worthy of your attention.
We checked out some of the features and here are our five favorites.
1. Improved image search
When users tap on an image search result to enlarge the picture, they can now tap on the image with two fingers and drag them apart to zoom in further. Similarly, users can drag their two fingers toward each other to minimize the image and return to the results.
2. Improved voice search
Users can quickly start searching with their voice as soon as they open the Google app by simply saying, “OK Google.” As soon as the app hears the command, it will activate voice search and listen for whatever users want to look for. Users can say “OK Google” anywhere within the app — even if they’re looking at an image or have a website open.
3. Google Now notifications
On Android, Google Now gives users notifications — a feature that was missing on iOS’ version of Google Now until Tuesday.
With the update, users can set the app to give them reminders for various tasks. To do so, users simply tap on the search bar and then tap “remind me to…” That will launch a page where users can tell Google what to remind them of. Users can also say, “OK Google, remind me…” followed by what they would like to be reminded of.
Users can set reminders based on a time and date or they can also set reminders based on locations.
4. Set updates for artists, TV shows, movies and more
Users can program the Google app to send them reminders for their favorite artists, actors, politicians, celebrities, TV shows and movies by searching for them. Once the results appear, users can scroll down until they see “Remind you about…” or “Get updates about…” After tapping on that, users will receive updates for that person, group, show or movie on Google Now.
5. New cards on Google Now
Besides notifications and reminders, Google has also added several new cards that will appear when users check out Google Now. The feature will display users’ tickets for movies, concerts and other events, and it will also show flight boarding passes, car rental reservation confirmations. Users can also check out a card that will show a list of upcoming and nearby events.
The latest version of Google for iOS is available for download now in the Apple App Store.
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(c)2013 the Los Angeles Times
