Google has updated its Google Search app for iOS, which now provides the full Google Now experience previously found on Android.
The latest update, which went live on the App Store today, finally brings notifications to the Google app. This means that relevant and contextual information will be pushed to you, such as football scores and estimated journey times.
Version 3.1.0 of the Google Search app also adds hands-free audio commands. Just say “OK Google” from within the app, and you’ll be able to initiate a verbal search command without touching the device.
You can also now tell the Google app to remind you of things. Tell it to “Remind me to buy milk tomorrow,” and it’ll do just that.
At least, that’s the case if you’re reading this in the US. When we tried it on our iPhone 5S, it turned out that these voice-activated elements didn’t work. Heading into the settings menu, we were told that the OK Google hot word wasn’t available in our language. That language being English (albeit “British” English). Very odd, but there you go.
The update also features new cards for tickets, boarding passes, upcoming local events, and more.
You can also ask it to notify you when your favourite music artist releases a new album, or when a new episode of a particular TV show is set to air. All you have to do on these occasions is search and press the “Remind me” button.
Hopefully Google will deem us Brits worthy of an update in our own arcane language soon enough, and we can get the full fat Google Now experience on our iPhones and iPads just like our American cousins.
Next, read our Android 4.4 KitKat review.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
