Today, Google has just pushed out a new update for the Google Search app, which is where Google Now is. It brings some new features into Google Now like Live TV, and support for third-party music apps like Spotify, Pandora, etc. Google Now has really become a huge part of our every day lives, and Google is working hard to make it an even bigger part of our lives.
Here’s the full changelog from the Google Play Store.
What’s in this version:
For Android 4.1+ (Jelly Bean):
– Information about shows you’re watching on your internet-connected TV (US only)*
– Saved offers when nearby a redemption location
– New voice action: play music from your phone or the Play Store
– Voice actions tips
* Requires phone/tablet to be on the same network as your TV
Google Now’s live TV support takes the second-screen approach to a new level. Basically if you have a smart TV connected to the same network as your smartphone, Google will offer up additional information for what you’re watching if you tell it to “Listen for a TV show.” An example that Google uses “if you were watching Nik Wallenda cross the Grand Canyon this weekend, with Google Now, you could learn that the ‘King of the Wire’ in fact holds seven Guinness World Records, including highest bike ride on a high-wire.”
Many other companies have tried to get the second-screen movement, but it appears that Google is taking that in another direction. TV Producers don’t even need to develop any custom content for Google Now live TV support. There is some interesting information and facts that will auto-populate.
Google Now also has the ability to select a third-party music app when asking Google Now to play an artist or track. Instead of being stuck with Google Play Music for all your music needs. Not that Google Play Music is bad (I personally love it. Especially with the addition of All Access).