One of the most interesting new parts of Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) was the introduction of Google Now on Tap, a new addition to the Google app that provides the user with contextual information based on whatever they are doing at the time. For example, when activating Google Now on Tap on a restaurant’s website, you may get a link to their menu, or the option to call them. The feature has a lot of possibilities, and with its latest update, it gets even better.
There are three new capabilities that have recently been added to Google Now on Tap. The first is the ability to translate from any screen. When on a web page or in an app that displays text in a language other than the default language, upon activating Now on Tap you will be presented with an option to translate the information with a single tap. This could be handy if, for example, you need to translate a menu or a review. It will even be able to translate more than one language at the time if there are multiple languages on the screen. A new Discover mode will present a visual layout of related content, including pictures and videos. Google says this is “perfect for browsing and exploring, rather than searching for something in particular”. The app has already had the ability to identify landmarks and read text from photos when Now on Tap is activated from within the camera. But now there is also a new barcode scanning feature that can be started from the camera app. To use this, simply activate Google Now on Tap while pointing your camera at a barcode or QR code, and you will be presented with relevant information about the code, such as product pricing, where to buy and product reviews.
The Google app continues to get smarter and learn what kinds of information people need, sometimes even before they know they need it. Now on Tap is quickly developing into an irreplaceable service packed with tons of functionality, and there’s no telling where it will go from here. Now on Tap is built into the Google App on devices running Android 6.0 or later.