Updated Google app gets Material Design + new smarts

[Chodite]

Pretty slick stuff. Can even now ask Google to search using other apps! Ex: "Ok Google, search Trip Advisor app for hotels in ___"

Currently available for Android-only devices.

Owners of the Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be spoiled: the updated app lets them use “OK Google” when the screen is off and their device is unplugged.

Details:

http://techcrunch.com/2014/11/12/googles-search-app-for-android-gets-material-design-update-and-new-smarts/

http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-Google-app-with-Material-Design-update-starts-rolling-out_id62789

http://www.androidcentral.com/ok-google-comes-third-party-apps-google-search-update

 

[mattopotamus]

Is the device off "ok google" only on the n6 and n9? Or will it work on the n5?

 

[iososx]

Is the device off "ok google" only on the n6 and n9? Or will it work on the n5?

It works on any Android 4.0.x and above. I really enjoy it's speed accuracy and comprehensive abilities. Far more than Siri that's on my iP6+.

 

[mattopotamus]

It works on any Android 4.0.x and above. I really enjoy it's speed accuracy and comprehensive abilities. Far more than Siri that's on my iP6+.

I know that is true for using "ok google" on the lock screen, but I specifically mean "ok google" when the device is off. I would image a lot of phones would not have the hardware to support that feature.

 

[iososx]

I know that is true for using "ok google" on the lock screen, but I specifically mean "ok google" when the device is off. I would image a lot of phones would not have the hardware to support that feature.

Oops, you're right in my haste I missed that. It would have to be listening which very few phones do at this point.

On a positive note what is quite impressive is how they have recently integrated Google Now with the Google Laucher for phones that didn't cone with G Now, to which we may linke to Good Now, Then reconfigure it for your own choice of launch keywords other that OK Google .

 

[spinedoc77]

Hopefully they include a pair of sunglasses also to protect our eyes from the white on off white.

 

[Lloydbm41]

I know that is true for using "ok google" on the lock screen, but I specifically mean "ok google" when the device is off. I would image a lot of phones would not have the hardware to support that feature.

you are correct. if the screen is off. it does not work.

 

[TheHateMachine]

Hopefully they include a pair of sunglasses also to protect our eyes from the white on off white.

Do you use sunglasses when you browse MacRumors?

 

[spinedoc77]

Do you use sunglasses when you browse MacRumors?

No because windows allows me to have a dark theme....WOOOOOO.