Google Now beefs up its travel and entertainment skills
The latest update to Google's Siri rival includes an expansion pack of features you're likely to want when reaching for your mobile device.
Google's rival to Apple's Siri, Google Now, is steadily accumulating more features to make it a worthwhile companion when you're on the road.
The assistant has a wide range of features, including tracking public transportation, sports, travel information and breaking news. In the latest update, Google Now predicts what users might need to research on their mobile device daily, increasing functionality as a result.
In a blog post, Google explains the latest card additions now part of Google Now. A car rentals card allows you to quickly access reservation details and directions to rental centers, which is an expansion on the service's storage of boarding passes and hotel reservation cards. If you're heading to a concert after arriving at your destination, you can load up your event ticket along with relevant information including as the venue's website.
You can also automatically inform friends and family of your travel status. When you leave work, you can choose to inform others when you're on your way home, and if you use public transport, Google Now can tell you when the last train or bus is scheduled to arrive.The updated Google Now lets you better track your favorite sports teams, including real-time football score cards and reminders. An updated television card, when connected to a smart TV, recognizes news and music mentioned in television shows.
In addition, a new "remind me" button in Google Search will inform you when a new album, book or the latest round of your favourite television show is available based on your search activities.
To access these updates, head over to Google Play and update your Google Search app.