Google Rolls Out Search App Redesign For Android Lollipop Devices

Google announced today it is rolling out a redesign of its Search App for Android devices running on the Lollipop OS.

Along with the “…bold colors, fluid animations and simplified layouts” of the new material design, Google says the updated app allows Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Galaxy Note 4 users to set their device so that the “Ok Google” voice command will work even if the screen is off.

The new search app has been designed to be more intuitive, with new Now cards helping users keep their events and to-do lists organized. It also is able to provide reminders for events that may be buried in a user’s Gmail inbox.

[blockquote]You can also rely more and more on the Google app to help you organize your life: you may notice a new card asking if you want to be reminded of, say, “dinner with Chris” or “drinks with Susan.” For those times you’ve gotten an email about something but forgotten to follow up, Google can now catch potential plans buried in your Gmail.[/blockquote]

The redesigned Google Search App now can open other apps, with simple commands like “Ok Google, search Tumblr for ‘Things Organized Neatly'” resulting in the specified app being launched.

Google says this feature works with a number of apps, including TripAdvisor, TuneIn, Trulia and YouTube.

Of all the new updates, the most fun is the virtual coin toss, helping users make decisions with an “Ok Google, flip a coin” prompt.