Topic: Google Now

At Nexus Hardware Event Google Shows Now On Tap & Expanded Voice Actions

Yesterday Google held its Nexus and Android hardware release party. Most of the attention and coverage was focused on the devices introduced: the Nexus 5X and 6P phones, the Pixel C Android tablet and various Chromecast devices. However there was also a discussion or reintroduction of features associated with the “Marshmallow” update to Android OS. […]

Baidu Upgrades Mobile Virtual Assistant With Local Commerce Services

Baidu has upgraded its mobile virtual assistant to incorporate voice-enabled local transactions. The virtual assistant, powered by artificial intelligence, is now known as “Duer.” That apparently translates as “Du Secretary.” One translation of the word “du” I saw was “to study, to learn.” Phonetically, it also sounds like the English word “do,” as in to […]

Google Maps “Explore” Adds Curated Recommendations, New Features

Google is adding more content, filters and personalization to the “Explore” feature in Google Maps for Android in the US and UK. In several markets to start (SF, NYC and London), Google says you’ll get new “curated recommendations” about nearby dining options: Once you pick the category that suits your craving, you can see in-depth […]

Cortana For Android Is Officially Available For Download In US Beta

A month ago, Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana became available for download in a pre-beta release. Now, an official US beta version of Cortana for Android is here. An iOS version is coming soon. The full Cortana experience and functionality are available to Windows 10 and Windows Phone users. But because Cortana for Android doesn’t access […]

SearchCap: Google Goes After The App Interstitial, Duke Kahanamoku Google Logo & ComScore Report

Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google Goes After The App Interstitial: Protecting Consumers Or Its Own Search Monopoly? Google recently published a case study suggesting that app download interstitials on mobile are ineffective, leading to high […]

Bing Beats Google “Now On Tap” To Android With New “Bing Snapshots”

It turns out that Bing has its own version of Google “Now on Tap” — and it’s now available for Android devices, ahead of the release of Google’s own upgraded service. This morning, Bing announced that what the company calls “Bing Snapshots” will deliver contextually relevant search information for any app installed on your Android […]

Cortana For Android Available For Download Ahead Of Official Launch

A few days ago, Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana, became available for download. This is not the official launch, and it’s not clear the software is ready for all Android devices. It certainly didn’t function properly on my Nexus tablet. Several people have already written about it, and it appears to be fully functioning for some. […]

Apple Boosts iOS 9 Intelligence With Proactive Siri, Expanded Search & In-App Deep Linking

In announcing some of Siri’s new “proactive” capabilities yesterday at WWDC, Apple’s Craig Federighi said the company was “Enhancing how you use your device but without compromising your privacy.” A not-so-indirect swipe at Google, this approach also suggests limitations out of the gate. Federighi discussed a cluster of “intelligent” enhancements to Siri and search intended […]

SearchCap: Google Maps Offline, App Indexing & Structured Data

Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web. From Search Engine Land: Google Maps Breakthrough: Search And Navigation Without A Connection Google continues to add features and capabilities that keep its maps that much ahead of the competition. Coming out of I/O yesterday […]