Google Now updated; supports public alerts, movie listings, sports

If you’re one of the few flaunting Jelly Bean on their device, you’ll be glad to know that Google has released the first update for one of the most talked-about features of the new operating system, Google Now. The new update enables the Google Now app to show public alerts; the app can now receive and display emergency messages such as storm warnings or earthquake alerts on your device. So if you’re in the vicinity of a tsunami or earthquake-prone area, you should probably go for this update.

Another new facility is support for movie listings. A search for a movie brings up relevant movie results, and displays a listing of the timing and cinema theatres of the movie playing near you. Google Now can also be set to pop up a selected movie on a pre-defined day or when you’re in a theatre’s vicinity.

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Google Now update brings support for public alerts, movie listings and sports

Another added facility is that you can now add your favourite sports teams to follow in real time. Google lets you manually select your favourite sports team to receive scores and updates. Previously, Google Now gave updates on sports teams on the basis of your searches. In addition, the update lets Google Now recognise and understand Korean.

Essentially a new search interface for Android v4.1 users in real-time, Google Now aims to get users more relevant and real-time results. The search feature is card-based and users can bring up cards containing the data they require in real-time. Google Now claims to give all relevant info in a single swipe. Hugo Barra, Director of Product Management, stated, “Google Now figures out when you commute from home to work and back, tells you how long your commute usually takes, and gives you a faster route if there’s lot of traffic. On public transit, if you’re on the platform at a subway, Google tells you when the next bus or train will arrive. Google Now gets you just the right information at just the right time, and all of it happens at the right time”.

Google Now claims to be a handy tool for everyday uses such as commuting and driving directions. It can find you the best routes to get to your workplace quickly if your usual route is clogged. The tool can also list all local eateries in an instant when queried, and once in a restaurant, the search function automatically lists the restaurant’s best dishes. Sports lovers too can stay updated on their favourite teams in real-time with Google Now.