Google Now Tips for Android Users

By Tracey Dowdy

If you’re using an Android phone, you are well aware of all the handy features offered by Google Now, Google’s intelligent personal assistant. You can tell it to set an alarm, launch an app, or give commands like “Call my mother” or “Email my boss” when you customize your contacts. You can even can switch to a British accent and suddenly you have your very own Mr. Carson to make you feel very Downton Abbey-esque.

Some of the features on this list have been around for awhile, some are new, but all can help you make the most of your pocket personal assistant.

  • Never forget where you parked again. If like me, you get lost walking around your kitchen table, you’ll love that Google Now will recognize when you’ve stopped driving, pinpoint the spot, and display the location as a card. It won’t tell you what parking space you’re in, but it will give you enough information so you’ll know which side of the parking lot or garage you parked.
  • How Tweet it is. I know, I know, that’s a terrible pun, but did you know can Tweet without opening the app simply by saying, “Post to Twitter…” and then rattle off those 140 characters? Well now you do.
     
  • Be precise. Google Now allows you to ask specific questions like “Will it rain on Thursday?” or “Can you play Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud?” You can also make more complex requests like “Remind me to take chicken out of the freezer when I get home” and Google will use your phone’s location-based services to create a reminder. There’s a great list of 70+ ‘Okay Google’ voice commands here.
  • “I know it’s in here somewhere…” Use the search bar to find everything from music to messages. Type in the keywords and Google will go through your phone and pull up matches. To customize what gets included in the search, go to Settings > Phone Search.

  • Guys, grammar is important. There are miles of difference between “Let’s eat, grandma!” and “Lets eat grandma!” Google Now allows you to include punctuation and smileys when you dictate. Simply say, “Hey comma please set the DVR to record Walking Dead period” or “Thank you for the flowers smiley face,” which sounds like you’re calling someone “smiley face” but Google Now knows what you mean.
  • Shazam everything. Not only can you find out what song is playing by saying, “What am I listening to?” (and have the option to purchase the song), but you can also use the same feature with live TV. Just say “Listen to TV” and Google Now will provide additional information about whatever movie or show you’re watching.
  • History repeats itself. If you’re okay with Google keeping a record of what you’ve searched for, Google Now will create cards displaying your recent Web history. Because it’s intuitive, it recognizes patterns in the topics you search for and will direct you to additional information. It will also alert you to blog updates for sites you regularly visit.
  • This is your pilot speaking. Well, not actually, but you can track flights through a dedicated Google Now card. Search by flight number and the next time you launch Google Now you’ll see the card with updated flight information. (Web history has to be activated in order for this feature to work.)

Finally, one of the most significant differences between Android and iOS is the level of customization Android allows. Users can download third party apps like Commandr for Google Now that will read your text messages aloud, switching Wi-Fi on or off, pausing music or raising and lowering the volume of your ringtone along with a multitude of other features. The possibilities are almost endless.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Comments:

  1. Hi to all, it’s genuinely a nice for me to pay a
    quick visit this site, it consists of precious Information.

  2. I am really inspired along with your writing talents as smartly as with the layout
    in your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it
    your self? Either way stay up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to look a nice weblog like this one today..

  3. Exceptional post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
    Appreciate it!

  4. It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the long
    run and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may just I wish to
    counsel you few fascinating things or tips. Maybe you could write subsequent articles referring to
    this article. I wish to learn more things about it!

  5. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest
    writing a blog article or vice-versa? My site discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think
    we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested
    feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Fantastic blog by the way!

  6. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?

    My site discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit
    from each other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by
    the way!

  7. excellent issues altogether, you simply received a emblem new reader.
    What may you suggest in regards to your publish that you made a few days in the past?
    Any positive?

  8. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites
    I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be exciting to
    read content from other authors and use something
    from other sites.

  9. I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your content.

    The article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details
    about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.

    Also visit my site MycoMode Reviews

  10. Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out.

    Please let me know where you got your theme. Kudos

  11. Hey There. I found your weblog the use of msn. That is a very neatly written article.

    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more
    of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
    I will definitely return.

  12. Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a
    sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said
    “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
    She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a
    hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic
    but I had to tell someone!

  13. I was curious if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
    it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  14. hi!,I really like your writing so a lot! percentage we be
    in contact more about your post on AOL? I require an expert in this area to unravel my problem.
    May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to see you.

  15. It’s really a nice and useful piece of info.
    I am glad that you shared this useful info with us.
    Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  16. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend
    who had been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me
    breakfast because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow
    me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah,
    thanks for spending time to talk about this issue here on your web
    page.

  17. I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing issues with your website.
    It appears as though some of the written text on your content are running off
    the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Many thanks

  18. Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to know a lot approximately this,
    such as you wrote the book in it or something.

    I feel that you can do with some percent to force the message house a bit, however
    other than that, that is wonderful blog. A great read. I will definitely be
    back.

  19. This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.

    Too cool!

  20. Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info approximately this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve found out so far.
    However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the supply?

  21. It is truly a great and helpful piece of
    information. I am glad that you just shared this useful information with
    us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  22. Tremendous issues here. I am very glad to peer your post.
    Thanks so much and I am having a look ahead to contact you.
    Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  23. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of
    your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social
    networks!

  24. Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!

  25. You’ve made some decent points there. I checked on the web
    for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

  26. Generally I do not read post on blogs, but
    I would like to say that this write-up very compelled
    me to try and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me.
    Thank you, quite nice post.

  27. Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board
    and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to
    give something back and help others like you
    helped me.

  28. Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished
    to mention that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your weblog posts.
    In any case I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I
    am hoping you write once more very soon!

  29. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem
    to be running off the screen in Opera. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but
    I figured I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though!

    Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Cheers

  30. Hey I am so glad I found your weblog, I really found
    you by accident, while I was looking on Askjeeve for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like
    to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all round interesting
    blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb work.

  31. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it
    to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
    She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic
    but I had to tell someone!

  32. of course like your web site but you need to test the spelling
    on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come again again.

  33. Hi everyone, it’s my first go to see at this site, and
    paragraph is genuinely fruitful for me, keep up posting such articles.

  34. Excellent way of describing, and pleasant article
    to take facts regarding my presentation focus,
    which i am going to convey in college.

  35. Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?

    I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m
    having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something
    completely unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic
    but I had to ask!

  36. That is really interesting, You are a very professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to searching for extra of your wonderful post.
    Also, I have shared your site in my social networks

  37. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or advice.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  38. I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
    You’re wonderful! Thanks!

  39. Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too.
    This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the
    awesome works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to our blogroll.

  40. You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve truly read something like this
    before. So great to find someone with a few original thoughts on this issue.
    Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  41. I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody else encountering
    issues with your blog. It looks like some of the written text on your
    content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please
    provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to
    them too? This might be a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.

    Many thanks

  42. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as
    I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the very
    same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Thank you!

  43. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to
    know your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to
    swap techniques with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  44. Hi there I am so glad I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I
    was researching on Google for something else, Anyhow I am here now
    and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all
    round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at
    the moment but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I
    have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

  45. I simply couldn’t depart your web site before suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual provide
    in your guests? Is going to be again steadily in order to check out new posts

  46. Definitely believe that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the net the
    simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed at
    the same time as other folks consider issues that they just don’t know about.
    You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , other people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thank you

  47. You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I
    in finding this matter to be really one thing which I feel I would by no means understand.

    It sort of feels too complex and extremely vast for me.
    I am taking a look forward in your subsequent submit, I
    will try to get the hang of it!

  48. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly
    the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

  49. I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know
    such detailed about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!

  50. We are a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with useful information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

    Here is my site – Myco Mode

  51. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really
    well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and
    come back to read more of your useful info.
    Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  52. When I originally commented I appear to have clicked
    on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is
    added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment.
    Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service?
    Kudos!

  53. Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this weblog; this website
    carries remarkable and genuinely fine material designed for readers.

  54. Hello there, I believe your site could possibly be having
    internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your
    web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to provide you with a quick
    heads up! Aside from that, wonderful site!

  55. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to
    shoot you an email. I’ve got some recommendations
    for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way,
    great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  56. Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your web site by chance,
    and I’m surprised why this coincidence did not took
    place earlier! I bookmarked it.

  57. Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this post i thought
    i could also create comment due to this brilliant article.

  58. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I
    provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog is in the very same area
    of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from some
    of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you.

    Regards!

  59. I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your
    site? Its very well written; I love what youve
    got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people
    could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of
    text for only having 1 or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

    My web blog – Myco Mode

  60. Hello! I know this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does building a well-established website such as yours take
    a large amount of work? I am brand new to blogging but I do write in my journal on a daily basis.

    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience and
    thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog
    owners. Appreciate it!

  61. I am now not sure the place you’re getting your information, however great topic.
    I must spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thank you for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  62. Greetings! Quick question that’s totally off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my
    iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be
    able to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations,
    please share. With thanks!

  63. Wonderful article! That is the type of info that are
    meant to be shared across the web. Disgrace on Google for not positioning this post upper!

    Come on over and discuss with my website . Thanks =)

  64. Pretty section of content. I simply stumbled upon your site
    and in accession capital to claim that I get in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment or even I fulfillment you
    get right of entry to constantly rapidly.

  65. Hello fantastic website! Does running a blog such as this require a lot
    of work? I have virtually no knowledge of coding but I had been hoping
    to start my own blog in the near future. Anyways, should you have any
    recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic however
    I simply had to ask. Thank you!

  66. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished
    to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you
    write again soon!

  67. My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites
    for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.
    I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I
    can import all my wordpress content into it?

    Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  68. Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it
    has pretty much the same page layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  69. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get
    that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance.

    I must say that you’ve done a fantastic job with this.
    Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Firefox.
    Outstanding Blog!

  70. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
    and found that it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out
    for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  71. Definitely believe that that you stated.
    Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked even as other
    folks think about concerns that they just do not know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the entire thing with no need
    side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to
    get more. Thanks

  72. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future
    and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I
    want to suggest you few interesting things or advice.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring
    to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  73. My relatives always say that I am wasting my time here at net, but I know I am
    getting familiarity all the time by reading such fastidious articles or reviews.

  74. After looking over a handful of the articles on your blog,
    I seriously like your technique of writing a blog. I bookmarked it
    to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please visit my web site as well and tell me your opinion.

  75. Etek altı am sikiş pornosu dolgun got meme resimleri gizli
    çekim porno seks tube aıle ıcı sıkıs hıka gay sınırsız full izle.
    Erotik; Gizli Çekim; Grup; HD; Japon; Kızlık bozma; Mature; Sarışın;
    Anasayfa › HD › Gizli çekim porno. BEN SELVİ KOCAM EVDE YOK BERABER BOŞALALIMMI?
    NUMARAM: 0035.

  76. Hey, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks
    fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, excellent blog!

  77. I do agree with all the ideas you have introduced on your post.
    They are really convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are too quick for
    novices. May just you please prolong them a bit from next
    time? Thank you for the post.

  78. Büyük ve Küçük Göğüsler, Tıraşlı ve Islak Amlar, Slutty Wives, kendilerini ilk karşılaşmaya hazır olanlar, bu
    kategoriler ve diğerleri olgun & genç (18-25) Porn klipleri ücretsiz olarak sunulmaktadır.
    Bütün bunlar, herhangi bir kısıtlama olmadan olgun & genç (18-25)
    Porn Klips Web Sitesi tarafından sunulmaktadır.

  79. 03:00 XVideos Anal Oral seks Fahişe çizgi film.
    23:00 XVideos porno Erotik çizgi film Komik.
    08:00 XVideos cartoonsex kadın Hentai çizgi film.
    06:00 XVideos asrafeden porno büyük göğüsleri. 29:16 DrTuber animasyon Anime
    çizgi film Hentai. 06:10 DrTuber animasyon Anime çizgi film Hentai.
    05:36 DrTuber.

  80. Attractive part of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog posts.

    Anyway I’ll be subscribing on your feeds and
    even I success you get admission to constantly quickly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *