Google adds search capabilities for apps using voice

For a while now, Android will let you open apps using “Okay Google” command. But this time, Google adds a bit more functionality to that. You can now say things like “Okay Google, show attractions near me on TripAdvisor” or “Okay Google, listen to NPR.” The company is working with a small group of companies to let you do more than launch apps with their voice search.

According to Android Police, some of the apps you can use include Flixster, Instacart, Lincoln, NPR One, Realtor.com, Shazam, TripAdvisor, Trulia, TuneInRadio, Walmart, Wink, and Zillow.

Source: Android Police | Via: Wall Street Journal

Use ‘Ok Google’ anywhere on your Android smartphone

Google has done what they said they would. You can now trigger voice search anywhere on your Android smartphone with a new Google Search update. This new feature is similar to what you can do with a Moto X but now it is available for all Android phones. Just say “Ok Google” when your screen is on and tell Google Now what to do. You can even activate the feature from the lock screen.

Just head to Google Now and select the menu at the bottom right of the phone and then tap on Settings, then Voice, and then select “Ok Google” Detection. According to Gizmodo, this feature is rolling out phone by phone. We’ve tested it on the Nexus 5 and it seems to be working already. Just be a bit patient if it hasn’t landed on your Android just yet.

Siri Showdown: Google intros Voice Search for iOS

Google has submitted its Voice Search application to the Apple App store. Once it is approved and made available to iPhone and iPod Touch users it will give them another voice-enabled search application aside from Siri (which is getting a lot smarter in its iOS 6 iteration coming this Fall).

Update on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 10:28PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The feature is available now on the Google Search App and users can search by voice as well as using the camera. There doesn't seem to be a voice response yet but you do get the results on the screen like regular search results. Stay tuned for a more in depth look at this feature.