Google Now coming to Chrome browser

Google Now is the de facto personal assistant and notification service running on Android smartphones and tablets. The latest build of the Chrome browser is going to start featuring this location-based feature. This means PCs and Macs running Chrome should soon get the option to get voice search, reminders for flights, sports events movie times as well as commute times. The service is tied into users who already enable Google Now on their mobile devices.

Twitter aims to drive engagement with view counts

Twitter is known to conduct trials of new features that may or may not be made available publicly. The latest experiment is adding view counts to tweets to let you know how many people saw a particular tweet. This will come in handy for businesses who want to see if their tweets are getting as much mileage as they assume. Advertisers were given first access to this but now it has gone live to other users. Twitter hasn’t indicated if they plan to roll this out for the entire user base.

Source: Ubergizmo

Onkyo refreshes Android app for new receivers

Onkyo updates its Android application to make sure the app works with the 2014 receivers. While it is a bit late in the year, the update is still very much welcomed. Onkyo also improved the cursor and volume controls on the app. If you don’t have it yet, you can download the app here.

Source: Android Central

LG introduces Smart Bulb, light fixture that can connect with Android and iOS devices

LG aims to take on the Philips Hue with its new Smart Bulb (yes that is its name). The light bulb can reportedly last for a decade if it is just used for five hours a day. It comes with compatible Android and iOS apps and features Bluetooth support. The app is designed to help users control different settings, including a play mode that responds to music and a security mode that imitates someone being at home with a lighting sequence. Android version even has the bulb blinking to remind you when you get a call. The Smart Bulb is currently only available in Korea for 35,000 won or roughly US$32.

Source: The Next Web