Google shows off new logo and identity

Google today unveiled a new logo composed of a new sans serif font. Easily one of the most recognizeable logos, the new Google logo denotes 'Google, evolved.' The search service, which was originally built for the web has become so much more and is now front and centre on mobile devices, wearables and connected home as well as Internet of Things devices. Google recently restructured and became part of Alphabet which is a new entity that serves as a holding company for various technology brands, the biggest of which is Google. Google explained the new look on their blog.

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Google for iOS now gets always-on 'OK Google,' adds more context to your searches

Google updates its app for iOS to bring the useful 'OK Google' voice prompt and have it always on and ready to respond to your voice. Aside from that, it helps your searches further by giving you contextual information. For example, you're reading an article on a celebrity. You can say, "OK Google, where is he or she born?" And it will answer you based on the article you're reading. It also has more detailed local search results now to make it easier for you to find what you need. 

Source: Lifehacker | Download: Apple App Store (Free) 

Google-powered Molson beer fridge needs you to translate your thirst

While it’s pretty much a marketing ploy, Google, together with Thinking Box, created a Global Beer Fridge for Molson. It’s equipped with Google’s real-time voice translation. It’ll only open once you say Molson’s slogan “I am Canadian” in six of the 40 programmed languages. It’s both a nod to the diversity of this nation and the country’s July 1^st birthday. If you want to see the fridge in action (and try your luck at opening it), it’ll be in Toronto on July 10^th for the start of the Pan Am Games.

Source: Engadget

Applebot is Apple's in-house web crawler for Siri and Spotlight

Apple confirmed its Applebot web crawler which is an in-house search engine crawler. Applebot is currently used to power services like Siri and Spotlight on iOS and OS X platforms but could very well evolve as a standalone search engine if Apple finds that necessary (i.e. as a default search in its Safari browser). Note that Apple did not renew an agreement with Google for search service and since Apple has been shedding Google services (Maps) for some time now, it may decide to re-enter search even for its own uses.

Apple has historically worked on search engine functionality for the web, Sherlock was a huge feature of OS 9.