Google I/O: Now on Tap boosts contextual search capabilities

Screenshot: Cult of Android

Google Now just got smarter with the new Now on Tap feature. It basically lets you fire off quick queries while within other apps. For example, you’re listening to a certain musician in a music app and want to know what his/her real name is. Now on Tap will be able to answer that for you. Google’s Aparna Chennapragada said this feature can even turn text message conversations she has with her husband into actionable information. For example, being able to set a reminder to pick up dry cleaning or get a restaurant recommendation when she was talking to her husband about a dinner date.

Other sample features include Now on Tap being able to help you decipher unpronounceable items on a menu, even showing you a photo while it’s at it. This feature will be available when Android M launches later this year.

Source: Cult of Android

Google I/O: Google officially launches Brillo Internet of Things platform

Seems there was truth behind the rumour that Google was building its own Internet of Things operating system. Called Brillo, the operating system is based on a stripped down version of Android. It’s designed to run on as minimal specs as possible to make it work for devices as little as light bulbs. It makes use of a protocol for synchronizing data called Weave. It’s a cross-platform common language based on JSON, which will be made available to developers in the third quarter. What it does is Android devices will be able to detect IoT devices and offer to configure these automatically. It’ll work with devices no matter you’re using.

Weave documentation will be announced throughout the year and the developer stack will come out in fourth quarter.

Source: Wired + The Next Web

Google Search on iOS now prompts you to install iOS apps

Google’s App Indexing has been available on Android for a while. The feature pulls content from Android apps to show in your search results and if you don’t have the app installed yet, it’ll share you the link to the app store. This feature is now available on iOS, too, from the Chrome for iOS app or the main Google app. It’s initially available to a few select partners but plans to release it publicly at a later date.

Source: Google Developers Blog | Via: The Next Web

TELUS introduces new International Travel Passes

TELUS doesn’t want you to go through bill shock the next time you travel abroad. That’s why they’re introducing a new International Travel Pass option for East Asia, India, Australia, and New Zealand. It promises savings of up to 90 percent off of regular pay-per-use rates for these areas.

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