Google has announced a major redesign that extends to its iOS and Android applications as well as the company’s web portal. Aimed towards simplifying things even further, the redesign will allow you to see tappable shortcuts for a whole slew of categories including sports, weather, food and drink, entertainment and so on.
The main intent of the company here is to diversify the way its users search to beyond merely voice or text. This way, users can simply tap upon whatever they want to look for and get a string of relevant results. So, say you are a sports geek but don’t know what exactly to look for at that particular instant. Well, what do you do? Tap the sports icon.
Here is how Google explains its new feature:
The Google search box is great when you’re looking for a specific answer, but there are also moments when you just want to catch up on the latest for topics of interest.
I still have to go over some of the finer details but these shortcuts do appear to be a pretty awesome way to connect yourself with the happenings in a particular sphere of interest. Android users are getting a string of additional options as well, and can find things like translate, nearby attractions, flights, hotels, Internet speed test, currency converter, and more at the touch of the button.
Android users can also make use of Google’s close integration with their OS and tap “My Stuff”. This particular option gets you straight into stuff from your own emails, events, flights or hotels
There are also shortcuts like tic-tac-toe, roll a die, animal sounds, solitaire, and of course, the “I’m feeling curious”, which spews up a random webpage that is almost guaranteed to be an interesting read.
In case you want to try out some new places to eat at, the eat & drink shortcut is ready to give you access to nearby dining options. It also lets you explore recommendations and stay on top of the dining situation in the neighborhood. As Google puts it:
It’s the easiest way to uncover nearby must-try spots while you’re out and about.
Google has always had all this functionality. However, the company is now condensing all of the stuff into a single space so as to ensure that when a user wants to know more about the whether, he or she can do so from right within the Google application instead of having to hunt throughout the neighborhood.
The company will also be introducing shortcuts for big events. While it refused to elaborate, we assume that events like Olympics, or elections will bring new search icons to the fore for users who are being affected or, who could be interested in the same.
The “search” feature is a virtual reflection of the insatiable human curiosity for the unknown, which is also what sets us apart from other species on the planet. Do let us know what you think of the new feature. And as Google puts it, “Search On”.
