Google is updating their Search over the next couple of days to incorporate some very cool new functions into the mainstream search. Some of the functions have been present in Google Now but are now coming to the forefront of what is Googles most public feature – Search.
The new features, which will initially only be available to U.S., English-speaking users, will show information from your Gmail, Google Calendar, Google+ or Google Drive and include results for :
- Flights: Ask Google “Is my flight on time?” to get info on your upcoming flights and live status on your current flights.
- Reservations: Ask for “my reservations” to see your dining plans or “my hotel” to get your hotel name and address. With one tap, you can get driving or public transit directions straight there, saving you lots of steps.
- Purchases: Ask for “my purchases,” and you’ll get the status of your current orders, so you know whether your mom’s birthday present will arrive on time.
- Plans: Ask Google “What are my plans for tomorrow?” to see a summary of upcoming flights, hotels, restaurant reservations and events—very useful when you’re traveling.
- Photos: Say “Show me my photos from Thailand” to see the photos you uploaded to Google+. You can also ask for “my photos of sunsets” if you want to show off the shots you’ve taken over the year; Google will try to automatically recognize the type of photo you’re asking for.
The new search function is only available when you’re signed into Google and if you really want to turn it off you can turn for an individual session or more permanantly in the ‘Private Results’ section in search settings.
A couple of the features appear to be very much aimed at US users only, however the others can be utilised by just about anyone. This should arrive on your desktop, tablet and smartphone over the next few days.
