14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday I reported that Google had updated its Mobile App for iPhone and iPod touch with a new addition, namely Voice Search. The new feature sounds pretty exciting, and thanks to Google's demonstration video, it looks so as well. The update has just been made available, is free (as is the app itself), so rush over to the App Store now and get it!
Although Google announced the update earlier, only recently has Apple posted the new version in the App Store. Google Mobile App for iPhone and iPod touch now offers Voice and My Location search, two features that no one can say no to.
For once, Google has achieved quite a feat by enabling users to enter whatever query they might want, whether it's a restaurant nearby they seek, or a cinema, all by simply putting the iPhone in upright position and speaking. The same query has Google's powerful search engine offering different results for different locations.
With the new update online, Google's Mobile App for iPhone and iPod touch boasts some impressive abilities, including
1. Voice search - Speak your queries instead of typing them.
2. Search with My Location - Search for nearby businesses and more without specifying where you are.
3. When you type, get time-saving suggestions for
- web site shortcuts, like Wikipedia articles - search history - word completion - contacts
4. Fast access to Google services like Mail, Earth, Photos, Talk, Reader and more
Those already sold on the features should note that Voice Search is supported only on iPhone, and works best for North American English accents. Other languages are coming soon, Google says.
A NY Times report reveals that Google’s advantage in this field is the ability to store and analyze vast amounts of data. “Whatever they introduce now, it will greatly increase in accuracy in three or six months,” said Raj Reddy, an artificial intelligence researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, who has done pioneering work in voice recognition. “It’s important to understand that machine recognition will never be perfect,” he added. “The question is, How close can they come to human performance?”
That's a good question, but until Google comes up with software that is able to answer back, let's just enjoy using the latest breakthroughs in voice searching on our handsets.
Download Google Mobile App via iTunes App Store (Free)