Google's Maps app gets 'OK Google' hands-free voice search

Google has started rolling out a new update to its Maps app on Android that makes it even more useful by allowing you to access all the information you require without even lifting your finger.
"The next time you enter navigation mode or driving mode, you can simply say 'Ok Google' followed by a voice command, without needing to tap or even look at the screen," the company says in a blog post.
To use the new feature, you need to first activate hands-free voice commands, something which you can do by heading to Settings->OK Google detection and enabling the While driving setting.
Aside from queries like "What’s my next turn?" and "What’s my ETA?" you can now ask the app to "Show / Hide traffic," "Mute / Unmute voice guidance," and even "Avoid tolls / highways / ferries."
Not only this, you can also put up traffic-related queries like "How’s traffic ahead?" or "Show alternate routes," as well as ask the app to "Send a text" or call one of your contacts.
Source

Comments

Post a Comment

Kindly Comment Only related to Post

Popular posts from this blog

Upcoming OnePlus Mini has all of its specs detailed

Image
Before the end of the year, OnePlus will unveil a new, even more affordable device. This has so far been confirmed many times by the Chinese company's management. Yet understandably OnePlus execs haven't disclosed any information about the upcoming device's specs. That said, today a new rumor comes to seemingly reveal all of that. Before we delve into it, however, do note that all of this comes from an anonymous source, and as such you shouldn't take any of it for granted. Furthermore, the source itself claims that these details are from a prototype that's already two months old, which means that certain hardware specs may have changed in the meantime. The phone could be called OnePlus Mini, since it will have a 5-inch touchscreen (with 1080p resolution and 2.5D Gorilla Glass on top). It will be powered by MediaTek's Helio X10 chipset (MT6795T), which comes with a 2.2 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU. 2GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable eMMC 5...
Read more

Google Maps now has a bottom bar for real-time traffic and transit info

Image
Google Maps is becoming more and more driving-friendly with latest updates. Lately we told you about some updates that brought parking availability on Android and Popular Times’ evolution into real-time data on iOS. But now this information will be even more accessible for you - Google is placing the Transit and Traffic buttons on a bottom bar, instead of the menu that has to be pulled from the left side. You can swipe up for more information. Places Tab • Traffic Tab • Transit Tab Under the places tab you see lists of places around to eat and drink, based on keywords such a “business dining” or “cheap eats”. There’s also other spots like ATMs, pharmacies, gas stations, grocery stores. The driving tab will pull live info with directions and ETA to Home and Work, if saved, along with information for any traffic complications. The transit tab is really useful if Google Maps has the public transport for your city implemented. When swiped up, the menu will show ...
Read more

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 to come with new design, flexible display

Image
The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch has been rumored to come out in tandem with the Galaxy S5. Now a new publication in a Korean media, which claims to be in touch with Samsung insiders, the new generation smartwatch will be announced in March or April. The announcement is likely to happen in London, probably at an Unpacked event. The insider also claims that Samsung has felt the need to radically change the design of the upcoming Gear. The overhaul will include a new, flexible OLED display. Additionally, the report says that Samsung has gone to quite the extremes and has changed all the parts that look “dull or boring.” Previous rumors have hinted that the Gear 2 might be 15-20% thinner than the first generation. It’ll be interesting to see how Samsung will tackle the battery problem. As we pointed out in our Galaxy Gear review , 2 days of battery life isn’t enough for a viable smartwatch. The current-gen Galaxy Gear has sold north of 800,000 units and has been ...
Read more

10,000 Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact owners can test drive Android Marshmallow

This way for the Marshmallow trial. Sony's Concept for Android initiative will allow 10,000 Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact owners to beta test Android's new major version. The new software is built on feedback Sony received from the initiative launched earlier this year. If you want in, you'll have to check in with the Concept Sign-up app . It's first come, first serve so there's an element of urgency. Note that the test is limited to select European countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Ireland or Germany. If you're selected for the test, you'll get a notification in the next few weeks. The software should start rolling out soon after that. Sony plans to update the Z3 family (including the Tablet Compact), the Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet and several other devices to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Source
Read more

Metro: Last Light Review

Image
The charm of Metro: Last Light rests in its story and setting. The gameplay is solid, too, but Last Light also suffers from some notable problems Getting everything out of Metro: Last Light requires slow and patient play. In a post-apocalyptic adventure that relies a great deal on constant bits of exposition, the experience quickly grows into something much more than just your everyday shooter. The more time you spend exploring, listening, reading, and watching, the more you appreciate what 4A Games has created: an interesting story-driven single-player-only FPS. It undoubtedly rewards methodical players. Getting through Metro: Last Light also requires a different kind of patience, the kind that lets you forgive occasionally uneven play, questionable AI, and a story that starts strong but ends flat. These issues aren’t enough to sink Last Light – it’s most certainly a good game – but 4A Games’ latest foray is certainly hindered by them. Inspired by ...
Read more

Original TV Shows Landing on Xbox in Early 2014

Halo series could launch soon. During an industry breakfast in Los Angeles, Microsoft's president of entertainment and digital, Nancy Tellem, said the planned original TV programming for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One will tentatively launch in early 2014. According to Variety , Tellem acknowledged the process to get the new shows on Xbox consoles has been "slower" than expected. "We're hoping we will be able to put something up in the first quarter, at minimum second quarter," said Tellem. Microsoft originally announced its plans for original TV programming during its Xbox One reveal earlier in the year. At the time, a Halo-inspired series from Steven Spielberg was in the works. Back in October a second show , focusing on real-life street soccer players, was also announced. "We aren't Netflix, we aren't Amazon,...
Read more