Google has updated its Google app for iOS and Android with brand-new shortcuts, a set of attractive, easy-to-use icons that make searching things much easier and more seamless. Available on both apps and the Google.com mobile site, these shortcuts link the user to information related to areas such as sports, weather, food and drink, entertainment, and a whole lot more.
Google Search Shortcuts
The idea behind Google's addition of shortcuts is to offer users a unique way of navigating and exploring the app, instead of using the traditional input methods of manually writing down a text query, or using one's voice.
"These days, you expect information at your fingertips. Starting today, we're making it easier than ever to stay in the know and get the information you need quickly and easily," wrote Google in a blog post. The company goes on to explain that while the Google search box is great when perusing for specific answers, there are moments when users just want to see the latest updates on specific areas of interests. Hence, the inclusion of shortcuts.
What You Can Do With Google Shortcuts
Rolling out now to all U.S. users who have the Google app installed, the shortcuts will be placed just below the search box. When tapped, these shortcuts will hand out streamlined information about a particular topic of interest, such as tapping sports will give out latest scores, or tapping movies will bring up the latest trailers. It's a simple enough ecosystem that there isn't really a steep learning curve to tackle.
Tap the arrow to the right of the main shortcuts on Android and you'll find a whole page complete with a trove of shortcuts, which are neatly categorized into a number of groups, including "My Stuff," a personalized section that'll tie in the user's emails, events, flights, and more.
Also, from this page, users will be able to do a host of things, such as translate texts, browse nearby places, convert currencies, and even play some games altogether. Of course, Google wouldn't be Google without it adding a fun little quirk: an "I'm Feeling Curious" shortcut option for arbitrary but interesting trivia.
None of what these shortcuts offer is new; everything you'll find useful using shortcuts are already being offered by Google at present. It simply organized and fitted them into neat little shortcuts for optimum ease-of-access. After all, finding out the different capabilities of Google isn't easy since there are so many. Shortcuts lets them all out in the open in an easy dashboard-like interface.
The update also comes at a time when major tech companies, TechCrunch notes, are trying to reintroduce the idea of a one-stop portal for a multitude of features, which doubles as a nexus of the web, of sorts. In the past, users would need to visit several websites just to view different kinds of information. Now, it can be taken care of in one place.
The updated Google app is rolling out now. It is a free download from the Play Store and App Store.
Thoughts about Google's new shortcuts schtick? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
