A new feature centered around flight delay predictions will soon roll out on Google Assistant. It aims to give users a better grasp on what the situation looks up in the air.
To be sure, Google already provides flight predictions via Google Flights, but implementing it into Assistant means users can soon ask Google's intelligent digital servant things such as, "Hey Google, is my flight on time" or even something more specific, as in, "What's the status of the American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Denver?"
Ask Google Assistant About Flights
Google timed the announcement specifically for the forthcoming holidays, a period where flight schedules typically go into pandemonium.
"With the holidays approaching, many of us will travel to see family or go on a vacation," Google wrote in a blog post. "Whether you're heading out of town over the next few weeks or starting to think about a trip in the new year, we've rounded up some of our favorite tools to help make travel just a little bit easier."
How Google Assistant Makes Flight Predictions
Google's flight predictions are powered by a combination of different smarts, fusing historic flight data and machine learning technology to make often accurate guesses on which flights are likely going to be delayed. Even more impressive is the fact that Google can often announce flight delays even before airlines can give official word.
Google also wants Assistant to keep users up-to-date on changes to their flight time, especially throughout the holidays, so over the next few weeks, the app will keep proactively notifying them if it predicts potential flight delays. It will also list a reason for confirmed delays if it's available.
At the moment, only Google Assistant offers flight predictions. Other services can and do notify users for confirmed flight delays, but they are unable to infer from historical flight data and other forms of technology to make guesses. Yes, most airline carriers notify users by email or text message if a flight has been delayed. Google's approach, on the other hand, gives users more time to prepare in case the flight does get delayed as predicted.
Google's Other Plans After The Holidays
Google also has other plans for travel-focused apps past the holidays. For instance, it's improving a few tools, such as Google Maps and Google Flights, to make getting around much easier. Make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more about these future initiatives. In the meantime, feel free to sound off in the comments section below if you have any thoughts!
