Google recently introduced Google Now – an app/service available on android. Essentially, Google Now attempts to predict the information you want. Standing on a train platform – Google Now will deliver up details on the next departing train. If you have an appointment across town, Google Now monitors traffic and alerts you when you need to leave so you aren’t late.
Here’s a quick commercial video on the service.
The real estate of mobile devices is an incredibly valuable resource. Clearly Steve Jobs recognized this when Apple provided new app review guidelines back in the fall of 2010. When users are overrun with choice, making a choice can be difficult at best. Use-case for mobile devices – and especially phones – is one of bit-sized information/content and speed. Consumers also value recommendations and these recommendations can come in a myriad of forms. The key is these recommendations have relevancy. Google Now tries to take advantage of known information to offer useful bit-sized information in a quick format. It takes advantage of the clock, the GPS coordinates, and search history. In the past I’ve written about the sensorization of consumer tech – and how devices moving forward will integrate more sensing technologies. Ultimately that should mean more meaningful recommendations with greater relevancy.
