Google apps update alerts

SEO and content marketing analytics service Searchmetrics has announced several new features, including the ability to see where your mobile apps — or those of competitors — appear in the Google App Packs or where your paid app ads show up on a mobile search results page. The San Mateo, California-based company said this kind of analysis in its Mobile App Rankings is the first of its kind. The new features were made available in Europe in March and are now being rolled out to the US. For example, Director of Product Helen Shaughnessy told me, if you search for “free music downloads” on a smartphone, you’re “highly likely to find Spotify and SoundCloud apps in the accompanying App Pack.” A Google App Pack is a group of up to six suggested apps that might be returned in a Google mobile search, appearing as colorful tiles with app names, icons, prices and ratings. They link to the app download pages in the Google or Apple app stores. Searchmetrics … [Read more...] about Searchmetrics now shows where your app appears in App Packs

Google Now is Google’s predictive search solution that tries to anticipate a user’s needs before the user searches. It presents information in the form of “answer cards” on your mobile phone, your smartwatch or (if you have downloaded the plugin) on your desktop computer. The previous article in this series discussed Google’s Private Index and how it is beginning to impact searchers, especially with Google Now and Now on Tap. This article will build on that. This is the second article in a three-part series, and it will help explain how Google’s Private Index will allow notifications to searchers when the price of a product they are interested in decreases. The article will also dig into Google’s ability to understand images, to help them identify competitive products other than the product presented in Google Now. In a previous version of this column, we referred to these as “sponsored” Now cards, but we’ve since received … [Read more...] about Google Now Cards Featuring Merchant Data

Google announced today the release of a new Google Maps app for Android devices, with iPhone and iPad versions soon to follow. According to the announcement, the new Google Maps app will include more search functionality and updated navigation features, as well as Zagat reviews and discount offers for specific destinations. Google has also created a tablet-specific design of the app for Android tablets and iPads. With the new app, users can find locations without typing by tapping the search box to see cards showing eat, drink and shopping options. Google claims this new search functionality will give users, “…a fast and easy way to visually browse and discover new places.” The Google Maps app also comes with two new navigation features: one that reports road problems and provides incident details, and a second that alerts users to a better route should one become available. For now, only Android users will have access to the feature offering re-route information, … [Read more...] about New Google Maps App Gives Users More Search Functionality & Navigation Features

In a world where we’re distracted by some 30,000+ brand messages per day, effortlessness in the user experience is becoming a highly desirable quality. Crafty Google, in realization of this, has been working overtime on the most effortless experience possible. Released as a standalone app for Android and as an integrated update to the Google App for iOS, Google Now assesses the behavior of a user logged into his or her Google account, and, over time, develops an understanding of what that user wants and needs. As engagement with the app progresses, customized content begins to filter into the UI in the form of categorical “cards” – weather alerts, breaking news, calendar reminders and so forth – all compiled based on past behavior, current context, and ongoing interaction. The more you search and use other Google tools like Gmail and Google Calendar, the more Google learns until your need to actually expend any effort whatsoever – talking, tapping, … [Read more...] about Google Now: Taking the Search Out of Search

Google is striving to surface even more useful content for Android users, as today the company announced new Google Now cards from 70 additional app partners. Google Now is a predictive search tool integrated into the Android operating system that tracks important information about its users, and surfaces it when they need it most. For example — getting a flight booking confirmation in Gmail will trigger Google Now to remember when your upcoming flight is, and alert you beforehand whether it’s delayed, canceled, or on time. Now that same kind of functionality is going to work with even more apps — such as Zipcar, Spotify, Feedly, and more Android apps that you probably use every day. Here is an overview of some of the most useful new integrations: Zipcar: Alerts you when your return time is coming up, provides directions to drop off point. Spotify/YouTube/Etc: Get recommended playlists from your favorite media apps based on your preferences. Feedly (& other … [Read more...] about Google Now for Android Gets 70 New App Integrations