Google Upgrades Conversational Search

10-10-2014Tags: SEO

Following the announcement of Bing's Conversational Search on 12 August, Google has now upgraded the compatibility of its mobile app. The upgrade allows users to complete actions by voice and Google uses previous voice commands to provide context for an ongoing conversation.

Providing that you enable Google Apps location access, the mobile app will use your location to provide answers to voice commands. The below example was featured on Google's blog:

Step 1: Find a spot for dinner 
Just say, "Ok Google, show me restaurants near my hotel" - et voilà, you'll get a selection to choose from (you don't even need to remember your hotel name, as long as your hotel reservation is saved in your Gmail, so Google has something to work with). Is your date dessert crazy? Quickly make sure the restaurant has a good selection by just asking "Ok Google, show me the menu for the first one."

Step 2: Make a reservation 
When you've found the restaurant you like, you can just say: "Ok Google, make a reservation there for 7pm." If the restaurant is on OpenTable, you'll see a reservations screen pop up with the details already filled out - no need waste those precious moments on hold with a restaurant.

Step 3: Continue your evening 
Once the bill is paid and you've set your napkin down, find the perfect place for that after-dinner Manhattan. Just say "Ok Google, show me some bars near here" then follow up with a simple "give me directions to the first one." You'll be good to go.

Step 4: Don't fret the small stuff 
The Google app can help you with the rest of your trip, too. Get reminders on where to pick up your rental car or (if you're really getting away) when it's time to leave to catch your flight (it'll even give you alternate options should your flight be delayed or cancelled). You might see your hotel reservation pop up as you walk out of the airport, get a notification about your dinner reservation - and even fun spots to explore and take photos.

Users Worldwide

This compatibility upgrade from Google comes just weeks after Bing announced a significant change to their search function. However, the new functionality of Google's mobile app upgrade is available to all iOS and Android users worldwide, rather than just the US-based users of the Bing search function.

The upgrade follows a period of heavy advertising from Google, where they have been promoting the search features available on its mobile app with a series of "Ask the Google app" television adverts.