Google Now on Tap: A Guide to Android 6.0's Feature
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Introducing Google Now on Tap
A defining characteristic of Android 6.0 is the introduction of Google Now on Tap. This functionality, integrated within the broader Google Now ecosystem, enables Google to analyze the content displayed on your screen.
Upon screen activation, Google intelligently attempts to determine your current context and anticipates your information needs.
How Google Now on Tap Works
The system automatically infers what you might be interested in learning more about, subsequently offering relevant search results and supplementary details.
This proactive information delivery aims to streamline the user experience and provide assistance without requiring explicit queries.
Significance of the Feature
Beyond the implementation of user-controlled app permissions – a capability initially offered by Apple’s iOS – Google Now on Tap stands out as the most noteworthy and compelling addition in Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
It represents a significant step towards a more intuitive and contextually aware mobile operating system.
The ability to understand screen content and proactively offer relevant information enhances the overall utility of the platform.
Introducing Now on Tap
Related: Configuring and Utilizing Google Now on Android
With each Android iteration, Google Now has become increasingly integrated into the operating system. On contemporary Android devices – particularly those employing the Google Now launcher, available for installation via Google Play – Google Now is accessible by swiping right from the home screen.
Google Now proactively delivers information deemed relevant to the user. This encompasses tracking details derived from received emails, local weather forecasts, and commute directions based on time of day.
Furthermore, it may display directions to recently searched locations or provide updated scores for followed sports teams.
This functionality positions Google Now as a direct competitor to Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana. Google prioritizes anticipatory information delivery, a strategy Microsoft is adopting with Cortana and Apple is beginning to implement with Siri in iOS 9.
Expanding Capabilities with Now on Tap
Now on Tap represents a further advancement in this concept. Android applications are now capable of sharing their data with Now on Tap.
Upon activation, Now on Tap analyzes the screen content, identifying potential areas of interest and presenting corresponding "cards" with relevant information.
For instance, while listening to music through an application, invoking Now on Tap could reveal details about the performing artist. Alternatively, if a restaurant is mentioned within a text conversation, Now on Tap will display a card containing reviews and directions.
The intention is to eliminate the need for manual searches. Instead, Now on Tap automatically retrieves information about people, places, or other subjects of interest. It’s important to note that, as an initial release, the system isn't flawless.
Utilizing Now on Tap
Activating Now on Tap is straightforward: simply press and hold the Home button on your device. Previously, this action launched Google Now, but it now directly accesses Now on Tap functionality. Upon initial use, you will be prompted to enable this feature.
Depending on your device, an alternative shortcut may be necessary. Typically, you can utilize whichever method normally opens Google Now – for some devices, this could involve a double-press of the Home button. Currently, only Google’s Nexus line features Android 6.0 Marshmallow, so the implementation by Samsung and other manufacturers remains to be seen.
Google suggests experimenting with this feature when encountering references to people, locations, and films. When an application – or even a webpage within Google Chrome – mentions a person, place, or movie, relevant information should become readily available via a long-press of the Home button.
Further Exploration: 16 Android Voice Actions to Personalize Your Android Experience
Voice commands can also be employed. After initiating Now on Tap, you can say "Ok Google" or tap the microphone icon to pose a question related to the content displayed on your screen. For instance, while a song is playing within an app, you could ask, "Ok Google, what is her given name?" or "Ok Google, what is his age?".
Google Now will then conduct a search based on the information presented in Now on Tap. In this scenario, it should recognize the artist playing and provide an answer to your query regarding their real name or age.
The process is remarkably simple – the Home button shortcut now directly launches Now on Tap. Access to the primary Google Now screen remains available through your home screen, the Google search application, or incoming notifications on your Android device.
You can also navigate to the Google Now interface by tapping the "G" button located at the bottom of the Now on Tap screen.
The utility of this feature is expected to grow as more Android applications integrate with it and as Google expands Now on Tap’s ability to interpret a wider range of data. Currently, Google’s Now on Tap demonstrates the potential of deeply integrating Google’s knowledge graph into the Android operating system.
Android is progressively becoming more closely linked with Google’s suite of services, enhancing the user experience.