Google Now on Tap Demo at I_O 2015

Google Now on Tap: A Game-Changing Feature for Android Users

When I receive an email from a friend asking me to go check out a movie, I have two options: fumble my phone to find more information about the movie or ignore it and do something else. However, Google Now on Tap can help me make an informed decision quickly. By tapping and holding on any screen element, Google's Knowledge Graph comes into play, providing a quick answer about what I'm looking at in that moment.

The Context of What I'm Doing

Google's Knowledge Graph is a powerful tool that has access to a vast amount of information about the world, including people, places, things, and even specific movies. In this case, when I tap and hold on a movie title, Google immediately provides me with relevant information. The card that appears shows the ratings from IMDb, as well as some additional details about the movie. This is all made possible by the fact that many apps have participated in Google's app indexing program, which allows users to quickly access relevant information from within the app.

App Indexing and its Benefits for Developers

The app indexing program has opened up new opportunities for developers to get their apps discovered by users. By participating in this program, apps can provide a quick answer or action that is relevant to what the user is doing at the moment. This feature is particularly useful when it comes to getting people to check out more information about something they are interested in.

App Indexing Example: Checking Out More Information About Pitch Perfect 2

One of the benefits of Google Now on Tap is the ability to access more information about a topic quickly and easily. For example, if I want to go see Pitch Perfect 2 with my friend, I can use Google Now on Tap to check out more information about the movie from IMDb or Flickster. The trailer for the movie can also be played directly within the app, making it easy to decide whether or not to go see it.

App Indexing Example: Discovering and Going to a Location

Another example of how Google Now on Tap works is when I'm having a conversation with my friend Paige in the chat app v. She sends me a message asking if we want to go to Koy Tower this weekend because she's never been there before. Without having to fumble through my phone, I can use Google Now on Tap to quickly look up more information about the tower and plan our trip. The Knowledge Graph provides a quick answer that tells me it's a famous tower in San Francisco.

Going Deep Link

After getting some quick answers from Google Now on Tap, I can also go deep link directly into another app to get more information or take further action. For example, if I want to learn more about the Koy Tower, I can click on the Trip Advisor app that has appeared after tapping and holding on the tower's name. This takes me straight to the Koy Tower page in Trip Advisor, allowing me to browse around and see photos of the tower.

Voice Activation

Another way that Google Now on Tap is accessed is through voice activation. In Spotify, for example, I can ask "Who is the lead singer of One Pilots?" and get a quick answer from Google. The feature also works in Japan when my friend Paige posts pictures of her trip to Koy Tower, and I want to learn more about it.

The Future of Google Now on Tap

Google Now on Tap is just one example of how Google's AI technology is being used to make life easier for Android users. With the next version of M, this feature will become even more powerful and accessible, making it possible for users to quickly access information and take further action without having to fumble through their phones. By providing quick answers and actions in the moment, Google Now on Tap has the potential to revolutionize the way we use our smartphones and interact with the world around us.