Google’s mobile apps
2008
Has anyone tried Google’s Mobile Apps?
I did. My verdict: not bad, voice search works 50% of the time. Translation: it seems to work.
Now the details. It’s a free app and downloading it from App Store is simple like all the other apps. I think it’s available only on those who have a US iTunes account (sorry to those who don’t have one).
Google’s mobile home page is clean, almost zen-like in keeping with its philosophy of simplicity but high usability. All the features in Google are listed on one side – Gmail, Reader, Calendar, News, Photos, Translator, Search etc. You can toggle among Search, Settings or Apps.
2 important features jump out: voice activated search and translator.
Switch on the voice feature in the settings before you start. Then instead of typing in a keyword search, speak into your iPhone. First try with “Madonna” gave me the answers for the famous singer. Alas Britney Spears gave me “Buffalo”, a university town in New York vicinity. Second try was “Britney vs …”. Not very good. “Today’s temperature” came out as TV converter!
Well, Google did warn users that it was only for a North American audience which means my accent doesn’t qualify. Maybe when Google has the accent business settled, then the accuracy for the rest of the world won’t be so bad. It’s a tough challenge for the search giant.
The translation appears to be good but like all similar services, it can’t translate the nuances and the metaphors. “This food is out of the world” in English came out in Chinese as “This food can’t be eaten because it is not from this world”! Otherwise, the translation appears good. I mean I trust that Google has done its homework since I don’t speak Latvian, Czech, Swedish, Li (a language used by the dominant ethnic mintority on Hainan Island), Arabic, Vietnamese and some 30 other languages.
At the moment, this app is only for the iPhone. I guess it’s an experiment. With feedback, Google will improve and release it for other brands of phones.
The one-button to Google on cellphones is a good idea. It’s only one click to search and a couple of clicks to Gmail (you’ve to sign in). Previously, I would have to go to my browser, then Google. Smart of the search giant to do this.
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