What is Google Now? How and why you should use it on Android phone

Accept it, owning a personal assistant is a big solace sometimes! However, in today's technologically advanced world, we depend more on our phone's virtual assistant than the one in our office.

Apple has Siri and Microsoft offers Cortana. So what do Android users get? Answer is Google Now. Launched in 2012, Google Now is an intelligent personal assistant made by Google. It was first included in Android 4.1 which launched on July 9, 2012, and was first supported on the Google Nexus smartphone.

It is found within the Google search option and can be used in numerous ways that are helpful. Yes, it can set reminders or answer basic questions like the weather of the day or the name of the movies that won Oscars last year. But more than that Google Now is a virtual assistant that shows relevant and timely information to you once it learns more about you and how you use the phone.

So how do you set up and access Google Now on an Android phone? Simple, just follow the steps.

1. Open the Google Settings app

2. Touch Search & Now > Now cards
3. Enable "Show cards"

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup

To access it, you will have to long press the home button and then swipe upwards. Though, if you have a Nexus phone, the Google Now can be accessed with a swipe from the left on the home screen.

Google Now displays different sections called Now cards that pulls information from your Gmail account and throws it on the screen. For example if you have last bought a Red Lipstick from Amazon, the card shows you your recent buy. Similarly, it has weather card where you can know about the weather, sport card where you can learn about any match which is on.

While there are numerous ways to explore Google Now, we tell you some of the coolest use of Google Now to help make your life convenient.

1. Reach on Time

Once you enter you office address in its settings, it will automatically suggest you the shortest route to the destination making sure that you do not get stuck in any traffic. Google Now even monitors the time when you usually leave for office and after a while automatically starts reminding you, based on the traffic conditions, when is the right time to leave for the office.

2. What's the weather?

The weather card helps you know about the weather outside. You can also learn about the expected weather and temperature so that you are prepared before you step out of your door. The best bit about Google Now is that you don't have to tell it your location. If you travel to a new location, the Google Now already knows it and will show you the weather of the new place.

3. Railway PNR

Google Now also shows railway PNR status card where you can see your current seat booking and what is the position of train like the expected arrival or delay. The best bit is that if you have booked the ticket online and have the ticket in your Gmail, Google Now would track your ticket automatically.

4. Reminders

Now let your phone remind you of your date with a friend or a movie on Friday night. So just set reminders for any events on Google Now and forget about it.

5. Sports

If you are a sports fan and cannot watch the match at your work place, Google Now is here to help. Add the team you wish to follow under customise option of the Google Now and it will show you related information like the details of their current match on your screen.

6. Trends

This card shows you the most trending topics on Google for the day. The topics are figured out on the basis on what interests you, which in turn is figured out on the basis what you search more on Google.

7. News stories

The news card shows you the news stories based on your location on Google search history.

8. Cards based on apps and websites

With Google Now, you can see useful cards from apps and websites on your mobile screen at the right time and place. For example, if you're looking for a decent place to dine, a Now card might recommend where to go in nearby. You can always get a personalised cards by letting Google know which apps and websites you visit most.

9. Stocks

With Now stock card, it has become easier to follow stock prices.

10. Tracks your toes

In its latest addition, Google Now has added a pedometer to its website that tell you how much you have walked, cycled or travelled in a month.

You can swipe cards away when you no more need them. To bring the card back immediately after swiping it away, simply touch the Undo option at the bottom of your screen.