Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#1

Post by mkaziz » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 3:23 PM UTC

I kind of wanted to get a general feeling on how people feel about Google Now. I'm severely tempted to install it on my Nexus, but am balking at Google knowing my location history over time.

Do you use Now anyway? If not or if you have concerns, what are they?

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#2

Post by tokenadult » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 3:26 PM UTC

Yes, I use it. Once Google Now gave me a fantastically useful recommendation for an Indian restaurant when I was on a trip out of town. The restaurant was within walking distance of my hotel, but I never would have known it was there without Google Now. That alone made me glad I have Google Now on my Nexus 4.

http://kckormasutra.net/

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#3

Post by jongibbins » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 3:31 PM UTC

Google Now is great if you travel a lot by road and have regularly occurring destinations and/or at regular times. It has a great ability to predict "Are you going to xyz?" - If you answer yes, it already knows where you are going and presents the satnav all ready to go with traffic reports etc. I find that so so handy.

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#4

Post by kintamanimatt » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 3:34 PM UTC

Nope. Google Now would piss me off no end so I disabled it. It'd constantly disturb me with crap I didn't need to or want to know. In fact, it really didn't contribute any value to my life and at times just felt creepy.

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#5

Post by elyasali » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 4:04 PM UTC

tokenadult wrote: post #2

Yes, I use it. Once Google Now gave me a fantastically useful recommendation for an Indian restaurant when I was on a trip out of town. The restaurant was within walking distance of my hotel, but I never would have known it was there without Google Now. That alone made me glad I have Google Now on my Nexus 4. http://kckormasutra.net/

I'm finding Google Now to be a very cool idea. I know Google is constantly mining my data for ad purposes. Google Now points some of that in my direction. It's still feels like it's in beta, let's hope it doesn't get the Google Axe.

On a side note with Glass and Google Now, I can't help but think Google will want to listen in on my daily conversations and serve relevant ads. Like if I've been talking about how I need to get my oil changed, then Google could send me a coupon to a Jiffy Lube nearby. Or maybe just drive my car there!

P.S. Great place! Congrats on the find.

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#6

Post by teddyc » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 4:11 PM UTC

Yes, I use it and I think it is pretty cool. Mostly, it is just a quick way to navigate to what I need on my smart phone without having to open the app folder, find the app, navigate to the item of interest within the app. It also integrates nicely with calendar events and Google Keep. You might be able to use it (in limited capacity) without sharing location data.

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#7

Post by junto » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 4:22 PM UTC

Partially on.

I find it too creepy. Especially after the Snowden leaks. My life isn't that interesting, but still. If my location data could be anonymised somehow then I'd be more happy allowing Google access to my location data.

I do use the reminder feature though, which is part of Google Now I believe.

TL;DR: I have location sharing switched off on my Nexus 4 because I find it intrusive. Google Now is switched on, but useless without location data.

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#8

Post by mrschwabe » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 5:17 PM UTC

I try not to use anything related to Google. This includes their technologies like Go and AngularJS. Not that the NSA has necessarily compromised those too, but it's a matter of principal; the same reason I don't shop at Wal-Mart or eat at McDonalds: I do not trust them to do the right thing.

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#9

Post by jayadeeptp » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 5:48 PM UTC

Yes, I use it to check weather and get traffic updates. quite less information is shown on cards. But, if you are not using it, you aren't missing much!

Re: Ask HN: Do you use Google Now?

#10

Post by relaunched » Mon, Dec 02, 2013, 7:29 PM UTC

I travel a lot and have standard routes, so flights, drive times, etc are great. Also, it knows the sports teams I like, so the info is usually around when I want it.

However, the most amazing thing is when I get email receipts with tracking info in them, I get a card that reminds me of it, with a link to check the status.

Pretty amazing and only getting better.