Hasta La Gadget!

Google has been testing search-enabled tabs in Chrome since December, but you’ve had to run test versions of the browser to see those tabs in action. That changes today: the company is expanding its trials to include a small number of users running stable copies of Chrome and Chrome OS. If you’re part of that exclusive group and use Google as your default search engine, you’ll see a search box appear in every new tab. The page also supports other providers through a developer API. While Google doesn’t say if or when the new search feature will reach every Chrome user, it notes that previous tests have been “encouraging” — don’t be surprised if your tabs get the same treatment in the near future.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Google

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Source: Chromium Blog

Just about everyone has used Google to look up the definition of a word before. You know, you just type in the word “define” followed by the word you want to look up and the definition will appear above the search results. That still holds true now, but a recent update for both desktop and […]

While Google’s word definitions may literally be a little odd at times, the "define word" search command is incredibly convenient—and it’s now got a whole lot more useful, too.

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Traffic and weather updates are great, but Google Now never shines better than when you’re on vacation. To that end, Mountain View has taught the feature a few new tricks, equipping it with cards for keeping track of car rental and concert tickets. Not traveling? No problem, Google also updated Now’s public transit cards to notify users when the last train home leaves — a feature that was announced for Japan at Google I/O. While waiting, users will also be able to check the latest NCAA scores with a new football card.

New cards are always good, but more interesting are the reminder features the latest update tacks on. Thumbing a new “remind me” button while searching for media will prompt Google Now to notify you when your favorite band, TV show or author releases something new. A tweaked TV card will offer real time data as well, sussing out what program you are watching using your smartphone’s mic and digging up program information. Itching to try it out? Skip on over to the Google Play store and update your search app. You’ll find that link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google

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Source: Google Play, Android (G+)

Those with a hearty level of respect for beta builds have been enjoying these spoils for weeks now, but Google has today seen fit to push Chrome 29 and a refreshed Chrome for Android out to rest of us. Effective right now, Chrome 29 users on the desktop will see “improvements to omnibox suggestions based on the recency of websites visited, resulting in more timely and contextually relevant suggestions.” Interestingly, Google has also added a “Reset browser settings” option for those who end up going a bit overboard with extensions; thankfully, waving the aforesaid white flag won’t impact your themes, apps or bookmarks.

On the mobile front, Chrome on Android is being updated with improved scrolling and startup performance, as well as WebRTC support that will enable video conversation directly in the browser without a plugin. Yeah, we thought you’d dig that.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Google

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Source: Google Chrome Blog, Google Play Store