Application integration will be a major part of Google Now in the upcoming Android M update, allowing the user to experience a much deeper level of voice interaction than on any current competing platforms.
One of the most unique features of Cortana for Windows Phone was its ability to launch applications and interact with them through voice commands. It was one of the few trump cards that the voice recognition system had over its rivals. This looks set to change however, as Google Now could be getting a major upgrade for Android M.
Currently, voice controls only work with a few apps and need very specific phrases to produce anything substantial. With the new Android update, Google is releasing a new Voice Interaction API which will give app developers the ability to build voice control natively into their apps. The potential for this is huge as it goes much further than simple voice commands. Users and apps will be able to fully communicate with one another, launching apps within another app for example, all using variable voice commands.
Even more impressive, there’s no need to stick to a specific pre-defined phrase. One of Cortana’s current drawbacks is the need to be very specific in what you are saying otherwise the app will fail to launch. With the updated Google Now, you’ll be able to say something much more natural. Google demonstrated the technology on Google+ using the TuneIn application, which has been updated to use the API.
Saying something such as “OK Google, listen to music on TuneIn”, will not only launch the TuneIn app but also get it to ask “What genre of music would you like to listen to?”. Reply with your favourite genre and the app will respond by displaying all the songs in that genre. Incredibly fast and very fluent.
Google has released a video aimed at developers which showcases the technology. While it’s a little bit techy for most people, just ignore that and focus on the interaction between man and device.
[sc:https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=132&v=OW1A4XFRuyc ]
