Google Now for Android gets cards for TV shows and offers, voice action to play music, and more

Google today released an update to its Google Search app for Android, adding new features exclusive for Jelly Bean devices. You can grab the new version now directly from Google Play.

First up, Android’s Google Search app can now show you information about shows that you’re watching on your Internet-connected TV. While this is definitely nifty, there are a few catches.

Unfortunately, the feature is limited to the US market, and Google wouldn’t say when it will be available worldwide. Furthermore, your Android device has to be connected to the same network as your TV, meaning you can’t access this information when you’re on the go.

Next up, the Google Search app can now notify you of your saved offers when you’re nearby a location where you can redeem them. For the forgetful among us, this should be very useful.

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As you might have guessed, both these additions are Google Now Cards (pictured above). Google explains the two in a bit more detail:

TV Cards: If you have an internet-connected TV, Google Now can help unlock more information about what you’re watching. Just connect your Android device to the same network that your TV is on and tap “Listen for a TV show” in Google Now. We will show you information, like where you’ve seen an actor in the cast before, or more information about the people mentioned in the show. So if you were watching Nik Wallenda cross the Grand Canyon this weekend, with Google Now, you could learn that the “King of the Wire” in fact holds seven Guinness World Records, including highest bike ride on a high-wire.

Google Offers: Now you can get reminders for your saved offers when you’re near the store — right when you need it. Google Now will pull up the offer so you can use it quickly and easily.

Google has also added a new voice action that lets you play music, both from your phone and from the Google Play Store. If you’re already used to talking to your phone, this one’s for you. Last but not least, the app now includes voice action tips that remind you what commands the app can recognize.

Here’s the full changelog, which notes these features are only available for Android Jelly Bean (version 4.1 and 4.2):

• Information about shows you’re watching on your internet-connected TV (US only). Requires phone/tablet to be on the same network as your TV.
• Saved offers when nearby a redemption location.
• New voice action: play music from your phone or the Play Store.
• Voice actions tips.

This update comes rather quickly after the last one for Android, which arrived just over a month ago. In the meantime, the iOS version is lagging; we’ll keep you posted in regards to when Apple users get these features too.

Top Image Credit: toprankblog / Flickr