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This article was published on November 1, 2016

Google updates StreetView, Google app for Fantastic Beasts movie


Google updates StreetView, Google app for Fantastic Beasts movie

Pretty much everyone who grew up watching Harry Potter wanted to be a wizard at some point. Sadly, magic isn’t real, and no parent in their right mind would send their kid to a school with a Basilisk infestation problem.

That said, Google’s got the next best thing. It just updated the Google app with some magical incantations.

Now, when you say “OK Google, lumos,” it’ll switch on your flashlight. To turn it off, the magic word is “nox.” To turn off your phone’s ringer and notifications, try “Silencio.

 

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The update is here to coincide with the launch of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”. The long-awaited spin-off of Harry Potter follows the adventures of “magizoologist” Newt Scamander in 1920’s New York, and is due to be released in cinemas later this month.

Google has also updated Google Street View to include locations from the film. Now, fans can visit landmarks from the film, like the headquarters of the MACUSA (Magical Congress of the USA), the Steen National Bank, and the underground speakeasy The Blind Pig.

And when Google releases its Daydream View headset in November, it’ll come with an experience that lets you delve into Newt Scamander’s magical suitcase, find escaped magical beasts, and stop them from destroying New York City.

The icing on the cake (or rather, foam on the butterbeer) is an exclusive Fantastic Beasts sticker pack, which will arrive in Google Allo shortly.

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