Google Now Launcher released for Nexus and Play Edition devices running Android 4.4
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By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 27 February 2014 16:38 IST
Google has quietly released the Google Now Launcher, seen originally on
the Google Nexus 5, as a standalone app available via the Play Store.
However, the new launcher is not a universal release and is currently
compatible only with the Nexus and Google Play Edition (GPE) devices
running Android 4.4 KitKat. Unfortunately, there is no word from Google
when, and indeed if, the Google Now Launcher will be available to other
Android devices.
Notably,
Google Now
Launcher brings "OK Google" feature to Nexus and GPE devices that allows users
to just say the command (Ok Google) when in the home screen to launch
the Google Now assistant and do a voice search, send a text, get
directions or even play a song. With this launcher, Google Now can be
launched by simply swiping to the left instead of swiping from the
bottom. It's worth pointing out that the voice-activated always-on
search assistant was first seen in the Moto X.
The Google Now Launcher also brings faster search that can be accessed by just tapping the search box and entering the query.
In
addition, Google also
rolled out new photo features in the Google+ app for Android. Some of
the new additions added include non-destructive photo editing across
devices, which allows users to backup a full-resolution image from
desktop and edit it on a mobile or tablet; new filters and creative
tools, such as 1-touch filters; Snapseed-inspired enhancements like
Drama, Retrolux, and HDR Scape.
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