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Google's conversational search goes live on desktops via Chrome 27

Google's conversational search goes live on desktops via Chrome 27

By Anupam Saxena | Updated: 24 May 2013 17:41 IST

Google has made the 'conversational search' feature that it demonstrated at its I/O Keynote, live on Chrome browser for Mac, Windows and Linux with the updated version (version 27) of the browser.

Similar to voice search and Google Now apps on Android and iOS devices, the new functionality allows users to ask Google questions by speaking with the search engine in a conversational manner using words and phrases, eliminating the need to key in search terms manually. The search engine also responds in a more natural, human-like way to create a feeling of personalisation.

Although Google's search bar has been featuring a microphone since it launched voice search in 2011, the same microphone now launches the conversational search and prompts the user to allow Google to use the microphone. After granting permission, you can ask a question and Google displays the results along with a voice answering the query.

The service also displays Google Now-like cards at the top of search results when it uses a Google service. For instance, if you ask Google 'how do I get to Connaught Place', it returns a card with directions and commute time that can be expanded to see more details on Google Maps. The same happens when you ask about the weather conditions or a meaning of a word.
If you're signed in with your Google credentials and use Google Calendar for events, it will even dig out events when you search for them.

However, Google has still not rolled out a totally hands-free experience and you can't switch to another search just by saying 'Ok Google' at the time of writing this post.

If Search is not able to get back with a conversational reply, it just displays the search results based on the keywords comprehended by its speech to text engine.

We were able to get accurate results while using conversational with Google.co.in, however, location results were not that accurate as Google detects location via the Internet service provider.

With the implementation of conversational search, Google is now able to deliver a consistent voice search experience across mobile and desktop and offer a more personalised search experience.

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