Google has quietly rolled out its new conversational search feature in the latest version of its Chrome browser for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Users that hit up the Google homepage will now see a small microphone symbol in the right-hand side of the search field; it will ask for permissions to access a connected microphone, before enabling conversational search queries.
The update means that users can now ask Google questions from the desktop using only their voice. The idea is that people should be able to use words and phrasing used in everyday conversation, rather than the strict keywords that have been embedded in our brains over the last decade or so.
The user could ask, for instance, ‘How do I get to Wembley Stadium?’, and Google will interpret the question and then serve up relevant route information via Google Maps. As with Google Now, the service also draws on information stored through other Google products and services. If the user asks when their flight is supposed to leave, or if they’re free later this afternoon, Chrome will automatically dig into Google Calendar to check.
Google is positioning its search products as a context-sensitive personal assistant. Voice input will feel jarring for some, but the ability to discover new information on the Web and apply that to users’ own daily routine and information is a powerful concept.
As with Google Now, conversational search will provide users with information at the right time, when they need it. Bringing the feature to all major operating systems will also mean that everyone can take advantage of the service, regardless of what device they’re using.
A word of warning, however. In our tests clicking on the microphone symbol showed the message ‘No Internet Connection’ on a number of occasions, despite having steady access. We’re not sure why this is and have asked Google to clarify what the problem might be.
