Google Now on Tap takes Android’s voice recognition to the next level [VIDEO]

We thought third-party app support would be the coolest thing headed to Google Now this year, but we weren’t even close. Google has announced Now on Tap, a new context-driven element for Google Now that’ll help you figure stuff out, take action and look up information related to what you’re looking at on your phone.

The quick explanation is that you can be inside an app, and Google Now — should you call on its never-ending expertise — can automatically determine what context you’re speaking in, even without specifics. One example was Spotify. You could be listening to Skrillex, and say “OK Google, what’s his real name?” From there, Google Now knows that “his” refers to “Skrillex” and will load up a Google Search that’ll return that exact information.

Another example showed two spouses messaging each other and asking about a restaurant for dinner. Holding the home button — still within that conversation — automatically brings up the restaurant, with reviews and directions for driving there. It’ll also be able to surmise whether you’re talking about a movie within an email conversation, or if you’re trying to find out more information about a specific food item on a menu inside a restaurant’s app.

The most interesting part of all this is that Google claims developers will not have to make any modifications to their apps for Google Now on Tap to work. It just happens, and it’s damn cool.

It’s a little scary, sure — Google Now knows enough about what I’m doing on my phone to provide context-accurate information? That’s sure to raise a big red flag for any privacy nut, but if Google’s privacy policy for using your data on all their other services is anything to go by we aren’t so sure there’s reason to worry.

Privacy aside, Google Now on Tap is very cool, and is perhaps the single biggest addition to the service since its arrival a couple of years back. Be sure to check out the video demos of Google Now on Tap in action in the YouTube clip above, and look forward to being able to try it out on the Android M developers’ preview once it’s ready.

Samsung’s new Level On headphones and Level Link coming to US mid-May

Samsung recently announced some new additions to their Level audio line, and news today has arrived that those in the US will have a chance to get their hands on these latest products starting mid-May. Both the Level On Wireless headphones and the unique Level Link audio peripheral take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity to offer cord-free listening experiences.

The Level On Wireless headphones are an update to Samsung’s previous over-ear offering, featuring active noise cancellation (calculated via input from six built-in microphones) and enhanced sound quality through a dual-layered diaphragm design. A touch control pad activates functionality like S Voice for connected Galaxy devices and can be used to send and receive calls.

The Level Link is a bit more unique, a wireless bridge that connects traditional stereo equipment like speakers, headphones, or even a TV to Bluetooth audio sources. The Link is built for low-latency audio playback and can stream up to two sources simultaneously.

Both new Level offerings feature an Android app to fully customize the listening experience. Exact pricing has not been disclosed at this time.

 

Namco and the creators of Crossy Road team up for new Pac-Man game based on level 256 glitch

In case you didn’t mark your calendar, Pac-Man officially turned 35 years old today. To help celebrate, Bandai Namco and Hipster Whale — creators of the smash hit game Crossy Road — have released a trailer for an upcoming game based around Pac-Man’s infamous level 256 glitch.

The level 256 glitch was actually bad code in the original game that caused it glitch up upon reaching level 256. You wont find the same level progression here, with Pac-Man 256 being an endless runner like PAC-MAN DASH!, but featuring a more classic top-down isometric view. Player must navigate around ghosts and munch on glowing fruit to stay alive while a huge ever-present glitch keeps the action moving forward. It’s actually a similar gameplay mechanic to the one we saw in Crossy Road, so it’s not too much of a surprise.

As is the trend these days, Pac-Man 256 will be a freemium title when it launches later this summer with in-app purchases. Exactly what those will be remains to be seen, although we have a feeling it will something like those found in Crossy Road. We’ll keep an eye out for more details as we approach Pac-Man 256’s launch.