Google Now Review

Meeting with Google Now

It was my first time using Google Now and I didn’t even know what exactly it is before. So I had to try to start from scratch. First of all, I searched ‘google now’ in chrome with my laptop and visited the website.
The first thing you can see is an eye catching copy says, “Just the right information at just right time.”  When I click the menu named 'What is it,'  it introduces about Now cards. 

How to get it

Then I clicked the menu, ‘How to get it.' At first, I was asked to select my platform and when I select ‘computer’, it says “Before you start using Google Now on your computer, you’ll need to set it up on iOS or Android first.” 
If I were just a random potential user who was not visiting this site for my assignment, I would stop the process to install and forget about using it. I think this kind of requirement makes user lose their interest about service since users don’t have patience to go through more than two step process these days.

Even Though I was a bit disappointed, I downloaded Google app on my iPhone. At first, I had no idea what I should do to use Google Now since there isn't any clear guide for it. And I saw at the bottom of first page shows “Cards appear here when you need them.”  It was not enough explanation for people who want to see their personal cards right after seeing this notice. Also, I don’t know if it’s because my phone is iPhone but interface is too simple so that I couldn’t really get to know what I’m supposed to do in order to use Google Now. After struggling for a while, I searched random things a bit and tried reminder. Finally the cards that related to me kept showing up.

I love the idea to preempt my desires and needs, however, they should improve the way that provides it. I don’t think they even need that website for instruction. They can advertise the service through all of the google services. I’m sure they have various way to fully promote Google Now to their massive users rather than just informing about the service on its own site.
In addition to that I think most of tech savvy people use Chrome browser for various reasons. I’m using chrome application both on my iPhone and laptop. And I just downloaded Google app only because of this research. So it would be much better if I could use Google Now on Chrome app instead of Google search app. I can’t imagine how my “Cards” would be plentiful if Google Now could collect all my Chrome history, preferences and account information.  Last thing I’d like to mention is privacy concerns. I won’t get satisfying results unless I set it up with all the information it needs. For instance, if I want to use my reminder function, I have to change my settings to let the app always update location. Since I already set to allow location access as 'while using the app' on my phone,  I was reluctant to change it to 'Always.' For heavy users it won’t be an issue, but anyone with privacy concerns like me it would be an obstruction to use.