Google Search/Now updated, brings Android 4.1+ users more cards & voice actions

Google’s Google Search application has received an update overnight, which brings some very lovely niceties to Android 4.1+ (Jelly Bean) users.

For those of you who are able to receive the new features then read on – for rest of you, shield your eyes. Here’s the change log from Google Play, we’ve bolded our favourite features:

For Android 4.1+ (Jelly Bean), Google Search is faster plus:
- Google Now works with Gmail (English only)
- Flights
- Restaurant reservations
- Hotel confirmations
- Events
- Packages
- New Now cards: nearby attractions & photo spots, movies opening in theaters, concerts & more
- New voice actions: launch apps, schedule meetings & check when your next appointment is
Google Now puts you in control: at any time, adjust or turn off individual Now cards within Settings.

Okay, so I pretty much bolded everything – this update is great! We’ll be installing it on our Jelly Bean devices and testing the new cards over the coming days.

We asked Google if the new cards are working in Australia and they said they are. Here’s to testing.

Update: Here’s a great video that The Verge made about Google’s new Google Now.