Inside Search
The official Google Search blog
Fall into easier planning with Google
October 9, 2014
Ah, fall. It’s a time for apple cider, crunchy colored leaves and cozy sweaters (unless you’re here in California). It’s also the start of a busy time of year for most people— with kids to drop off at school, Halloween costumes to sew and holiday travels to plan. This year, Google can make your season a little less hectic. A few new updates to the Google app on your phone make it easier to plan anything—whether it’s an after-work happy hour or a romantic weekend to get a break from it all.
Let’s say, optimistically, that you’re planning a last-minute getaway weekend (hello, leaf-peeping!), but all you’ve got so far is a hotel reservation. Don’t despair—with the Google app in your pocket, the rest is easy.
Step 1—Find a spot for dinner. Just say, “Ok Google, show me restaurants near my hotel”—et voilà, you’ll get a selection to choose from. (You don’t even need to remember your hotel name, as long as your hotel reservation is saved in your Gmail, so Google has something to work with.) Is your date dessert crazy? Quickly make sure the restaurant has a good selection by just asking “Ok Google, show me the menu for the first one”.
Step 2—Make a reservation. When you’ve found the restaurant you like, you can just say: “Ok Google, make a reservation there for 7 p.m.” If the restaurant is on OpenTable, you’ll see a reservations screen pop up with the details already filled out - no need waste those precious moments on hold with a restaurant.
Step 3—Once the bill is paid and you’ve set your napkin down, find the perfect place for that after-dinner Manhattan. Just say “Ok Google, show me some bars near here” then follow up with a simple “give me directions to the first one.” You’ll be good to go.
Step 4—Don’t fret the small stuff. The Google app can help you with the rest of your trip, too. Get reminders on where to pick up your rental car or (if you’re really getting away) when it’s time to leave to catch your flight. (It’ll even give you alternate options should your flight be delayed or canceled.) You might see your hotel reservation pop up as you walk out of the airport, get a notification about your dinner reservation—and even fun spots to explore and take photos.
Nothing ruins a great weekend like, well, having to plan it. So let Google help with the planning, so you can kick back and enjoy.
Posted by Pravir Gupta, Senior Engineer, Conversational Search
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