The nine best search features on Google’s mobile app

YOUR mobile can do so much more than you realise. There are heaps of fancy tricks up Google’s sleeve including finding your parked car. See what else you can do.

GOOGLE’S search engine is a godsend. But you don’t just have to be stuck to a PC to reap the benefits as its mobile app can perform trickery even the fully fledged version can’t.

The Google app for mobile is a different beast to its browser counterpart but it brings some beautiful features to the table that you might not even know existed.

We take a look at some of the coolest features ...

It can tell you where you parked your car:

Never lose your parked car again.

People who forget where they park their car, you know who you are. Rescue from an argument-filled walk around streets is at hand from this latest feature that will remember the location of your vehicle. It shows you on screen and will even point the way to it.

It can remind you to buy stuff:

A bright idea.

By telling your phone something like: “remind me to buy cheese next time I’m at [insert fave supermarket]” you will get a little buzz when you walk past the store. These location-based reminders can be used for a number of shops. Normally we wouldn’t take too kindly to our gadgets nudging us to spend more money but in this case it’s a benign reminder that could save time.

It can translate into foreign languages:

Now you’re talking our language.

Don’t bother trying to recite phrases from high school language class. For amateurs abroad just ask Google to translate for you. From ordering food or finding your way around, just say: “translate [enter sentence] into [enter language] and you’ll be on your way to the local swimming pool in no time.

It can translate images:

Use the camera to search.

We know Google searches are based on words but when you simply don’t know what to say you can take a picture and it will tell you what it is. Want to know more about a piece of art, have seen a landmark that’s grabbed your curiosity or need to know more about a bottle of wine — the Google Search App (for iOS only) will provide info and links on your subject.

It can offer nutrition advice:

Instant nutrition advice that’s easy to swallow.

If you’re keeping an eye on your weight calories but are pretty clueless as to what could be stealthily calorific you can find out instant nutritional values by asking. “How many calories in wine?”, “how much sugar is there in tomato sauce?” or “butter versus olive oil” will help you make the right choice.

It can tell you what to do:

Suggestions to nearby attractions.

Whether you’re on holiday without a clue or simply stumped for something to do Google can suggest nearby attractions along with opening times and directions on how to get there.

It can keep you on time:

Know exactly when to leave, traffic or not.

Google Now can be freakishly omnipotent but the ability to tell you when you should leave factoring in real-time traffic conditions takes the biscuit. Based on your diary appointment it will take the liberty to look at public transport and road conditions and work out how much time you need in order to be on time.

It can tell you the weather:

Everywhere you go you can always take the weather with you.

Not that special, you say. How about being able to see from your schedule where you’re going and then automatically tell you what the weather is going to be like in that destination? Pretty smart.

It can update you on your flights:

Google can keep track of your flights for you.

Usually it can be a faff to get the real time updates on flight statuses. On Google Now you don’t have to slog through airport websites or download dedicated apps, you can search for your flight number and it’ll notify you when it’s getting close to departure time or if it’s delayed. Then you can go back on Google and search: “Things to do to kill time”.