Those who have wished Google Now would have support for third-party apps will be happy to hear Google's most recent announcement, which is that the search app will now collect information from outside apps.
While users previously could only get information like traffic, sports scores, flight reservations and popular news stories from their Google accounts, the service will now collect the same data from a select group of third-party apps, according to The Wall Street Journal. As before the update, information will be provided in the form of digital cards called Google Now cards, which users will only be able to see if they have already installed the non-Google app on their phone.
The search giant said users will have access to over 40 new cards, and that their data will not be shared with third-parties.
The move follows almost three years after Google Now made its debut as a tool for providing information that people commonly search for before they look for it, The WSJ reported. The service is currently available for Android devices, including phones and smartwatches, as well as the Chrome web browser.
Some of the Now cards will be triggered by location, but the user's location will not be shared, Engadget reported.
List of apps that Google Now will support at launch include popular ones like Airbnb, Lyft and Pandora. As such, Airbnb will send users a reminder about places they were looking for, Lyft might ask you if you need a ride when you're at an airport, and Pandora might recommend songs to listen to while you're on the road.
Android users will be able to access their favorite apps on Google Now at some point on Friday.
