Google Now

[Brad]

Has anybody tried Google Now?
http://www.google.com/landing/now/

I guess this is Googles answer to Siri.  To me it seems like the ultimate spyware.  I think this is what Creepy Eric was talking about when he said G would know what info you want before you searched for it.

1. If it does not talk back to you, IMHO that is a point in its favor.

2. It seems like it sort of duplicates what a lot of independent apps already do, (ie. send you weather alerts)

3. I have no set schedule so it seems to me it would have a hard time learning what I do.  However, if I spend too much time in my Ultimate Command Recliner will I start getting ads for new recliners or perhaps health clubs?

4. If they have not already done it, at some point G will turn on the ads.

I'm hesitant to try it that's why I'm asking if anyone has?

[Rooftop]

I had a quick look, but didn't really use it.  I was instantly put off by something that has ruined quite a few apps for me: Crap weather data.

I like right on the coast. Weather is important and changeable. The weather I get here is very different to what happens just a few miles inland.  Poor resolution in weather is worthless to me and I won't use it.  Met office or BBC for me.  All that weather channel crap is more more accurate than a piece of seaweed. 

Oh yeah - and it was dead creepy and without any benefit to me that I could find.

[Brad]

Heh, after I got done asking and hand wringing, I activated it.  Seems very vanilla/generic to me.  We will see.  If it starts talking to me in Eric's voice I'm turning it right off!

[Rooftop]

"Hey Brad - you're not using Opera again are you?  You know you should be using Chrome... it's for your own good"

[DrCool]

I have been using it a bit. It is probably more gimmicky than useful for me. It does accurately predict where I am going if it is somewhere I go regularly but I already know how to  get there and how long it takes so stuff like that isn't really useful.

[Brad]

"Hey Brad - you're not using Opera again are you?  You know you should be using Chrome... it's for your own good"

Stop!  I'll have nightmares.

[Brad]

I have been using it a bit. It is probably more gimmicky than useful for me. It does accurately predict where I am going if it is somewhere I go regularly but I already know how to  get there and how long it takes so stuff like that isn't really useful.

I could see where this would be useful if I commuted to work every day, that bit about showing me traffic blockages and alternate routes might be handy.  The transit schedules might be useful too if I used that regularly.

For sports, they really need to add my local minor league ball team.  I have this feeling 'local' means in the nearest big city, not really local, but I could be wrong.