Google and Apple are two tech companies that couldn't be any different. But still, the two are rivals with similar products that compete with one another.
With each having their own fans: Android users are attached to Google's product, and iOS users to Apple's, both are having their own market. But that isn't stopping Google from introducing new things to its competitor's users.
And for the past few years, Google seems to have been diving deeper and deeper into the iOS ecosystem.
In January 3rd, 2017, Google went further by releasing an update to its iOS app. Version 22.0.0 of the app introduces some new features that could be handy in the more restricted iOS environment. The changes notably highlight the ability for users to do certain things without leaving the app.
Google's update on its iOS app is fairly significant, and this is just its way for making its app more native to Apple.
Below is the list of the highlights:
YouTube Support
Users can now watch YouTube videos inside the feed. What this means, users can stream videos from cards in their feed without opening a new web page or the YouTube app.
With the update, iOS users that have their searches return a carousel containing YouTube videos, tapping on one will have that video to load instantly with an in-app YouTube player that is now baked straight inside Google's app.
While the feature is indeed handy, interestingly, videos from the 'Videos' tab won't open within the app. Those videos still need the YouTube app to play. It seems that the feature initially applies to only video cards that are shown on the front page of search results.
Hotel Searches
With the update, iOS users can also see rates and booking info straight inside search results.
When iOS users are doing a search for a name of a hotel and expand the Knowledge Graph box, there is a new section that Google is adding where they can see rates and booking info for that hotel.
Restaurant Searches
Google is also adding a feature where iOS users can open restaurant menus straight from the restaurant search results.
With the restaurant searches have also been revamped, Knowledge Graph cards for restaurants are having a new 'Menu' section. Tapping on the menu option will load it within the app without having users to visit an external page.
Google's Gboard Keyboard
Google's update for its iOS app only mentioned the above three new features. However, Google has added another feature which is left unannounced: the ability to change the keyboard to use Google's Gboard keyboard.
What this means, Google's keyboard is now built inside the app. By having it preloaded, users don't have to download and install the keyboard separately.
To use the keyboard, users need to go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboards. After selecting Google in the selection list, users will be then asked if they want to provide the keyboard with full access, which they will indeed need to if they want to get the most out of it.
Some notable Gboard features include: swipe to text, get text predictions, and use an integrated Google Search that is accessible from the G logo in the top left-hand corner of the keyboard.