Google Now, the same functionality found in Android, makes its first official landing, after earlier attempt in the latest experimental Canary desktop version of Chrome 34.0.1788 for Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS.
The Google Now integration isn’t enabled by default, but you can easily turn it on by going to the experimental page (chrome://flags/#enable-google-now), changing the setting to “Enabled”, don’t forget to enable rich notifications as well (chrome://flags/#enable-rich-notifications), and relaunching the browser. Followed the restart a notification card will pop-up confirming the new feature is working.
Although, you’ll get the new notification center with travel, sports, weather, and other notifications from the service. The desktop integration of Google Now isn’t exactly the same as the one in Android, as some of the Cards are missing, like public alerts, nearby photos spots, activity summaries, and stocks — this could be temporary, because the functionality isn’t completely integrated or because Google may be thinking to make this version of Google Now a bit different for the desktop version.
Also there is already a support page from Google on the desktop version of Google Now detailing the feature in Chrome and how to turn off Now Cards in Chrome.
The news follows the recent push by Google delivering Chrome version 32, which brings a Chrome OS environment when relaunching the browser in Windows 8 mode. And now with Google Now shows another huge leap from the search giant to take over Windows.
Update: As it turns out Google Now is already in Chrome version 32, at least in the Windows version. Everything works the same, but it means that you don’t have to install the Canary (test) version of the web browser.
Thanks to @Windows_Romania for the tip!
Update: After a deeper research, it seems the option is available in Chrome version 32, but it isn’t until the latest version of Canary that allows Google Now to work.
Source Google via Google Operating System
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].