Google’s Now on Tap gets more helpful for the holidays

This year at Google I/O, Google introduced Now On Tap as part of Marshmallow, the latest Android release.

As it typically goes with new features, there’s lots of room for improvement. The feature works like this: you tap and hold the Home button on your Android device and in a few seconds you get more information about whatever is on your screen. In practice, that will allow you to quickly check the status of a flight – like, say, right in your text messaging application where a friend just sent you their flight details – by pressing the Home button on your device. With the holidays in full swing, Google made a couple updates to Now on Tap to make it a valuable assistant during this busy time.

Finally, you can use Now On Tap while reading new articles to get links to other content on the same topic. Bringing up Now on Tap when you have package tracking info on screen will also bring up the relevant info there. To the feature, Google has added a new share button, which lets you take screenshots, and also share it if you so wish. Likewise, a long-press suggests ways for you to share the story or item through various apps like email and Twitter (though this is somewhat redundant if an article already includes share icons).

The new features are rolling out over the coming days. More languages are coming soon.

Lastly, Now on Tap is available for users who want it in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian or Korean.