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Google's Nearby Feature Recommends Apps and Websites Based On Your Location (googleblog.com)

Posted by msmash on from the yay-or-nay? dept.

Google on Thursday announced Nearby, a new feature for Android devices that recommends apps and websites based on your physical location. The idea is simple: You're on the go and there is an app that might be useful to you but you don't know it exists. Nearby will let you know about such apps. The company writes in a blog post: To use Nearby, just turn on Bluetooth and Location, and we'll show you a notification if a nearby app or website is available. Once you've opted-in, tapping on a notification takes you straight into the intended experience. If you're not interested, just swipe it away to give us a clear signal. Nearby has started rolling out to users as part of the upcoming Google Play Services release and will work on Android 4.4 (KitKat) and above.If you're a developer, Google has published another blog post to help you get started.

6 of 49 comments (clear)

  1. Google play the new Windows 10? by Alumoi · · Score: 3, Interesting

    So now we have to block any kind of updates to Google play services or downgrade to Android 4.3 or lower.

    1. Re:Google play the new Windows 10? by Alumoi · · Score: 2

      For now. Later you will be opted-in by default. For your convenience, of course. But don't worry, you'll be able to opt-out quite easy: just provide Google with your real name, address, SSN (or equivalent), account number and such so they can verify it is really you and you'll be taken off the list. Until the next update when they'll 'accidentally' opt you in again.

  2. Suddenly discover by jfdavis668 · · Score: 4, Funny

    that you live near a porno film studio.

  3. Re:Translation... by Lab+Rat+Jason · · Score: 4, Funny

    Right? I think they misspelled "NearBuy"

    --
    Which has more power: the hammer, or the anvil?
  4. United by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 2

    I recently flew United and, I have to admit, I had mixed feelings about having to download their app if I wanted to watch in-flight entertainment. I somewhat understand the rationale--now-a-days, I see that most people are bringing their own screen on an airplane to play games or read or use the in-flight WiFi to stay connected, or whatever. And I'd definitely rather watch the movie on my iPad Pro or laptop versus on the little screen in the back of the seat or the antique CRT that drops from the ceiling every five rows with inconsistent color.

    On the other hand, I do get a bit grumpy about having to waste my storage space and battery life for this (especially when they don't put plugs at the seats). The app also does more than just let me watch in-flight entertainment. So I download their app and then have to take a trip through Settings and say, "No, you don't get to put up notifications, no, you can't have access to my address book and calendar, etc. etc."

  5. Re:Why does this matter? by Darinbob · · Score: 2

    Because privacy is important. The more young people claim that privacy is useless the more that advertisers start putting pressure on everyone else to get rid of privacy. The reason a lot of young people don't want privacy is that they don't really understand it and have no experience with it. They may think theyre only sharing with their friends but then become angry if their parents discover what they're wriring. It's no one else's business what stores you go to, what your medical conditions are, who you're dating, the gender of the people you're dating, who you're voting for, and so forth. It's very helpful if this stuff is not on the internet or for sale to advertisers.