Software : Android Google Now feature may be coming to Chrome browser

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• Android Google Now feature may be coming to Chrome browser
• BBC iPlayer app updated for widescreen iPhone 5
• In Depth: 5 ways to get more from Google Maps for Android

Android Google Now feature may be coming to Chrome browser Posted: Google is preparing to integrate the Android-based Google Now technology into its Chrome web browser, judging by a new addition to the Chromium project. The personal assistant, which brings Android users all of the information most relevant to them at any given time, has proved hugely popular since it was launched in Android Jelly Bean earlier this year. The app brings weather updates, up to date traffic information, public transport updates, latest sports scores, and useful tips based on your current location, all under one roof. Now, it seems that Google is looking to bring this technology to the popular Chrome web browser, via Chrome notifications. CNET reports that developers within the Chromium project have accepted a submission for "Creating a skeleton for Google Now for Chrome implementation." Not official The app, which also integrates Google calendars and searches into its reckoning, was unleashed at Google I/O back in June as a major new component of Android Jelly Bean. Just this week, the company added boarding passes to Google Now, just like Apple's Passbook app in iOS 6. Users can access the software by swiping up from the Home icon on the Android homescreen. Google is yet to make an official announcement regarding the addition of Now to the Chrome browser, so this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

BBC iPlayer app updated for widescreen iPhone 5 Posted: BBC iPlayer viewers can now enjoy full screen playback from the comfort of the new Apple iPhone 5. The Corporation has issued an update for its popular on-demand app, optimising the aspect radio for the elongated 4-inch Retina Display. Viewers can now kiss goodbye to the annoying black bars at either side of the picture when catching up on Top Gear or Doctor Who on the iPhone 5. Beyond the video player optimisation, the Beeb has also taken the opportunity to fix a few bugs and introduce a couple of extra features. TV playback iPhone users - like their iPad-toting comrades - can now plug the device into their TV and view video that way, which is great for those without a Smart TV. Within the playback screen there's now a prominent 'More' button, which allows users to seek out further episodes or likeminded series. Users can also hit the Live Channels buttons when watching live TV in order to flip between the various BBC stations. The update is available to download now.

In Depth: 5 ways to get more from Google Maps for Android Posted: We can't even begin to think how many Android devices have been sold off the back of Google Maps, but we'd imagine it's an awful lot. Google's polished location and navigation app has become an essential part of any Android smartphone or tablet, and Apple's recent failure to emulate it simply highlights how good it is. We don't cover many of the basics here because most people already know how to use them. Instead, we're concentrating on Google Maps' latest and greatest features. For example, maps can now be stored on your device for when you're abroad and without a mobile signal. It's worth remembering that your device's GPS will still function in these situations, too, so you'll never get lost again. 1. Get local A recent addition to Google Maps is Local. This lists local attractions and places, such as restaurants, and ranks them according to reviews and distance. You can access Local by either tapping the 'Maps' icon to the upper-left on phones, or tapping the 'Man' icon to the upper-right on tablets. 2. What's Latitude? Latitude shows the locations of Google contacts who also have the feature enabled. Tap the layers icon, then choose 'Latitude' to sign in. You'll be asked to enable Latitude, and then you'll be able to see where your friends are. Tap the 'Menu' icon then 'Add friends' to get them on Latitude. 3. Go Offline You can download bits of Google Maps for when you're offline. Tap the 'Menu' icon, then 'Make available offline'. The map is overlayed with a square - this is the area Google Maps downloads. Pan and zoom the map until the area you need is highlighted, but don't zoom out too far as the map will be too big to download. When ready, tap 'Done'. 4. Get bicycle directions A handy new addition for cyclists is biking directions, developed with transport charity Sustrans. Choose a destination, then tap the navigation arrow and choose the 'Bicycle' icon followed by 'Go'. Bear in mind that cycling directions are currently in beta, so they may point you in some rather odd directions. 5. View it in 3D Well done - you now know how to use Google Maps, explore the area around you, find your friends on Latitude, and save maps for offline use. A final cool feature is that you can view 3D versions of certain buildings and even see what's on each floor - try searching for 'Harrods', for instance.

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