Google yesterday held a press conference to unveil some new apps for Android, namely Voice Actions, Chrome to Phone and a new Google search widget.
Both Voice Actions and the new Google search widget require Android 2.2 (Froyo) and will be pre-installed with the new Droid 2 phone from Motorola and Verizon Wireless. Voice Actions are currently available for U.S. English speakers.
Voice Actions is akin to the iPhone's integrated Voice Control system, which allows users to interact with their phones using a set of voice commands. Google Voice Actions takes things a step further, allowing users to dictate text messages, send e-mails, write notes, make calls, initiate music and search the Web for information.
Chrome to Phone is a mobile application that allows users to send information from Google's Chrome desktop browser directly to their Android phones. With Chrome to Phone, users can send links, driving directions, bookmarks and other information directly from the browser to their phone. Chrome to Phone is part of Google's Chrome extensions, which are add-ons to the browser platform.
The new Google search widget for Android adds addresses and ratings to local search queries. Also, as users type queries, they can refine them further by tapping the pencil icon that appears to the right of search suggestions.