Google aims to be the ultimate World Cup companion
Google aims to make it easier than ever for fans to follow the World Cup. Along with its existing sports coverage tools, there are a host of cross-platform tweaks that will ensure you don't miss a game after the world's most popular sporting event kicks off on November 20.
Perhaps the most useful addition has been to the way the company's search engine and mapping software lists information about bars, restaurants and other places people might go to watch a match. In addition to the commercial information that Google displays as standard, such as reviews and opening hours, a small ball and the words "Show World Cup" will appear if matches can be watched on this site.
A multiplayer online game is also added to Google search. Users will pick a side while a match is in progress and attempt to kick a ball past a goalie. Scores are kept and aggregated, so even if your team gets hammered on the actual pitch, they can still win the Google Movie.
The Waze navigation app, which is owned by Google, is adding a "football commentator" option to its voice navigation. The option can be selected by opening the "Sound" settings and selecting "Waze Voice". The app will then launch football snaps with your instructions, such as "getting through this defense might prove difficult" when there's an obstacle in front of you. Different commentators are also available per region, so your favorite commentator might point you in the right direction.
Google's willingness to support the World Cup might come as a surprise, given the controversy surrounding this year's games. Still, the sports coverage offered by Google has always been useful and informative. If you're looking for your favorite national team, for example, you have the option of clicking a notification bell in the top right corner of the search and receiving reminders for upcoming matches, in-game reports, and results. You can also view recent match highlights on each team's Google search homepage.
Source: Google
