Google Now widget wanders in with Search for Android update

Google Now widget
Wily widget settles down

Remember that slippery Google Now widget that appeared then vanished some 24 hours ago?

It's back, and this time for good. The G-team announced Wednesday the permanent arrival of the widget that brings all pertinent Now cards front and center on the home or lock screen of your mobile device. The widget, along with a few other additions, are part of an update for Google Search for Android on devices running version 4.1 and above.

While it's certainly a convenient addition to the Now crowd, it deflates speculation that such a feature would arrive with Android 5.0: Key Lime Pie. That's not to say there won't be further Now improvements whenever the new OS launches, just that the widget as we saw it yesterday has arrived.

Google, which made the widget announcement in an Android blog post, assured that Now is just getting started, so we're sure to see many more updates and improvements hit the pipeline before long.

How do you like me Now?

Mountain View wasn't content to leave it at the widget, also unleashing movie cards with Rotten Tomatoes ratings for flicks.

When purchasing tickets through Fandango, Google Now will remind would-be moviegoers when they need to leave to make showtime. Plus, it will pull up tickets upon theater arrival.

Google Now real estate

All the important details to consider

In a less frivolous pursuit, Zillow has partnered with Google to provide house hunters nearby real estate listings and in-depth listing info.

Check out Samsung's

Your Mobile Life

to discover loads more about the infinite possibilities of the GALAXY Note II

Card by card, Now is really becoming a handy personal assistant. Take note, Siri.

Michelle Fitzsimmons

Michelle was previously a news editor at TechRadar, leading consumer tech news and reviews. Michelle is now a Content Strategist at Facebook.  A versatile, highly effective content writer and skilled editor with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is a collaborative problem solver and covered everything from smartwatches and microprocessors to VR and self-driving cars.