Previously only available to Android and Blackberry users with capable handsets, Google has now enabled users of its Chrome browser to search for directions through their computer's microphones. You know, because it's so cool to yell at your computer for directions to that All You Can Eat sushi place you're taking your significant other out to after work. Nope, not weird at all.
To use the function, simply navigate to Google Maps in your Chrome browser and then hit the Microphone icon. Chrome will immediately recognize the primary microphone on your device.
I tried it out today in a bustling office (hey, Steve Jobs did just leave his post after all) and Maps had a hard time deciphering what I was saying. I was speaking right into my headphone mic, too. And then when I asked it to take me to Iceland, well:
Yes, Google Maps. Iceland does sound good. And no, that's not what I said. If you speak out one word phrases, like countries, it has a tougher time figuring out what you want. But if you're more specific with a city and country, then Google takes you right to it.
Hmm, maybe it's still got a few kinks to work out. I know that my Android phone sometimes doesn't understand a word I'm saying if I'm driving and there's conversation in my car. Regardless, it looks like Google's slapping the voice technology on their browser services, too. It's kind of underwhelming for desktop computers, especially because I don't feel comfortable shouting out for directions to the doctor's office, but in a personal environment I see how this could be applicable, especially if you're rushing out of the door and don't have time to type out what you're looking for.
