Google rolls out search upgrades, Voice Search for iOS

Google is planning to integrate Gmail results into its core search product and turn the previously U.S.-only Knowledge Graph into a global feature, according to an official blog post by Google Search Senior Vice President Amit Singhal.

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In addition, he wrote, the company's Voice Search technology will "soon" be available for iOS devices -- a move that could directly undermine rival Apple's competing Siri product.

The Knowledge Graph is Google's vast real-world database, which is used to provide contextual search suggestions for common terms.

"Starting today, you'll see Knowledge Graph results across every English-speaking country in the world. If you're in Australia and search for [chiefs], you'll get the rugby team -- its players, results and history," Singhal said.

Along with the integration of Gmail results into some searches, Singhal said Google is working on a feature that pulls information from air travel confirmation emails, for quick reference.

However, the news that Voice Search is on its way to iOS devices is likely to be the most discussed. Given the high profile of Apple's own Siri voice search feature, the results of such a direct competition could prove a powerful selling point.

Voice Search's pending move to iOS comes just after Apple announced that another Google-owned product will be leaving the platform. That company said this week that there will be no built-in YouTube app available in the next version of iOS. Apple is thought to be preparing to release iOS 6 -- along with a new iPhone model -- later this year.

Email Jon Gold at jgold@nww.com and follow him on Twitter at @NWWJonGold.

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