Google for iOS Introduces Customizable News Feed

Google has updated its main search app for iOS and Android devices by adding a Facebook-like news feed, allowing the app the ability to present the latest news, weather, and sports scores that are relevant to the user.

According to a new report from The Verge, the feed will now be influenced by trending subjects in the user’s area and around the world. Google’s machine learning algorithms also determine how interested a person is in different topics and adjusts the feed to reflect that. As with the previous version, users are able to customize the feed in settings.

“People have long turned to Google to get answers, learn about the world, and dig deeper on topics they’re passionate about,” Google said in a blog post. “Today, we are announcing a new feed experience in the Google app, making it easier than ever to discover, explore and stay connected to what matters to you—even when you don’t have a query in mind.”

You can also follow some topics you’re interested in right from Search results. Google will start adding a “Follow” button next to certain types of search results (such as movies, sports teams, bands and music artists, celebrities, and more); tap that button to get updates and stories about that topic in your feed.

Google is also making it super easy to learn more about specific topics you see in your feed. At the top of every card, you’ll see a header; tap that to search for the topic on Google. If Google gets it wrong and shows you something you’re not into, you can easily unfollow that topic.

The new feed experience is available in the Google app for iOS and Android in the US, and rolling out internationally “in the next couple of weeks,” which should include Canada.

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