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Help Do I have to use Location History to use Google Now?

J

JohnJSal

Android Expert
Well, first off, I don't see a widget for Google Now on my S7. I see one called "Feed," so maybe this is the same?

But to activate it, it looks like I need to turn on Location History, which I've never used before and I hear drains the battery.

Is this required now to use the Google Now widget?

Thanks.
 
Most likely, you can disable location history and at the same time easy to useGoogle Now. It is easy to check. Turn off Location History for your account and check how the application will work.
 
I tired it both ways:

IMO, it is not worth trying to avoid Google's keeping a historical tab on you.

I have found their convenience to far out weigh my concerns over HIPPA info.
 
I'm more concerned about battery life. But it seems I was able to turn it off and Google Now is still working. I just had to turn it on once to get Now working at first.
 
JohnJSal said:
I see one called "Feed," so maybe this is the same?
Click to expand...
Feed is a Samsung thing, collecting info locally (on your phone), like missed calls and messages. Google Now is from Google, using data it collects about you to be a more expansive predictive assistant. Looking up what functionality Google Now provides, it does show how dependent it is on being aware of your current location:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Now#Functionality
 
I allowed all and I'm happy surprise by Google. When I swipe on left to see the news I see only stuff that I'm interested and love xD Hail Google!
 
JohnJSal said:
Well, first off, I don't see a widget for Google Now on my S7. I see one called "Feed," so maybe this is the same?

But to activate it, it looks like I need to turn on Location History, which I've never used before and I hear drains the battery.

Is this required now to use the Google Now widget?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

svim said:
Feed is a Samsung thing, collecting info locally (on your phone), like missed calls and messages. Google Now is from Google, using data it collects about you to be a more expansive predictive assistant. Looking up what functionality Google Now provides, it does show how dependent it is on being aware of your current location:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Now#Functionality
Click to expand...

As a matter of interest, I have a 'Feed' widget available on my HTC M9, which is without doubt associated with the Google app/Google Now.

Screenshot_20161115-202118.png Screenshot_20161115-202235.png

Tapping the widget opens the Google app,

Screenshot_20161115-202319.png

I have Location History on with no apparent heavy battery drain.

;)
 
Last edited:
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