Google Search update starts rolling out, adds UK English voice controls

As you might have noticed, quite a few Google apps have rolled out minor updates today including Google Drive, Google Hangouts and Google Search. All three of these updates are relatively minor, introducing bug fixes and other small tweaks.

Of course, sometimes there are interesting changes that don’t make their way into the change log, as is the case for Google Search. So what changes didn’t make there way into the change-log? Two things actually.

First, the new Google Search version has officially changed the exclusive Nexus 5 Launcher’s name to the “Google Now Launcher”. Although this change really doesn’t affect anything directly, it could be an indication that Google is preparing to bring the launcher to all Android devices sometime in the near future. Then again, it could mean nothing.

The second change is of more immediate use, at least for those in the UK. Google Search has now added voice action support for UK English. Previously, English speakers outside of the U.S. were forced to set their language to ‘U.S. English’ in order for Google Now to accept voice commands, so this is certainly a welcome change. Aside from accepting commands in UK English, the update also changes the response voice to that of a UK English speaker.

Like many Google updates, Google Search rollout will occur in stages, so don’t be surprised if it has yet to reach you. To check for yourself, you’ll want to head on over to Google Play.