Technology
Google releases 'Look up' contextual search app for Googlebooks on Play Store
The app provides Gemini-powered responses and floating tools for highlighted text, but is currently accessible on smartphones by mistake.
The short version
- Google published a new 'Look up' utility on the Play Store designed to bring Gemini-powered contextual search tools to Googlebooks.
- Users can highlight text to open a floating panel featuring a dictionary, translator, flight tracker, and a follow-up query field.
- While built for desktop Googlebooks, the app can currently be installed on smartphones, though this availability is expected to be short-lived.
Key facts
- Google listed a 'Look up' app on the Play Store featuring Gemini integration for contextual information lookups.[9to5Google]
- The application allows users to highlight text to bring up a floating window with tools such as an overview, dictionary, flight tracker, and translator.[9to5Google]
- The service utilizes publicly available information from native Google services including Search, Maps, and Flights.[9to5Google]
- The app package name (com.google.android.desktop.contextualtools) and desktop interface indicate it is intended for Googlebooks, but it is currently installable on mobile phones.[9to5Google]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed when Google will restrict smartphone access to the application.[9to5Google]