Google to launch its Facebook-like news feed in India soon

Google introduced a Facebook-like integration to its native app on iOS and Android last month. Using its advanced machine learning algorithms, the updated Google app now gives a news feed-like experience, which shows content that is customized for each user. Google feed was first launched in the US, with a global rollout expected by this year. And now, Google has confirmed that its news feed will be launched in India soon, with focus on regional content. The search giant also plans to launch Google Home, its smart speaker, in India by next year.

In an interview with ET, Google confirmed that it would be rolling out its new and updated feed to India soon. A definite timeline was however not provided. Google Search’s VP, Shashidhar Thakur was quoted by ET as saying, “India is super high priority for us. It’s difficult to say exactly how soon, but we want to get Google Feed to India soon.”

With the new Google feed, there will be cards with information related to the search query. An example shown by Google, searching for Stranger Things on the app will show cards with information related to the TV series like the cast, plot, release date, and more. Additionally, the feed will also show trending information based on the user’s area of location, along with global trends. Google’s machine learning algorithm will study the user’s interests based on the search queries, and suggest related content. This feature will be set by default, but those who wish to change can do so in the settings. There will be more options on the Google app settings to make changes. ALSO READ: Google is working on Snapchat-like ‘Discover’ feature called ‘Stamp’

Google is also focusing on providing more local content to users. Given the massive diversity in India, especially when it comes to different tongues spoken in the country, Google is dedicating a separate studying to delve deeper into making regional content available in its services. ET further quotes Thakur as saying, “We are also putting quite a bit of energy into Google Search’s language diversity needs in India, focusing on 20-odd Indian languages.”