Google Now open-API will support cards from any app

Google’s smart notification app, Google Now, looks set to become an even broader platform. A new open-API will be made available to developers in the future, which will allow for any app’s data to be integrated with Google Now.

The new API will expand on the 40 or so third-party services already making use of Google Now integration. Of course, having multiple applications ping duplicate messages at you would be rather irritating. Fortunately, the system will monitor app usage patterns to help guide the data displayed, according to Aparna Chennapragada, Director of Product Management for Google Now.

In addition to new app support, Google Now development is also looking to improve upon personalized notifications over the next six-to-twelve months, by taking individual circumstances into account. For example, Now ideally should figure out how long users typically arrive at an airport ahead of their flight, before displaying relevant information.

Google has not yet confirmed when the open-API will be released to developers. Can you think of any existing apps that could benefit from more detailed card style notifications?