Google Search iOS app update takes on Apple's Siri with smarter conversations

With Google Search version 4.0.0, users can ask questions with their voice, by either tapping the microphone icon or simply saying "OK, Google" while the application is open.

From there, Google Search can respond to queries such as "What's the weather like?" The new "smart" conversational style allows users to ask follow-up questions such as "How about this weekend?" and the system will understand the context.

The Google Search update also provides users with updates on favorite topics, upcoming trips, and other material such as selected authors or blogs.

Version 4.0.0 of Google Search also includes cricket sports card in the Google Now view, faster loading, and more fluid image results.

Voice search first came to Google Search in late 2012, at the time proclaiming it to be the "most advanced voice search" available. As Apple and Google have become fierce rivals in the mobile space, Apple has made efforts to move away from the search giant, making the default search engine for Siri Microsoft's Bing with last year's iOS 7 update.