Google Now adds IRL notifications for products you’ve been thinking of buying

HEY! That robot you wanted is in the store across the street.

Or so says your Android phone. Google is rolling out a new update today to its Google Now mobile assistant that will let you know about products you may want to buy whenever you’re in close proximity to a store selling them.

Above: New shopping reminder cards on Google Now for Android.

Image Credit: Google

I’m assuming Google is doing this by combing through droves of personal data its collected based on your Google+ and search activity. The update seems useful but also kind of creepy, considering that this is a first for the Google Now service. In the past, Google has used Google Now to update you with information (via Google Now Cards) from your calendar, travel plans, restaurant preferences, and more.

Here’s what Google had to say about the new shopping reminder cards:

You’ve been looking for the perfect pair of hiking boots online, but haven’t gotten around to pulling the trigger. Starting today, if you’re out and about and near a store that carries those boots, you might see a Google Now card showing you the product and price to remind you that you wanted them. Now all you have to do is pop into the store and check if they’re in stock!

The update, which is included in the Google Search app, seems to only be available for those with an Android mobile device for now.