Google Further Integrates Gmail, Calendar, Google+ Into Search

Google is rolling out an updated Search function that allows users to "just ask Google."

Want to check a flight status or quickly track a package without digging through your email? The search giant can help.

Find data stored in Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google+ by simply typing or asking "What's my flight status?" or "When will my package arrive?"

Users on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone will gain immediate access to info about upcoming flights and a live status of that specific trip, or a receipt and shipping details for their package.

Other time-savers available this week include restaurant or hotel reservations, purchases, upcoming plans, and photos uploaded to Google+. Just ask Google to "Show me my photos from Thailand" or "my photos of sunsets," and the service will automatically recognize the type of image you're looking for.

"We've been offering this kind of info — flights, reservations, appointments and more — for more than a year in Google Now," product manager Roy Livine said in a blog post. "We've gotten great feedback on how convenient it is, especially when you're on the go. Now that it's in Google Search, you can get it anytime you need it."

Google said all details are secure thanks to an encrypted connection, and visible only to the user when they are signed into their Google Account. The feature can be turned on or off at the user's discretion. When you don't need extra-special Search treatment, just click the globe icon at the top of the search results page; to turn it off permanently, visit the "Private results" section in the search settings.

In August 2012, the search giant opened a trial for people to see Gmail content via Google search results; that expanded in October, while Calendar results were integrated in February.

The Web giant also updated its Google+ Android app this week, offering a number of "highly requested improvements," including dropping Messenger in favor of Hangouts, which provides messaging and video call features.

But Google is making headlines this week for more than a few application enhancements: A recent court filing has been interpreted by some as an admission that Gmail users should have no expectation of privacy, though Google denies any wrongdoing.