Say hello to Google’s (GOOG) latest exploration app, Field Trip. Field Trip works by running in the background on Android smartphones (iOS version is coming soon), and just like a local tour guide, it can provide detailed information about a specific location without user intervention. The app will pop up useful nuggets on things like landmarks, restaurants and shopping deals when users are at certain locations. Google says Field Trip even knows when a person is driving and will read out bits of trivia on interesting places when they pass them.
But, trivia is only as good as its sources. Here are the “brains” behind the Field Trip app: Arcadia for local places; Thrillist, Food Network, Zagat, and Eater for foods and drinks; Sunset, Cool Hunting, WeHeart, Inhabitat and Remodelista for shopping and products; Atlas Obscura and Daily Secret for random gems; and Songkick and Flavorpill for local music.
Field Trip is free and is can be downloaded on the Google Play Store here. Also, like most smart apps, it can learn what you like over time. Google’s video demonstration of Field Trip follows below.