I think my favorite example of "useful information now" is Google Now.
I love how when I search for a place on Google Maps, my phone or tablet assumes I want to go there soon and gives me a driving time estimate and an option to start navigation.
I also find it very useful when my web searches and linked accounts are taken in context: searching for a flight brings up the flight details on the day of the flight, and Google Now automatically pulls up my daily upcoming events so I don't forget.
And it's not only knowing what is relevant - I used to use some nokia phone and it would show my meetings on the sign in screen - so I know when I was going to get interrupted. With my iPhone, technically superior in every way, I have at least three clicks or swipes and I never know what my day is shaped like.
Luckily I use it as an excuse to get my head down and work.
But the point (another long one!?) is iPhones UI whilst much lauded, misses some useful functionality - and that will become more more painful as relevance becomes achievable
I don't think there is. The only reason Google is any good at is that they have been collecting data for well over a decade in order to do it. It's not just their web index, but they can see most peoples' email and calendar, their web searches, their location. Google also did things like "Google 411" which got them vast amounts of voice and behavioural data.
I'd be interested to see a startup go for the relevance idea, but I don't think they would have the data needed to do it.
I love how when I search for a place on Google Maps, my phone or tablet assumes I want to go there soon and gives me a driving time estimate and an option to start navigation.
I also find it very useful when my web searches and linked accounts are taken in context: searching for a flight brings up the flight details on the day of the flight, and Google Now automatically pulls up my daily upcoming events so I don't forget.