Google introduces new feature that allows you find the name of a song by humming and whistling, instead of from lyrics alone

Google has introduced a new feature that allows you to identify a song even if you don't know the lyrics.

 

You can now hum, sing or whistle the tune into your phone and the name of the song will come up.

 

The technology to match tones to a database of identified songs through singing, humming and whistling -- instead of from lyrics alone -- has existed for more than a decade, and was a staple in the music app SoundHound as far back as 2009.

 

To start using Google's new feature, open the latest version of the Google app or Google Search widget on your phone, then, tap the Microphone icon and say "what's this song?" You can also tap the Search a song button. Finally, start humming, singing or whistling the tune to get your results.

 

Google announced the new feature on Thursday, October 15, and has started rolling it out globally to iPhone and Android users. It's currently available in English for iPhone users and in more than 20 languages on Android. 

 

This new tool only works on mobile devices, so at this time, it won't work on your Google Home or Nest speakers.