Google is bringing 'Fantastic Beasts' to your Android phone

By Harrison Kaminsky November 6, 2016

new on hbo — Warner Bros.

With the release of J.K. Rowling’s upcoming Potterverse installment looming, Google is lettings its users become a part of the magic early.

Ahead of the Nov. 18 release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Google’s voice assistant will let you cast certain Potter spells to interact with your phone and perform functions. In addition, the film features a Google Street View integration, allowing users to visit the world of the movie — 1926 New York City — and explore, just like you would in regular Street View fashion.

The partnership between Google and Warner Brothers did not involve an exchange of money, TechCrunch reports, but Google declined to comment on the other terms of the deal.

Through Google Now, by saying “OK Google,” users can cast Potter spells, like “Lumos,” which will immediately activate your phone’s flashlight application, or “Nox,” to turn the flashlight off. In addition, “Silencio,” will disable the device’s ringer and notifications.

In the Street View integration, users can visit the Magical Congress of the USA (MACUSA), which Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) explores in the new film, as well as an underground speakeasy called “The Blind Pig,” and the apartment of some of the main characters, Tina and Queenie Goldstein.

Aside from Street View, Google will utilize its new Daydream View VR headset to allow users to interact more deeply in Newt Scamander’s world, solving puzzles, using his spell casting tools, and finding beasts. However, this feature will not become available until the Daydream View VR officially goes on sale.

While the deal will surely promote the film for Warner Brothers, Google benefits by letting users experience the power of its Street View application and the Daydream View VR as soon as it comes out. Google will additionally be launching movie-themed Stickers in Google Allo, a move previously seen with Netflix’s Stranger Things this Halloween.

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