Cast “Harry Potter Spells” on Your Android Phone

Android: 1

iOS: 0

iOS user that I am – and I don’t see myself switching to Android in the foreseeable future – I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Google one ups Apple this time. Just this time.

Google’s Apprentice Magizoologist, David Blanar, has announced the brilliant news that you can cast Harry Potter spells using your Android phone.

And you don’t even have to worry about blowing yourself up – unless you’re still using the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, that is.

What’s up with this Android and spells thing?

We’ve all been waiting for “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” and Google (and Warner Bros., naturally) is capitalizing on that. In line with the promotion of the movie, a new “Ok Google” feature has been added.

Just say “Ok Google” and then certain spells…

Want to turn your flashlight on or off without having to go through the motion? Just say “Lumos” or “Nox” after “Ok Google”.

Want something with a little more flourish to it? Say “Silencio” and command your notifications and ringers to shut up.

More than being able to cast spells, you can also play around with Google Street View to explore New York in 1926, the setting of the movie. It promises an interesting experience – a melding of fictional and real locations.

Going one step further, you can soon use Google’s Daydream View VR headset, which is coming out this month.

If you’re a Potterhead and a Techead (which you probably are), then November is a golden month for you, isn’t it?

Your turn: If you were asked by Google what spell(s) to add to Android, what would you have said?