Why does Google Search suddenly need a lot more permissions? I obviously have Google Search installed on my stock Nexus 4, however, a recent update for this app appears to require no less than 11 new permissions. Google does not appear to give any explanation for these new requirements. So, what is the reason for these new permissions?


Device &amp; app history
Identity
Contacts/Calendar
Location
SMS
Phone
Photos/Media/Files
Camera/Microphone
Wi-Fi connection information
Device ID &amp; call information
Other


Whenever I get a new update for an app, I glance over any new permissions and if they don't offer any explanation for why they now require these new permissions, I simply don't update the app. That is, after all, the reason why we are alerted to any new permissions - isn't it? Unfortunately, this means I have not yet updated this app. Should I?
Most of these permissions are used by Google Now and the new features they will be bringing out after Google I/O and the upcoming Android L Release.


I'm not sure about why they need a lot of these permissions, but I will explain the ones that I know about. Feel free to edit the answer to improve it. I have listed all the sub permissions as listed in the play store.

Device &amp; app history


Retrieve running apps 

This is for an upcoming feature where google search results will point/link directly to apps installed on your phone.
Read your Web bookmarks and history

This is for making Google Now suggestions based on your web habits. For example, I get updates about Fifa World Cup scores because I have searched for them on my phone before.


Identity


Find accounts on the device

Should be related to the feature mentioned in "Retrieve running apps"

It is also needed to log in with your Google account for the "commute sharing" feature, to access your web search history, and for app search, if you have any of these features turned on
Add or remove accounts
Read your own contact card


Contacts/Calendar


Read your contacts

Mainly for Google voice commands, such as calling a contact or sending them a message.
Modify your contacts
Read calendar events plus confidential information

For reminding you about upcoming events.
Add or modify calendar events and send email to guests without owners' knowledge


Location


Precise location (GPS and network-based) 
Approximate location (network-based)

To provide location based suggestions, I get Google Now cards with places to eat nearby, weather reports, Photo spots nearby, etc


SMS


Receive text messages (SMS)
Send SMS messages

To send messages via voice commands
Edit your text messages (SMS or MMS)
Read your text messages (SMS or MMS)


Phone


Directly call phone numbers

Make calls via voice commands
Read call log


Photos/Media/Files


Test access to protected storage
Modify or delete the contents of your USB storage


Camera/Microphone


Take pictures and videos
Record audio


Wi-Fi connection information


View Wi-Fi connections

Might be used for guessing when you're at home/work or maybe related to this


Device ID &amp; call information


Read phone status and identity


Other


Send Gmail
Permission to write Sound Search matches
Preload results
modify secure system settings
receive data from Internet
choose widgets
download files without notification
Read Google settings
disable or modify status bar
contacts data in Google accounts
view configured accounts
adjust your wallpaper size
prevent app switches
Modify Google settings
set an alarm
run at startup
control flashlight
view network connections
prevent device from sleeping
install shortcuts
use accounts on the device
change your audio settings
read Google service configuration
modify system settings
full network access
pair with Bluetooth devices
access Bluetooth settings
set wallpaper
send sticky broadcast
connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi
read sync settings
control vibration