When you startsomethingnew, a large number of neurons in the frontal cortex (the higher, more conscious command area ofthe brain) are recruited and become active, helping you in the learning process.
More seriously, Google Now can have an unwieldy feel to it, like it's thestartof a new OS growing inside the belly ofthe old one -- something that adds functionality but probably also represents the peculiar ability of Android to scare some people off with its complexity.
Citizens get excited about being part ofsomething even larger than themselves especially in theNew Year, as they resolve to start anew by working off the holiday fat.