Despite the last beta coming on Monday evening, a new version of the Google app is ready for testing. Google app 10.41 continues work on Ambient Mode and reveals the addition of device notifications, while alarms could be coming to At A Glance.
About APK Insight: In this ‘APK Insight’ post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.
Notifications in Ambient Mode
A more feature-rich Assistant is coming to the always-on display with Ambient Mode. Besides suggestions and music controls, Google app 10.41 suggests that regular device notifications will appear. New strings detail that functionality, and enabling the notification access permission for the Google app.
<string name=”charging_mode_notification_cta”>Turn on in Settings</string>
<string name=”charging_mode_notification_title”>See your notifications while in Ambient Mode</string>
<string name=”charging_mode_notification_content”>Turn on notification access for the Google App to see your notifications while in Ambient Mode.</string>
Meanwhile, we enabled the settings page to turn on/off Ambient Mode. It will be a preference under “Personalization,” alongside “Personal Results,” “Lock screen personal results,” and “Personal suggestions before you ask.” The Pixel Stand’s existing Photo frame feature will also be accessible here.
We can also see the “Show Ambient Mode when kickstand is open” option that we first spotted earlier this week. It could imply that a first-party Pixel 4 phone case with kickstand is coming.
At A Glance
In addition to Calendar events, Upcoming flight information, and Traffic information, the At A Glance widget available in the Pixel Launcher and Google app might soon note your next upcoming alarm.
<string name=”smartspace_alarm_title”>Alarm</string>
<string name=”smartspace_alarm_summary”>Next upcoming alarm alerts</string>
Google app browser
Google Discover and Search today leverage a Chrome Custom Tab that adds an “Add to collection” shortcut in the app bar. Google looks to be working on a separate “Google app browser” that allows users to clear cookies, cached data, and other browsing data separately from Chrome. It’s not clear how the experience would differ.
How to update?
You can sign-up for the Google app’s beta program here or by heading to the Play Store listing on Android and scrolling to the bottom. The latest beta version of the Google app is immediately rolled out when it’s available.
Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which some APK Insight teardowns benefit from.
Dylan Roussel contributed to this article
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