About the Author
“It’s Google’s Alphabet’s world & we’re all just living in it.”
The above is truly Abner’s philosophy and why in his 5 years of writing about tech Google and Android has mostly been the main subject.
He resides in Los Angeles.
Send tips to abner@9to5mac.com.
Email or Twitter @technacity if you want to discuss anything remotely Android or Google related with him.
Today
GOOG: 940.49
Similar to how the shift from desktop to mobile required different monetization strategies and ads, the rise of virtual reality content will require another rethink. Google, which is still primarily driven by advertising, is already experimenting with ad designs for the new format.
Two of the biggest Google Photos features announced at I/O 2017 are beginning to rollout today. Suggested Sharing automatically recommends images to send out, while Shared Libraries allow whole collections to be continuously forwarded to another person.
Yesterday
GOOG: 927.33
Google News has received a massive redesign on the web that focuses on readability and simplified navigation. Feature-wise, it has more personalization, while better highlighting different perspectives and fact-checking.
Chrome OS testing automatic night mode, more power controls in Canary channel
The Google Pixel has a convenient Night Light feature that can automatically tint the screen to reduce eyestrain during evening hours. Chrome OS is now testing a near identical feature in the latest Canary channel, which also features new power management controls.
G Suite accounts and domains can now sign-up for Google’s Project Fi MVNO
Project Fi is seeing an enterprise-focused expansion today as it opens sign-ups to G Suite accounts. Until today, Google’s MVNO service was only available for regular consumers with an @gmail.com address.
At I/O 2017, Google announced a number of updates that were coming to Photos later this year. Until then, the Android app appears to be testing a new sharing interface that is better optimized for selecting multiple images at a time.
Google Home’s multi-user support launches in the UK, provides personalized Assistant results
Multiple user support is one of Google Home’s key differentiators from competing speaker assistant devices. After launching in the US earlier this year, it is now expanding internationally, starting with the UK.
Update: An update to Play Music for Android is beginning to rollout this afternoon. Version 7.9.4921 appears to address the Bluetooth issues that some were encountering earlier today. Head to the Play Store to grab the fix.
Last week, version 7.9 of Google Play Music began rolling out with support for notification channels in Android O and a search history shortcut. After an updated version began widely rolling out yesterday, a number of users have reported the app crashing at launch.
June 26
GOOG: 952.27
After entering beta last week, automatic night mode is now rolling out to all Twitter for Android users. When enabled, night mode can be set to commence at sunset and turn off at sunrise. This feature has been in testing since April, but is finally launching with version 7.2.
Hit Silicon Valley app ‘Not Hotdog’ launches on Android, identifies hotdog-like food
After launching on iOS last month, image recognition app Not Hotdog is now available for Android in the Google Play Store. Aimed at food, specifically hotdogs, the app from SeeFood Technologies has already garnered rave reviews.
Following a Canadian launch in April, Google Wifi is available in France starting today. Announced back in October with the rest of the Made by Google line-up, the mesh networking solution can be purchased at several French retailers, including the Google Store.
Back in April, Waymo expanded its trial of self-driving Chrysler Pacificas to all residents of Phoenix, Arizona. With 100 cars already in the fleet, it also announced 500 additional minivans for the public test. The Alphabet company has today revealed an agreement that will see Avis Car Rental managing those autonomous vehicles.
June 24
GOOG: 965.59
In recent weeks, rumors of Google’s next generation ‘Pixel 2’ devices have increased in frequency. We reported earlier this month that LG would be manufacturing the likely Pixel XL successor, while back in March we got a look at Google documentation that suggested no headphone jack.
New rumors today corroborate both details and provide the first solid — thought expected — insight into what specs will power these upcoming devices, as well as other design changes in store.
June 23
GOOG: 965.59
According to Recode, Nest has lost its long-time head of industrial design. Overseeing a number of products since 2013, including the recently announced Nest Cam IQ, Rocky Jacob is leaving for European luxury brand LVMH.
Since Gmail launched in 2004, one point of constant contention with the free service was how it scanned a user’s emails to show personalized and tailored ads. However, an upcoming change later this year will see Google end this practice in Gmail.
June 22
GOOG: 957.09
At VidCon 2017 today, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki announced a slew of updates for both consumers and creators of the platform. The mobile apps will soon dynamically adapt their video player window, while YouTube’s built-in share feature and YouTube TV are seeing a wider rollout in the coming weeks.
To make virtual reality content easier to create, Google is launching a new video format called VR180. As the name suggests, certified devices will capture half of the usual 360-degree range, with a focus on what is right in front of the camera.
In the coming months, Google Photos will add a slew of exciting features like Google Lens, Suggested Sharing, and Shared Libraries. But until then, some users have noticed that the option to only back up images and videos when charging has been removed.
With Verizon announcing its first LTE feature phone last week and today’s announcement of the Galaxy Folder 2, it seems that flip phones are seeing a minor comeback. Made by Samsung, this second-generation device is considered a “folder phone” and smartphone hybrid.
