Following the beta this March, Google is ready to launch Nearby Share for Windows in full today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Nearby Share for Windows and partnering to pre-install
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Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
Pixel Fold gets formal launch to cap Google’s messiest unveil
We questioned at the end of last month whether the Pixel Fold had launched yet, given a number of missed milestones. It’s now clear the answer at the end of June was no, with Google’s latest device only seeing its formal launch today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet starts testing image generation for unique backgrounds
After starting public testing in Slides, AI image generation is now coming to Google Meet on the web to create custom backgrounds.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home 3.3 update enables Home Panel on Pixel
Google announced Home Panel was coming to Pixel phones with the June Feature Drop, and it’s now widely rolling out with an update to the Google Home app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates the Arts & Culture icon after previous tizzy
The Arts & Culture app gained a new icon earlier this year that evoked rather strong opinions, and Google has now introduced an updated version on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail encouraging users to enable Enhanced Safe Browsing
Over the past few days, Google has been prominently promoting Enhanced Safe Browsing in the Gmail apps.
Expand Expanding CloseEntry Google Workspace tiers now include code-free ‘AppSheet’ app creator
AppSheet lets businesses easily build internal tools, and Google is now giving access to entry Google Workspace tiers.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube testing gesture that lets you quickly 2x playback speed
Boosting playback speed is a common occurrence with most YouTube content these days, especially with podcasts, and Google is making it easier to 2x videos with a new gesture.
Expand Expanding Close[Fixed] Some Google Nest Hubs bricked by overnight update
Google Nest Hubs automatically reboot and/or install updates every night, but an emerging issue sees some Assistant Smart Displays stuck, or bricked, on the “Updating” screen.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s the Coral Pixel Watch Active Band that Google never released
Besides the Metal Mesh strap that never came to be, there was another Pixel Watch accessory that Google ended up not releasing: a Coral Active Band.
Expand Expanding CloseAuto-organizing Google Messages categories return for beta users [U]
Google rolled out the ability for Messages to auto-group SMS texts and RCS chats last year, but the categories have now disappeared for some users.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat is Bard’s future as a Google product?
Bard received a major update yesterday with a slew of new features and expanded availability. Most notable is the ability to save and pin chats, as well as have multiple conversations, with Bard’s UI being updated to support everything.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Gmailify sync for 3rd-party email facing issues
Google introduced Gmailify in 2016 so that you could use Gmail features like spam filtering and inbox organization with a third-party account, but that integration is currently down.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music podcasts support starts rolling out internationally
After launching in late April for US users, YouTube Music is starting to roll out international support for podcasts.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music now lets you ‘Dismiss queue’ after miniplayer redesign
YouTube Music is addressing a big issue with the permanent miniplayer by adding a “Dismiss queue” button.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages adds prominent badge for RCS chats [U]
Google is continuing its move to more explicitly label “RCS” in Messages with a very prominent badge noting which conversations are eligible.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Bard now in Europe, supports 40+ languages, pinning chats, and more
Google is giving Bard its “biggest expansion to date” by coming to Europe and Brazil, as well as supporting additional languages. The AI chatbot is also getting new productivity and personalization features.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle kicks off public testing of NotebookLM, previously Project Tailwind
Previewed at I/O 2023 in May, Google today is rolling out its “AI-first notebook” with a new name: NotebookLM. It was previously called “Project Tailwind,” though the old icon remains in use.
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More Blockchain, NFT Android apps coming to Google Play with new policy
To support and allow for blockchain-based content (such as NFTs) on the Play Store, Google is releasing a new policy with which apps have to be compliant.
Expand Expanding CloseAt a Glance widget getting big Material You redesign [Gallery]
Google is readying a big Material You redesign of the Assistant At a Glance widget for Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app rolling out ‘Finance Watchlist’ stocks widget [U]
Somewhat surprisingly, the Google Search app on Android now offers a “Finance Watchlist” stocks widget.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle apps that need a few more tablet optimizations
Google’s first-party tablet apps are in a good place right now and meaningfully contribute to the Pixel Tablet experience. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, and here are a few suggestions.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Gmail ‘Offer times you’re free’ tool streamlines calendar scheduling
Google is rolling out a new Calendar tool in the Gmail web client that makes it easier and faster to schedule meetings.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 14 Beta 4 [Gallery]
Following last month’s big update with lockscreen clocks and shortcuts, Android 14 Beta 4 for Pixel devices is now available.
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