Spotify is one of the biggest music services on the planet, and a whole lot of people are actively paying for it. Despite that, though, it seems like an update doesn’t go by without some weird bug in the Android app. In the latest Spotify update, the app has added what is probably the worst possible adaptive icon, as well as breaking lockscreen controls for some users.
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When the Huawei P30 Pro launched, the keynote talked of the ability to dual record using the fantastic zoom lens setup. That wasn’t available at launch, but via the EMUI 9.1.0.53 update, P30 Pro users can now use the dual-view video recording mode in full.
OxygenOS 9.0.5 is now available for OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T users, with this stable update bringing a few minor tweaks and fixes alongside the April 2019 security patch.
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Earlier this month, the Google app beta revealed work on a sleep timer for Google Podcasts. We successfully enabled it last week, and it’s now beginning to roll out to end users, along with search topic suggestions.
Ahead of Android Q’s release later this year, many of Google’s apps are preparing dark modes to provide a uniform experience when using the operating system. The latest is Fi — hot off its 4th birthday Pixel 3 deal — and Google Calendar for Android.
Given the ease of use, smart speakers have increasingly become another toy for children to interact with. Many devices include family friendly functionality, with Google Home’s story feature being a particularly useful one. Google is now bringing storytelling to Assistant for Android and iOS.
Following the Mac, Windows, and Linux update, Chrome 74 is now rolling out to Android. This version allows websites to respect an operating system preference to reduce motion, while “Data Saver” has been renamed to “Lite mode.”
In time for Cloud Next ’19, Google fully rolled out the Material Theme redesign to Drive for Android earlier this month. An update for the web client today improves the offline experience that allows for viewing and editing when there’s no connectivity.
Back in September, Area 120 launched Touring Bird as a web app to help travelers find and customize tickets and tours. Originally featuring 20 cities, the Google service now provides curated activities for 200 destinations around the world.
Last August, Google Fit was completely revamped with the Material Theme and a focus on two new metrics. The health and activity tracking application is now coming to iOS with full Apple Health integration.
For the past several months, Google Duo has been working on group video calling, with the functionality spotted in testing last December. The feature is now live in select countries, like Indonesia, with up to four participants currently supported.
When Data Saver in Chrome for Android first launched, the feature was focussed on reducing data usage. Given its other capabilities today, Google is renaming it “Lite mode” and making the capability Android-only. The desktop Chrome extension is being deprecated in the coming weeks.
Google Maps is now able to show you the real-time availability of nearby EV charging stations when you use the map search feature.
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Vine was a cultural phenomenon and gave birth to many a YouTube star — some inherently more likeable than others — but the looping video app’s successor Byte has been pretty quiet of late, until word of a closed beta has now been confirmed.
Back in March, Google introduced a new rounded square icon requirement for the Google Play Store on Android and Chrome OS. App developers can choose to enable the new icon specification immediately, with the Google Contacts listing already featuring the updated style.
After rolling out a Material Theme navigation drawer last week, Google Photos for Android is set to receive backup status indicators right in the gallery view. The app is also adding support for Android Foldables ahead of next week’s Samsung Galaxy Fold launch.
Last August, we enabled a Material Theme redesign for Google Opinion Rewards on Android. The survey app that compensates users with Play credits or through PayPal is finally rolling out that new look.
Earlier this month, Google’s Spring Cleaning killed off some beloved products, but none with more outrage from users than Inbox. The unique email app technically closed up shop on April 2nd, but workarounds kept it working for quite a while after. Now, it seems that the Inbox by Gmail app is officially dead.
The constant stream of WhatsApp beta updates has new features tried and tested long before they become available to the public. In the latest beta update, we’re seeing brands new animated stickers alongside Doodle UI emoji improvements.
Google Contacts last year was one of the first apps to implement a dark theme on Android. Version 3.5.7 today adds a better “Choose theme” switcher in settings that is more apparent to the user and provides additional granularity.
Following Home’s new “Gentle Sleep & Wake” feature yesterday, Google speakers and Smart Displays now support YouTube Music’s free tier. This allows you to listen to stations that feature ads, with availability starting today in 16 countries.
In March, Google announced that Android would prompt new and existing users in Europe to select a default web browser and search app. Earlier this month, we saw signs that this “choice” would be handled by Google Play. Google today officially detailed the Play Store interface and it’s availability over the coming weeks.
New features are constantly being added to Google Maps, and today a handy new addition has rolled out. If you’ve copied an address to your clipboard, Google Maps for Android will now suggest it for searches.
At CES 2019, Philips Hue announced Google Assistant integration for its sleep and wake up feature. In time for spring, ‘Gentle Sleep & Wake’ for Google Home and Hue smart lighting is launching today.