Google Drive’s ML-powered ‘Priority’ page with ‘Workspaces’ exiting beta for G Suite
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Google Calendar for Android, iOS adding AI-powered meeting room suggestions
In recent months, G Suite has added a number of machine learning-powered features to boost end-user productivity. After launching on the web last year, automatic room suggestions are coming to Google Calendar for Android and iOS.
Google Doodles now appear in the Pixel Launcher’s Discover feed
Google Doodles appear in a number of prominent places from Google.com to Chrome’s New Tab page. On Android, it appears in the Google app, and now in the Google Discover feed available to the left of the Pixel Launcher.
G Suite admins can now disable two-factor authentication over texts, phone calls
Given today’s security threats, enabling two-factor authentication on all your accounts is highly encouraged. However, not all 2FA is the same, with the latest consensus being to ditch SMS for Security Keys. Google is now letting G Suite admins disable existing telephony options.
Google begins Call Screen international expansion with Canada beta for Pixel
One of the standout features available to all Pixel phones from Made by Google 2018 is Call Screen. In light of increased spam, Google is now bringing a Call Screen beta to Canada.
Over 150 millions users have downloaded one of 200 SimBad adware infected Google Play Store apps
The Google Play Store has had its fair share of security issues. In this latest instance, the SimBad rogue adware was found by the Check Point research team to have infected over 200 now-gone apps on the Google Play Store (via Android Police).
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Google will release six Android Q Betas in coming months, public launch Q3 2019
Google this afternoon launched the Android Q Beta for all Pixel phones. Renamed from Developer Previews, this and future releases are considered “betas.” In total, there will be six updates starting today until the public release in Q3 of 2019.
Google expands Disability Support with live phone help and Be My Eyes video partnership
Google last year launched a dedicated Disability Support team that users can contact via email with questions about the assistive features in its products. This support channel is now available through phone and with the Be My Eyes application.
Google using ML to hide mobile ads from gamers likely to make in-app purchases
Before the teased GDC Keynote on Tuesday, Google is hosting a developer day on Monday focussed on existing Android games. Monetization is continually a big theme and ahead of that Google is announcing two new ad types for game developers.
Jigsaw’s new Chrome extension will ‘Tune’ out toxic YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Disqus comments
Jigsaw is an Alphabet incubator tasked with using technology to tackle global security challenges. Notable projects include protections against DDoS attacks and DNS manipulation. Its latest is a Chrome extension called Tune to filter out toxic online comments with machine learning.
Chrome 73 for Android rolling out w/ revamped Downloads UI, Omnibar shortcuts, more
Following the Mac, Windows, and Linux update, Chrome 73 is now rolling out to Android. This version features a redesigned Downloads experience and manager, as well as Omnibar link shortcuts and Lite pages.
Google Material Theme begins rolling out to Google Drive for Android and iOS
Following Gmail on Android and iOS last month, the latest G Suite app to get the Google Material Theme is Google Drive. Compared to other redesigns, this is a significant navigation revamp that introduces a bottom bar and focuses on smart suggestions.
Google ‘Lookout’ leverages AI to identify objects & text for the visually impaired, now available on Pixel
One of the more impressive announcements that Google made at I/O 2018 was “Lookout.” This app helps the visually impaired see by pointing their phone at objects and getting verbal feedback. Lookout for Android is now available for the Google Pixel.
Chrome 73 for desktops rolling out w/ Mac Dark Mode support, upcoming settings changes
The latest release of Google Chrome is rolling out today for Mac, Windows, and Linux. On desktops, Chrome 73 introduces a handful of changes related to syncing and account sign-in, as well as developer support for hardware media keys and Auto Picture-in-Picture. However, the most significant user-facing addition is a Dark Mode for macOS.
Google rolling out on-device, real-time Gboard speech transcription for Pixel phones
For the past several releases, Gboard for Android has been working on “faster voice typing” that works offline. Google is today making it official on Pixel phones, and details the “end-to-end, all-neural, on-device speech recognizer” it created.
Google releasing Android Beta Feedback app for reporting Android Q issues, feature requests
Developer Previews allow Google to get feedback at a point in the development cycle when meaningful changes are possible. For Android Q this year, users can send feedback through the recently launched subreddit, bug tracker, and new Android Beta Feedback app.
Chrome for Android’s Data Saver now works with HTTPS as ‘Lite’ pages labeled in Omnibar
Web sites still have to contend with poor connectivity on mobile, while browsers like Chrome feature a “Data Saver.” Google is now bringing that mode to HTTPS and marking “Lite pages” as such in the Omnibar.
Nvidia Shield TV update delivers Xbox Elite Controller support, better HDMI-CEC controls
Since its initial offering back in 2015, Nvidia has been crushing it with software support for both generations of the Shield TV. Today, another software update is rolling out to Nvidia Shield owners which adds Xbox Elite Controller support and more.
Windows 10 gets a screen mirroring beta which brings Android apps to your PC
Last year Microsoft added the “Your Phone” app to Windows 10 as a way to bring your text messages and notifications from a connected smartphone to your PC. Now, some updates are in testing for that app which enables users to Android apps from their phone onto a Windows 10 PC with screen mirroring.
Android Pie now rolling out to Verizon and Unlocked US Galaxy Note 9 devices
Samsung has really ramped up the speed of their updates during the first quarter of 2019, but two notable absentees were the Verizon version of the Galaxy Note 9 and the unlocked US variants. Well, now the Verizon Galaxy Note 9 finally has Android Pie ready to download alongside the unlocked US model.
Area 120’s Kormo app is aimed at young job seekers and the ‘Next Billion Users’
Area 120 is Google’s internal incubator and its latest project is called Kormo. Aimed at the Next Billion Users, it is specifically designed to new young job seekers without experience or resources.
Hangouts Chat adds option to delete direct message conversation history
After adding typing indicators in direct messages last month, Hangouts Chat now has the ability to delete 1:1 conversation history. This straightforward functionality for Google’s enterprise-focussed messaging solution is already live on Android, and coming to all platforms.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite detailed, Android pre-registration on Google Play opens [Gallery]
Following Ingress and Pokémon Go, formerly Google-owned Niantic’s next augmented reality experience is Wizards Unite. Leveraging Harry Potter’s Wizarding World, the premise of the game was fully detailed today, with pre-registration now available on Google Play for Android.
Spotify for Android testing option to disable those music videos that replace album covers
Spotify is one of the most used music services in the world right now, and it’s continually adding new features to its apps. One feature that many weren’t all that happy with, though, has been the addition of music videos that show up on the “Now Playing” screen. Now, Spotify is testing an option on Android which lets users disable “canvas” videos.