In theory, slides should only convey the key points of a presentation and are not the presenter’s words verbatim. However, having a word-for-word transcript can be useful, especially for those that are hard of hearing. Google Slides is now adding real-time closed captions to help with accessibility.
According to the Wall Street Journal this morning, Google discovered a user data bug in Google+ last spring. However, the issue appears to not have been abused by any third-party developers. The company opted to not disclose the issue, but in response is now shutting down the failed social network for consumers.
As of today, the expanded version of Google Safety Center will now be available in six European countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. More countries and languages will be available in the coming weeks.
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Earlier this week, Google announced Project Stream as a “technical test” to solve the hardest problems associated with making AAA console titles playable right in desktop Chrome. This evening, Google is beginning to roll out the first Project Stream invites to users.
Google Drive on the web was one of the first services to receive a Material Theme during I/O 2018. At Cloud Next in June, the Google Drive Material Theme for Android and iOS was detailed, and now we have a look at the redesign that’s also currently in beta for enterprise customers.
Google News debuted earlier this year at I/O and it’s still one of the best examples of Google’s Material Theme design language, but like many other Google apps, it’s primarily white. Now, though, a Google News dark mode is available in the latest update.
One of YouTube TV’s most useful features is an unlimited cloud DVR for recording live shows and rewatching content. However, there are restrictions that favor VOD content, but fortunately the major channels today are allowing full and immediate YouTube TV DVR control.
Just yesterday, Google began rolling out a complete visual redesign of Assistant for Android and iOS, as well as allowing developers to better monetize Actions. Google Assistant is now gaining the ability to help you book a ride from Uber, Lyft, and more with just your voice.
With the Android app’s launch in June, the Google Podcasts creator program was also teased to promote inclusive storytelling and increase diversity in podcasting. Google is now opening sign-ups for a training program that will feature seed funding to create unique and sustainable shows.
Since Google I/O earlier this year, dozens of the company’s products have been getting updated to the latest Material Design cues. Now, the latest addition to the list is rolling out with a Google Translate redesign on web, including the Google Material Theme and a new feature for the web client.
Earlier this week Google announced that one of its most popular services, Google Maps, was going to get some big new features. Today, those features are starting to roll out to users. The Google Maps Commute tab and native music integration are starting to go live.
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In addition to a big visual redesign for Assistant on phones, Actions on Google today are becoming a more viable platform for developers. These Google Assistant apps can now offer subscriptions and other digital goods to users.
First announced at I/O 2018, Google is officially rolling out a Google Assistant redesign for mobile phones. Focussed on bigger visuals and new controls, the company has been testing several of the components for the past several weeks.
Historically, Google is not a litigious company when it comes to patents. The company is now supporting the Prior Art Archive to help patent examiners make better informed decisions on whether to grant an application by making it searchable through Google Patents.
Formerly called Google Ideas, Jigsaw is an Alphabet company tackling global security challenges with technology. The incubator’s latest Android application is called Intra and works to combat online censorship of information and news sites.
Back in July, Google Voice joined the G Suite family of enterprise apps and was more recently redesigned with a new icon, Contacts tab, and other business features. Following renewed attention in 2017, the service has greatly improved, but suffered a slight stumble last month when it accidentally disabled a key capability.
Google last week celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Doodle, Street View tour of its original garage HQ, and a love letter to Easter Eggs. The latter tribute comes as a new game has just been uncovered, yielding an elaborate text adventure.
Earlier this year, Google and Ubisoft announced a game server hosting project, while Google Cloud has also been working to power multi-player gaming experiences. With Project Stream, Google will make Assassin’s Creed Odyssey playable right from desktop Chrome starting later this week.
Chrome Extensions are very useful, but are ripe for abuse given the utility and wide-ranging access. Google in the past year has taken steps to police extensions, but is today announcing more policies aimed at developers, as well as new options to give users more control.
Last year, YouTube began displaying concert showtimes underneath music videos on the web and mobile. The Google video site is now expanding that ad extensions space to include movie showtimes, app installations, and more.
Google Maps is probably one of the company’s most-used and more-adored products, and it’s always getting updated to try and improve things for the better. Today, Google is announcing a slew of new features for Maps users including a new “Commute” tab.
Back in March, YouTube began testing picture-in-picture on the web for simultaneous watching and browsing. While the previous A/B test was limited in scope, a new YouTube Miniplayer appears to be widely rolling out this evening
Just before the official launch of Google Podcasts in June, our APK Insight spotted Cast streaming in development for the Android client. Appearing for some users earlier this month, Chromecast support is now more widely rolling out today.
Google announced a number of big updates for Search earlier this week. Today, a desktop revamp for Google Images is rolling out that leverages the Google Material Theme, while image credits now appear in results.