At I/O 2018, Google announced that Maps would become more personal and assistive over the coming months. Screenshots from the keynote also revealed Google’s Material Theme for the Android app, with the company now A/B testing one likely aspect from that upcoming update.
Android P is the next major upgrade coming to Wear OS, but until then the wearable platform will continue receiving small incremental releases over time. One of those updates today is a new “Wear OS Phone” app that’s just been uploaded to the Play Store.
Since news emerged in March that Google was working with the U.S. military to use machine learning to analyze drone footage, some employees have been debating and protesting the decision. Many Googlers have expressed discontent through a petition, while others are now beginning to quit over the matter.
Google is revamping its cloud storage offerings to better reflect the rise in high-res images and 4K video, especially due to Photos, while also integrating family plans. “Google One” features simplified plans that are cheaper and also give subscribers other benefits, like deals and better customer support.
Last week, Google announced and began rolling out Smart Compose at I/O 2018, as well as native offline support for the new Gmail. Today, AI-powered response suggestions called “Nudges” are beginning to launch in the redesigned web client.
Nova Launcher is one of the most popular third-party launchers available for Android today, and one of the big reasons for that is because it’s quick to adopt the latest features and versions of Android. Now, Nova is adding some compatibility improvements for Android P.
The new Gmail launched with a slew of new features last month, and Google announced that more were on the way. While Smart Compose may have grabbed all the attention at I/O 2018 this week, native offline support is now rolling out.
Ahead of I/O we caught wind that there was a revamp of Google News incoming, and on stage at the event, the company officially revealed one of the biggest redesigns of the service we’ve seen in its 15-year history. Not only does it deliver a ton of new functionality, but it’s also an excellent example of the company’s new “Material Theme.” Let’s take a closer look…
Last month, we spotted Reply working on a new smart toolbar to compliment its existing set of smart messaging response capabilities. That update is rolling out now to the beta along with a new general redesign for the app and service.
Unlike other Made by Google products, Google Clips did not get a presence at I/O 2018 despite it being an obvious example of AI. To make up for this, the smart camera is adding the ability recognize hugs, kisses, dance moves, and more, as well as multi-device pairing.
A lot of Google’s projects in recent months have been focused on improving the lives of people with impairments. Recently, Google revealed a new app that it’s working on called “Lookout” which aims to help those with visual impairments.
Google officially unveiled Material Themes at I/O 2018 after weeks of various Android and web apps slowly revealing new aspects. During the keynotes, first-party apps, like Photos, showed off the new design and now Google is revealing “partner studies” that explore how others could adopt it.
Last month’s Gmail revamp introduced a refreshed Material Design on the web. This Material Theme is now coming to the Google Drive web client to match its fellow G Suite products and Google’s new look.
In March, our APK Insight of the Google app revealed upcoming capabilities for Pixel Buds like customizing the double-tap gesture and in-ear detection. Today, the Google app is adding a new setting for the headphones to customize and better control the notification experience.
Google unveiled six new voices, Continued Conversation, and Multiple Actions for Assistant at I/O 2018 yesterday. The company also quietly announced that Custom Routines are rolling out, while the Explore tab is also gaining new Editorial Picks for Actions.
Android Oreo introduced a ton of new features to Google’s mobile OS, but not all of them were received super well. To be more transparent, Google launched a new notification that told users when apps were using your battery, and they didn’t like it very much. Now, Google says that notification is no more…
Earlier this month, users began spotting a significant visual revamp to one important aspect of YouTube Music, as well as the addition of a key new feature. The Now Playing screen was completely redesigned, while the YouTube client finally gained a queue feature. With version 2.31, the feature is now available for all Android users.
Since the rebrand in February, Google Pay has been adding new features like Assistant integration and rolling out to the web and other platforms. At I/O 2018, Google unveiled an expansion of Pay’s ticketing capabilities beyond transit passes.
Announced last year at I/O, Google is announcing a number of new capabilities during this year’s keynote. The visual search feature is getting a new look and being integrated with third-party camera apps from OEMs. Meanwhile, it is adding three new features, the most notable being real-time answers.
Google I/O is here, and to kick off the presentation today Google’s own Sundar Pichai got on stage to talk about AI. In that, he debuted a video which introduces a new input method in Gboard — morse code.
Following a big revamp to Gmail last month, Google is adding a new machine learning feature this month. Smart Compose is similar to Smart Reply, but takes it a step further by allowing users to autocomplete the body of an email.
In a departure from previous years, the Google Play Awards were unveiled on the eve of I/O 2018. With nominees first announced late last month, these are the top Android apps and games as chosen by Google employees throughout the company.
One of the biggest things I’ve been looking at with Android smartphones, especially in the past several months, is security updates. When OEMs are open about not even trying to deliver these on a monthly basis, I’ll completely write-off those devices. However, there are some shining exceptions is this sea of late updates…