At the fifth annual Chrome Dev Summit yesterday, Google announced a number of new advancements for the web and specifically its browser. The 2017 conference introduced new tools and features that sites can take advantage of, with Progressive Web Apps that blur the line between the web and native being a big focus.
Snapchat for Android is considered by many to be behind that of its iOS counterpart, and that’s unfortunately quite true. Thankfully, it’s been getting a lot better, and now, Snapchat’s Android app is picking up a useful feature from iOS.
Over the weekend, Google rolled out the version 21 of Allo for Android. This update includes a cropping tool for editing profile pictures and support for the EmojiCompat library.
At its October 4th event, Google shared more details about Lens including how it would initially launch in Google Photos for Pixel devices. After launching with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google Lens is beginning to appear for those on last year’s devices as part of a “Pixel preview.”
While pet recognition may be the most notable feature that Google Photos rolled out earlier this week, version 3.7 of the Android app does include some other minor updates. Most notable is a redesigned Share sheet that is more compact.
Most “bezel-light” devices on the market make their much larger displays more manageable by adopting a thinner, more one-hand friendly 18:9 aspect ratio. In some cases, that doesn’t play well, especially with 16:9 video. Now, YouTube has a native way to adapt to that ratio for Google’s new flagship.
Following this week’s rollout to Mac, Windows, and Linux, the latest version of Chrome for Android is beginning to rollout to the stable channel. There are a number of minor new features accompanying the usual security fixes and under-the-hood changes in Chrome 62.
Expand Expanding Close
Following an update to YouTube Music last night, the latest version of the main YouTube app is rolling out. Version 12.41.53 has very little in the way of new features, though there is one notable server-side change to the YouTube app.
With YouTube’s brand redesign in August, Google’s video service significantly revamped its web app, while its mobile apps received various tweaks to match. YouTube Music was initially updated with some of this new branding, but this week receives a new icon.
Among other interesting software tricks, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL also both pack the ability to launch Google Assistant with a quick squeeze of the phone itself. It’s a neat if gimmicky feature, and now the ability to remap it has been figured out.
Just days ago, Google officially brought YouTube TV casting support to the Google Home. It now appears as though HBO Now is getting added to the list of services that can be cast. Here’s how to link your HBO Now account to your Google Home…
For the past several years, Google has hosted a developer event called Playtime centered around the Play Store and apps to share best practices and new tools. At this year’s Playtime, Google announced a number of new tools for developers, including a Security Reward Program, as well as some new features for the Play Store.
Monument Valley was one of the more popular casual games to hit mobile devices in the past few years, so fans were obviously excited to get news of a sequel. While it debuted on iOS to start, the developers promised an Android release at a later date. Now, we finally know when that is.
A couple of weeks ago we revealed that Google was bringing an interesting new feature to its search widget — the ability to customize it. At first, this was a pretty limited rollout, but in the latest version of the Google app, the functionality has rolled out more widely.
Pokémon GO is kicking off its second in-game Halloween event with new ghost-type pocket monsters from the Hoenn Region, a special Pikachua with a witch hat, and more rewards and perks.
Several weeks ago, users spotted a new Google Play design on Android that featured a nested navigation bar just underneath the main tab of categories. That redesign — which goes against the Material guidelines — now appears to be more widely rolling out today.
Last year, Google announced a new method for 2-Step Verification that is built into Android and available on iOS. The Google Prompt replaces the hackable SMS method and was recently updated to include more detailed information. Today, Google announced that the Prompt will become the default method for new sign-ups.
Android Auto’s list of compatible services continues to increase and in its most recent update, Plex finally joined the list.
Chrome 62 is now rolling out to desktops in the stable channel with a number of new features for developers, as well as some changed security behaviors as Google continues to encourage HTTPS adoption.
WhatsApp today has released a new location sharing feature for its popular app. This latest feature allows users to share their location with other contacts using end-to-end encryption.
Earlier this year, a product roadmap revealed that a web redesign of Google Calendar was in the works. Today, that Material refresh of the web app is launching with a number of enterprise-grade features.
As rumored late last month, Google today announced its “Advanced Protection Program” to protect personal Google Accounts of “those most at risk of targeted attacks—like journalists, business leaders, and political campaign teams.” The central defense is a physical Security Key that replaces other forms of two-factor authentication (2FA).
Back in September, Google revamped its data and privacy Dashboard with a simpler, mobile-friendly design. Google is continuing that work today with a more personal Security Checkup feature. Additionally, there are new phishing protections in Chrome.
One of Google Photos’ best features is face recognition for easier grouping, search, and sharing with friends and family. Google is now extending that detection and adding naming support for your cats and dogs.