Version 22 of Google Duo is rolling out this afternoon with two notable features from Allo. Like the text messaging app earlier this week, Duo now has improved Adaptive Icon support. Meanwhile, upcoming Google account linking will let users be reached via email. Duo is also continuing work on their messaging feature.
Alongside yesterday’s rollout of music recognition, Google Assistant is also adding a feature long found in Allo to the main Android and iOS version. Subscriptions provide useful recurring alerts and were one of Google Allo’s most useful Assistant features.
Popular Times in Google Search and Maps uses crowdsourcing to conveniently determine whether locations, like stores or movie theatres, are busy. As such, users can use this information to better schedule their visits. Now, the feature is adding wait times for your favorite restaurants.
Earlier today, Google released the November security patch for its Nexus and Pixel devices. For the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL, this update contains fixes for the various screen issues, including more color modes and additional burn-in protections.
To target the next billion users, Google frequently makes apps that are optimized for developing markets around the world. Recent examples include its Tez payment service and a lite version of Google Search. The latest appears to be a “smart storage manger.”
Following the release of apps for Android TV and Xbox last week, YouTube TV on mobile is adding useful reminders for when shows, movies, and other broadcast events air. These notifications are widely rolling out with version 1.10 of the Android client today.
In a small, but impactful update, Google today announced that the Drive apps are receiving “improvements to the image insertion process.” Applicable to Docs, Slides, and Drawings on the web, there is now a redesigned menu and dedicated drawer for adding images to files.
Last month, the Google app began testing a rounded UI for both the Feed and Search results. This afternoon, that latter design is widely rolling out to Google’s mobile site for both Android and iOS devices.
YouTube Kids is Google’s child-optimized and friendly interface to its video network. Launched two years ago, it is seeing a refresh today that brings a “tailored” interface that adapts to a kid’s age. It is also adding profiles for kids that allow for better personalization.
On Tuesday, several Google Docs users noticed that they were not able to access their files, with Drive displaying a Terms of Service violation error. In a blog post, Google today explained the issue and addressed concerns that arose.
Following an update in July that added a darker theme, new icon, and Android Oreo support, the latest version of Google Clock is now rolling out. Version 5.2 revamps the app icon and makes significant changes to the world clocks feature.
Google has several popular tools, like Tilt Brush and the Minecraft-esque Blocks, for creating virtual and augmented reality content. The latest is called Poly and provides users with a vast library of 3D objects and scenes that are free to use.
Update: Today’s Android rollout also includes Spanish in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as Italian in Italy. It will be coming to the iOS app later this year.
The Google Assistant is launching in Spain today with support for Spanish. Launched in Google Allo back in May, Assistant will soon be available on recent Android devices in the country.
On the eve of Google’s October 4th event, we were able to enable a redesigned Google Feed that featured numerous rounded UI elements, a new bottom bar, and removed navigation drawer. Following last night’s release of version 7.15 of the Google app, it appears that this new design is beginning to rollout for some.
Livestreams are a big deal right now, and between social media, Twitch, and YouTube, there are a lot of ways to go live. Now, it appears YouTube is offering an extra feature for those doing mobile live streams on the platform.
Stock Android’s calculator app isn’t fancy or advanced, but it works as well as any other smartphone calculator app. For a while now, though, it has had one annoying quirk — a really bright and obnoxious green accent color. In the latest update, that’s been swapped out.
With the rollout of the Google Feed over the summer, the overflow menu on cards became more important. Namely, it was the primary way to customize the Feed and housed the basic ability to swipe away cards. This evening, Google is more widely rolling out a redesign that switches to a bottom sheet for that menu.
I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve spent with the Essential Phone, but one of the big problems I have had with it has been the lack of features in the software. All the little touches on the Pixel are what makes the experience lively, and Essential has lacked that. In its latest update, though, that’s being fixed a bit.
Update 11/2: YouTube TV for Android TV has arrived on the Play Store. It’s also available on Xbox consoles today.
After adding Google Home and Assistant integration, YouTube TV is now rolling out a dedicated and optimized television experience. Apps for Android TV and Xbox One are launching in the next few days, with Apple TV, LG, Samsung, and Sony following soon.
Following the release of Chrome 62 for browsers and Android, the latest version is now rolling out to Chrome OS. With version 61 adding a Pixel-style launcher and new lock screen, this update revamps the notifications panel to be more Android-like. One of the more important security changes also addresses the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability.
Keeping track of your purchases isn’t always easy. That’s why services such as PayPal which can notify you of every purchase or deposit can really come in handy. Android Pay does something similar, but only when you pay with your phone. Now, it’s looking like the service might be able to pull transaction history from your card(s) regardless of if it was on your phone or not.
Chris Lacy’s popular launcher alternative, Action Launcher, has seen a lot of great updates over the years, and in its latest update, it’s picking up one of the Pixel 2’s new features.
Following a redesign of the share sheet in the previous update, the latest version of Google Photos is rolling out now. Google Lens on the Pixel and Pixel 2 pick up a really neat and Googley animation when activating, while there are minor UI changes, and a photo book-related promotion.
Searching, especially on mobile, is increasingly based on your location. For Google Search and Maps, specific service is determined by the country you’re in. However, in a change today, country-specific services no longer require that users visit a regional version of Google.