As Chrome OS continues to evolve, Google continues to adjust what it offers in terms of features and the UI. Currently, Google is testing out a significant change to the OS for the sake of 2-in-1 machines — a brand new, touch-friendly launcher.
Back in early May, a widespread phishing scam started to spread among Gmail users. The email, which looked realistic to many users, had people grant OAuth access to a web application that was pretending to be Docs. Google quickly killed the web application, but it showed that the company needed to take additional steps to help protect its customers…
Content for virtual reality is being created at a tremendous pace as the field sees more and more consumer devices and interest. Hoping to address how most 3D content is still created on 2D screens, Google is releasing Blocks, a simple tool for creating and sharing objects in virtual reality.
Google Maps is taking advantage of its large crowdsourcing aspect to make it easier to both input and find details about the accessibility of a location. In addition to this information appearing in Maps, it will also appear in Search result cards.
OnePlus has been on a roll with software updates for its latest flagship. The most recent OTA for the OnePlus 5 comes on the heels of two similar updates just last week. OxygenOS 4.5.5 addresses bug fixes and includes several other optimizations.
Following the release of July’s Android security patch today, many users of the 5-inch variant of the Google Pixel are reporting issues with installation with the latest OTA.
The July security patch is beginning to rollout for Google Pixel and Nexus devices not running the latest Android O developer preview as part of the Beta Program. Still on 7.1.2, this update features the usual bug fixes and a number of security patches.
Android Wear 2.0’s rollout to the wide variety of wearables set to receive it has been slow, to say the least. Many watches still lack the update, but one of the biggest releases yet to pick it up has been ASUS’ ZenWatch line. Recently, ASUS finally gave us some concrete information on when its Wear 2.0 rollout will begin.
Twitter has been on a roll in recent weeks with its Android app. Last month, the client — along with its desktop and mobile web counterparts — were redesigned, while the app more recently received an automatic night mode. In the latest beta, Twitter is adding a new “Reduce motion” option to limit animations like live engagement counts.
Google appears to be widely testing a slight visual redesign of mobile Search that tweaks the appearance of results and their cards. Over the past few hours, several users have spotted the change in both the Google app for Android and iOS, as well as on the mobile web.
Rolled out to Android Auto last December, “Ok Google” is particularly useful and convenient while driving. However, a recent bug appears to be disabling the hotword functionality for some. Fortunately, Google has isolated the issue and has a workaround until the fix is ready.
Google regularly works with partners to offer up deals for Android Pay users and its latest deal works with Fandango to celebrate the addition of Android Pay checkout to the service’s Android application.
Version 8.0 of the Google Play Store is rolling out to devices right now and while it doesn’t seem to add a ton of new features, it does add one new change that many can appreciate — inline change logs in the app updates menu.
Announced at I/O 2017, Google Home is beginning to rollout support for Bluetooth streaming. This allows the Home to act as another Bluetooth device that can stream music from an Android or iOS device.
Google has a number of ongoing efforts for parts of the world where data usage is more constrained. The company’s latest endeavor is an app called Triangle that allows users to see data use on an app-by-app basis and then block unwanted background usage.
Google Play is trying out something new this year — a storewide Summer sale starting today with deals across all of Google Play’s content. That includes movies, music, games, apps, subscriptions, and more all running through the middle of this month.
Most of us have either been that person who uses their phone so much they run into something or we’ve seen someone who did exactly that. It’s a problem that is solved as easily as being aware of your surroundings, but some people just can’t look up from their conversation enough to do that.
Samsung’s R&D out of India recently devised a solution to this called “Walk Mode.” The new app is available for download in the Play Store, with some region locks, and is advertised as being able to sense when there’s danger in front of you while walking around and tell you to look up from your screen.
Android’s homescreen is one of the things I love most about it because you can make it your own and customize it however you want. The possibilities are endless and today I’m learning that you can apparently have a train running on your homescreen.
Similar to how the shift from desktop to mobile required different monetization strategies and ads, the rise of virtual reality content will require another rethink. Google, which is still primarily driven by advertising, is already experimenting with ad designs for the new format.
Two of the biggest Google Photos features announced at I/O 2017 are beginning to rollout today. Suggested Sharing automatically recommends images to send out, while Shared Libraries allow whole collections to be continuously forwarded to another person.
I love the hardware of the S8, the display on the S8, and even the software on the S8, but there’s one thing that makes me cringe every time I pick it up — the performance. Despite packing some of the best specs on the market today, the Galaxy S8 has some serious lag issues. Thankfully, Samsung is at least doing something to remedy this problem.
Google News has received a massive redesign on the web that focuses on readability and simplified navigation. Feature-wise, it has more personalization, while better highlighting different perspectives and fact-checking.
Uber has been in the news for numerous reasons over recent weeks, most of which are certainly not positive and center on multiple controversies related to sexual harassment. Today, however, the company is rolling out a new feature that it hopes will help it expand its ride-hailing reach to those without a smartphone…
The Google Pixel has a convenient Night Light feature that can automatically tint the screen to reduce eyestrain during evening hours. Chrome OS is now testing a near identical feature in the latest Canary channel, which also features new power management controls.