Update 4/19/17: It looks like this feature is now rolling out more widely.
Yesterday we got our first look at a Play Store design tweak currently rolling out to some that changes the look of search results. In addition to that change, it appears that Google is now slowly rolling out a design update that looks similar to what we saw in a leaked “dogfood” version of the Play Store last month…
In recent weeks, Google has launched a number of social apps through its Area 120 incubator. However, the company is also working on a first party social app that lets small groups edit pictures together with the help of computer vision.
After rolling out to desktops and Android in recent weeks, version 57 is now in the stable channel for Chrome OS devices. There are a number of new features in this release that are especially geared at newer Chromebooks.
Earlier this month, Google finally announced its rebranded Hangouts Chat focussed on the enterprise. With the company also showing renewed focus on Android Messages as the platform’s defacto RCS client, it makes sense for Hangouts to eventually lose its SMS capabilities. In an email reportedly sent to G Suite administrators, that change will take place in May.
Facebook today introduced two new features for Messenger called Message Reactions and Mentions.
The first thing you think about with Android Pay is contactless NFC payments, but that’s not the only thing it does. Not many apps support it, but Android Pay can actually be used virtually in apps on your phone. Today, Etsy has announced that its Android app will support Android Pay for checkout…
Following Brazil-centric updates to Allo and Duo, Google Photos is adding two new features to improve backup and sharing when connectivity is low. Additionally, version 2.11 sees a slight visual change that betters notes when backups are in progress.
Long hinted at in teardowns, Google Duo is finally adding the ability to make audio-only calls. Meanwhile, Google Allo adds the ability to share files, as well as a machine learning-powered feature to find the right emoji and sticker more quickly. These features are launching first in Brazil, with international rollout in the next few days.
Getting a group of people together can be difficult. Not only do you have to set a time and place to meet, but you also have to also make sure everyone knows how to get there. Thankfully, Google is trying to make that process easier for you by adding a feature to Google Maps that allows you to share your real-time location and trip progress with friends and family…
Pokémon GO developers Niantic today announced the latest upcoming in-game event for the title with the Pokémon GO Water Festival scheduled to kick off today, March 22.
During the event, players will have increased opportunities to catch water-type Pokémon, which the developers note includes “Magikarp, Squirtle, Totodile and their evolutions around the world,” among others:
Snapseed today announced the latest update to its Android application. The update brings the app to version 2.17 and includes a handful of new tools and features. The update was announced in a post on Google+.
Included in today’s update are three new editing tools: Double Exposure, Face Pose, and Expand.
With Chrome 57 featuring big leaps for Progressive Web Apps on Android, version 58 continues by enabling immersive full screen experiences. Other developer-focused changes include new sandbox iframes and better support when dealing with large data sets.
Google announced the Android O developer preview this morning and it’s shaping up to be a big update with numerous functional (and a few visual) changes. With factory images available for flashing, we’re compiling a list of all the new features, so follow along.
Android 7.1.2 beta 2 debuted today on Pixel and Nexus devices and, despite being a minor version update, it brings a lot to the table for Google’s devices. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers…
Instagram today has announced a new update for its iOS and Android apps. The update comes not long after the social network added support for geostickers to its Stories feature. Today’s update, however, relates to live video and adds support for downloading live videos once the broadcast has ended…
Over the past few months, the Google app on Android has been testing a ‘Recent’ section to provide a visual interface to browse through previous searches. This feature now appears to be live and widely rolling out to users.
Nintendo has finally announced that Super Mario Run will arrive on the Play Store on March 23. This has been a long time coming for Android users, since Nintendo released the game on iOS back in December. Previously, Nintendo confirmed that Super Mario Run would arrive on the Play Store in March without giving specifics…
Following a Mac, Windows, and Linux release last week, Chrome 57 is now rolling out to Android with a number of user-facing and developer features. Chrome Custom Tabs now feature the full set of page controls, as web apps gain access to Android’s app drawer, notifications, and other system functions.
The first update to Google Voice since its relaunch back in January is now rolling out. While the update doesn’t bring any significant new features, there are some welcome additions, including support for sending GIFs in Gboard and a new Do not disturb mode.
On Marshmallow and Nougat devices in the US, Google Assistant is fully rolled out with one notable exception. As implied during the announcement of Assistant’s expansion, it is not coming to tablets. Additionally, Google’s Assistant website has been updated with tips, as well information about which commands work on each platform.
With the last update adding ‘Recents‘ to the navigation drawer, the latest version of Google Play Music brings the ability to set audio quality when streaming over Wi-Fi, as well as when downloading music for offline access.
Update, Apr 14, 2017: Now available for iPhone too.
Following apps like YouTube Kids, Google is working on providing a more child friendly experience for Android. Launching as invite only, Family Link allows parents to control what apps children can use on managed devices, as well as set screen limits and usage locks.
Google’s Nexus 6 is outside of its update window at this point, but owners were glad to learn that the phone would be upgraded to Android 7.1.1, even though it was delayed for quite some time. Eventually, Google rolled out the update, but it later pulled it. However, that left some users on 7.1.1, and apparently, Google is trying to downgrade those users back to 7.0.
Update: A Google employee has responded to Reddit users with the following information:
There was a recent OTA update for Android 7.0 that is causing confusion for some Nexus 6 users. For those of you that want to guarantee future OTA updates, you will need to get back on the 7.0 supported track. If you are experiencing issues after accepting the 7.0 update, please factory reset your device to help resolve any problems.
For any Nexus 6 users that want to continue flashing/sideloading future builds, you can stay on 7.1.1 and continue to do so.
Android Wear 2.0 is getting started with its rollout to the rest of the Android Wear ecosystem following its debut on new devices like the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style. After confirming the rollout would start soon, Fossil is now giving us some updated details on when the rollout will begin.