After abandoning the previous design a few months ago, Google Messages is back with another redesign of the text field.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages starts rolling out latest text field redesign
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Pixel 6-9 now lets you check device temperature after ‘Troubleshooting’ update
Following an update to the Pixel Troubleshooting app/service, the Pixel 6-9 can natively show “Device temperature.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet for Wear OS adding corporate badges, campus IDs, and more
Last December, Google Wallet gained support for loyalty cards and passes on wearables. Google Wallet for Wear OS is soon getting support for “access cards,” like work badges or student IDs.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV for Android gets resizable PiP-style miniplayer
Following the main YouTube app, YouTube TV for Android phones and tablets has a new miniplayer styled after picture-in-picture.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps app showing incident reports from Waze
As part of the redesigned incident reporting across all platforms, Google said Maps would show Waze reports for users to confirm while navigating. This is beginning to roll out.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos removing ‘Memories’ from bottom bar, now called ‘Moments’
Google Photos is rolling out a redesign that removes the “Memories” tab from the bottom bar, though the functionality remains intact with a new “Moments” name and location. This is starting to roll out on iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat rolling out audio ‘Huddles’ powered by Meet
As previewed in August of 2023, Google Chat is adding an audio-first meeting feature called “Huddles” that are described as being “instant-on.”
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You can now download VPN by Google on the Pixel Tablet
With Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, VPN by Google was pre-installed on the Pixel Tablet. Pixel Tablet owners on the stable Android 15 release can now download Google’s VPN via the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app for Android, iOS rolling out to Google Workspace users
Following the announcement in September, Google is allowing Workspace (work and education) users to access the Gemini app on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Calendar rolls out full Google Tasks integration on Android
Following last week’s announcement, the new Google Tasks functionality in Google Calendar for Android is widely rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseSpotify Gemini Extension rolling out on Android
Following WhatsApp, the second third-party Gemini Extension is Spotify. The “play & search” functionality is similar to YouTube Music.
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Google Maps now does a better job of highlighting stairs
A nice quality-of-life improvement for Google Maps on Android and iOS are new stair “callouts” when getting walking directions.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in the November 2024 Google System Updates [U: 11/25]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive file picker redesigned on Android
The Google Drive file picker found in Gmail, Chat and other Workspace apps is getting a redesign on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos gets navigation redesign on the web with Collections
After introducing on Android and iOS in August, Google Photos on the web is now replacing the Library with “Collections.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle completes Pixel Camera 9.6 rollout
Pixel Camera 9.6 started rolling out in mid-October with a handful of additions introduced with that month’s Feature Drop. This version should now be more widely available via the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseFull Google Tasks app coming to Google Calendar for Android
Google Calendar on Android is getting a more full-featured Google Tasks experience to make it “easier for users to stay on top of and organize their tasks.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps for Android, iOS get new version number system
From Gemini to a new location for weather and the teal accent color, Google Maps has seen a number of changes recently, with the latest being a new system for version numbers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat redesigns sidebar with customization & ‘custom sections’
The latest update to Google Chat lets you create “custom sections” in the sidebar to organize conversations as part of a “complete revamp of the left navigation experience” on the web.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Maps Location History/Timeline change is still rolling out
Last December, Google announced a big change to how Maps Location History works. Your location “Timeline” is now being stored on your phone, with Google Maps still rolling out this update.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music tests Now Playing redesign that reorganizes controls
YouTube Music last redesigned its Now Playing page in September of 2023 and some tweaks to controls are being tested.
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Google Wallet brings back Verification settings for transit [U]
Back in April, Google Wallet introduced Verification settings for Transit payments, but that Security preference has now disappeared.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can now ask Gemini to remember your preferences with memory feature
With a new remember feature available for Advanced subscribers, Gemini now has a memory of your “interests and preferences” that can be used to “provide even more helpful and relevant responses, tailored precisely to your needs.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Lens will factor location for shopping searches
With 20% of the 20 billion visuals searches every month focused on shopping, Google is updating Lens to use location for those queries.
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