APK Insight
Latest Google app beta details how Assistant ‘hotword sensitivity’ will work
Google Phone 43 preps ability to record phone calls, save voicemails [APK Insight]
When having any particularly important conversation, whether a professional interview or meeting, or just a meaningful conversation with a loved one, it can be a good idea to record it for posterity. Google already has recording in-person conversations down through their recent Recorder app, but phone conversations are a bit more difficult.
A teardown of Google Phone 43 has revealed that the Pixel series’ default dialer app may be gaining the ability to record phone calls.
YouTube Music 3.47 lays groundwork for showing your uploaded library [APK Insight]
Google’s primary streaming service in 2019 introduced personalized mixes, smart downloads, and other tweaks. The cloud locker that everyone is waiting for did not arrive, but YouTube Music 3.47 today suggests that the interface is being readied on Android.
This is Google Podcasts’ bottom bar redesign with built-in queue [Gallery]
Last week, we spotted the very early signs of a bottom bar redesign for Google Podcasts. We’ve now enabled it in full and can confirm some new functionality, including a built-in queue.
[Update: Video demo] Google’s Advanced Protection Program may soon block sideloaded apps [APK Insight]
Google’s Advanced Protection Program, an initiative to help protect the Google Accounts of those who are “most at risk,” may be getting a new protection feature on Android devices to block sideloading, according to the latest Play Store update.
Pixel Tips confirms ‘Cards & Passes,’ automatic Call Screen, more [APK Insight]
Google uses the Pixel Tips app to introduce you to the latest features of your Pixel phone. Today, the app has been updated with new information about upcoming features for Google Pixel phones, like Cards & Passes, automatic Call Screen, and portrait mode in Google Photos, along with some that are already beginning to arrive, like the Recorder app for older Pixels.
Google Phone 42 preps automatic call screening to block robocalls [APK Insight]
One of the more annoying parts of owning a cell phone these days is the number of robocalls and outright spam that randomly rings your phone from unknown numbers. To help combat these robocalls, Google Phone 42 is prepping for the Google Assistant to be able to automatically screen incoming calls from unknown numbers.
Gboard 8.9 redesigns sticker tab, tweaks settings [APK Insight]
The latest Gboard beta is rolling out today after features like translating emoji into GIFs and stickers emerged over the weekend. Gboard 8.9 introduces a new design for the sticker tab, while making some visual tweaks in settings.
Here’s everything Stadia won’t be able to do at launch
As we near Stadia’s imminent launch, more is becoming clear about how it will work and what we can expect on the first day. Yesterday saw the release of the Stadia mobile app on the Play Store, and since then we’ve been digging into it for info on the highly anticipated cloud gaming platform. Google has commented on what we’ll be able to do with Stadia, but info on what Stadia features aren’t ready for launch is scarce. Here is a collection of evidence we found in the Stadia app that tells us what could come after November 19th’s launch.
Google Stadia app reveals data usage, player limits, demos, more [APK Insight]
Earlier today, the Google Stadia app arrived on the Play Store, less than two weeks ahead of the service’s official launch. While you cannot sign in and use the Stadia app without your Founders or Premiere Edition code, our APK Insight team was able to uncover a treasure trove of information about Google Stadia through the new app including data usage, player limits, and more.
Google app 10.83 preps in-app browser, Voice Match for Assistant headphones [APK Insight]
The latest beta version of the Google app rolled out last night and it continues work on a handful of features. Google app 10.83 provides our first look at the in-app browser and an early user interface for it. Elsewhere, there’s development on AR features and Voice Match for Assistant headphones.
Pixel Ambient Services preps ‘Export’ for Now Playing history [APK Insight]
One of the handiest features of Google Pixel phones is “Now Playing,” its ability to listen to music playing around you and identify songs without you needing to ask first. Now, it looks like Google is working on a way to export your Now Playing history.
Google Home 2.15 preps Nest Wifi support, Google Wifi migration, Stadia settings [APK Insight]
At Made by Google 2019, a revamped Home app was introduced. Rolling out to Android and iOS today, Google Home 2.15 readies Nest Wifi support and migrating Google Wifi units to the new companion client. There are also a handful of strings related to Stadia.
Family Link preps for Google Stadia, revealing new details [APK Insight]
We’re now just over three weeks away from the official launch of Stadia, Google’s game-streaming service that will allow playing games in up to 4K on a device as low-powered as even a Chromecast Ultra. In preparation for the launch, Google Family Link has updated its app to be ready to handle parents/guardians approving and purchasing Stadia games for their children.
Google Fi preps ‘faster network switching’ with ‘multiSIM’ approach [APK Insight]
One key aspect of Fi is the ability to switch between different networks for the best connection. Google had to exclude this feature when the MVNO rolled out to all Android and iOS phones late last year, but now looks to be working on a new implementation that will make switching faster.
Nest Hello preps ‘seasonal themes,’ starting with Halloween doorbell sounds [APK Insight]
An update pushed today for the Nest app contains hints towards a seasonal “themes” feature which allows the user to change the chime of their Nest Hello doorbell for a holiday season. For Halloween, which is a mere two weeks away, users will soon be able to enable a “Spooky sounds” theme.
Pixel 4 looks to include 3-month Google One trial [APK Insight]
Days away from the Pixel 4 unveil, last-minute details about the flagship are emerging. An update to the Google One app today reveals that the Made by Google phones will feature a 3-month trial to the subscription service.
Google Home 2.14.50 confirms ‘Nest Mini’ and references Stadia [APK Insight]
Ahead of new Nest devices next week, an updated version of the Home companion client is widely rolling out today. Google Home 2.14.50 confirms ‘Nest Mini’ and interestingly references Stadia.
[Update: Frequent Faces] Google Camera 7.1 preps ‘Dual Exposure’ controls, more [APK Insight]
Just over a week ahead of the Google Pixel 4 launch, we’ve obtained what will likely be the official version of the Google Camera app to launch on the new phone. Google Camera version 7.1 preps the previously seen “Dual Exposure” controls, adds info on the downsides of saving depth data on the Google Pixel 4, and the exact apps compatible with “Social Share.”
Update 10/10: Another new feature, “Frequent Faces,” has been uncovered in an unexpected place.
Gboard 8.8 planning to remove emoji search by drawing [APK Insight]
The latest beta of Google’s Android keyboard is rolling out this afternoon with a handful of changes in development. Gboard 8.8 most notably details how the emoji handwriting feature is going away.
Play Store 17.0.11 preps Material Theme account switcher, dark theme settings [Gallery]
The latest version of Google Play is rolling out today, and it addresses how inline changelogs were broken and inaccessible for the past week. Play Store 17.0.11 also details work on a manual Theme toggle and new account switcher.
Google Photos 4.26 preps ‘Manage your library’ page, new ‘Astro’ filter [APK Insight]
Last month, Google announced several new Photos features including “Memories,” in-store printing at CVS or Walmart, and a new “Canvas” print. Google Photos 4.26 is rolling out today with “Manage your library” and work on a new “Astro” filter.
[Update: Auto-resume toggle] Android Auto 4.7 prepares hiding apps [APK Insight]
Android Auto’s new redesign surfaces all compatible apps on your homescreen, and that can feel understandably cluttered at times. Now, the latest update to Android Auto is preparing homescreen customization and more.
Here’s everything we know Motion Sense on Google Pixel 4 can do at launch
Last week, we put special attention on the specific apps that we know for sure will work with the Google Pixel 4’s Motion Sense to allow skipping tracks without touching your phone. However, Motion Sense will be capable of more than just media controls. Check out everything you’ll be able to do with Motion Sense on the Google Pixel 4 at launch.