The latest update to the Google Home companion app is rolling out and hints at a number of in-development features, including the possible ability to pair regular Bluetooth speakers to Home devices. Meanwhile, version 1.27 adds some new codenames, ability to reverse Home Mini controls, and some slight interface tweaks.
While the marquee feature of Google Phone 17 is the addition of floating chat heads, this update also details some in-development functionality. Namely, a new bottom bar redesign and support for Real-time text.
Over the weekend, we were able to activate Favorites within Google Photos. Version 3.14 is now rolling out and offers more details about the long overdue feature. Meanwhile, the update hints at controls for adjusting blur that could possibly be for the Pixel 2’s Portrait Mode.
Google Photos first added strings referencing a “Favorites” feature last August. Several versions later, this staple feature found in most other gallery apps is still absent. However, with version 3.13 of the Android client, we’ve now been able to activate and use Favorites.
The latest beta version of the Google app is rolling out earlier than expected on a Friday evening. Version 7.21 hints at future devices gaining a hardware Assistant button, while users may soon get the ability to set default speakers and TVs to play content through. Meanwhile, this update enables the ability to “donate” images taken by Google Lens.
Version 2.9 of Android Messages is rolling out and a teardown reveals that Google has very big plans for its official SMS/RCS client. Currently in development is an Allo-like web client that would allow users to check and reply to messages on the web. Meanwhile, this latest update also reveals Google Pay integration and a push to increase RCS adoption.
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Google is expected to release a revamped music streaming service that would reportedly merge YouTube Music and Play Music. Pegged for an announcement as early as March, previous teardowns have already revealed some possible hints about it. Today, YouTube Music 2.19 reveals an icon for something named “YouTube Premiere.”
Over the past several versions, we’ve been tracking Duo working on letting you link a Google account in addition to a phone number. The new option would allow users to be reached via an email address, and help with reachability. Google Duo 27 now reveals that account linking will also be tied to multi-device support.
One of 2018’s big launches for Google is expected to be a revamped music streaming service. Current rumors peg a redesign for YouTube Music and Play Music coming as soon as March. Our teardown of the latest version of YouTube Music reveals that the app is prepping a number of features, including Play Music’s location-based playlists.
In the last version two weeks ago, the Google app teased primary and secondary languages for Assistant, as well as revealing more about smart displays. An update rolling out today reveals that custom hotwords might be coming to Assistant. Meanwhile, version 7.20 also details more about bilingual support, offline podcast downloads, and more.
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After years of stagnation, Google Voice relaunched in early 2017 with redesigned mobile and web apps, as well as the guarantee of “regular” updates. VoIP calling functionality was still missing on Android, but — as we reported exactly a year ago — Google promised that the feature was coming.
Today, version 5.7 of Google Voice is rolling out and a teardown reveals that the Android app is laying the groundwork for VoIP.
After a hiatus due to the December holidays, the latest Google Allo update is now rolling out. In version 26, we’ve been able to activate a cool new expressive feature called “Scene Generation,” as well as the ability to preview Assistant results and set default identities.
