The last update to the Google Phone app in February added a convenient chat head option to quickly and easily access in-call controls. Version 18 is now rolling out with a tweak to the bottom bar redesign we’ve spotted, support for Android P, and a switch to the system sound and vibration settings.
After launching last week, Google Duo’s visual voicemall feature is now fully rolled out on Android and iOS. The company is now working on version 30 that better details the upcoming screen sharing and Google account linking functionality. Meanwhile, a group calling feature is also in development.
With version 3.0 of Android Messages beginning to roll out this week, Google is already working on the next update to the SMS and RCS client. We’ve received a dogfood (or internal test) version of Android Messages 3.1 and it reveals upcoming support for Android P, a built-in GIF picker, and more about the web app.
Recent updates to YouTube Music over the past few weeks have made the app more like Play Music in a sign that a revamp is in the works. Version 2.23 over the weekend continue this and hints at SD card support and an Incognito mode.
Last month, Google announced that Routines would finally be rolling out in the coming weeks. First unveiled at last year’s 10/4 event, this new feature allows Assistant to do multiple actions with a single command. In version 7.23 of the Google app, we’ve been able to activate the functionality in its entirety.
In recent weeks, Google has announced that functionality like Routines for Assistant and Lens are soon rolling out. Version 7.23 of the Google app better details those features, while it also reveals work on an upcoming alpha/beta testing channel and upcoming Pixel Buds functionality.
The latest beta version (7.23) of the Google app is rolling out this afternoon and it reveals a number of upcoming features for Pixel Buds. Namely, users will be able to customize controls like Double Tap, while a new Triple Tap gesture addresses a common complaint of these Google Assistant headphones.
The latest version of Google Duo is rolling out this morning and it reveals more about the phone number-only Guest mode, while hinting at upcoming features like messaging, Google account linking, and a revamped screen sharing interface. We’ve also managed to enable a number of these new features ahead of time in version 29.
In recent months, YouTube Music has been frequently updated on Android. This comes ahead of a rumored revamp of Google’s music services reportedly led by YouTube. That possible merger intensifies with version 2.21 of YouTube Music adding the same quality controls found in Play Music. Meanwhile, the app is preparing for an international expansion that likely coincides with YouTube Red’s.
The latest version of Google Photos is rolling out today with some minor visual changes already live. However, version 3.15 hints at the wider release of Google Lens to all Android devices, liking content in Shared albums, and a possible GIF export option.
Rolling out earlier this week, version 7.22 of the Google app contained strings that detailed how users will be able to customize the search widget. We’ve now been able to activate that new interface, as well as a slightly new look for the Google Assistant and shed more light on “Google Temperature.”
The latest beta update to the Google app is rolling out this evening with more details about several in-development features. Most notable is the customizable search widget possibly nearing a launch, while there are more details about smart displays.
The latest version of Google Duo is rolling out and it continues work on several in-development features that we’ve previously spotted. Besides more hints of the messaging feature and multi-device support, version 28 reveals that a “Guest mode” is in the works.
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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.
