Skip to main content

Google

5,709 'Google' stories January 2009 - June 2015
See All Stories

Stay up to date on news from Google headquarters. Be the first to learn about plans for Android, Google Plus, Google Apps, and more!

Google Drive for Android 2.2.23 brings ability to download/send multiple files at once

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 25 2015 - 12:33 pm PT
0 Comments

Google Drive for Android, the cloud storage service by Google, received an update yesterday that brings a helpful new improvement for those who rely on the service to access files across devices and share them with others.

Version 2.2.23, which hasn’t propagated completely in Google Play but can be pulled from APKMirror (click here), includes the ability to send and/or download multiple files at once. All you need to do to select multiple files is hold down on one file, and then a blue checkmark will appear indicating the file has been selected. After that just tap the checkmark for every file you want to include and the menu at the bottom of the screen will allow you to choose what you want to do with the selected files.

This should be useful for those who may have a lot of photos, music, and other files stored in Drive that they want to download to a new device, upload to a network like Tumblr, or whatever else. For reference, here’s what the previous version of Drive looked like when you selected multiple files:

 

No option to download or send the files is present when multiple photos are selected (the overflow menu doesn’t include them either). To do so you had to visit the info page of each file individually and send or download from there. A nice little update that avid Drive users will surely appreciate.

Google’s new self-driving cars can now be spotted on Mountain View roads

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 25 2015 - 12:25 pm PT
0 Comments

According to a recent post on Google+, Google’s new cute self-driving car prototypes are now driving the roads of Mountain View. As was mentioned previously, they’re taking some cues from how the company’s previous line of Lexus self-driving vehicles. This first run of a few of the new ‘Koala’ prototype will have a safety driver on board with a “removable” steering wheel, accelerator, and brake — just in case…

These prototype vehicles are designed from the ground up to be fully self-driving. They’re ultimately designed to work without a steering wheel or pedals, but during this phase of our project we’ll have safety drivers aboard with a removable steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal that allow them to take over driving if needed. The prototypes’ speed is capped at a neighborhood-friendly 25mph, and they’ll drive using the same software that our existing Lexus vehicles use—the same fleet that has self-driven over 1 million miles since we started the project.

According to Google, the speed of the cars is currently capped at a pretty conservative 25 miles per hour, and they’re driving around at that “neighborhood-friendly” speed using the same software that powered the Lexus line. Ultimately, the goal is for them to be completely autonomous, but it would make sense that Google wants to take that slow to avoid any more sensationalized stories about their safety…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google makes targeting the right customers using Analytics data easier

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 25 2015 - 11:12 am PT
1 Comment

Google has a new update out to its Remarketing Lists for Search Ads product that will make it easier for marketers to use Analytics to target the right potential customers and in the process get a higher return on their advertising dollar investment. And while these terms might sound like complete gibberish to you, from a high-level it’s actually not too complicated.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Google App Launcher for Apps users getting updated w/ additional row, ability to move apps

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 25 2015 - 10:09 am PT
0 Comments

The familiar Google App Launcher that you may or may not use on a daily basis — found on Google’s many web properties — has four rows of icons and the ability to move them around to organize them the way you’d like. You probably didn’t even notice when these features were added, but they’re nice to have. If you have a Google Apps account too, though, you may know that the App Launcher is stuck in the past for Apps users.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Samsung ad misses the mark at selling the frustration of charging cables

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 25 2015 - 8:51 am PT
2 Comments

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge models include two technologies that are supposed to make charging your device less of a hassle – Fast Charging and both the Qi and PMA wireless charging standards. That’s great! But Samsung’s new ad out yesterday that attempts to subtly throws shade at Apple (the phone alarm in one scene is clearly an iOS tone) and other device makers without built-in wireless charging might be a little too much.


Expand
Expanding
Close

9to5Toys Lunch Break: HTC Desire 510 (Sprint) $40, HooToo travel router $15, LG G3 (unlocked) $330, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 24 2015 - 12:40 pm PT
0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Sprint HTC Desire 510 no-contract smartphone: $40 shipped (Reg. $100) | Best Buy

HooToo Wireless N Travel Routers w/ file sharing 20% off: TripMate Nano $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $25), more

LG G3 D850 32 GB unlocked new 32 GB blue: $330 shipped (Reg. $450) | eBay

Samsung Galaxy Alpha 32GB unlocked new: $230 shipped (Reg. $300) | eBay

Save $50 on any Dell Outlet Home Chromebook 11 through Sunday, June 28th w/ code “CHROMEBOOK$50“

Amazon Echo smart speaker now available for purchase for $180 shipped

Giveaway: Grovemade’s latest wooden creation provides a luxurious home for your Magic TrackPad

More new gear from today:

Games/Apps: Batman Arkham Knight 20% off + free skins & discounted bundle, Watch Dogs $10, iOS freebies, more

  • New! Daily Deals: Bluetooth Speaker $20, Logitech Z523 Speakers (refurb) $49, more
  • New! Save 40% at Gap & on Banana Republic sale items

More deals still alive:

Garmin vívofit Bluetooth Fitness Band (refurb): $42 shipped (Orig. $130)

New products & more:

Ily puts video calls front and center with compatibility for iOS and Android devices

Hulu secures its subscribers a 20% discount on the new Showtime streaming service

E3:

Google’s 14th data center is opening on the grounds of a closing coal power plant

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 24 2015 - 11:45 am PT
1 Comment

If you send email with Gmail, host your school papers on Google Drive, or watch YouTube videos, you’ve taken advantage of one or more of Google’s many data centers. Today, Google has announced that it’s opening up its 14th site globally, but they’re planning to do something interesting — they’re planning to rework the existing infrastructure of the soon-to-be shut down Widows Creek coal power plant in Alabama…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google changes heart on splash screens, adding them to its own apps

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 24 2015 - 9:45 am PT
2 Comments

Well this is an interesting change for Google. The company is one-by-one rolling out updates to its in-house Android apps that include splash screens. These screens (screenshots via a user on Reddit) are displayed during the 2-3 seconds between tapping an apps’ icon and the app actually loading.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Google asks artists to create designs for self-driving cars in new ‘Paint the Town’ campaign

Avatar for Chance Miller Jun 24 2015 - 8:58 am PT
0 Comments
Site default logo image

Google’s self-driving car initiative could hit the market as early as 2020, but until then Google is continuing to test its cars around Mountain View. Today, Google announced a new program that will see its self-driving cars become a little more interesting to look at. The new program, called Paint the Town, is touted by Google as being a “moving art experiment” and transforms the company’s self-driving cars into moving pieces of public art.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Vision behind Google’s Sidewalk Labs is free high-speed wifi in every city street worldwide, NY first in line

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jun 24 2015 - 4:48 am PT
1 Comment
Site default logo image

When Google CEO Larry Page announced the formation of a new division, Sidewalk Labs, to “improve city life for residents, businesses and governments,” it was all a bit vague. The company has now got rather more specific, stating that its vision is to bring free, high-speed wifi to every city street worldwide – and that New York is first in line.

[We will] make cities connected places where you can walk down any street and access free ultra high-speed Wi-Fi, find transit and wayfinding information, access information about city services

To kick things off, Sidewalk Labs has acquired the two companies behind LinkNYC, and is partnering with Qualcomm and Comark to turn up to 10,000 phone booths into communications hubs offering free gigabit WiFi across New York City … 
Expand
Expanding
Close

Deal: Motorola’s Moto Hint Bluetooth headset now available for $100 (Reg. $150)

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 23 2015 - 1:24 pm PT
0 Comments

Motorola launched the Moto Hint alongside the 2014 Moto X and Moto G last year, and it quickly became known as one of the better — albeit also more expensive — offerings on the market for those on the lookout for a Bluetooth headset. That still holds true today, but now Motorola is offering the Moto Hint at its online store for a cool $50 off the original price, down to just $100. It’s the lowest price we’ve seen, and it looks like some third-party retailers on Amazon are matching that price (at least for the darker colored model, which is currently going for $100.89).
Expand
Expanding
Close

9to5Toys Lunch Break: LG G3 (unlocked) $330, Galaxy Alpha (unlocked) $230, $50 off Dell Chromebook 11, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 23 2015 - 12:40 pm PT
0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

LG G3 D850 32 GB unlocked new 32 GB blue: $330 shipped (Reg. $450) | eBay

Samsung Galaxy Alpha 32GB unlocked new: $230 shipped (Reg. $300) | eBay

Save $50 on any Dell Outlet Home Chromebook 11 through Sunday, June 28th w/ code “CHROMEBOOK$50“

Verus Galaxy S6 cases in multiple styles and colors starting at $2 shipped

Incase up to 40% off sale + extra 15% + free shipping: Icon Compact Pack $51, MacBook Air Hardshell Case $30

 

Amazon Echo smart speaker now available for purchase for $180 shipped

Giveaway: Grovemade’s latest wooden creation provides a luxurious home for your Magic TrackPad

More new gear from today:

$50 Toys R Us gift card for $40 shipped (20% off): save on video games, LEGO, amiibo, dolls, more

More deals still alive:

The best deals to really take advantage of Microsoft’s Xbox One free game promotion

New products & more:

jabra-sport-coach-in-ear

Jabra’s new in-ear Bluetooth headphones track more than 40 exercises

GameStop launches vintage games store and prices are all over the place

E3:

Site default logo image

Google Calendar for iPhone adds Drive integration, new interactive notifications, more

Avatar for Zac Hall Jun 23 2015 - 11:04 am PT
0 Comments

Google Calendar is out with an improved version for the iPhone today with version 1.1. The list of changes is short but the improvements should be welcome.

The update includes integration with Google Drive so users can connect files with events on your calendar. Interactive notifications now include the ability to open directions from alerts or respond to guests via email. Finally, users can now see week numbers next to the calendar and more entries using the week view.

Google Calendar for iPhone is available for free on the App Store. Version 1.1 follows the initial launch in mid-March. Full release notes below:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Myanmar is the eighth country to join Google’s Android One initiative

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 23 2015 - 9:59 am PT
0 Comments

Following last month’s launch in Turkey, Google has today announced that Android One is now expanding to its eighth country: Myanmar. Cnsumers will be able to buy the Cherry Mobile One in the country, and like all Android One phones, it runs the latest version of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The hardware is definitely in the budget range, however,  and starting June 26, the device will be available for purchase at retail in Myanmar, starting at Ks 109,000.

Since they’re such an important part of our lives, the experience of a smartphone matters a lot. Last year, Googlelaunched the Android One program to help put high-quality, up-to-date devices into the hands of as many people as possible. Following the launch in India nine months ago, Android One has expanded to six additional countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey — and today, we’re excited to add Myanmar to that list, working in partnership with Cherry Mobile. That makes eight.

Google originally launched the Android One initiative in India followings its announcement at Google I/O 2014. Following that, Android One made its way to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sir Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey. You can find the official announcement of Android One’s entrance in Myanmar over at the Google Asia Pacific blog. Google says it hopes to “put great smartphones into the hands of more people across Myanmar,” and that more devices will launch soon.

Google X developed a new fitness wristband, plans to deploy it as a medical device

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 23 2015 - 9:10 am PT
0 Comments

Every so often, Google officially comes out and tells the world about a project they’ve been working on inside Google X. In recent years we’ve heard about the glucose contact lens for diabetes patients, Google Glass, the self-driving car, and more. Now, Google has debuted (via Bloomberg), a new health-tracking wristband capable of monitoring heart rate, heart rhythm, skin temperature, and other useful information such as light exposure and noise levels…
Expand
Expanding
Close

PSA: You can now tweak which apps & services show up in Google notifications

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 23 2015 - 7:39 am PT
0 Comments

Google has lately been shuffling around its notification menu, most recently adding separate Google Photos notifications that tell you when the newly-launched “Assistant” has made a collage, video, or GIF from your library. But there might be some people who don’t want to see their Google Photos notifications (or perhaps more likely, those who don’t want to see their Google+ notifications), and Google has today launched an accommodation for those circumstances. There’s now a familiar gear icon in the notification drop-down that lets you access a new “Settings” page for toggling which notifications you want to receive…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google Docs now supports more image types when converting Microsoft Office files

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 22 2015 - 2:27 pm PT
0 Comments

Google has announced today that it is expanding the types of images it supports when converting Microsoft Office files to Google Docs. Previously, supported image file types included JPEG, PNG, EMF, and WMF. Now, a greater number of less common image types are also supported. Google Docs can now convert larger images, more file formats (specifically including TIFF), and images with color profiles other than RGB.

Starting today, larger images, images in less common formats (like TIFF), and images with non-RGB color profiles (like CMYK), can also be imported to and exported from the Google Docs editors on the web successfully. Check out the Help Center for more information on converting files in Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

This is a useful update if you commonly find that your Microsoft Office documents aren’t being properly converted when moving them to Google Docs — or, likewise, when you’re exporting them to use in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. You can head over to the Google Apps blog to read the original post, and Google sends you to the Help Center if you need more information about importing and exporting documents.

Dropbox 3.0 introduces Material Design to the cloud storage app

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 22 2015 - 2:18 pm PT
1 Comment

Dropbox fans, you’re in luck – version 3.0.0 is completely redesigned to follow Google’s Material Design guidelines.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Samsung Gear S for Verizon $180, Iconia Tab $60, V-MODA headphones $70, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jun 22 2015 - 12:34 pm PT
0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Samsung Galaxy Gear S Verizon Wireless smartwatch: $180 shipped (Reg. $350) | eBay

Acer Iconia Tab Tablet with 16GB Memory 8-inch: $60 shipped (Reg. $140) | eBay

Amazon Gold Box – V-MODA Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones in multiple colors $70 shipped (Reg. $150)

Giveaway: Grovemade’s latest wooden creation provides a luxurious home for your Magic TrackPad

More new gear from today:

The best deals to really take advantage of Microsoft’s Xbox One free game promotion

Daily Deals: 2-pack Nokia Mini Proximity Sensors $15, Acer 21.5″ IPS LCD HD Monitor $90, more

More deals still alive:

Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones in multiple colors: $150 shipped (Reg. $200)

New products & more:

The 5 biggest iOS and Android games announced at this year’s E3 Expo

Monoprice’s $200 Action Camera matches GoPro on specs & has a slick viewfinder

E3:

Swarm for Android updated, mayorships and bragging rights in tow

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 22 2015 - 11:40 am PT
0 Comments
Site default logo image

Avid Foursquare junkies (myself included), rejoice – mayorships are back, just now in the Swarm app. You can become the mayor of a place by checking into it more than anyone else in the last 30 days, and only one check-in per day counts towards your rank.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Chrome ‘OK Google’ hotwording extension sparks new privacy concerns, confusion (Update: Chromium team backpeddals)

Avatar for Tom Maxwell Jun 22 2015 - 11:08 am PT
2 Comments
Site default logo image

Update: What’s that? Oh, just the smell of change. After initially standing firm on its implementation of the hotwording module and proprietary Google extension being automatically downloaded in new installations of the Chromium open source browser, a wave of criticism has led to the team pulling it out of Chromium 45 and onwards. The module that manages whether the hotword listening extension is enabled will be “disabled by default” and the proprietary technology that actually listens for “Ok Google” will not download. A member of the team says simply:

In light of this issue, we have decided to remove the hotwording component entirely from Chromium. As it is not open source, it does not belong in the open source browser.

The original story continues below.

It all started with a blinking LED light. Ofer Zelig wrote on his blog today about an odd case where the LED light on his computer, that turns on whenever the microphone or camera is activated, seemed to blink every few seconds or so while he was working on his PC. He investigated in the Windows Task Manager to look for any process that might be to blame – no dice. He shut down some suspicious processes that might have been causing it and says he didn’t have any malware installed, but still to no avail. Turns out, the culprit was none other than Google’s Chrome browser…


Expand
Expanding
Close