Tag: google

  • The first Android 15 Developer Preview is now being released by Google.

    The first Android 15 Developer Preview is now being released by Google.

    The first developer preview version of Android 15 has been released today, featuring minor privacy improvements and new features. As it is specifically designed for developers, it may not be suitable for daily driving so better wait for a little if you want to try it on your Pixel device. Google announced they might release the public beta version between March and April.

    Android 15 release timeline

    Android 15 will allow you to have more control over the ads you see in a more detailed manner. A new menu named “Ads” has been added under the “Privacy & security” section in settings, where you can check which apps are tracking your activity on your phone to show ads.

    FLEDGE API for app tracking prevention

    Some apps can provide personalized ads by tracking your activity on your phone. With the FLEDGE API in Android 15, you can now prevent apps from tracking you. This doesn’t mean that the ads on your device will be completely removed, but it ensures that your data will not be shared with the chosen 3rd party app.

    Partial screen recording

    Another new feature in Android 15 is the ability to perform partial screen recording. Instead of recording or casting the entire screen while screen recording, you can now record only a specific part of the app. This can be useful for users who frequently record their phone screen or have to cast their phone screen during a video call.

    Better camera optimization for 3rd party apps

    Another welcomed improvement is that Google is finally working on a better camera optimization for 3rd party apps. Images captured in a low-light environment will now be processed in real-time, giving you a simultaneous bright preview, just like it appears after tapping the shutter button. 3rd party apps can also benefit from improved preview images.

    The bad news is that the Android 15 Developer Preview is currently only available for the Pixel 6 series and newer Pixels. This means that the software support for devices in the Pixel 5 series has officially ended. Android 15 will be available for Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.

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  • Duet AI by Google: The Ultimate Smart Sidekick for Emails and Docs

    Duet AI by Google: The Ultimate Smart Sidekick for Emails and Docs

    Duet AI is Google’s latest innovation, and it is making waves as it begins broader testing. Revealed at I/O 2023, this tool is designed to work seamlessly alongside you, offering real-time, contextual support directly from your web browser.

    Integrating with Google Services

    Duet AI will integrate with your Google services and help you work faster. It cleverly positions itself next to your profile image, inviting interaction with just a tap. It opens up a realm of possibilities, from simplifying email management in Gmail to enhancing productivity in Google Drive and Google Docs.

    A Smart Assistant by Your Side

    Imagine having the capability to summarize lengthy email threads with ease or getting a complex email explained in the simplest terms possible. Duet AI is not just another tool; it’s like having a smart assistant by your side, ready to tackle a variety of tasks.

    Enhancing Gmail and Google Drive

    For Gmail users, Duet AI is a game-changer, offering functionalities such as drafting announcement emails or crafting personalized thank you notes. It can sift through your emails to fetch information about upcoming flights or package deliveries, making life a bit easier.

    Google Drive interactions become more intuitive with Duet AI, allowing users to summarize documents or inquire about specific details like contract expiration dates or project contributions.

    Streamlining Google Docs and Google Sheets

    Moreover, Google Docs and Google Sheets integration means you can generate summaries, create tables, or even devise complex formulas without breaking a sweat. Duet AI’s capabilities extend to Google Slides as well, where it aids in creating engaging presentations.

    As Duet AI rolls out to more users, particularly those with free accounts through the Workspace Labs program, it aims to redefine how we interact with our digital environments. For Google One AI Premium plan members, this addition is yet another perk.

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  • Google Introduces New Features to Enhance Android’s Cohesion Across Devices

    Google Introduces New Features to Enhance Android’s Cohesion Across Devices

    Google Enhances Android Devices with New Features

    Google is making strides in improving the connectivity and functionality of Android devices, following in the footsteps of Apple’s innovation. The tech giant is focusing on enhancing user-friendliness and connectivity among Android devices, as seen in recent updates to Google Play services.

    Introducing “Devices and Sharing”

    The updated version, 24.06.12, introduces an improved “cross-device service” now known as “Devices and Sharing.” This update brings three practical features that have the potential to revolutionize how we use our devices: call transfer, hotspot sharing, and Wi-Fi sharing.

    Call Transfer

    The call transfer feature allows users to seamlessly move a call from one device to another without dropping the call. This feature requires both devices to be linked to the same Google account. With call transfer, users can easily switch between devices without interruptions.

    Hotspot Sharing

    Hotspot sharing simplifies the process of controlling another device’s Wi-Fi hotspot connection. Users can use one device to manage the Wi-Fi hotspot connection of another device, making it more convenient and efficient to share internet access.

    Wi-Fi Sharing

    Wi-Fi sharing makes it easier to share Wi-Fi passwords between devices. Users can now share Wi-Fi passwords between devices without the need for QR code sharing. This feature ensures that staying connected to Wi-Fi networks is simpler than ever before.

    Upcoming Feature: Device Groups

    Google is not stopping at the aforementioned features. They are also working on a feature called “Device Groups.” This upcoming feature will allow users to group multiple devices under one Google account, enabling new levels of interaction between them. By creating device groups, users can seamlessly connect and control their devices, enhancing the overall user experience.

    Google Challenges Apple’s Dominance

    With these updates, Google is clearly striving to create a more seamless and integrated experience for Android users, challenging Apple’s dominance in the “ecosystem” arena. These improvements are expected to make life with Android devices more cohesive, user-friendly, and connected.

    In conclusion, Google is making significant advancements in improving the connectivity and user experience of Android devices. The introduction of “Devices and Sharing” and its practical features, along with the upcoming “Device Groups” feature, demonstrate Google’s commitment to creating a more seamless and interconnected ecosystem for Android users. These updates are set to revolutionize the way we use our Android devices, making them more user-friendly and integrated.

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  • Gemini replaces ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding as Google’s choice

    Gemini replaces ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding as Google’s choice

    Google made a major announcement yesterday, streamlining all of its AI efforts under a single name — Gemini. This means that Google’s AI chatbot, formerly known as Bard, is now referred to as Gemini, and the tech giant has also introduced its standalone Android app.

    Google’s Consolidation of AI Efforts

    Google made a significant move by consolidating all of its AI efforts under the name Gemini. This includes renaming its AI chatbot from Bard to Gemini and launching a standalone Android app.

    Clarifying the Fate of Assistant’s AI Services

    Last year, Google announced its plan to enhance Android’s default Assistant with AI capabilities through a service called “Assistant with Bard.” With the rebranding of Bard to Gemini, there may be uncertainty about the future of Assistant’s AI services.

    Google has clarified to Android Authority that the Gemini experience on Android is what Assistant with Bard was intended to provide. The company’s vision of building a true AI assistant that is conversational, multimodal, and helpful remains the same.

    “Now, with the incredible capabilities of Gemini, we can deliver on that vision in an even more profound and meaningful way. The technology allows us to push past the limits of what we could do before (timers, alarms, weather) to help you supercharge your ideas and collaborate directly with Google AI on your phone,” said a Google spokesperson.

    In essence, the functionalities envisioned for “Assistant with Bard” have now been fully integrated into Gemini for Android.

    Gemini as the Default Assistant on Android

    Google has already taken steps towards implementing this approach, as Gemini becomes the default Assistant on Android after downloading the app from the Play Store. However, users still have the option to switch back to the old Assistant in the settings if they prefer.

    Google is confident that Gemini will power the AI capabilities of Assistant going forward, effectively retiring the “Assistant with Bard” name.

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  • Google Announces the Official Rebranding of Bard to Gemini, an All-in-One AI Platform

    Google Announces the Official Rebranding of Bard to Gemini, an All-in-One AI Platform

    Google has officially introduced Gemini, a unified AI platform that consolidates its previous efforts in the AI sector. By rebranding and enhancing services like the Bard chatbot and Duet AI under the Gemini name, Google is directly challenging the popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

    Gemini AI: Advanced Features

    The transformation into Gemini brings a suite of advanced features that extend Google’s AI capabilities to text, voice, and image interactions. With a dedicated app for Android users and integration into the Google app for Apple users, Gemini aims to be more accessible and user-friendly.

    Gemini Ultra: Advanced AI Features

    Gemini’s new offerings include Gemini Ultra, which is available through Google One’s AI Premium tier. For a monthly fee of $20, users can access advanced AI features and additional cloud storage. This positions Gemini as a strong competitor to ChatGPT Plus, offering a richer package for the same price.

    Gemini: Infusing Personality

    Google aims to make Gemini stand out by infusing it with a distinct personality. The goal is to move beyond the neutral tone typical of AI interactions and offer users a more engaging and dynamic experience. By understanding user intent and reacting with personality, Gemini hopes to carve out a unique space in the AI chatbot landscape.

    Despite the upgrades, there is skepticism around the ability to distinguish large language models like Gemini from others such as ChatGPT. The real challenge for Google lies in demonstrating clear advancements and convincing users of Gemini’s unique value proposition.

    Google’s Commitment to Innovation

    Google plans to roll out Gemini in the US initially and later expand to the Asia Pacific region. The AI community and users worldwide are eager to see how this new contender fares against established players like ChatGPT. Google’s commitment to innovation in AI through Gemini marks an exciting chapter in the evolving story of artificial intelligence.

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  • Alleged Google Pixel Fold 2 in Development, Features Tensor G4 and 16GB RAM

    Alleged Google Pixel Fold 2 in Development, Features Tensor G4 and 16GB RAM

    Last year, Google announced its entry into the foldable phone market with the Google Pixel Fold. Now, rumors suggest that the brand is preparing to unveil its successor, the Pixel Fold 2. A recent report by Android Authority has provided some insights into the key specifications of the upcoming device, as well as its expected launch timeframe.

    Google Pixel Fold 2 Key Specifications (Rumored)

    According to an anonymous source mentioned in the report, Google has been conducting internal tests on the Pixel Fold 2 for the past few months. It has been discovered that the prototype units of the Pixel Fold 2 are powered by a chipset codenamed “zumapro.” This is interesting because the previous Pixel 8 series was powered by the Tensor G3 chip, which had the codename “zuma.” This suggests that the zumapro chip could be the next-generation Tensor G4 chip for the Pixel Fold 2. It’s worth noting that the original Pixel Fold 2 featured the Tensor G2 chip.

    The Tensor G4 chip is expected to be manufactured by Samsung and will likely come equipped with ARM Cortex-X4, A720, and A520 CPU cores. In terms of memory and storage, the Pixel Fold 2 is rumored to have 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This is a significant upgrade compared to the original Pixel Fold, which had 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Additionally, there are speculations that the Pixel Fold 2 may also feature the rumored Pixel AI assistant.

    Google Pixel Fold 2 Launch Timeframe (Rumored)

    According to the report, the Pixel Fold 2 is currently in the Engineering Validation Test (EVT) stage. This suggests that it may still be several months away from entering mass production. Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro in October this year, both featuring the Tensor G4 chip. With the Pixel Fold 2 also rumored to have the same chip, there is a possibility that it may be launched alongside the Pixel 9 series.

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  • Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification

    Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification

    Apple is making some big changes to how browsers work on iPhones and iPads in Europe, and it’s all because of new rules from the European Union. These rules are supposed to help other companies compete better with big ones like Apple. Now, browsers like Chrome and Firefox can use their own technology on iOS devices, but there’s a catch – this is only happening in Europe.

    Apple’s Changes for European Browsers

    The European Union is responsible for this change. Google and Mozilla, the companies behind Chrome and Firefox, aren’t too happy about this. They say that by making these changes only in Europe, Apple is making things complicated for them. They’ll have to work on two different versions of their browsers, one for Europe and another for the rest of the world. Mozilla thinks this is unfair and makes it hard for any browser other than Safari to compete.

    Discontent Among Google and Mozilla

    Google’s Chrome team agrees. They think Apple’s not really trying to make it easier for other browsers to compete on iPhones and iPads. Right now, if you download Chrome or Firefox on an iOS device, you’re basically using Safari with a different look. That’s because Apple hasn’t let other browsers use their own tech until now.

    Competition and Safari’s Improvement

    People have been complaining about Safari for a while, saying it’s slow to add new features that other browsers have. But Safari is getting better, and having more competition could push it to improve even faster. The problem is, with Apple’s new rules, this competition is only happening in Europe.

    Even though these changes are a big deal for Europe, they don’t help everyone else. Google and Mozilla have been getting ready for this by working on their browsers for iOS, hoping to bring new features to users. But with Apple’s restrictions, it looks like the rest of the world will have to wait to see any real change in how they browse the web on their iPhones and iPads.

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  • Unexpected January Pixel Feature Drop introduces Galaxy S24 features and beyond

    Unexpected January Pixel Feature Drop introduces Galaxy S24 features and beyond

    Google Releases January Pixel Feature Drop: What’s New for Pixel Users?

    Google has surprised users with a January Pixel Feature Drop, introducing a range of new features to Pixel devices. Some of these features have been inspired by the recently launched Galaxy S24. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for Pixel users.

    Enhanced Pixel 8 Pro Temperature Sensor

    The Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature sensor, which was previously shrouded in mystery, can now be utilized for measuring human body temperature. Users can simply point their phones at themselves or others to obtain temperature readings. Additionally, there is an option to integrate this feature with the Fitbit app for tracking purposes.

    Circle to Search Arrives on Pixel Phones

    One of the standout features of the Galaxy S24, Circle to Search, has made its way to Pixel devices with the January feature drop. Powered by Google AI, this tool enables users to draw circles around elements on any screen, such as videos, images, or text, in order to trigger information searches. However, it is worth noting that Circle to Search is only available on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones.

    Photomoji

    Pixel users can now convert messages into unique emojis for instant reactions. By pressing and holding a message in Google Messages, users can select a picture, and their phone will automatically transform it into a personalized emoji. This feature is available on Pixel 3a and later models.

    Magic Compose

    Magic Compose, which was announced earlier, is finally being rolled out to Pixel 8 and 8 Pro users. This feature suggests personalized and creative response options for text messages, making it easier for users to compose their replies.

    Quick Share

    Samsung and Google have collaborated on Android’s default file-sharing service, now known as Quick Share. This feature is now available on Pixel devices, complete with a new Quick Share icon. Users can share files quickly and seamlessly using this feature.

    Pixel Buds Pro Gain Seamless Audio Switching

    Pixel Buds Pro users can now enjoy improved connectivity with the addition of automatic device switching. This means that the earbuds will seamlessly transition audio playback between connected devices. For example, users can switch from listening to music on a tablet to taking calls on a phone without any interruptions.

    These exciting new features are currently rolling out to Pixel users. Keep an eye out for updates on your device to take advantage of these enhancements.

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  • Settlement Reached by Google in Patent Lawsuit Involving Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) Technology

    Settlement Reached by Google in Patent Lawsuit Involving Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) Technology

    Google Settles Patent Infringement Lawsuit Over TPU Chips

    Google has reached a settlement in a patent infringement lawsuit over the Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) that power its artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The settlement was reached just hours before closing arguments were set to begin in the case filed by Massachusetts-based Singular Computing. The lawsuit alleged that Google used Singular’s technology in its TPUs and sought $1.67 billion in damages.

    What are TPUs?

    TPUs are specialized hardware accelerators designed specifically for machine learning and AI workloads. They are optimized to perform complex calculations involved in AI tasks and are significantly faster and more efficient than traditional CPUs or GPUs. TPUs are used to power AI features in popular Google services like Google Search, Gmail, and Translate.

    Settlement Details

    The details of the settlement between Google and Singular remain confidential. Both parties have confirmed the agreement but declined to provide further comment. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda maintained the company’s innocence and stated that they were pleased to have resolved the matter.

    Singular’s Allegations

    Singular, founded by computer scientist Joseph Bates, claimed that Google used their technology in TPUs. Bates allegedly shared his ideas with Google between 2010 and 2014. The lawsuit argued that TPU versions 2 and 3, released in 2017 and 2018, infringed on two of Singular’s patents.

    Google’s Defense

    Google countered Singular’s claims by stating that the employees who designed their chip had never met Bates and that the technology was created independently. The company argued that their TPU technology differed significantly from Singular’s patents.

    Internal Emails Presented at Trial

    During the trial’s opening, internal Google emails were presented as evidence. The emails showed the company’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean, discussing with others how Bates’ ideas were “well-suited” for their chip development.

    While the exact terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the resolution of this lawsuit brings an end to the legal dispute between Google and Singular over the alleged patent infringement related to TPUs.

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  • Google tests Pixel Tablet voice typing toolbar

    Google tests Pixel Tablet voice typing toolbar

    Google’s Gboard Unveils a Minimalistic Toolbar for Voice Input on Pixel Tablet

    Google’s Gboard, the popular keyboard application, is gearing up to introduce an innovative feature that focuses on voice typing for the Pixel Tablet. With the release of the latest beta version (13.7) of the app, Google has implemented significant modifications to elevate the overall user experience. Instead of retaining the conventional full keyboard layout, they have opted for a more straightforward and sleek design.

    Streamlined and Effective Toolbar

    The highlight of this update is centered around a streamlined toolbar option in a pill shape that will be displayed when users engage the Google Assistant voice typing functionality. According to Google, this new user interface is aimed at allowing users to "Maximize your screen real estate while using voice input."

    The primary objective of this toolbar is to offer users an unobstructed view of their screen during voice-based typing sessions. It has been meticulously crafted to be compact and efficient, showcasing only essential functionalities without occupying excessive screen space.

    Handy Features at Your Disposal

    The toolbar comes packed with several convenient features that enrich the voice typing process. Users can swiftly adjust settings, employ voice commands, switch to emojis, and access their clipboard with ease. Moreover, the toolbar’s flexibility enables users to reposition it on the screen as per their liking, including vertically, thus enhancing its adaptability for a variety of tasks and personal comfort.

    Moreover, users will continue to benefit from text suggestions near the typing area, facilitating seamless typing and editing processes. When the situation calls for a full keyboard layout, it remains just a tap away for users.

    Availability and Future Outlook

    Currently, this new toolbar feature is exclusive to a specific Pixel Tablet running on Android 14 QPR1. Regrettably, it is not yet supported on other devices such as the Pixel Fold.

    While the extension of this feature to additional devices, like Pixel phones, remains uncertain, it is evident that this forward-thinking approach to voice typing harbors significant potential. Google had previously alluded to a similar feature for phones last year, hinting that this novel voice typing method might not be limited to tablets exclusively.

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