Tag: google

  • Android to Auto-Login Apps on New Phones Soon

    Android to Auto-Login Apps on New Phones Soon

    Android’s backup and restore features are getting a significant upgrade that will soon let apps keep you signed in when switching to a new Android device. The upcoming "Restore Credentials" feature aims to make transitioning to a new Android phone as easy as it is when moving to an iPhone.

    How It Functions

    So, how does this work? Google explains that with Restore Credentials, app developers can create a “restore key” that is saved locally on your device and in the cloud (if Google Backup is turned on). When you set up a new Android phone and opt to restore apps and data, these keys travel to the new device, allowing you to be automatically logged into your app accounts on the first launch. Moreover, if developers invest a bit more effort, apps can start sending notifications and operate as if they’re still on the old device—even before you actually open them on your new phone.

    The Significance

    While this might not seem earth-shattering, anyone who has upgraded their Android phone and dealt with the tedious data restoration process will understand how frustrating it can be to manually log into each application. Google has laid down the necessary groundwork, but it will be up to individual app developers to integrate this feature into their applications and ensure the success of this initiative. It might be unrealistic to expect every single app on the Play Store to adopt seamless login migration, but there’s hope that many popular apps will leverage this change to provide a smooth onboarding process for users transitioning to a new Android device.

    Easy Background Setup

    The most exciting aspect is that you won’t need to configure anything or tinker with device settings to take advantage of this upgrade—it will all occur behind the scenes. However, you will need to be patient for your favorite app developers to implement support for Restore Credentials in their applications. Additionally, ensure your device is running Android 9 or later.

    Source: Link

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  • Australian Social Media Bill: Google and Meta Call for Delay

    Australian Social Media Bill: Google and Meta Call for Delay

    Google and Meta are suggesting that the Australian government should delay passing the new social media bill until a trial on the proposed age-verification systems is completed. This bill, which has generated a lot of debate, is backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and aims to enforce a strict prohibition on social media use for individuals under 16.

    Age Verification Concerns

    To enforce this, the government is looking at an age-verification system that could involve biometrics or checking government-issued identification. Many people are unhappy with this proposal, believing it gives the government too much control over access and forces them to share personal identification with social media platforms.

    Rushed Legislation

    As reported by Reuters, the bill was introduced in parliament last week and public feedback was requested for just one day. Independent lawmakers have criticized the government for pushing this bill through parliament too quickly, raising concerns about the lack of thorough discussion.

    Responsibilities of Social Media Platforms

    The legislation also requires social media companies to establish an age-verification system by the end of the year or face significant fines. In their responses to the bill, Google and Meta have called on the government to conduct a trial of the age-verification systems prior to implementation.

    Meta stated in its response, "Without these results, neither the industry nor Australians will grasp the extent or nature of age assurance demanded by the bill, nor the consequences of these actions on Australians." The company also pointed out that, in its current state, "the bill lacks consistency and effectiveness."

    Source: Link

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  • US Justice Department Seeks Google Divestiture of Chrome, Android

    US Justice Department Seeks Google Divestiture of Chrome, Android

    The US Government submitted a final proposal on November 20, 2024, in the ongoing Google anti-monopoly case, which is being overseen by the US Justice Department. They are urging the district judge to compel Google to sell off Chrome and possibly Android to address the monopoly that Google holds in the search engine industry.

    Background of the Case

    This recent filing follows the district judge’s ruling on August 5, 2024, which confirmed that Google has indeed operated as a monopoly in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. This law is designed to prevent unfair monopolies and ensure that fair competition can thrive in the market.

    Proposed Actions

    Among the suggested measures, Google is required to divest the Chrome web browser, which currently reigns as the most widely used browser. Without Chrome steering users towards Google search by default, users could more easily select their preferred search engines. Furthermore, Google will not be permitted to set its other products to default to Google search, and a fund will be established to inform the public about this case and their options for search engines.

    Google is also required to provide access to its search engine data to third parties for a minimal fee, while offering its user and advertising data for free for ten years. This aims to create a fairer environment in the search engine market. Advertisers on Google will receive more comprehensive insights into ad performance, costs, and enhanced control over keyword matching. Moreover, Google is prohibited from compensating other corporations for preferential treatment of its search engine, such as the substantial payments made to Apple to ensure Google search is the default on iPhones.

    Future Implications

    If these measures are deemed insufficient, the proposal even includes the possibility of forcing Google to sell off Android, a significant source of user data and Google searches due to its vast user network.

    Federal anti-monopoly cases can span many years or even decades, often involving appeals, but the judge anticipates reaching a conclusion in 2025.

    Case No. 1:20-cv-03010-APM filing on 11/20/2024 at Court Listener, Case No. 1:20-cv-03010-APM filing on 08/05/2024 at Thomson Reuters.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Google Pixel Laptop Rumors: High-End Android Device Leaks

    Google Pixel Laptop Rumors: High-End Android Device Leaks

    Google’s Pixel smartphone line has grown over the years, becoming comparable to Apple and Samsung’s yearly iPhone and Galaxy launches. On the other hand, Google’s laptop sector has been left behind, becoming almost insignificant. In fact, the last Pixel laptop was released in the same year as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

    New Developments on the Horizon

    Recently, Android Headlines has reported that they received news suggesting Google might be making a comeback in the laptop arena with a fresh device. Sadly, the website hasn’t shared when we can expect to see this new product officially launched. Instead, they’ve dropped a few clues about what’s in the works.

    Reports say that Google’s higher-ups have given the green light for this project, and now a dedicated team of Googlers is working on it. According to Android Headlines, an internal email that was leaked mentions the project being called ‘Snowy’, which has led to comparisons with the Dell XPS 14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (currently priced at $875 on Amazon), among other premium compact laptops.

    A Shift in Operating System?

    Interestingly, it seems that the upcoming Google Pixel laptop might operate on Android rather than ChromeOS. For more details about this potential shift towards a unified Android desktop experience, check out our previous article.

    Android Authority and Android Headlines have both been in the loop about these developments.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Google Pixel Tablet 2 Launches with Hardware Upgrades and Keyboard

    Google Pixel Tablet 2 Launches with Hardware Upgrades and Keyboard

    New information has emerged regarding Google’s upcoming Pixel Tablet 2, coming from a well-known source. Mishaal Rahman has detailed the expected hardware improvements that Google may reveal, alongside some accessories that will accompany the tablet.

    Design Tweaks

    According to Rahman’s article on Android Authority, recent prototypes show a design that is similar to the current Pixel Tablet (curr. $393.34 on Amazon). However, the new version is expected to feature slimmer display bezels and modified placements for the camera and physical buttons. Notably, both the front and back cameras are rumored to have enhanced sensors, improving upon the 8 MP and 1/4-inch sensors that are in the original Pixel Tablet.

    Performance Enhancements

    Rahman also indicates that the Pixel Tablet 2 could come equipped with either the Tensor G4 or Tensor G5 chipsets. Even if it ends up with the G4, the new tablet may perform about 30% faster compared to its predecessor. Additionally, users can anticipate receiving software updates for up to seven years, a move that aligns with Google’s commitment to long-term device support.

    Accessory Options

    In addition to improved performance, the tablet will feature external monitor output and several first-party accessories that were not available with the original Pixel Tablet. Rahman mentions that the new tablet will likely come with a detachable keyboard and stylus, which were previously speculated for the first version. It’s still unclear if the Pixel Tablet 2 will include a detachable smart home dock, similar to what was offered with the original model.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Google Gemini Standalone App Found on App Store

    Google Gemini Standalone App Found on App Store

    Google’s Gemini AI assistant might be getting its own app in the App Store soon. A Reddit user named "lostshenanigans" managed to download the app while in the Philippines and shared some screenshots in a post.

    App Availability Issues

    Other users attempting to download the app on iOS faced a message saying, "The app is currently not available in your country or region." This new app lets users add Gemini to their home screen for quicker access. Right now, Google only offers Gemini through its main Google app, which means users have to manually switch to the assistant by clicking on a special tab.

    Features of the Gemini App

    According to a report by Google9to5, the listing for the app in the Philippines also mentions a feature called Gemini Live. This feature allows users to have voice conversations with the assistant. Users can ask it to retrieve relevant information from connected services or apps. For instance, you can request it to show meeting details from an email in your account. This functionality isn’t available in the Google app and would need a standalone Gemini app for Android users.

    Recent Integrations

    Recently, Google has added Gemini to Maps, Earth, and Waze, introducing new tools for urban planning, Smart Search with contextual results, enhanced route exploration, and more.

    9to5Google reported this update on Reddit.

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  • Google Tensor G6: Benefits of Using Tensor G4 GPU for Users

    Google Tensor G6: Benefits of Using Tensor G4 GPU for Users

    Google has been using its specially designed Tensor chips to power Pixel smartphones since the introduction of the Pixel 6. However, until now, these chips have not matched the performance or efficiency levels of their rivals.

    Upcoming Improvements

    This situation might soon improve, as Android Authority has obtained leaked internal documents that outline Google’s intentions with the new Tensor G6 chip, codenamed “Malibu.” The primary focus for the Tensor G6 seems to be on enhancing thermal management and efficiency. Major performance upgrades don’t appear to be expected, and even the Tensor G5 is only anticipated to deliver a slight increase in performance over the current chip.

    Changes in Strategy

    It appears that Google’s system-on-chip (SoC) strategy is not currently aimed at achieving significant performance enhancements. In fact, according to Android Authority, the Tensor G6 chip might experience some "downgrades" in certain aspects.

    GPU Decisions

    For example, it is reported that Google will not include a new GPU with the Tensor G6, instead opting for an older design that was initially meant for the Tensor G4. If this is true, the Tensor G6 might miss out on ray tracing support, which the Tensor G5 is expected to offer. This could be considered a step backward in certain respects.

    The choice to use the G4’s GPU in the G6 is thought to be driven by Google’s aim to minimize the chip’s die area. Reports indicate that the Pixel 10’s chip will be relatively large at 121 mm², built using TSMC’s 3nm process, while Apple’s A18 Pro, which utilizes the same process, measures only 105 mm².

    Google is targeting a die size of 105 mm² for the Tensor G6, aiming for a 4% area reduction from TSMC’s newer N3P process node (the G5 is built with N3E). Using the G4’s GPU is expected to help decrease the die area by around 12%. Additionally, Google is reportedly saving space by cutting down the DSP (digital signal processor) by one core and reducing the SLC (system-level cache) to 4MB. However, it seems that there will be no changes to the CPU size.

    In conclusion, Google is concentrating on creating smaller, more efficient chips, prioritizing space-saving measures over performance advancements.

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  • Google Play Store Teases Upcoming New Android Device Category

    Google Play Store Teases Upcoming New Android Device Category

    Google is getting ready to broaden the reach of its Play Store to cover extended reality (XR) headsets, based on recent findings in the app store’s code. This development indicates that Google is setting the stage for a major entry into the XR market, possibly with its own devices or through collaborations with other companies.

    Play Store Welcomes XR

    The newest version of the Play Store app has a fresh icon showing an XR headset and mentions of “XR headset” in the app listings. This shows that Google is planning a special section for XR applications, much like the current categories for smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.

    In the past, Google has dabbled in XR with projects like Cardboard and Daydream, but these were mainly focused on mobile virtual reality. The new support for XR headsets marks a more serious dedication to this technology and a wish to compete with other significant players in this field.

    Collaborations in the Works

    The timing of this update lines up with Google’s current partnerships with Samsung and Qualcomm on a new XR headset. This joint project is designed to create a premium XR device powered by Android and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. By adding XR support to the Play Store, Google can build a strong ecosystem of applications and content for its forthcoming headset.

    While the specific aspects of Google’s XR ambitions remain uncertain, the detection of these code alterations hints that we might witness a major announcement soon. This could mean the unveiling of Google’s own XR headset, collaborations with other manufacturers, or merely an extension of the Play Store to accommodate current XR devices.

    Positive Outlook for XR

    No matter the exact direction ahead, Google’s initiative to welcome XR is a promising indicator for the technology’s future. With the backing of a significant player like Google, XR could potentially evolve into a mainstream platform for gaming, entertainment, and productivity.

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  • Pixel 9a: Google’s Exclusive Smartphone Launching with Android 15

    Pixel 9a: Google’s Exclusive Smartphone Launching with Android 15

    Earlier this week, Google confirmed that it will launch the next big version of Android sooner than expected. This confirms earlier speculations, with the stable version of Android 16 set to roll out between April and June 2025. In a post on the Android Developers Blog, Google stated that this new timeline should coincide with the release of new Android smartphones.

    Timing for OEMs

    In theory, this timing should enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to release new smartphones equipped with the latest Android version. But, of course, this doesn’t guarantee that it will happen. Recently, there have been rumors surrounding the Pixel 9a, indicating that it might not meet this timeline. Reports suggest that the Pixel 9a could be launched in March 2025.

    Pixel 9a’s Release

    As a result, the upcoming mid-range Pixel 9a will follow what the Pixel 9 has done (currently priced at $799 on Amazon), which missed getting Android 15 by roughly two months. Interestingly, the Pixel 9a seems to be the only phone from Google that will debut with Android 15, breaking from previous patterns. For context, the Pixel 9 series was released with Android 14, similar to its older models. In contrast, Google’s upcoming flagship devices are expected to come pre-installed with Android 16.

    Google via 9to5Google.

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  • Tensor G5 Surprises on Geekbench but Lacks Performance

    Tensor G5 Surprises on Geekbench but Lacks Performance

    Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, which is set to be used in the next Pixel phones, has reportedly appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking site. While Google has not officially confirmed this, the listing provides insights into the potential performance and core setup of the system on chip (SoC).

    Tensor G5’s Geekbench Appearance

    The chip is listed under the model ID “Google Frankel” on Geekbench (previously known as “Laguna” in earlier leaks). It apparently achieved a score of 1323 in the single-core test and 4004 in the multi-core test. These results are lower than those of the Tensor G4, indicating that the G5 may not be able to compete with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite or MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 flagship chips. It also seems tough for Google to surpass previous generation flagship chips from these rivals.

    Detailed Specifications

    The Geekbench entry matches earlier leaks, showing a core setup with one high-performance core running at 3.40 GHz, five mid-range cores at 2.86 GHz, and two low-power cores at 2.44 GHz. Additionally, it confirms that an Imagination Technologies PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536 GPU is part of the package. Prior reports suggested that Google would shift from Samsung to TSMC for the Tensor G5’s production. This chip is anticipated to be manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm N3E process node, with a die size around 121 mm².

    Future Outlook

    This benchmark test for Google’s upcoming SoC might indicate that the chip is still in the early stages of development, which could explain the lower-than-expected scores, or that Google isn’t focusing on achieving the highest performance. A company executive had previously mentioned that the Tensor G4 was not aimed at breaking records, but rather at enhancing the user experience.

    We hope the Tensor G5 doesn’t take a similar route, especially since it is expected to power devices priced above $1000. This initial version of the Tensor G5 likely requires considerable optimization to boost its performance in future benchmarks.

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