Chrome update could create tab groups for easier reading
Google is reportedly working on an update for its Chrome browser which would introduce groups to its tabs, thereby making it possible to bring related tabs together to help declutter the tab bar. Such a system would also make it easier to read what tabs are what, an improvement over the existing shrunken tabs.
Chrome OS could soon get another tablet feature that it always needed
Some Chromebooks and the new Pixel Slate work best when used in tablet mode, but not every website reads nicely on these devices. Though a timeframe isn't available for release, that might soon change, as Google is apparently adding a tablet view option for websites in Chrome OS.
Google Pixel Slate vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
The Pixel Slate takes the Surface Pro 6 head-on. Both devices are 2-in-1s, meaning they are meant to replace both a laptop and tablet. With its new folio keyboard, extended battery life, and Android app integration, does the new Pixel Slate take down the granddaddy of 2-in-1s?
Google Pixel Slate vs. Apple iPad Pro
The iPad Pro, Google Pixel Slate, and Microsoft Surface Pro 6 are the top three tablets to buy this holiday season. All three look pretty similar on the surface, and with the fresh release of the Google Pixel Slate considered, we're diving a bit deeper to compare it to the Apple iPad Pro.
Google Home Hub, Lenovo Smart Displays get better alarm functionality
You can now set alarm clocks on the Google Home Hub and Lenovo Smart Displays through touch instead of voice. This change is part of a recent update, available to users in the Preview Program. If you aren't enrolled in this program, it may be a few weeks before the update rolls out to all users.
What is Android One? All your questions answered
Android is a vast and sprawling ecosystem, and no-one would blame you for not knowing every little version of it. But you really need to know about Android One if you've never heard of it before. Here's everything you need to know about Android One, Google's stock Android operating system.
Tab Groups could be a dream for multitaskers working in browser tabs
Multi-taskers who open multiple tabs inside a browser know how easy it is to get lost inside Chrome. Google may be working on a solution that's not dissimilar to MacOS Mojave's desktop Stacks, to help you keep your Chrome experience organized. The answer could arrive in Tab Groups if Google launches this feature.
Google Play Store offers big movie and game discounts for Thanksgiving
If you're bored this holiday weekend, Google is here to lend a helping hand with a range of tempting offers in the Play Store. In honor of Thanksgiving and the deal bonanza that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are movie rentals for 99 cents, up to 80 percent off top games, and discounts on apps.
Google replaces classic Search page with Discover on mobile devices
As part of its 20th anniversary, Google unveiled its plans for its next 20 years, and the improvements it's bringing to Search. One of those improvements will be reflected in the Google Feed. Not only will it now be known as Discover, but the update will bring additional features and a revamped look.
The Google Photos iOS app gets a bit better, now has depth control
Google has updated the iOS version of the Google Photos app to now take advantage of the depth data that can be captured by the iPhone's camera in Portrait Mode. The new feature is already available in the Android app, and allows you to tweak the amount of background blur in a photo.
Google’s balloon internet is coming to Kenya in 2019
In order to bring the internet to those who lack it, a company called Loon is launching balloons into the stratosphere. From more than 12 miles up, these balloons beam connectivity over a large area on the ground. Loon hopes to empower people to build businesses, improve healthcare, and even increase crop yield.
A Google patent shows a way to make VR even more immersive
Virtual reality can be a really immersive experience, but it does sometimes it does have boundaries. Google has addressed this problem by patenting shoes with a flexible region on the bottom, and a sensor for which a computer or headset can track to create an endless movement in the virtual world.
You can now message businesses straight through Google Maps
Google has been updating Maps with a ton of new features over the past few months, and now it's back with another one -- the ability for users to message businesses directly through the Maps app. Businesses can accept messages and reply to customers through the My Business app.
Android will finally get a faster sharing menu, but it might take a while
The Android sharing menu has gotten a whole lot better over the years, but it's also gotten slower. Thankfully, however, it seems as though Google is working on a better, faster sharing menu but unfortunately, it may take a while for that faster sharing menu to be rolled out to customers.
Google’s Squoosh will get an image web-ready with in-browser compression
Google debuted a new in-browser image editing and compression tool, Squoosh. It takes images, changes their format to something popular and gives you detailed options for resizing and optimizing, making it a great option for those looking to tweak their images for uploading to websites and portfolios.
An IP address vulnerability took down some Google services for 1 hour
It might have been for just a brief hour, but some of Google's services went down yesterday on November 12. The outage was reportedly caused by an improper rerouting of IP addresses and traffic away from usual western sources towards China and Russia, according to Ars Technica.
Google’s Gboard now uses A.I. to recommend GIFs based on your conversation
Google is bringing a new feature to Gboard that should make it better for those that regularly use GIFs and stickers. The feature essentially uses A.I. to recommend GIFs and stickers based on your conversation -- so, for example, if you seem celebratory, Gboard might recommend a GIF that shows that.
Google honors Veterans Day by highlighting military service stories
For Veterans Day, Google is honoring the heroes that served the country with a new Google Doodle that highlights the stories of five veterans from the five different branches of the military. On top of that, Google is encouraging the public to interview veterans in their lives.
Android battery life too short? Try using dark mode, Google says
Google confirmed at the 2018 Android Dev Summit that using dark mode will help extend an Android smartphone's battery life. Google also admitted its mistake of pushing for the usage of white in previous Material Design initiatives, but that changes with Material Design 2.
Major video watcher? YouTube is now available on Nintendo Switch
After well over a year, the Nintendo Switch has finally received a free YouTube app. The app's functionality is similar to other devices such as Roku, but with touch support for the Switch's screen. Nintendo Switch also has a Hulu app, but has yet to receive Amazon Video or Netflix.
Wearable in Google patent will shake, bake, and shine to signal notifications
A new Google patent suggests that Google may be working on getting into the wearable game a bit more after all. The patent describes a wearable device that can vibrate, light up, and pulse when notifications arrive. The device doesn't seem to be able to do anything beyond reacting to notifications.
Google focuses on making ecommerce safer with the launch of Chrome 71
Google is on a mission to make online commerce safer. With the launch of Chrome 71 in December, Google will alert you if you visit a website where the billing terms aren't clear. Hopefully, this means that web surfers won't be duped into a subscription fee when they thought they were making a one-time payment.
Google’s storage-management app gets face-lift, is now called ‘Files by Google’
For months now, a variety of Google services have been receiving the all-white material redesign. Next up on the list? Files Go, Google's file management app. But in addition to the redesign, the app also received a name change -- it's now known as Files by Google.
Google confirms it will add Android support for foldable displays
It's already clear the smartphone trend of 2019 will be foldable devices, and Google is welcoming it with open arms. At this year's Android Dev Summit, the company announced its adding support for what's known as "Foldables" -- allowing Android apps to work seamlessly with the new form factor.
The Pixel Slate: Everything you need to know
Here's everything you need to know about the Pixel Slate, the upcoming Google tablet announced in October. The Slate looks like a feasible alternative to the average Chromebook, especially if you want a powerful, mobile Chrome OS tablet.
Won’t get fooled again: Chrome 71 to block all ads on abusive sites
If a website displays ads which are designed to trick or manipulate users and Google finds out about it, its Chrome browser will start blocking all of their ads, starting in December. The Chrome 71 release is looking to crack down on abusive web practices, and hoodwinking ads is one of them.
Google strips the color from its redesigned apps, but a little goes a long way
Google has been redesigning most of its apps this year, throwing in a ton of white space while removing a lot of color first introduced with Material Design in 2014. Why is Google abandoning color? It's actually limiting it to highlight the product more, and to spotlight key Google actions.
The rise and fall of the Android tablet
In 2018, Android tablets are effectively dead. Google itself shows little interest in stoking app optimization for the form factor. But how did we get here? And is Chrome OS the natural successor to this once-promising market segment? We take a look at the history of the Android tablet thus far.
Google awarded patent for using eye tracking to detect expressions in VR
Google has been awarded a new patent that involves using eye-tracking technology to infer facial expressions using machine learning in VR. The tech could help make virtual reality a whole lot more immersive than it already is, which is one of the big problems facing consumer VR.
Who’s Bugdroid? Meet the cute mascot of Android
If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of the Android platform’s cute, green robot logo, then we have some answers for you. Find out what it’s called, who designed it, and how it took off and rapidly grew in popularity. This is the story of Bugdroid and how it spread virally.
You can now create personalized emoji in Google’s Gboard — here’s how
Google has released a new feature to Gboard, its keyboard for Android and iOS, which now allows you to create emoji personalized to you. It's actually quite easy to create these new personalized Emoji Minis, too, all you need is a few minutes and lighting for your camera. Here's how to do it.
From the road to your wrist, see how Android has evolved over the past 10 years
Android started out as just a mobile operating system, but 10 years in it's pretty much everywhere. Check out our round-up of all the different Android variations that have cropped up so far, and what might be coming in the future.
What is Android fragmentation, and can Google ever fix it?
The thorny problem of Android fragmentation has been haunting Google for years now, but attempts to combat it have only met with mixed success. Why don't manufacturers update their devices more quickly, what has Google done to tackle the issue, and what else can it do? We take a look at the options here.
iRobot and Google partner to make your smart home smarter
The Roomba is already a smart way to keep your house clean, but it's getting even smarter with some support from Google. iRobot and Google are teaming up to better use the spatial context collected by Roombas to improve the functionality of Google's smart home suite and the overall smart home ecosystem.