The Google Pixel Stand turns your Android phone into an Assistant-powered hub
Google has taken the wraps off of the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL -- and alongside them, the Google Pixel Stand. The Pixel Stand turns an Android phone into a Google Assistant hub, allowing you to see important information at a glance, quickly control your smart home, and more.
Can Chrome replace your game console? Google’s Project Stream argues it can
Google's Project Stream wants to bring console gaming directly to your Chrome browser by streaming it over the internet. It's a method that could let you enjoy top-tier games on otherwise incapable hardware, but Project Steam's beta has room for improvement.
Google takes on iPad Pro and Surface Pro with its new Pixel Slate
Google unveiled its new Chromebook device under its Pixel branding at a New York City event on October 9. The Pixel Slate is a new Chrome OS-powered tablet that comes with an optional keyboard cover. Designed for productivity and entertainment on the go, the Pixel Slate is Google's answer to Apple's iPad.
Google Slides now auto-transcribes verbal presentations for real-time captions
A new feature for the Google Slides presentation software uses a PC's built-in microphone to transcribe the words of a speaker in real time, displaying them for everyone to see. While aimed at those with hearing loss, the feature could also prove useful in noisy rooms or when the speaker fails to project their voice.
Chrome 70 could break thousands of websites, but that’s their own fault
Chrome 70 will drop support for older Symantec security certificates and that will cause thousands of sites to display security warnings by as early as October 16. Google announced that it will drop support for compromised certificates more than a year ago, but there are still some web developers holding out.
Google to shut down Google+ after exposure of 500,000 users’ data
After an undisclosed security vulnerability that left 500,000 users exposed was reported, Google announced that it will be shutting down Google+ over the next ten months. Google's security vulnerability is the latest to hit the tech sector, following Facebook's recent bug that left 50 million of its users exposed.
What to expect from Google’s October 9 event in New York City
Google's annual hardware event is almost here, and with Google branching out more and more into hardware, we could be seeing new Pixel phones, updated Pixelbooks, and shinier Chromecasts. Well no more guessing -- we've corralled all the rumors so you can know what to expect from Google's October 9 event.
Google Assistant now lets you compare rideshare prices and wait times
Google has announced an update to Google Assistant that could make it a whole lot more useful for rideshare users. The update essentially allows users to look at a list of rideshare prices and wait times without the need to individually search for prices from each service.
Google chuckles at all the Pixel 3 leaks with crazy Pixel Mini mock-up
Google is working on a tiny Pixel smartphone that will attach to your keychain. Barely larger than the key to your house, it will be one of the more radical phones we've seen. Except we won't see it ever, because it's only Google having some fun with the many Pixel 3 leaks ahead of its October 9 event.
Google’s Voice Access app gives Android users total hands-free control
Aimed at those with mobility issues, Google's free Voice Access app offers Android users hands-free control of their device in a way that builds on the functionality already offered by Google Assistant. It has just come out of beta and is usable with English commands, with more languages on the way.
Leaked Intel processor could help Google Pixel Slate dual-boot into Windows
Google may once again use Intel's chips inside its next-generation Pixel Slate tablet, which is slated to be announced this month. Leaked benchmark reveals that the device will come with some powerful internals, including a Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, which could help with supporting Windows dual-booting.
How to watch the October 9 ‘Made by Google’ event
Google is finally set to unveil the heavily rumored and leaked Google Pixel 3, along with a number of other interesting new products. You may be wondering how you can watch the event for yourself -- which is why we've created this guide. Here's how to watch the October 9 Made by Google event.
Google’s new Mini model is cool, jazzy, and kind of blue
Call it sapphire, cerulean, indigo or baby blue, but there's no denying that Google's new model of its popular Google Home Mini is a shade of blue. The new model of one of the company's bestselling products is expected to go on sale October 29th for a cool $50, unless Google has more news next week.
Google launches mail-in Repair Center for damaged Pixel phones
Google has launched a new mail-in service for repairing damaged Pixel smartphones. Currently operating for Pixel owners in the U.S., a website will estimate the cost of repair if the device is no longer under warranty. The drawback? You'll be without the handset for up to 10 days.
Your Google Chrome extensions are about to get a lot safer
Starting Chrome version 70, consumers will be in control of the access extensions have to visited websites, and developers will be subject to more scrutiny when submitting extensions that request sensitive permissions.
Step back in time with Google’s secret text-adventure game
An Easter egg has been found on Google's website, allowing users to engage in a fun text adventure game without leaving their web browser — just access the Javascript developer console. Join the adventure as you play as Google's logo looking for its lost letters around Mountain View, California.
Google’s ‘Project Stream’ will let you play major games on the Chrome browser
Google has announced Project Stream, a game streaming service that allows you to play AAA games directly from your Chrome browser. The first game being offered during the technical test is Assassin's Creed Odyssey, which will be available to play on the same day it launches for traditional platforms.
Google Maps adds new features to help make your commute less dreadful
Regardless of how close you live to your office, commuting is never fun -- there's always either an unexpected delay or traffic jam. That's why Google Maps is attempting to make it easier -- from live updates for public transportation to built-in music controls, the update brings along a few useful tools.
Google Pixel Slate — the first detachable Pixelbook 2-in-1
One Google Pixelbook sequels expected to be unveiled at its upcoming #madebygoogle event on October 9 is Nocturne, which we now know is likely to be officially called the Google Pixel Slate. A convertible, 2-in-1 tablet device, it should sport a higher resolution display and better touchscreen support.
Google Fit and new notifications arrive in much-needed Wear OS update
Google has announced an update to Wear OS, its smartwatch operating system, which brings new notifications, more Google Assistant, and the recent changes to Google Fit to your wrist. The software update is now rolling out, and is paving the way for the next generation of Google-powered wearables.
The ‘charcoal’ color variant of the Google Home Hub leaks online
New images have leaked of the Google Home Hub, including the first views of the charcoal color variant and its side profile. The device will be formally announced on October 9 at the Made by Google event in New York City and is rumored to retail for $150.
Google celebrates 20 years with a slew of Easter eggs and new Google Images
Google is turning 20 and in celebration, the company announced a slew of easter eggs in a range of its different products. For example, you can walk through the original Google garage and see where it all began for the company. Google is also launching a redesigned Google Images.
Chrome 70 allows users to opt out of controversial auto sign-in feature
Users of Google Chrome 69 have been finding themselves unexpectedly signed into their browser when attempting to log in to a Google website, but now, the company promises that Chrome 70 will allow users to opt out if desired. The move comes after privacy concerns were raised concerning the feature.
Google Maps now has group polling to help you decide where to eat
Dealing with a group of people can be hard work sometimes -- and that's before you need to decide where to eat. Don't worry, Google is adding a new feature that should make it easier to decide where to chow down. Google Maps for iOS and Android will now feature group polling tools for easy decisions.
The best Pixel XL cases and covers
Google’s last-gen flagship is a big phone, which makes it more prone to accidents. Whether you want a case that doubles as a charger, a stylish alternative, or something designed to protect against major impacts, we've rounded up the best Google Pixel XL cases available.
Chrome OS update could make switching to tablet mode far easier
Chromebooks could become a little easier to use in tablet mode soon thanks to an impending update for Chrome and the operating system its based on. It looks set to dynamically change the size of icons in the UI depending on the configuration of the Chromebook, making touch icons easier to select.
Chrome 69 logs you in without consent, but Google says it’s for your own good
After widespread criticism for how Chrome 69 behaves when users log into a Google service, Google was forced into updating its privacy policy. Google denies it made the changes to track its users, and that it is not automatically uploading your browser information whenever you log into a Google service on Chrome 69.
Google tells lawmakers it allows other apps access to your Gmail
In a letter obtained ahead of Google's scheduled appearance before lawmakers, the search giant says it allows other apps to read and share Gmail messages. These apps need the explicit permission of the users to have access, and Google claims that it will revoke access to users’ emails if apps misrepresent themselves.
Smart Reply not smart enough? Desktop Gmail users can soon opt out
Smart Reply is estimated to be used on some 10 percent of Gmail messages sent today. However, not all of Smart Reply's suggestions make sense, and Google will soon give desktop Gmail users who do not want an artificially intelligent robot to generate suggested responses the opportunity to opt out.
Chromebook keyboard showcase may have leaked Pixelbook 2 images
Some new images from an aftermarket keyboard manufacturer may have revealed what the next-generation Pixelbook device looks like. However, not everyone is convinced. There are some stark differences between these new images and what we expect the rumored Google Pixelbook 2 to look like when released.
Google brings its high-accuracy emergency location tracking to the U.S.
Google has announced that its Emergency Location Service is coming to Android phones on T-Mobile, marking the first time it's making its way to the U.S. The service allows for high-accuracy location information to be sent to first responders, which could save precious seconds in saving a life.
Nissan will invite Google into its cars’ dashboards starting in 2021
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has joined forces with Google to develop a brand-new infotainment system. Scheduled to launch in 2021, the yet-unnamed software will boast navigation via Google Maps over-the-air software updates. It will give the passengers access to thousands of apps in the Google Play Store.
Images of Google Home Hub leak ahead of company’s October hardware event
Google Assistant has the capability to work with displays. A set of leaked images suggest Google plans to take advantage of this feature with their new Home Hub, an Echo Show-type device. The images depict a device with a 7-inch display on a mounted speaker unit.
Android 9 Pie review
Google’s latest version of Android is here, and it’s called Android 9 Pie. It brings quite a few quality of life improvements that enhance the way we use our smartphones. We’ve been using it for the past few months on a Google Pixel, OnePlus 6T, and Essential Phone to see how this flavor stacks up.