Redesigned Google Fit uses Heart Points and Move Minutes to keep you active
Google is finally giving Google Fit a major update. The company has announced an overhaul of the app that will make it a little more proactive in keeping users active, along with tracking what Google calls "Heart Points" and "Move Minutes." The update is rolling out this week.
Google has a new Chromecast on the way, but don’t expect a major leap forward
An FCC filing by Google shows that the company is planning to release an updated model of its Chromecast streaming hardware, but you might not even notice to look at it. This is a minor update, albeit one that may be welcome if you’ve been having issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Google claims censored search in China is ‘not close’ as employees protest
Google is not close to releasing a censored search product in China, Google's CEO Sundar Pinchai promised company employees at a recent meeting. This follows the protest of more than 1,000 Google employees after the news of a secretive project for a censored Chinese Google search engine came to light.
Google tracks your location — even when you deny it permission
According to a new investigation by the Associated Press, Google is tracking your location -- even when you tell it not to. The findings prove that many Google services on both Android and iPhones store location data, regardless of whether privacy settings say otherwise.
Google may finally create its first flagship store in Chicago
According to a new report, Google is finally nearing an agreement on a lease for its first flagship retail store. The store will be located in Chicago, and will presumably be where the company shows off Google Pixel phones, Pixelbook laptops, and perhaps even Pixel smartwatches, if they ever launch.
Is Google launching an A.I. fitness coach for smartwatches?
Google is reportedly working on a health and well-being coach for Wear OS devices. Known as "Google Coach," the assistant will suggest workouts, meal plans, and more, based on a user's activity. It could eventually roll out to Google Home and Android TV.
This is how Google will improve the quality of Wear OS apps
Google wants to improve the quality of Wear OS apps, and to that end the company has announced that the review process of Wear OS apps for Google Play is now mandatory. Criteria for Wear OS apps include that they work as expected and that they support different display shapes, among others.
Google One subscriptions offer more cloud storage for low prices, other perks
Can't get enough storage on Google Drive, Photos, and Gmail? Never mind the old paid plans, Google One is the new way to boost your cloud storage. But it's not just about more room for your files -- Google One has a bunch of benefits for subscribers. Here's everything you need to know about Google One.
Google may launch two Pixelbook 2 laptops in October
Google may show off its second-generation Pixelbook laptop in October, with a new rumor suggesting there will be two variations. While both may be built on a Kaby Lake, eighth-generation platform, one may launch with a new keyboard design, currently code-named Whiskers, and both should have thinner bezels.
Google Cameos helps celebrities post answers to the internet’s questions
Google released a new app on iOS, but you might not be interested in downloading this one. The app is called Cameos, and it's essentially for celebrities to post video answers to the internet's most-searched questions -- answers that will eventually show up in Google search results.
Google Chrome now shows browser notifications in Windows 10 Action Center
With the latest Chrome 68 update, Windows 10 users who rely on Google's Chrome browser will begin to see a change on how Chrome displays notification. Google will be switching away from its custom notification engine and instead display browser notifications in Windows 10's Action Center.
The best and worst features of Android 9.0 Pie
Android 9.0 Pie is here, and we've been exploring it to find the best and the worst new features. There's plenty to love, from the Digital Wellbeing app and faster updates to some frustrations including the new gesture control system. Here's what we love and hate about Android 9.0 Pie.
Android 9.0 Pie: Everything you need to know
It's time to dig in, as the new version of Android is here. After months of a beta program, Google has released the newest version of the Android operating system, and revealed its new name: Android 9.0 Pie. Is it worth getting excited about? You bet! Here's what you need to know about Android 9.0 Pie.
Google enables virtual tour creation via Street View or a smartphone
Google wants anyone to be able to create a virtual tour -- Google Tour Creator is an online program for creating virtual tours with multiple scenes. Anyone can use the program, using new images (like images from the Ricoh Theta V), Street View photos or, now, images shot in the Cardboard Camera app.
Here’s how Google’s Digital Wellbeing feature looks and works in Android 9.0 Pie
Digital Wellbeing is Google's initiative to help people better manage the time spent on smartphones. It's a part of Android 9,0 Pie, but the feature is currently in beta for Pixel devices after you sign up to try it. We have explored it in depth, and here's what it's like to use.
Here’s how to download and install Android 9.0 Pie
Want to take the next version of Android for a spin? Here's how to install the Android 9.0 Pie on your compatible device, and what you need to know before testing the new OS. If you have a Pixel or another eligible phone you can get all the new features early, but you can also expect some bugs.
Google gives YouTube Music a makeover with new features
Google is committed to a two-week patch cycle intended to bring improvements to YouTube Music. First among these changes is an improved UI, YouTube Music users will also be getting several new options when it comes to downloading, streaming, and storing their music.
Google Maps’ location sharing now lets you track battery status
With Google Maps, you can find directions and also share your location with others. The company is now rolling out a new feature within the app -- the ability to share your battery level. When sharing your location, you'll be able to see a friend or family member's battery status as well.
Google will warn businesses if state-sponsored hackers target G Suite users
If you've received a phishing email in your company's G Suite inbox that could be the work of a state-sponsored hack, Google will notify your employers. The new warning and alert system will help give organizations that use G Suite more insight into state-sponsored attacks on their users.
Chromebook users may soon get the Pixel phone’s best feature: Its camera app
Google may be giving Chrome OS users the best feature from its Pixel phones. Long heralded for its computational photography capabilities, the Google Camera app from the Pixel phone may be making its way to Chrome OS devices, but there's a catch: Your Chromebook must be able to run Android apps.
Google Clock is getting music streaming support — here’s how to enable it
Google Clock is finally getting integration with music streaming services, meaning you can now wake up to your favorite tunes instead of those jarring alarm noises. Here's how to enable music streaming support in the Google Clock app. Note that for now, the feature only supports Spotify.
New Google Maps update is rolling out with location-based recommendations
Google showed off a new version of Maps at Google I/O 2018, and now that redesign is finally rolling out. The new version of Maps brings with it a number of great features, including personalized recommendations based on your location history, and a "For you" tab that shows you new restaurants.
Leaked Android app shows message scheduling is coming to Google’s Gmail
A recent build of Google’s Gmail Android app reveals the service will eventually support email scheduling. Evidence appears within a line of the app’s code, assigning the “menu_schedule_send” command to a “Schedule send” menu entry. An excerpt from an XML file also refers to this specific command.
Google Assistant now lets you set custom Routines to help optimize your life
Google Assistant is getting better at assisting you with each passing week. The latest feature to be added to its arsenal is Custom Routines, which allow users to trigger several actions at once at a predetermined time. Routines help users string together a number of actions with just one command.
Google’s updated events search feature will keep your boredom at bay
Here to ensure you're never bored this summer is Google, who has rolled out a new and improved way to search for events in your neck of the woods. After introducing a card interface for event-related searches last year, the internet giant is ramping up its techniques yet again, simplifying your hunt for things to do.
Unlock Google’s cool new Material Design interface hidden inside Chrome 68
Although Google’s Material Design user interface recently popped in the Chrome Canary channel, you can actually enable part of this interface in Chrome 68 for the desktop and Apple iOS devices. This is done by enabling the setting using the “flags” command in the address bar.
Apple shrugs off Fitbit and Garmin to remain king of smartwatches
According to the latest report by Canalys, Apple has claimed a majority of smartwatch shipments for the second quarter of 2018. Of the 10 million units shipped during the quarter, the company shipped 3.5 million Apple Watches. While shipment has grown, Apple's market share decreased.
Lenovo’s Google Assistant-equipped Smart Display hits stores this weekend
Google Assistant has found a new home in the Lenovo Smart Display. This full HD touchscreen display could be an Echo Show competitor. Google announced that its new Lenovo Smart Displays will be made available in stores in two sizes -- the 8-inch HD costs $200 while the 10-inch Full-HD version costs $250.
Google offers its own ‘Titan’ USB security key for password-free logins
Google introduced the Titan Security Key, a physical USB-based device that eliminates the need to enter usernames and passwords. The device includes firmware developed by Google’s engineers that verifies its integrity, so you can log onto your favorite sites worry-free.
Google video shows possible all-white redesign for Gmail and its other apps
Google is reportedly working on a variety of changes to both its web and mobile apps. Thanks to a new Material Design video that surfaced, there is a preview of what we can possibly expect for the redesign of Android apps like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Trips.
Google Docs’ A.I. grammar checker will fix your poor writing habits
Google is taking on Grammarly by launching its own grammar checker in Google Docs. The grammar suggestions are powered by artificial intelligence to identify problems with spelling and grammar as you type, and works in a similar way to Google Translate by "translating" bad English to proper English.
Google bets on blockchain technology with two new Google Cloud partnerships
Google will support distributed ledger technology, aka blockchain, on the Google Cloud Platform. The reveal arrives by way of the company’s announcement regarding the Google Cloud Next ’18 conference in San Francisco. Google will have a 50-minute session talking about developing blockchain apps.
Google could release the most powerful Chromebook ever this year
A next-generation Google Pixelbook is said to be set to ship before the end of the year with thinner bezels. As with other laptops that have launched this year, it could also sport hardware upgrades, the most likely being a boost to its processing performance with a brand-new Intel eighth-generation CPU.
Homeland Security is worried about Gmail’s confidentiality mode
Google's new confidentiality mode on its Gmail email service may actually be making email less secure rather than more so. The Department of Homeland Security has expressed concern that it could lead to a rise in phishing attacks against unsuspecting users, with Gmail setting a dangerous precedent for the future.