Vivint smart home products are now all voice-enabled with Google Assistant
Your smart home is becoming increasingly talkative, thanks to a new collaboration between Vivint Smart Home and Google. On Tuesday, Vivint announced a new partnership with Google that makes all of its smart home devices voice-enabled by way of Google Assistant. They'll be packaged with two free Google Minis.
YouTube Music and YouTube Premium launch on mobile in 17 countries
Google has officially launched YouTube Music, the app that will eventually replace Google Play Music. The app offers streaming music alongside a wide selection of music videos, remixes, and covers. YouTube Premium also debuted, replacing YouTube Red in the paid subscription tier.
Google Translate got this man arrested — and redeemed
How accurate is Google Translate? Most foreign language teachers will tell you its shallow at best, and it turns out that the courts agree.
Why Google and T-Mobile are bringing back phone booths
Google and T-Mobile are showcasing the Google Assistant in a series of new demos, set to show up at two T-Mobile stores over the next three months. The demos show off a few different aspects of what the Google Assistant can do, as well as some of the hardware Assistant is featured on.
Developers can now take Google App Maker out for a test drive
About 18 months ago, Google introduced us to App Maker, a tool that as its name suggests, allows you to build and deploy apps (specifically of the business variety) on the web. On June 14, Google announced that App Maker had been made generally available to all developers who want to test the tool.
It’s now easier to tell Google exactly what data it can use to advertise to you
Google has launched a revamped Ad Settings tool, allowing users to quickly and easily control the topics used to advertise to them, as well as tell Google what kinds of data they want Google to use when it's advertising. It does not seem as though Google is allowing users to control what data it collects.
Google Translate uses A.I. to improve accuracy for offline use
If you sometimes find Google Translate's offline efforts to be a little confusing or inaccurate, then an update coming to the app this week looks set to bring some solid improvements. The team has managed to work in an A.I. system currently used in the online version, without taking too much extra space on your device.
Updates to Google Assistant could make it the most natural digital helper yet
Google is launching a number of awesome new updates to Google Assistant that could help make it the most natural digital helper so far. The updates include visual changes to Assistant on your phone, as well as the ability to actually call businesses to book appointments.
Google’s Change the Game winners designed games we can’t wait to play
Google has announced the winners of its Change the Game initiative, teenage girls who have designed and/or developed mobile games. Change the Game is aimed at empowering young girls to develop mobile games, something the mobile game industry desperately needs considering the underrepresentation of women.
New Chrome OS features make your Chromebook a better Windows replacement
Google is paving the way for more apps to make their way over to Chromebooks, after having brought support for Android apps previously. With the release of Chrome OS 67, Progressive Web Apps can now run on Chromebook hardware. The update will roll out to Chromebooks over the next several days.
ZTE could see ban lifted soon, but it’s still on thin ice
Chinese phone and gadget manufacturer ZTE is in hot water following a decision by the U.S. government that bans the company from buying American technology. The decision could mean that ZTE is no longer able to use the Android operating system. However, the ban may soon be lifted, thanks to a deal ZTE signed.
You’ll soon be able to send texts on your Chromebook
Google could be following Apple's iMessage lead by linking Android Messages to Chrome OS. Evidence of a native client appears on a new commit in Chromium Gerrit although there are no details about how the integration works. A separate commit describes pairing a Chromebook with an Android device.
Google prepares an always-connected Chromebook to take on Microsoft
Google is working on adding eSIM and Project Fi support to future Chromebooks, which will challenge Microsoft's Always Connected PC platform. A code commit reveals Google's ambition in in adding LTE data connectivity, and by not requiring a physical SIM cards, Chromebook manufacturers can save space on their devices.
Google’s new patent hopes to protect the Google Home from being hijacked
If you love talking to Google Assistant, it's not hard to believe that a hacker would enjoy the same privileges. And now, Google is patenting a new system that seeks to protect you and your Google Home from being hijacked. As per a recently filed patent, Google is looking to prevent so-called "audio attacks."
Massive Gmail redesign rollout will begin in earnest in July
Google has announced the much-anticipated arrival of its new Gmail and Gsuite enhancements. Google said the changes focus on improving people's productivity on the web and at work. The first place you'll see changes is in your Inbox. Come July, the redesign will be rolled out broadly to G Suite customers.
Google Pixelbook now on sale for $750, its lowest price ever
If you've been eyeing Google's premium Pixelbook hardware, now is the time to buy. The $250 discount applies only to the entry-level Pixelbook, which ships with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB storage, and 8GB RAM, and the deal is good through Google's online store, Amazon, and Best Buy. The Pixelbook Pen is extra.
Google Photos can take up less space on your phone with new mobile support
No room left on your device? Android users can get a smaller version of Google Photos by using the Progressive Web App format. The format mixes the best of a mobile web page with the best of a dedicated mobile app, taking up less storage space while offering (most) of the same features as the full app.
Take a look at Google’s mini-golf pop-up in New York City
Google has kicked off a new pop-up experience in New York City. What is it? Well, it's a mini-golf course, with each hole inspired by a different room in the home. The experience is built to promote Google's slate of smart home products, including the Google Home and different Nest products.
Google’s Just a Line AR app draws Android and iOS users together
Back in March, Google released an app called Just a Line as part of its slew of new ARCore 1.0 apps. On Wednesday, May 30, the company not only launched a version for the iPhone but introduced a new collaborative feature for both Android and iOS using Google's Cloud Anchors.
Google Expeditions go beyond the classroom with AR Tours for Android and iOS
Google has officially rolled out its Expeditions AR tours to anyone with an Android or iOS device via the Google Expeditions app. In addition, the company added more content and new features. With the update, users can embark on tours in their home instead of only the classroom.
HTC U12 vs Google Pixel 2 XL: Can HTC take out the stock Android king?
HTC has finally unveiled the new HTC U12 Plus, its latest and greatest flagship phone boasting some of the best specs you can find on a phone in 2018. But can it take down the Google Pixel 2 XL, which many consider to be one of the best Android phones ever released? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Google awards teenager $36,000 as part of its bug bounty program
Google has awarded Uruguayan teenager Ezequiel Pereira more than $36,000 as part of its bug bounty program. Pereira found an exploit that would have allowed hackers to make changes to Google's internal systems.
OnePlus 6 vs. Google Pixel 2 XL: What difference does $300 make?
OnePlus' newest flagship, the OnePlus 6, has everything you expect from a premium phone, except the premium price tag. With all the latest hardware, technology, and some drop-dead gorgeous good looks, does it have what it takes to conquer the jewel in Google's crown, the Google Pixel 2 XL? We found out.
Facebook and Google racked up $8.8 billion in lawsuits from one day of GDPR
Privacy activist Max Schrems sued Google and Facebook for a combined $8.8 billion, alleging that the tech giants violated privacy protections under Europe's GDPR law by forcing users to share their data in order to use services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google's Android operating system.
Google hypes mobile game creators in new behind-the-scenes series
Google wants to put a spotlight on some of the creative minds behind some of your favorite mobile games. The company has launched a new video series called First Person, which goes behind the scenes of some mobile games and talks to creators about their process and their craft.
Google and ‘Google, You Owe Us’ begin $4.3 billion court battle
In a landmark case for the British courts, a campaign group is pushing forward with a lawsuit against Google's data gathering in 2011/2. And now, this privacy case has ballooned, and threatens to cost Google a whopping $4.3 billion should the tech firm lose. The privacy group and Google met in court this week.
Augmented reality’s latest trick? Simplifying directions on Google Maps
At Google I/O, the company gave us a sneak peek at what's yet to come from Google Maps, and no matter how nonexistent your sense of direction might be, Google can help. Plus, there are a slew of new features for discovering new local restaurants, as well as party planning tools newly at your disposal.
Google eliminated that ‘don’t be evil’ motto
Google is no longer telling its employees not to be evil. In a rather surprising move (or perhaps a sign that the world's most seemingly perk-filled, laid-back workplace is going corporate), Google has removed its unofficial motto from its code of conduct. The change happened sometime in the last month.
Leaked docs show Google may be cooking up a stand-alone AR headset
Leaked documents claim that Google is currently working on a stand-alone headset design for augmented reality. It will be based on one of two Qualcomm processors designed for Internet of Things devices. It may also be tied to a similar device reportedly in the works at AR headset provider Meta.
Google Photos now using A.I. to simplify editing and sharing images
At Google I/O, Google announced new A.I.-based features that will be rolling out across its products and services, including Google Photos. The new “suggested actions" will provide image-specific corrections and more in order to help speed up the editing and sharing process for users.
Microsoft Build and Google I/O are over. Which came out on top?
Both Microsoft and Google offer competing visions on how computing can shape the future. Both companies used AI in their demos, but Google took a consumer approach while Microsoft is directing its efforts at developers and the enterprise market.
Oracle persuades Australia to examine Google’s data-tracking practices
Google and Oracle have long been engaged in a variety of legal battles, and now, the latest round of their ongoing battle is playing out in Australia, where Oracle has successfully convinced competition and privacy regulators to look into how Google allegedly tracks its Android phone users.
Google doubles down on cloud storage with ‘One’ subscription service
Google rolled out a brand-new cloud storage subscription service today, replacing its old Google Drive subscription plans entirely. The new storage plan features access to 24/7 support, a new subscription structure, and comes with a brand-new, well, brand. This is Google One.