Kategorie: Android

  • 10 reasons to switch to Android10 reasons to switch to AndroidGroup Product Manager, Android

    10 reasons to switch to Android10 reasons to switch to AndroidGroup Product Manager, Android

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    In the last year, over a billion new Android phones were activated. Ready to join the fun, but not sure which phone is best for you? Consider one that’s loaded with the best of Google, that can fold to fit in your pocket or fit your budget, or has a camera that can capture any shot. Regardless of which phone you choose, making the switch from iPhone to Android has never been easier.

    Starting today, support for the Switch to Android app on iOS is rolling out to all Android 12 phones, so you can move over some important information from your iPhone to your new Android seamlessly. Once you’ve got your new Android phone, follow our easy setup instructions to go through the data transfer process. You’ll be prompted to connect your old iPhone with your new Android phone either with your iPhone cable or wirelessly via the new Switch to Android app. The instructions will walk you through how to easily transfer your data like your contacts, calendars and photos over to your new phone.

    Once you’re all set up, you can get started on your new Android device by checking out our favorite features.

    1. Express yourself in new ways: With the Messages app and Gboard, it’s easy and enjoyable to send messages — especially between friends who use Android. Group chats, high-quality photo and video sharing, read receipts and emoji reactions are all available thanks to RCS, and thousands of emoji mashup stickers are there to help you express your feelings. (Rest assured, your iPhone friends will still receive your messages as well.)
    2. Video chat with anyone, anywhere: If your friends and family have Google accounts, it’s easier than ever to video chat with Google Meet on Android. Or if you prefer FaceTime, you can still use that in the latest version of Chrome. Or with apps like WhatsApp in Google Play, you can chat with whomever you like for free around the globe. Android has so many options, it’s easy to stay connected with those that matter to you the most.
    3. Tune into your favorite music: Catch up on the latest hits with your preferred streaming service available on Android. And if you had previously purchased and downloaded music on your iPhone, your music will transfer over to your Android phone, as long as it’s digital rights management (DRM)-free. Your purchases and downloaded content from Apple Music will still be accessible on your new Android device by downloading the Apple Music app.
    4. Your favorite apps and more: With Google Play, you’ll find the apps you already use and love, and quickly start to discover so many more. Looking to plan an outdoorsy getaway? Hipcamp will help you book your next camping spot, Skyview Lite will be your stargazing guide to the sky, and AllTrails will help you find a hike that’s perfect for you and your friends. A summer of fun made possible with your new Android.
    5. A privacy-first approach: On your new phone, your data is proactively protected by Android. Android helps defeat bad apps, malware, phishing and spam, and helps keep you one step ahead of threats. Messages, for example, helps protect people against 1.5 billion spam messages per month. Android also provides timely recommendations, like prompting you to select your location-sharing preferences when opening an app to help you make the best decisions for your privacy. Read more about how to keep your data private and secure.
    6. More devices that work better together: Choose from a wide variety of Chromebooks, Wear OS smartwatches, Google TV devices and Fast Pair supported headphones, like Pixel Buds, that work better together with your phone. In fact, some of your Apple products will still work with your Android device, like AirPods.
    7. Get more done with Google apps and services: Traveling on vacation and can’t read the local signs? Scan the text forinstant translation so you can get to your destination quickly. Editing a Google Doc on your laptop, but need to finish on the go? You can easily keep work going on your Android phone, too. Google prides itself on being helpful, and the best of Google is built into Android phones.
    8. Share music, photos and more across devices: Nearby Share lets you easily share music, photos and other files between your nearby Android and Chrome OS devices. To share content like photos and videos with non-Android devices, you can easily use sharing built into Google Photos or several other apps that allow you to share with friends and family and keep them in an organized memory bank for the future.
    9. Customize your Home screen with Android Widgets: Widgets are helpful additions to any Home screen, putting the information that’s most important to you right at your fingertips. There will soon be 35 Google widgets available on Android, so whether you want to have easy access to Google Maps’ real-time traffic predictions or have translations at the ready so you can communicate with family and friends, Android is there to make your life a little easier.
    10. Technology that’s useful for everyone: Everyone has their own way of using their devices. That’s why we build accessible features and products that work for the various ways people want to experience the world. Whether you want to use your device without ever needing the screen using TalkBack, or you want to take what’s being said out loud and create a real-time transcript with Live Transcribe, Android has you covered when and how you need it.

    And that’s not all. Between our major annual updates, we’re always adding new features to Android.

    It’s now easier than ever to transfer data to your new Android phone, thanks to the Switch to Android app.

    Website: LINK

  • Your Chromebook now works better with your other devicesYour Chromebook now works better with your other devicesDirector of Chrome OS Software

    Your Chromebook now works better with your other devicesYour Chromebook now works better with your other devicesDirector of Chrome OS Software

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    During CES and I/O this year, we announced a few new Android and Chromebook features designed to help your phone and laptop work better together. Soon you’ll see some of those features roll out to your Chromebooks so you can try them yourself.

    Easily access your recent photos

    When you’re trying to stay on task, there’s nothing more distracting than switching between your phone and your laptop to get something done. Last year, we introduced Phone Hub, a built-in control center that lets you respond to text messages, check your phone’s battery, turn on tethering and more, all from your Chromebook.

    With the latest update, you’ll now also have instant access to the latest photos you took on your phone — even if you’re offline. After taking a picture on your phone, it will automatically appear within Phone Hub on your laptop under “recent photos.” Just click on the image to download it, then it’s ready to be added to a document or email.

    No more sending yourself emails with pictures or going through multiple steps to get an image from your phone to your laptop. The next time you’re recapping yesterday’s hike in an email to your friends, you can easily add your best photos to the message, without ever having to pick up your phone.

    A zoomed in Chromebook Phone Hub exaggerates the new section called “Recent photos”.

    In Phone Hub, you can see recent pictures that were shot on your Android phone.

    Coming soon: connect headphones with a tap

    Bluetooth-enabled headphones help you stay connected without wires, but that can be difficult when you can’t figure out how to set them up. We’ve all been there – trying to decipher the deeper meaning of tiny blue pulsing LEDs. With Fast Pair coming later this summer, it’s easier than ever to sync headphones or other compatible accessories to your Chromebook.

    Just turn on your Chromebook’s Bluetooth, and it will automatically detect when a new pair of Bluetooth headphones are on, are nearby and are ready to be set up. A pop-up notification will appear and with one tap, your new accessory is connected and ready to go. No more digging through settings or struggling to figure out the right button to press to pair your headphones. Fast Pair also saves the connection to your Google Account, so both your Chromebook or a new Android phone will remember your headphones and seamlessly connect to them in the future.

    Whether you want to use new headphones to watch a video, join a virtual meeting or listen to music, Fast Pair will make it hassle-free. This feature will be compatible with hundreds of different headphone models — and counting.

    An image of a Chromebook showing a notification that headphones are ready to pair. An image of Pixel Buds floats over the picture.

    Fast Pair on Chromebook will work with hundreds of headphones, including Pixel Buds.

    Plus, share your ideas with Screencast

    In case you missed it, earlier this month we announced the new, built-in Screencast app. Screencast lets anyone record, trim, and share transcribed videos automatically uploaded to Google Drive. You can even draw or write on the screen as you record using a touchscreen or stylus to diagram or illustrate key concepts.

    Screencast makes it easy for anyone to record instructional videos, software demos, presentations, and more. It will start rolling out this week, so give it a go by tapping the Everything Button and searching for the Screencast app.

    Later this year, we’ll introduce even more helpful features that will make all of your devices work better together. In the meantime, we’ll be back to share more exciting Chromebook announcements this summer. Stay tuned.

    See recent pictures from your Android phone on your laptop, and use Nearby Share to easily get Chromebooks online.

    Website: LINK

  • 5 of our favorite Android widget features5 of our favorite Android widget featuresProduct Director

    5 of our favorite Android widget features5 of our favorite Android widget featuresProduct Director

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Widgets are a simple way to personalize any Home screen, putting the information that’s most important to you — your inbox, the weather, your to-do list or even a photo of your dog — front and center.

    With the upcoming launch of the nearby traffic widget for Google Maps (more on that soon), 35 Google widgets will be available on Android. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting five of our favorite widget features to help everyone better organize and personalize their Home screens.

    Check local traffic with a tap

    Whether you’re commuting or heading out to meet friends, Google Maps’ real-time traffic predictions can help you easily plan your route. And with the new nearby traffic widget, launching in the coming weeks, you’ll see this information for your current location right from your Android Home screen. So if you’re about to leave home, work, school or anywhere else, you’ll know at a glance exactly what local traffic might be like. And because Android widgets are tappable, you can zoom in and out without opening the Maps app.

    Dark green Android wallpaper showing a bamboo palm with the Google nearby traffic widget laid over the top. The widget shows a local map of traffic levels and zooms in and out.

    Tap to instantly archive emails

    The Gmail widget is a simple way to keep your inbox organized. Just tap to archive an email when it hits your inbox, without having to open the Gmail app.

    An Android background with light purple orchids. In the foreground, the Gmail widget animates through the archive feature. An email arrives in the inbox, the archive button is tapped and the email disappears.

    Scroll through your to-do list

    Lots of you love the scrollable to-do list in the Keep widget. It’s an easy way to keep track of your tasks for the day, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as crossing them off when you’re done — except maybe scrolling back up to see everything you accomplished.

    A light peach-colored pastel background, with the Google Keep widget in the foreground. The widget scrolls through a list of items to pack for vacation.

    Skim through your favorite translations

    The Google Translate widget’s scrolling feature can help you stay organized, too. If you need to keep certain phrases handy while you’re traveling or speaking with friends and family, you can set them up to always appear on your Home Screen. Just star your favorite translations in the app and you’ll see them right on the widget.

    Light orange Android wallpaper of a flower stamen. In the foreground a user scrolls through the Google translate widget, with selected saved translations to use.

    Resize widgets to fit your needs

    Android widgets are easy to resize and even change shape to help you declutter your Home screen — while keeping helpful features intact. For example, if you make the Drive widget smaller, it’ll turn into a toolbar so you can still quickly search for your files.

    Light green Android wallpaper showing a green flower. In the foreground, an animation of different Google Drive widgets resizes.

    Android widgets are an easy way to personalize your Home screen, putting the actions and information that’s most important to you, front and center.

    Website: LINK

  • 5 of our favorite Android widget features5 of our favorite Android widget featuresProduct Director

    5 of our favorite Android widget features5 of our favorite Android widget featuresProduct Director

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Widgets are a simple way to personalize any Home screen, putting the information that’s most important to you — your inbox, the weather, your to-do list or even a photo of your dog — front and center.

    With the upcoming launch of the nearby traffic widget for Google Maps (more on that soon), 35 Google widgets will be available on Android. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting five of our favorite widget features to help everyone better organize and personalize their Home screens.

    Check local traffic with a tap

    Whether you’re commuting or heading out to meet friends, Google Maps’ real-time traffic predictions can help you easily plan your route. And with the new nearby traffic widget, launching in the coming weeks, you’ll see this information for your current location right from your Android Home screen. So if you’re about to leave home, work, school or anywhere else, you’ll know at a glance exactly what local traffic might be like. And because Android widgets are tappable, you can zoom in and out without opening the Maps app.

    Dark green Android wallpaper showing a bamboo palm with the Google nearby traffic widget laid over the top. The widget shows a local map of traffic levels and zooms in and out.

    Tap to instantly archive emails

    The Gmail widget is a simple way to keep your inbox organized. Just tap to archive an email when it hits your inbox, without having to open the Gmail app.

    An Android background with light purple orchids. In the foreground, the Gmail widget animates through the archive feature. An email arrives in the inbox, the archive button is tapped and the email disappears.

    Scroll through your to-do list

    Lots of you love the scrollable to-do list in the Keep widget. It’s an easy way to keep track of your tasks for the day, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as crossing them off when you’re done — except maybe scrolling back up to see everything you accomplished.

    A light peach-colored pastel background, with the Google Keep widget in the foreground. The widget scrolls through a list of items to pack for vacation.

    Skim through your favorite translations

    The Google Translate widget’s scrolling feature can help you stay organized, too. If you need to keep certain phrases handy while you’re traveling or speaking with friends and family, you can set them up to always appear on your Home Screen. Just star your favorite translations in the app and you’ll see them right on the widget.

    Light orange Android wallpaper of a flower stamen. In the foreground a user scrolls through the Google translate widget, with selected saved translations to use.

    Resize widgets to fit your needs

    Android widgets are easy to resize and even change shape to help you declutter your Home screen — while keeping helpful features intact. For example, if you make the Drive widget smaller, it’ll turn into a toolbar so you can still quickly search for your files.

    Light green Android wallpaper showing a green flower. In the foreground, an animation of different Google Drive widgets resizes.

    Android widgets are an easy way to personalize your Home screen, putting the actions and information that’s most important to you, front and center.

    Website: LINK

  • Honoring Lou Gehrig Day with the Chicago CubsHonoring Lou Gehrig Day with the Chicago CubsBrand Accessibility Program Manager

    Honoring Lou Gehrig Day with the Chicago CubsHonoring Lou Gehrig Day with the Chicago CubsBrand Accessibility Program Manager

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    A Major League Baseball game’s ceremonial first pitch is a time-honored tradition that marks the start of the game. This year, Google, Team Gleason, and MLB are teaming up for an inclusive first pitch on Lou Gehrig Day. Tonight, before the Chicago Cubs face the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field, former NFL player and founder of Team Gleason Foundation, Steve Gleason, and his son will start the game using Google technology to raise awareness about ALS.

    A banner that reads 4 ALS Lou Gehrig Day June 2 with an illustrated picture of Lou Gehrig in baseball uniform holding his chin as if in thought

    ALS – also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease – is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle function. Steve, who lives with ALS, will use just his eyes and the Android app, Look to Speak, to announce the beginning of the game at iconic Wrigley Field. You can watch the game at 7:05 pm CT. Google and MLB will also post a replay of the start-of-game festivities on their social media channels that night. MLB also will highlight this moment on MLB.com and MLB Network.

    “Using just my eyes to communicate with my phone – technology like that from Google can be a miraculous game changer as someone who lives with ALS, ” said Steve. “I trust tonight’s game with the Cubs and Google can raise the bar for assistive technology, and continue the trend of creating innovative tools helpful for people with severe disabilities.”

    We launched Look to Speak at the end of 2020 as an Android app designed for and with people with speech conditions and motor impairments. With the app, people can just look left, right or up to quickly select what they want to say from a list of phrases.

    Look to Speak is available to everyone and compatible with Android 9.0 and above, including Android One. Download it at g.co/looktospeak and learn more about what we’re doing in the accessibility world at Android.com/accessibility.

    Steve Gleason gives the ceremonial first pitch using Look to Speak at the Cubs game at Chicago’s Wrigley FieldWebsite: LINK

  • Explore, communicate and customize with AndroidExplore, communicate and customize with AndroidDirector, Product Management

    Explore, communicate and customize with AndroidExplore, communicate and customize with AndroidDirector, Product Management

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Android is constantly adding features to better connect with the people and devices around you. Today, we’re introducing a set of updates to help your phone stand out as much as you do. From more expressive ways to message your friends, to subtle but smart upgrades to entertainment and accessibility, we ensure that every interaction with your Android device is more helpful than the last.

    Add a personal touch to messaging with Gboard

    Animated demonstration of a message turning into a decorative sticker at the touch of a button.

    Caption: Add some flair to your messages with custom text stickers.

    A picture is worth a thousand words — but Gboard can now turn your words into pictures, too. Previously available on Pixel phones, custom text stickers will soon be available to all Android Gboard users typing in English-U.S., allowing you to type what you want to say, select a design and share your message with your nearest and dearest.

    Celebrate summer and Pride with new Emoji Kitchen stickers

    Animation of a hand opening Messages, creating a watermelon soccer ball emoji and sending it to a contact.

    Caption: Enjoy more celebratory emoji mashups to share with your friends.

    New emoji mashups have arrived just in time for summer (for those of you in the Southern hemisphere, we got you covered too) with Emoji Kitchen. There are more than 1600 new combinations to help you express your excitement — like when you want to show how much you’re looking forward to your upcoming summer vacation 🏕️🏖️ or add a little hot summer twist to your usual go-to emoji (watermelon soccer ball, anyone?). We also have lots of rainbow-based stickers to help you embrace Pride Month in many unique ways. 🏳️‍🌈

    Better conversations and connections with new accessibility features

    Animated demonstration of how Sound Amplifier settings can boost audio and reduce background noise levels.

    Caption: Amplify the sounds you want to hear, and filter out the sounds you don’t.

    Designed for and with people with hearing loss, Sound Amplifier uses your phone to amplify and filter important sounds around you. Today’s update brings improved background noise reduction, faster and more accurate sound and a revamped user interface that is easier to see.

    Animated demonstration of Lookout generating a detailed description of an image sent via Gmail.

    Caption: Hear a detailed description of images from just about any browser or app with Lookout Images mode.

    Designed with and for people with low vision or blindness, Lookout uses your Android device’s camera to provide information about the world around you with a variety of modes. Now with the new Images mode, which uses Google’s latest machine learning model for image understanding, you can hear a description of an image by simply opening it from just about any app. In addition, enhancements to Text mode, Documents mode, Food Label mode and Explore mode are making Lookout more accurate. Lookout now also works offline without the need for Wi-Fi or data service. Download or updateLookout in Google Play to get the new features.

    Use your Google Play Points for items in your apps and games at checkout

    Video demonstration of using Play Points to get an in-app item without ever leaving the app.

    Caption: Use your Play Points for in-app items at checkout without ever leaving the app.

    Google Play Points is a rewards program that lets you earn points and rewards for the ways you already use Google Play. You can soon use your Play Points for in-app items at checkout, without leaving your favorite apps and games. Cover the entire item withPlay Points or split between Play Points and another form of payment. This is rolling out over the coming weeks in countries where Play Points is available.

    These updates add to countless ways Android already helps you connect with others and the world around you. Visit android.com to learn more about these features and more.

    We’re introducing a set of updates to help your Android phone stand out as much as you do.

    Website: LINK

  • Driving growth in the Middle EastDriving growth in the Middle EastManaging Director, Google MENA

    Driving growth in the Middle EastDriving growth in the Middle EastManaging Director, Google MENA

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    The Nest is an online store that offers curated handcrafts from Egypt, from home accessories to fashion and furniture. When the pandemic started, founders Dina and Omar had to close their physical showroom, which used to drive 90% of their sales. They listed their business details on Google Maps and Search, promoted their products online and revamped their website which, in less than a year, became their main source of revenue.

    According to a new report published by Public First research agency and commissioned by Google, our products and tools in the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia helped businesses to adapt during the pandemic and helped people sharpen their skills and find jobs.

    The report shows 45% of people in Egypt last year used Google Maps to find a local business and 52% of businesses in Saudi Arabia reported an increased proportion of their customers coming from online search or search advertising.

    Since opening our first office in the Middle East and North Africa 13 years ago, Google has been actively supporting local businesses and developers, YouTube content creators, and publishers. Public First estimates that last year Google products like Search, YouTube, Android and Google Ads drove 12.2 billion SAR [3.2 billion USD] to the Saudi economy, 11.3 billion AED [3 billion USD] to the UAE economy and 11.2 billion EGP [600 million USD] to Egypt’s economy.

    Growing developers and creators

    Manal, Saudi YouTube creator, shows how she tailors trousers on her YouTube channel

    Manal, DIY content creator on YouTube in Saudi Arabia. Photo credit: Manal’s YouTube page

    Manal, from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, has a passion for DIY in fashion and home improvement. She started her YouTube channel to share her knowledge in upcycling dresses and scarves to make trousers, and repainting her room for Ramadan. Manal’s work has inspired others, and her community often share their own versions of her designs and ask for DIY tips. When she built her channel during the pandemic, her subscribers grew by over 300%. Manal is one of many talented creators in Saudi Arabia growing their business on YouTube. In fact, the percentage of YouTube channels in Saudi Arabia making six figures or more in revenue is up more than 20% year over year. That’s a sign of steady growth in Saudi Arabia’s YouTube creator community.

    Founder of Lamsa, Badr Ward, stands, smiling, with his arms folded

    Badr Ward, founder of Lamsa World, an Arabic educational platform in the UAE. Photo credit: Hub71

    Lamsa World is an educational platform in Arabic for children. It has interactive courses in math, science, language, arts and more. Badr Ward, the Dubai-based founder, wanted to help his children watch more educational content in Arabic, which was sparse and not always engaging. Badr and his team took part in the Google Accelerator Program in Dubai last year and, with the help of mentors, tested different sign-up options and experimented with different content formats. This led to a significant increase in the website’s sign-up rates and a 300% increase in Arabic content downloads.

    Unlocking skills and jobs

    Since its launch in 2018, Maharat min Google, Google’s digital skills program in Arabic, has trained 1.5 million people in the Middle East and North Africa. And in October 2020, Google announced a $13 million USD fund for digital tools, training programs, mentorship and financial grants to support businesses and job seekers in the Middle East and North Africa during the pandemic. Following Google’s mentorship program with Mercy Corps, 50% of trainees said that they found a job, accelerated their career or grew their business by hiring new staff or increasing revenue.

    Google Search also played a big role in helping people in the region access information and skills last year. For example, 85% of people in the UAE said they used Search to learn a new skill.

    People looked for jobs too. Every month, around 11 million women in Egypt go to Search to look for a job. In Saudi Arabia, 1.8 million people use Search to prepare for a job interview. According to the World Economic Forum, many women are contributing to the innovation coming out of the Middle East and North Africa, yet this region continues to have one of the lowest levels of female economic involvement globally.

    Public First estimates there are already 85,000 Android-based developer jobs in Egypt and 50,000 in the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, the total number of developers making USD 10,000 per month on Google Play grew by 16% last year.

    We are proud that people in the Middle East and North Africa are able to unlock opportunities for themselves with the help of Google products and tools. The region is young, smart and digital, and Google is committed to doing more to help entrepreneurs, local business owners, developers and content creators get the skills they need to build and grow their digital businesses.

    If you want to understand more about Google’s impact in the Middle East and North Africa, and the methodology behind the report, visit the links below:

    New report shows how Google products helped people, local businesses, developers, creators and publishers in the Middle East and North Africa in 2021.

    Website: LINK

  • Making Android more accessible for braille usersMaking Android more accessible for braille usersAccessibility Analyst

    Making Android more accessible for braille usersMaking Android more accessible for braille usersAccessibility Analyst

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Editor’s note: Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, and we’ll be sharing more on how we’re partnering with people with disabilitiesand what we’re doing to make education more accessible.

    The heart of our mission at Google is making the world’s information truly accessible. But the reality is we can only realize this mission with the help of the community. This year at I/O, we announced one more step in the right direction, thanks to feedback and help from our users: We’re making it easier for braille readers to use Android. Available in our next Android 13 Beta in a few weeks, we are beginning to build out-of-the-box support for braille displays in Talkback, our screen reader within Android.

    A refreshable braille display is an electro-mechanical device that creates braille patterns by raising rounded pins through holes in a flat surface. Braille-literate computer users use the braille display to touch-read braille dots representing text. With the display, you can also type out braille. These devices help people with deafblindness access mobile phones and people with blindness use their phones silently. Previously, people connected their Android devices to braille displays using the BrailleBack app, which required a separate download from the Play Store, or used a virtual keyboard within Talkback instead of a physical device.

    With this new update, there are no additional downloads necessary to use most braille displays. People can use braille displays to access many of the same features available with Talkback. For instance, you can use display buttons to navigate your screen and then do activities like compose an email, make a phone call, send a text message or read a book.

    There are also new shortcuts that make it easier to use braille displays with Talkback. Now there are shortcuts for navigating so it’s easier to scroll and move to the next character, word or line. There are also shortcuts for settings and for editing, like jumping to the end of documents or selecting, copying and pasting.

    You can sign up for the Android beta program to try out Talkback 13 in the next beta release.

    We are grateful to the community for their ongoing feedback that makes features like these possible. This is just the first step forward in developing this integration, and we can’t wait to do even more to expand the feature and to create even more related capabilities.

    New out-of-the-box support for braille on Android.Website: LINK

  • Get more done across devices with AndroidGet more done across devices with AndroidGroup Product Manager, Multi-Device Experiences

    Get more done across devices with AndroidGet more done across devices with AndroidGroup Product Manager, Multi-Device Experiences

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Adding technology to your life should make every day a little easier. But that only happens if the devices are able to anticipate your needs and move smoothly from one activity to the next throughout the day. We’ve been hard at work building on our efforts to bring you even more simple and helpful ways for your devices to all work better together.

    Instant setup for even more devices

    We launched Fast Pair to remove the frustration out of pairing your Android phone with new Bluetooth accessories like headphones and speakers, and have already helped connect these devices over 175 million times. Earlier this year, we shared plans to expand Fast Pair support to more devices, so you can automatically detect and pair compatible headphones with your Android phone, Chromebook and Google TV with a single click.

    Starting this fall, we’ll introduce built-in support for Matter on Android, so you can use Fast Pair to quickly connect Matter-enabled smart home devices to your network, Google Home and other accompanying apps in just a few taps. Whether you’re updating your current setup or building a new smart home network, consider light bulbs, thermostats and plugs from supported Matter brands like Eve, Yale and Philips Hue.

    A phone showing the process of connecting a smart plug into the Google Home app with Fast Pair for Matter-enabled devices

    Media throughout your day

    Chromecast built-in is designed to help you easily share audio, photo and video content from your phone to supported smart speakers, displays and TVs. And the Google TV app will soon have the ability for you to cast shows and movies directly from your Android phone or tablet to your TV. In the future, we’re also working to bring casting to Chromebooks and cars with Google built-in so you can enjoy media on whatever screen is in front of you. This means you’ll be able to start watching your favorite team’s game on your laptop at work, switch to your phone while you walk to the parking lot, and catch the final minutes on your car’s display (while parked or charging) before driving home.

    A tablet casting a movie from the Google TV mobile app directly to a TV.

    At CES this year, we showcased how our technology can improve your experience on headphones and painlessly switch the audio between the devices you’re listening on whether it’s your Android phone or tablet. In the next few months, we’ll roll out the ability to automatically switch the audio on select headphones from Sony, JBL and Pixel. We’re also working with Qualcomm and other partners to bring this capability to more headphones with their technology chips.

    Earbuds switching the audio from a recipe video on a tablet, to a phone next to it receiving a phone call

    Your overall audio experience is also getting better with Android. With spatial audio on your headsets, you’ll be immersed into another world with sound adapted to your head movements and audio filling the space around you. Based on our collaboration with Qualcomm, we’re also adopting LE Audio, a new Bluetooth audio standard that results in lower latency than classic audio, provides higher audio quality and allows you to broadcast media to more than one person at the same time. We’re working with partners like Samsung, OnePlus and Sony to bring these technologies to the Android ecosystem.

    Getting things done across devices

    With Phone Hub, your Chromebook can already help you receive and send messages from your Android phone. We also have plans to expand Phone Hub’s capabilities to let you stay on top of all your chats by streaming messaging apps from your Android phone directly to your Chromebook — without having to install the app on your laptop.

    A phone sending a chat message, with the replies appearing on a laptop for responding and continuing the conversation

    And, we’re making it easier to help you get things done on the device that’s most convenient for you. You’ll soon be able to copy and paste a URL or photo from your Android phone to your tablet and vice versa. These features will roll out to Android phones and tablets with Android 13 this fall.

    Odds are, you’ll keep adding more connected devices into your home – and so will your family and friends. Whether these devices are for entertainment or productivity, we’re committed to work with our partners to bring you multi-device experiences that will make your life easier.

    Introducing more ways to help all your devices work better together.

    Website: LINK

  • New ways to stay connected and entertained in your carNew ways to stay connected and entertained in your carSenior Product Manager

    New ways to stay connected and entertained in your carNew ways to stay connected and entertained in your carSenior Product Manager

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Our work in cars has always been guided by our goal to help make your driving experience easier and safer. Today, we’re introducing several updates for cars compatible with Android Auto and cars with Google built-in to help you stay connected and entertained while enhancing your experience on the road.

    A brand-new look for Android Auto

    Since it first launched, Android Auto has expanded to support more than 150 million cars across nearly every car brand. And over the years, we’ve found there are three main functionalities that drivers prioritize in their cars: navigation, media and communication. This summer, Android Auto will roll out a brand new interface that will help you get directions faster, control your media more easily and have more functionality at your fingertips.

    Car dashboard with display showcasing new Android Auto design in different screen sizes

    Built to adapt to any screen size

    With split screen mode, now standard across all screen types and sizes, you’ll have access to your most-used features all in one place — no need to return to your home screen or scroll through a list of apps. With your navigation and media always on, you won’t have to worry about missing your next turn while changing your favorite commute podcast. And with the new design able to adapt to different screen sizes, it looks great across widescreen, portrait and more.

    New features for Android Auto

    Google Assistant is bringing contextual suggestions to help you be more productive in the car. From suggested replies, to messages, to sharing arrival times with a friend, or even playing recommended music, Google Assistant is helping you do more in the car efficiently.

    In addition to using your voice, you can now quickly message and call favorite contacts with just one tap, and reply to messages by simply selecting a suggested response on the screen – helping you communicate effectively, while allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Keep an eye out for these updates to Android Auto in the coming months

    Stay connected and entertained with Google built-in

    Cars with Google built-in often come with large displays, and we’re continuing to build new experiences for those displays while your car is parked. We previously announced we’re bringing YouTube to cars with Google built-in and more video streaming apps will join the queue, including Tubi and Epix Now. So, when you’re parked waiting for your car to charge or at curbside pickup, you’ll be able to enjoy video directly from your car display.

    As we work to add more capabilities to cars with Google built-in in the future, you’ll be able to not only browse the web directly from your car display, but also cast your own content from your phone to your car screen.

    Car dashboard with display showcasing Tubi

    Enjoy video content directly from your car’s screen while parked

    Across Android Auto and cars with Google built-in, we’re working hard to ensure every drive is a helpful and connected experience.

    Website: LINK

  • Living in a multi-device world with AndroidLiving in a multi-device world with AndroidVP of Product Management

    Living in a multi-device world with AndroidLiving in a multi-device world with AndroidVP of Product Management

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Android has grown into the most popular OS in the world, delivering access, connectivity and information to people everywhere on their smartphones. There are over three billion active monthly Android devices around the world, and in the last year alone, more than a billion new Android phones have been activated. While the phone is still the most popular form of computing, people are adding more connected technologies to their lives like TVs, cars, watches and more.

    As we build for a multi-device future, we’re introducing new ways to get more done. Whether it’s your phone or your other devices, our updates help them all work better together.

    Do more with your Android phone

    With Android 13, we’re making updates to privacy and security, personalization and large screen devices. You’ve already seen a preview of this in the Developer Previews and first beta. Across the Android ecosystem, we’re also bringing more ways to keep your conversations private and secure, store your digital identity and get you help in the physical world.

    We have been working with carriers and phone makers around the world to upgrade SMS text messaging to a new standard called Rich Communication Services (RCS). With RCS, you can share high-quality photos, see type indicators, message over Wi-Fi and get a better group messaging experience.

    This is a huge step forward for the mobile ecosystem and we are really excited about the progress! In fact, Google’s Messages app already has half a billion monthly active users with RCS and is growing fast. And, Messages already offers end-to-end encryption for your one-to-one conversations. Later this year, we’ll also be bringing encryption to your group conversations to open beta.

    Three messages are shown from a group message between friends who are excited for a baking class they will take together.

    Your phone can also help provide secure access to your everyday essentials. Recently, we’ve witnessed the rapid digitization of things like car keys and vaccine records. The new Google Wallet on Android will standardize the way you save and access these important items, plus things like payment cards, transit and event tickets, boarding and loyalty passes and student IDs. We’ll be launching Google Wallet on Wear OS, starting with support for payment cards.

    Soon, you’ll be able to save and access hotel keys and office badges from your Android phone. And we know you can’t leave home without your ID, so we’re collaborating with states across the U.S. and international partners to bring digital driver’s licenses and IDs to Google Wallet later this year.

    We’re developing smooth integrations with other Google apps and services while providing granular privacy controls. For example, when you add a transit card to Wallet, your card and balance will automatically show up in Google Maps when you search for directions. If your balance is running low, you can quickly tap and add fare before you arrive at the station.

    A user looks at their phone for directions from the San Francisco airport on Google Maps. Since they are looking for public transportation routes, they are prompted on their phone to add fare to their Clipper card, a transit card used throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. With a tap, they add their desired amount of money to the card.

    Beyond helping keep your communication and digital identities safe, your devices can be even more essential in critical moments like medical emergencies or natural disasters. In these times, chances are you’ll have either your phone or watch on you. We built critical infrastructure into Android like Emergency Location Services (ELS) to help first responders locate you when you call for help. We recently launched ELS in Bulgaria, Paraguay, Spain and Saudi Arabia, and it is now available to more than one billion people worldwide.

    Early Earthquake Warnings are already in place in 25 countries, and this year we’ll launch them in many of the remaining high-risk regions around the world. This year, we’ll also start working with partners to bring Emergency SOS to Wear OS, so you can instantly contact a trusted friend or family member or call emergency services from your watch.

    A watch screen depicts the Emergency SOS feature. The watch face has an outline of a red circle that counts down the time before an emergency call is made directly from the watch. In this example 911 is called.

    Apps and services that extend beyond the phone

    Along with your phone, two of the most important and personal devices in our lives are watches and tablets.

    With the launch of our unified platform with Samsung last year, there are now over three times as many active Wear OS devices as there were last year. Later this year, you’ll start to see more devices powered with Wear OS from Samsung, Fossil Group, Montblanc, Mobvoi and others. And for the first time ever, Google Assistant is coming to Samsung Galaxy watches, starting soon with the Watch4 series. The Google Assistant experience for Wear OS has been improved with faster, more natural voice interactions, so you can access useful features like voice-controlled navigation or setting reminders.

    We’re also bringing more of your favorite apps to Wear OS. Check out experiences built for your wrist by Spotify, adidas Running, LINE and KakaoTalk. And you’ll see many more from apps like SoundCloud and Deezer later this year.

    Various app logos including Spotify, adidas Running, LINE, and more are spread out in a circle outside of a watch.

    We’re investing in tablets in a big way and have made updates to the interface in 12L and Android 13 that optimize information for the larger screen. We’ve also introduced new features that help you multitask — for example, tap the toolbar to view the app tray and drag and drop apps to view them in a side by side view.

    To support these system-level updates, we’ve also been working to improve the app experiences on Android tablets. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be updating more than 20 Google apps to take full advantage of the extra space including YouTube Music, Google Maps, Messages and more.

    A collage of colorful tablets are shown, each tablet with a different app running on its screen such as Google Translate, Google Maps, Google TV, Google Photos, Gmail, and more. The Android logo is in the center of the image with the text “20+ optimized Google tablet apps” written in large lettering.

    We’re working with other apps to revamp their experiences this year as well, including TikTok, Zoom, Facebook and many others. You’ll soon be able to easily search for all tablet-optimized apps thanks to updates to Google Play.

    The Google Play app is open on a tablet. Apps like TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Zoom are listed under the “Top Free” section of the app charts, each with an Install button beside it.

    Simple ways for your devices to work better together

    Getting things done can be much easier if your connected devices all communicate and work together. The openness and flexibility of Android powers phones, watches, tablets, TVs and cars — and it works well with devices like headphones, speakers, laptops and more. Across all these devices, we’re building on our efforts and introducing even more simple and helpful features to move throughout your day.

    With Chromecast built-in, you can watch videos, listen to music and more on the device that makes sense depending on where you are and what you’re doing. This means after your daily commute, you can easily play the rest of a movie you were watching on your phone on your TV at home. To help you stay entertained, we’re working to extend casting capabilities to new partners and products, such as Chromebook, or even your car.

    An interior of a car with YouTube video being cast from a phone to the in-car display.

    Your media should just move with you, so you can automatically switch audio from your headphones while watching a movie on your tablet to your phone when answering an incoming call.

    And when you need to get more done across devices, you’ll soon be able to copy a URL or picture from your phone, and paste it on your tablet.

    This graphic begins with a user copying an image from the web on their phone. They select the Nearby Share icon and the image from the phone is now in the clipboard of their tablet. The user then clicks paste within a slide in Google Slides on their tablet and the image from the phone appears.

    Earlier this year, we previewed multi-device experiences, like expanding Phone Hub on your Chromebook to allow you to access all your phone’s messaging apps. By streaming from your phone to the laptop, you’ll be able to send and reply to messages, view your conversation history and launch your messaging apps from your laptop. We’re also making it easier to set up and pair your devices with the expansion of Fast Pair support to more devices, including built-in support for Matter on Android.

    Whether Android brings new possibilities to your phone or the many devices in your life, we’re looking forward to helping you in this multi-device world.

    At I/O, Android announced updates to your phone, to your watch and tablet devices, and to help all your devices work better together.

    Website: LINK

  • What’s beta than Android 13?What’s beta than Android 13?VP of Engineering, Android

    What’s beta than Android 13?What’s beta than Android 13?VP of Engineering, Android

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Every year and with every release, we make Android better based on your feedback. With Android 13, we’re continuing to improve the quality and performance of the platform while building on many areas that matter most to you, like privacy and security, personalization and large-screen devices.

    Today, we’re sharing more about Android 13 and releasing the second beta across many Android phones, tablets and foldable devices.

    A foundation of privacy and security

    In Android 13, we’re giving you more control over what personal information you share and more detailed control over what files your apps can access. Instead of permitting access to “Files and media,” there are two new categories you can control access to: “Photos & videos” and “Music & audio.” For even more specificity, a new photo picker lets you select the exact photos or videos you want to grant access to, without needing to share your entire media library with an app.

    We’re also helping you be more deliberate about how you engage with apps. While app notifications often provide helpful and timely reminders, you should have more control over which apps you want to receive notifications from. In Android 13, apps must get your permission before sending you notifications. In addition, we’re reducing the number of apps that require your location. For example, you will no longer need to grant location to apps to enable Wi-Fi scanning.

    Android 13 goes further to help you stay ahead of risks, with timely recommendations and options to enhance your privacy. You already receive an alert when an app accesses your clipboard. Now, Android will go further and automatically delete your clipboard history after a short period so apps are preemptively blocked from seeing old copied information.

    Later this year, we’ll introduce a unified Security & Privacy settings page in Android 13 that brings all your device’s data privacy and security front and center. This will provide a clear, color-coded indicator of your safety status and offer guidance and steps you can take to boost your security.

    Within the Security & Privacy settings page, there is a color-coded safety status that indicates safety status. On the top of this user’s screen it reads “Looks good” with a green check mark beside it.

    Personalized experiences for you

    Last year, we introduced Material You to help your phone adapt to your style and preferences. With Android 13, we’re going further to customize your phone’s look and feel with pre-made color variants. Once a color scheme has been selected, you’ll see beautiful color variants applied across the entire OS to accentuate your wallpaper and style.

    Different color variants applied across the calculator app of 4 phone shells on a floral orange wallpaper

    Android 13 also extends color theming of your app icons beyond Google apps. Starting with Pixel devices, you’ll be able to turn on the “Themed icons” toggle in your settings to have all supported apps also match your phone’s colors in a minimal, modern and consistent look.

    Apps on the home screen are all light orange and gray to match the orange floral wallpaper

    We’re also introducing a new media control that tailors its look based on the music that you’re listening to, featuring the album’s artwork.

    A phone’s lockscreen with a media player in the center with colorful artwork playing a song.

    Personalization in Android 13 extends beyond the design and aesthetic of the phone’s interface to other areas that are important and unique to you, like your language preferences. If you’re multilingual, you likely use different languages depending on the situation and may change how you communicate from one instance to the next. For example, you might enjoy social media in one language, but bank in another. Android 13 helps you use language as fluidly as you do in real life, so you can select a different language preference for each of your apps in Settings.

    While in Settings, a user selects ShareChat and has a list of languages to choose the app to run in such as the System language, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi and more

    Tablets just keep getting better

    Android 12L’s updates optimized the layout for bigger screen devices. Android 13 builds on this foundation by introducing better multitasking capabilities for tablets. With the updated taskbar, you can easily switch your single tablet view to a split screen. Just drag and drop any second app in your app library onto your screen and you’ll be able to do two or more things at once with ease.

    A tablet user drags and drops apps like Google Photos and Gmail into split screen from the new All Apps entry point in their taskbar.

    We’re also improving the experience for when you’re writing or drawing with a stylus pen. In Android 13, you can rest your hand comfortably on the screen without worrying about it being misidentified as a stylus pen, reducing any unintended actions.

    We know these changes don’t mean much if apps aren’t built for the larger screens. So over the next few weeks, we’ll be updating more than 20 Google apps to take full advantage of the extra space with added functionality. Many of the third-party apps you love — like TikTok, Facebook and Zoom — will be revamped to make your experiences on tablets even better.

    Try out Android 13 features, with more on the way

    Android 13 has much more in store, including features that shape modern standards for audio and video like HDR video, Spatial Audio and Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.

    You can find many of these features today in the second beta of Android 13. We have a great lineup of beta partners and we can’t wait for you to try it on your favorite device.

    Introducing Android 13 Beta with new ways to personalize your device, and the latest tablet and large screen tools.

    Website: LINK

  • Ask a Techspert: How do digital wallets work?Ask a Techspert: How do digital wallets work?Contributor

    Ask a Techspert: How do digital wallets work?Ask a Techspert: How do digital wallets work?Contributor

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    In recent months, you may have gone out to dinner only to realize you left your COVID vaccine card at home. Luckily, the host is OK with the photo of it on your phone. In this case, it’s acceptable to show someone a picture of a card, but for other things it isn’t — an image of your driver’s license or credit card certainly won’t work. So what makes digital versions of these items more legit than a photo? To better understand the digitization of what goes into our wallets and purses, I talked to product manager Dong Min Kim, who works on the brand new Google Wallet. Google Wallet, which will be coming soon in over 40 countries, is the new digital wallet for Android and Wear OS devices…but how does it work?

    Let’s start with a basic question: What is a digital wallet?

    A digital wallet is simply an application that holds digital versions of the physical items you carry around in your actual wallet or purse. We’ve seen this shift where something you physically carry around becomes part of your smartphone before, right?

    Like..?

    Look at the camera: You used to carry around a separate item, a camera, to take photos. It was a unique device that did a specific thing. Then, thanks to improvements in computing power, hardware and image processing algorithms, engineers merged the function of the camera — taking photos — into mobile phones. So now, you don’t have to carry around both, if you don’t want to.

    Ahhh yes, I am old enough to remember attending college gatherings with my digital camera andmy flip phone.

    Ha! So think about what else you carry around: your wallet and your keys.

    So the big picture here is that digital wallets help us carry around less stuff?

    That’s certainly something we’re thinking about, but it’s more about how we can make these experiences — the ones where you need to use a camera, or in our case, items from your wallet — better. For starters, there’s security: It’s really hard for someone to take your phone and use your Google Wallet, or to take your card and add it to their own phone. Your financial institution will verify who you are before you can add a card to your phone, and you can set a screen lock so a stranger can’t access what’s on your device. And should you lose your device, you can remotely locate, lock or even wipe it from “Find My Device.”

    What else can Google Wallet do that my physical wallet can’t?

    If you saved your boarding pass for a flight to Google Wallet, it will notify you of delays and gate changes. When you head to a concert, you’ll receive a notification on your phone beforehand, reminding you of your saved tickets.

    Wallet also works with other Google apps — for instance if you’re taking the bus to see a friend and look up directions in Google Maps, your transit card and balance will show up alongside the route. If you’re running low on fare, you can tap and add more. We’ll also give you complete control over how items in your wallet are used to enable these experiences; for example, the personal information on your COVID vaccine pass is kept on your device and never shared without your permission, not even with Google.

    Plus, even if you lose your credit or debit card and you’re waiting for the replacement to show up, you can still use that card with Google Wallet because of the virtual number attached to it.

    This might be taking a step backwards, but can I pay someone from my Google Wallet? As in can I send money from a debit card, or straight from my bank account?

    That’s actually where the Google Pay app — which is available in markets like the U.S., India and Singapore — comes in. We’ll keep growing this app as a companion app where you can do more payments-focused things like send and receive money from friends or businesses, discover offers from your favorite retailers or manage your transactions.

    OK, but can I pay with my Google Wallet?

    Yes,you can still pay with the cards stored in your Google Wallet in stores where Google Pay is accepted; it’s simple and secure.

    Use payment cards in Google Wallet in stores with Google Pay, got it — but how does everything else “get” into Wallet?

    We’ve already partnered with hundreds of transit agencies, retailers, ticket providers, health agencies and airlines so they can create digital versions of their cards or tickets for Google Wallet. You can add a card or ticket directly to Wallet, or within the apps or sites of businesses we partner with, you’ll see an option to add it to Wallet. We’re working on adding more types of content for Wallet, too, like digital IDs, or office and hotel keys.

    An image of the Google Wallet app open on a Pixel phone. The app is showing a Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card, a ticket for a flight from SFO to JFK, and a Walgreens cash reward pass. In the bottom right hand corner, there is a “Add to Wallet” button.

    Developers can make almost any item into a digital pass.. Developers can use the templates we’ve created, like for boarding passes and event tickets — or they can use a generic template if it’s something more unique and we don’t have a specific solution for it yet. This invitation to developers is part of what I think makes Google Wallet interesting; it’s very open.

    What exactly do you mean by “open” exactly?

    Well, the Android platform is open — any Android developer can use and develop for Wallet. One thing that’s great about that is all these features and tools can be made available on less expensive phones, too, so it isn’t only people who can afford the most expensive, newest phones out there who can use Google Wallet. Even if a phone can’t use some features of Google Wallet, it’s possible for developers to use QR or barcodes for their content, which more devices can access.

    So working with Google Wallet is easier for developers. Any ways you’re making things easier for users?

    Plenty of them! In particular, we’re working on ways to make it easy to add objects directly from your phone too. For instance, today if you take a screenshot of your boarding pass or Covid vaccine card from an Android device, we’ll give you the option to add it directly to your Google Wallet!

    You can’t just upload a photo of your credit card and start using it…so how does a digital wallet really work? Our techspert has answers.

    Website: LINK

  • Make connections that Matter in Google HomeMake connections that Matter in Google HomeSenior Director, Google Home Ecosystem

    Make connections that Matter in Google HomeMake connections that Matter in Google HomeSenior Director, Google Home Ecosystem

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    We’re entering a new era of the smart home built on openness and collaboration — one where you should have no problem using devices from different smart home brands to turn on your lights, warm up your living room and set your morning alarm. All of them should work together in harmony.

    Matter, the new smart home industry standard we developed with other leading technology companies, is making this possible. Whether you’re shopping for or building your own smart home devices, let’s take a closer look at how Matter can help you make more connections with Google products and beyond when it launches later this year.

    Connect your favorite smart home brands

    When you buy a Matter-enabled device, the set-up process will be quick and consistent. In just a few taps, you can easily link it to your home network, another smart home ecosystem and your favorite apps. Support for Matter through Fast Pair on Android makes it as easy as connecting a new pair of headphones. And because Matter devices connect and communicate locally over Wi-Fi and Thread, a wireless mesh networking technology, they’re more reliable and responsive — reducing lag and potential connection interruptions.

    To help you get ready for Matter, we’ll update many Google Nest devices to be Matter controllers. This will let you connect all your Matter-enabled devices to Google Home, and control them both locally and remotely with the Google Home app, smart home controls on your Android phone or Google Assistant. Matter controllers will include the original Google Home speaker, Google Mini, Nest Mini, Nest Hub (1st and 2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Audio and Nest Wifi.

    Meanwhile, Nest Wifi, Nest Hub Max and Nest Hub (2nd gen) will also serve as Thread border routers, allowing you to connect devices built with Thread — like backyard lights that need long-range connectivity — to your home network.

    We’ve also rolled out a new Google Home site to help you explore everything you can do with your Google Home in one spot. You can discover thousands of smart home devices that work with Google Home and learn how to get the most out of your helpful home — including automated routines to make everyday life easier, safer and more convenient.

    To make it easier to find products that work great with Google Home, we’re updating our “Works with” partner program. Works with Hey Google is now Works with Google Home. Partner devices that carry this badge have gone the extra mile to build high-quality experiences with Google using Matter or our existing integrations. It’ll take some time for all our partners to start using the new badge — but if you spot either of these badges on a smart home product, you’ll know they easily connect with Google and our home control features like routines, voice control through Google Assistant devices and Android home controls.

    Build more connected smart home devices

    Developers, take note: With Matter, there’s no need to build multiple versions of a smart home device to work across different ecosystems. You’ll only have to build once, and that device will work right away with Google Home and other smart home brands. This means you can spend less time building multiple connectivity paths, and more time innovating and delivering devices and features.

    To help you do that, we’ve launched a new Google Home Developer Center that brings together all our resources for developers and businesses. You can start learning today how to build smart home devices and Android apps with Matter, discover new features to integrate into your devices and explore marketing resources to help grow your business. You’ll also find new community support tools for device makers building with Google Home.

    On June 30, we’ll launch the Google Home Developer Console, including two new software development kits (SDKs) to make it easy to build Matter devices and apps. The Google Home Device SDK is the fastest way to start building Matter devices. This SDK will also introduce Intelligence Clusters, which will share Google Intelligence — starting with Home & Away Routines — with developers who meet certain security and privacy requirements.

    The new Google Home Mobile SDK will make it easy to build apps that connect directly with Matter devices using new built-in connectivity support in Android. This makes the set-up process simpler, more consistent and reliable for Android users. And with connectivity taken care of, developers can spend more time building unique features and experiences.

    We can’t wait to see how you use Matter, Thread and Google Home to build and create the smart home experience that best suits you. Check out home.google and developers.home.google.com to learn more and sign up for future updates.

    Learn more about Matter, our connected smart home technology launching later this year.

    Website: LINK

  • Buckle up: McLaren has a new Android and Chrome F1 race carBuckle up: McLaren has a new Android and Chrome F1 race carVP of Marketing, Google

    Buckle up: McLaren has a new Android and Chrome F1 race carBuckle up: McLaren has a new Android and Chrome F1 race carVP of Marketing, Google

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    At this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, I’ll be cheering on two of my favorite Formula 1 drivers — Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo — as they race around the track in McLaren Formula 1 cars fashioned with Android-inspired engine covers and slick, Chrome-inspired wheel covers.

    Earlier this year, Google became an Official Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, a sport that is data-driven at heart and a natural fit for our products. We specifically teamed up with McLaren because of our shared values, especially around sustainability and inclusion. In 2011, McLaren was the first F1 team to be certified carbon neutral, and they’re currently in the process of adopting renewable energy across all their operations. They also recently announced their first woman driver for the Extreme E electric racing series as a first of many efforts to improve representation.

    Through our partnership, we’re pairing the engineering excellence of McLaren’s race cars with Google technology to help maximize race-day performance. McLaren’s crew is already using Android connected devices and equipment — including phones, tablets and earbuds — to help improve pit stops. Their pit team will also exclusively use the Chrome browser and start using Fitbit devices to monitor their overall health and wellbeing, including heart rate and breathing rate. Meanwhile, the Extreme E McLaren Team will bring Pixel 6s and Pixel Buds to their off-road racing operations for the first time this season.

    A line of race car wheels with the blue, green, yellow and red Chrome-inspired logo colors around them. A person in an orange shirt is doing maintenance on one of them.

    This collaboration has the potential to solve big and complex engineering challenges — from improving the team’s telemetry and design capabilities through AI, to speeding up decision making and safeguarding team communications using Android 5G. We’ve got an exciting road ahead with McLaren Racing, and our feet are placed firmly on the gas.

    Learn how the McLaren Formula 1 team is using Android and Chrome to improve race-day performance.

    Website: LINK

  • Get more information about your apps in Google PlayGet more information about your apps in Google PlayVice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy

    Get more information about your apps in Google PlayGet more information about your apps in Google PlayVice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    We work hard to keep Google Play a safe, trusted space for people to enjoy the latest Android apps. Today, we’re launching a new feature, the Data safety section, where developers will be required to give people more information about how apps collect, share and secure users’ data. Users will start seeing the Data safety section in Google Play today, and developers are required to complete this section for their apps by July 20th. As app developers update their functionality or change their data handling practices, they will show the latest in the apps’ Data safety section.

    A unified view of app safety in Google Play

    We heard from users and app developers that displaying the data an app collects, without additional context, is not enough. Users want to know for what purpose their data is being collected and whether the developer is sharing user data with third parties. In addition, users want to understand how app developers are securing user data after an app is downloaded. That’s why we designed the Data safety section to allow developers to clearly mark what data is being collected and for what purpose it’s being used. Users can also see whether the app needs this data to function or if this data collection is optional.

    Here are the information developers can show in the Data safety section:

    • Whether the developer is collecting data and for what purpose.
    • Whether the developer is sharing data with third parties.
    • The app’s security practices, like encryption of data in transit and whether users can ask for data to be deleted.
    • Whether a qualifying app has committed to following Google Play’s Families Policy to better protect children in the Play store.
    • Whether the developer has validated their security practices against a global security standard (more specifically, the MASVS).
    Android phone showing the Data safety section of an app on Google Play

    Putting users in control, before and after you download

    Giving users more visibility into how apps collect, share and secure their data through the Data safety section is just one way we’re keeping the Android users and ecosystem safe.

    We’ve also worked hard to give users control of installed apps through simple permissions features. For example, when an app asks to access “your location”, users can quickly and easily decide whether they want to grant that permission – for one time use, only while using the app, or all the time. For sensitive permissions like camera, microphone, or location data, people can go to the Android Privacy dashboard to review data access by apps.

    Apps should help users explore the world, connect with loved ones, do work, learn something new, and more without compromising user safety. The new Data safety section, in addition to Google Play’s existing safety features, gives people the visibility and control they need to enjoy their apps.

    To learn more about Google Play’s Data safety section, check out this guide.

    We are launching Google Play’s Data safety section to put users in control, before and after the download.

    Website: LINK

  • Ask a Techspert: What’s that weird box next to my emoji?Ask a Techspert: What’s that weird box next to my emoji?Contributor

    Ask a Techspert: What’s that weird box next to my emoji?Ask a Techspert: What’s that weird box next to my emoji?Contributor

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    A few months ago, I received a message from a friend that, I have to confess, made absolutely no sense. Rows of emoji followed by different boxes — like this 􏿿􏿿􏿿􏿿􏿿􏿿 — appeared…so I sent back a simple “huh?” Apparently she’d sent me a string of emoji that were meant to tell me about her weekend and let’s just say that it was all lost in translation.

    To find out exactly what caused our communication breakdown, I decided to ask emoji expert Jennifer Daniel.

    Why did the emoji my friend typed to me show up as 􏿿􏿿􏿿􏿿􏿿􏿿 ?

    Oy boy. No bueno. Sounds like your friend was using some of the new emoji that were released this month. (Not to rub it in but they are so good!!! There’s a salute 🫡, a face holding back tears, 🥹 and another face that’s melting 🫠!) Sadly, you’re not the only one who’s losing things in translation. For way too long, 96% of Android users couldn’t see emoji released the year they debuted.

    And it isn’t just an Android problem: Despite being one of the earliest platforms to include emoji, Gmail received its first emoji update since 2016 last year! (You read that right: Two-thousand-sixteen!) This often resulted in skin toned and gendered emoji appearing broken.

    Illustration of a few examples of "broken" skin tone and gendered emoji.

    A few examples of „broken“ skin tone and gendered emoji.

    What!? Why?

    Yeah, strong agree. Historically, emoji have been at the mercy of operating system updates. New OS? New emoji. If you didn’t update your device, it meant that when new emoji were released, they would display as those black boxes you saw, which are referred to as a “tofu.” It gets worse: What if your phone doesn’t offer OS updates? Well, you’d have to buy a newer phone. Maybe that’d be worth it so you can use the new finger heart emoji (🫰)???

    Emoji are fundamental to digital communication. Meanwhile, there is a very real economic divide between people who can afford to get a new phone every year (or who can afford a fancy phone that generously updates the OS) and everyone else in the world. That is absurd and I personally hate it. Now for the good news: Check your phone, I bet you can see the emoji from your friend’s message today.

    Whaaaaat! You’re right. Why can I see them now but I couldn’t a few months ago?

    Well, this year Google finally decoupled emoji updates from operating system updates. That means YOU get an emoji and YOU get an emoji and YOU get an emoji!

    Examples of emoji

    What does “decoupled” emoji updates mean?

    It basically means emoji can be updated on your phone or your computer without you updating your operating system. As of this month, all apps that use Appcompat (a tool that enables Android apps to be compatible with several Android versions)will automatically get the latest and greatest emoji so you can send and receive emoji even if you don’t have the newest phone. And this will work across Google: All 3,366 emoji will now appear in Gmail, on Chrome OS and lots of other places when people send them to you. Apps that make their own emoji rather than defaulting on the operating system may find themselves falling behind as taking on the responsibility of maintaining and distributing emoji is a lot of work. This is why we’re so thrilled to see Google rely on Noto Emoji so everyone can get the latest emoji quickly.

    Since you mentioned Gmail being an early emoji adopter, it makes me wonder…how old are emoji? Where do they come from?

    A volunteer-based organization called the Unicode Consortium digitizes the world’s languages. They’re the reason why when you send Hindi from one computer the computer on the other end can render it in Hindi. In their mission to ensure different platforms and operating systems can work together, they standardize the underlying technology that Google, Apple, Twitter and others use to render their emoji fonts.

    You see, emoji are a font. That’s right. A font. I know. They look like tiny pictures but they operate the same way any other letter of the alphabet does when it enters our digital realm.

    Like the letter A (U+0041) or the letter अ (U+0905), each emoji is assigned a code point (for instance, 😤 is U+1F624) by the Unicode Consortium. (Some emoji contain multiple code points — I’m generalizing a bit! Don’t tell the Unicode Consortium.) Point being: Emoji are a font and like fonts, some emoji on iPhones look different than they do on Pixel phones.

    A variety of the new emoji designs that are now visible across Google products including Gmail, Google Chat, YouTube Live Chat and Chrome OS.

    A variety of the new emoji designs that are now visible across Google products including Gmail, Google Chat, YouTube Live Chat and Chrome OS.

    So, the Unicode Consortium makes fonts?

    No, they manage a universal character encoding set that written languages map to. Google’s Noto project is a global font project to support those existing scripts and languages. Google uses Noto Emoji and provides resources to ensure your emoji render on Android and in desktop environments including metadata like iconography and shortcodes too! All Google chat products now support this.

    We’re also working on ways for you to download or embed Noto Emoji into your website of choice via fonts.google.com. So, stay tuned 😉.

    Emoji are a font. Black boxes are tofus. The more you know! I guess I have one final question: Now that I can send (and see!) the melting face emoji, will it look identical no matter who I send it to?

    Well, every emoji font has its own flavor. Some of these design variations are minor and you might not even notice them. With others, primarily the smilies (😆🤣🥲), the details really matter — people are hardwired to read micro-expressions! The last thing anyone wants is an emoji you see as a smile and someone else sees as a downward smirk — it can ruin friendships! Fortunately, over the past three years designs have converged, so there’s less chance of being misunderstood 🌈.

    Ever wondered why emoji don’t always…work? Google’s resident emoji expert Jennifer Daniel has the answers. And, even a fix.

    Website: LINK

  • Top news from the Google for Games Developer SummitTop news from the Google for Games Developer SummitGoogle for Games

    Top news from the Google for Games Developer SummitTop news from the Google for Games Developer SummitGoogle for Games

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    This week, we hosted the Google for Games Developer Summit, a free digital event for developers, publishers and advertisers to discuss what’s new in games. And with over three billion global players across platforms, there was plenty of ground to cover. From Android Game Development Kit updates to the new Immersive Stream for Games, we shared the latest tools to help you build your next adventure, find new players and take your game to the next level.

    Missed the summit? Here’s a quick recap of the top announcements. For more details, catch the keynote and developer sessions available on demand.

    Reach more devices through new tools and platforms

    We’re committed to supporting developers of all sizes who are building high-quality Android games. Updates to the Android Game Development Kit simplify the development process, while new data insights in Play Console can help you make smarter business decisions. We’re also enabling games on new screens and devices, including the Google Play Games for PC Beta, so you can meet players wherever they are.

    Improve your game growth strategy with ads

    Advertisers can now improve target return on ad spend (tROAS) performance with App campaigns by integrating AdMob and third-party ad revenue data into Google Analytics for bid optimization. Publishers can get more visibility into return on investment with impression-level lifetime value in AdMob, also available for app attribution platforms Adjust, AppsFlyer and Singular. Learn more about these product announcements in our recent Google Ads blog post.

    Create safe, inclusive gaming experiences with Google Cloud

    In partnership with game creators and the open source community, we want to ensure games are social, enjoyable and inclusive for players everywhere. With Clean Chat, a new open source AI framework for games, studios can now proactively detect negative dialogue in both text and voice chat.

    Build a direct-to-consumer business with Immersive Stream for Games

    Developers and publishers interested in building a direct-to-consumer business can now deliver their titles directly to players with Immersive Stream for Games. Developed by the Stadia team in partnership with Google Cloud, Immersive Stream for Games combines advanced streaming technology with cheaper and easier game porting, powerful discovery features and analytics. Whether you want to offer game trials, full games, subscription bundles or even power an entire storefront, Immersive Stream for Games can help.

    Thanks for joining us at this year’s Google for Games Developer Summit — remember to check out the on-demand sessions, and stay tuned for more gaming updates soon. We’re here to help you keep building and innovating your games for players everywhere.

    Highlights from the Google for Games Developer Summit, including new tools and solutions to help developers build great gaming experiences.

    Website: LINK

  • New Android features for messaging, entertainment and moreNew Android features for messaging, entertainment and moreProduct Manager

    New Android features for messaging, entertainment and moreNew Android features for messaging, entertainment and moreProduct Manager

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    The Android team has been busy working on a suite of updates that add new dimensions to the apps you already love. From huge updates to messaging (including more connection with your iPhone friends) to powerful photo editing tools and even smarter ways to pay for parking, these upgrades bring more helpful technology to messaging, entertainment and more.

    Share more with your iPhone friends, and stay on top of your inbox with Messages

    An illustration of an Android user seeing the text reactions from an iPhone user

    10:25

    Feel the ❤️. Or the 😂. Or whichever emoji your friends are feeling in the moment. Reactions from iPhone users will now appear as emoji on text messages — just like when you’re messaging with someone using an Android device. And now everyone can enjoy your videos in the same resolution you do when you send them as Google Photos links right inside the conversation. Soon, you’ll be able to send your photos this way, too.

    New birthday reminders in Messages means you’ll never miss their special day.

    That’s not all that’s coming to Messages. There are also updates that help you break through the clutter to focus on the conversations that matter most:

    • Automatically sort your messages into Personal and Business tabs with an organized inbox, so you can find what you need faster.
    • Reduce the clutter of one-time password messages by having them automatically deleted after 24 hours.
    • Get gentle nudges to reply to messages you may have missed or need to follow up on.
    • Never forget to wish your friends a happy birthday, with reminders to reach out to your friends on their special day.

    Read more about the new messaging updates in our blog post, and explore them on your device as they roll out over the coming weeks.

    Type what you really want to say with grammar correction

    Animation of an Android phone on a messages conversation. As the user types, Gboard offers suggestions to improve the sentence.

    Grammar correction on Gboard helps you type the way you want to be heard.

    More than just a spell check, the new grammar correction feature on Gboard works entirely on your device to detect grammatical errors and offer suggestions to help you bring your thoughts to life.

    When words aren’t enough to tell your story, Emoji Kitchen now has more than 2,000 new emoji mashups available as stickers via Gboard. You can make it rain 🍔, share your love for 🥨 or make your favorite emoji sparkle 💫 in an endless array of messaging possibilities. And for Pixel users, Gboard will convert your words into colorful stickers built with your exact text when typing in messaging apps in English (U.S.).

    Accessible conversations, even when you’re offline, with Live Transcribe

    Animation of an Android phone demonstrating the Live Transcribe app. As the user speaks, their words are automatically converted into large text on the screen.

    Live Transcribe now works wherever you go, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi or data.

    Developed in collaboration with the premier university for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, Gallaudet University, Live Transcribe provides real-time speech-to-text captions to enable everyday in-person conversations between people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. Preinstalled on Pixel and Samsung devices and available as a free download to all, the app now offers an offline mode for when Wi-Fi and data aren’t available, like on an airplane, in the subway, or in other areas without consistent internet access.

    Turn more photos into portraits with Portrait Blur

    Illustration of an Android phone Blurring the background of a pet photo.

    Portrait Blur now can be used on photos of more subjects, like pets, food and plants, too. Even if the picture was taken years ago.

    If you’re a Google One member or a Pixel user, you can already use Portrait Blur in Google Photos, a powerful photo editing tool that can intelligently blur the background on photos of people, post-snap. Coming soon to the Photos app on Android, these users will be able to use this effect on photos of more subjects, like pets, food and plants, too. Even if the picture was taken years ago. Even if portrait mode wasn’t on at the time. Whether it’s photos of your four-legged friends on vacation, an artistic shot of your prized houseplant or just what you had for lunch today, the only thing left to focus on is how you’re going to share them.

    All the latest on all your favorites with Highlights on Google TV

    Illustration of an Android user looking through Highlights on Google TV in front of his TV

    10:25

    The new Highlights tab on Google TV offers a personalized feed of entertainment news, reviews and more based on movies and shows you’re interested in. Catch up on articles about the entertainment you love, or track the next big sensation, all in one place.

    Animation of an Android phone scrolling through a feed of articles and backstage videos from a selection of popular television shows.

    Learn more about your current and soon-to-be favorite shows with Highlights on Google TV mobile.

    And if you discover something new that you’re interested in, one tap will take you straight to the movie, TV series or video the article is based on, so you can play, rate or Watchlist it for later.

    Pay for parking with Google Assistant

    Animation of an Android phone, demonstrating a user following the steps to pay for parking using Google Assistant.

    Pay for parking using just your voice, with a little help from Google Assistant.

    Google Assistant and Google Pay can now help you pay for parking, check your parking status, and extend your parking using just your voice. Just say, “Hey Google, pay for parking” once you’ve parked, and follow Assistant prompts to pay from your phone. No more coins, no more confusion. And when you need to check your parking status or pay for more parking, just say “Hey Google, parking status” and “Hey Google, extend parking.” Available in ParkMobile street parking zones in over 400 cities in the US.

    Fine-tune your digital habits with the screen time widget

    Animation of an Android phone, demonstrating how the screen time widget can be resized on the Home screen. The app displays the users daily screen time, as well as their top three most used apps.

    Customize your Home screen and fine-tune your digital habits with the screen time widget.

    Staying on top of your screen time is all about balance. A new screen time widget helps get the ball rolling by offering a glimpse of the three apps you use the most each day. Tap the widget to open Digital Wellbeing, where you’ll find some helpful ways to fine-tune your digital habits, including:

    • Daily timers for your apps
    • Focus mode, which pauses distracting apps at set times
    • Bedtime mode, which silences your device and changes the screen to black and white at bedtime

    Share with more people with Nearby Share

    Animation of an Android phone using Nearby Share to send a scenic photo to multiple nearby Android friends.

    Use Nearby Share to share files with more people around you.

    Nearby Share already lets you easily share photos, videos, documents, links, audio files or entire folders between nearby devices. A new update makes it easy to share with multiple people rather than just one person at a time. Simply tap to add more recipients during a transfer. It’s rolling out now on all Android 6+ devices.

    These new features make it easier than ever to share new ideas, enjoy your favorite entertainment, and explore the world around you — just another set of features as your Android device becomes more helpful all the time.

    Check out new features and updates coming to your Android device.

    Website: LINK

  • Less to stress and more to love with Messages by GoogleLess to stress and more to love with Messages by GoogleGroup Product Manager

    Less to stress and more to love with Messages by GoogleLess to stress and more to love with Messages by GoogleGroup Product Manager

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Messaging is how we stay in touch with friends, keep up with family, and get things done. But it’s not always as easy as it should be. Conversations with friends on other platforms can be unnecessarily challenging. Important messages slip through the cracks because of cluttered inboxes. And sometimes we forget entirely to reach out on special occasions.

    Our latest updates to Messages by Google help ease some of these pain points so that you’re free to connect with the people you care about — no matter what device they use.

    Less out of the loop, more in the group

    When people with Android phones and iPhones message each other, not everything works the way it should. That’s because these conversations rely on SMS, an outdated messaging standard, instead of RCS, a modern, more secure industry standard Android uses that enables high-quality videos, emoji reactions, end-to-end encryption and more.

    While our latest updates can’t fix everything about Android and iPhone conversations, here are a few ways we’re addressing some of the biggest issues we’ve heard from you.

    Better reactions 😍

    Feel the love (and laughter, confusion or excitement) from your iPhone friends, too. Reactions from iPhone users are now displayed on your Android phone as emojis, just like when you’re messaging with someone who’s using an Android device. Starting on devices set to English, with additional languages to follow.

    Share sharper videos

    Today, the RCS standard lets people with Android devices share beautiful, high-quality photos and videos with one another. But unfortunately, without RCS, they look blurry when you share them with your iPhone friends. Now everyone can watch your videos in the same resolution that you do since we’re bringing Google Photos into Messages. You can send your videos as Google Photos links right inside the conversation, preserving their clarity. Coming soon, you’ll be able to send your photos this way, too.

    But these new updates can only do so much. We encourage Apple to join the rest of the mobile industry and adopt RCS so that we can make messaging better and more secure, no matter what device you choose.

    Less clutter, more conversation

    We receive so many messages each day, it can be difficult to separate the important ones from everything else, and easy to miss some altogether. These new tools help you break through the clutter and stay on top of the conversations that matter the most.

    Keep your messages organized

    Organized inbox automatically sorts your messages into Personal and Business tabs so you can easily find what you need at any given moment — similarly to how most of our email inboxes work. Plus, you can set one-time password messages to be automatically deleted after 24 hours to help reduce the clutter even more. Originally launched in India, this is now expanding to the U.S.

    Get relationship superpowers

    Did you leave someone hanging recently? Now gentle nudges can remind you to reply to messages you may have missed or need to follow-up on so that nothing important slips through the cracks. This will roll out first to English users around the globe.

    Less belated, more elated

    It’s way too easy to forget important dates. Here are a few new ways Messages can help you send the right thing at the right moment to your favorite people.

    Remember to celebrate 🎉

    It’s now easier than ever to remember to wish your friends a happy birthday. If you save someone’s birthday in your device’s contacts app, you’ll get a gentle reminder about your friend’s special day when you open Messages or jump into a conversation with them. (Candles not included.)

    Create the perfect emoji

    If you have Gboard set as your keyboard in Messages, you don’t need to settle for one emoji to tell your story. Emoji Kitchen is bigger than ever with over 2,000 new emoji mashups available as stickers. Replace heart eyes with pretzels, make it rain disco balls or add some love to your favorite foods in an endless array of emoji possibilities.

    Hopefully these updates, which roll out over the coming weeks, make it easier to connect to everyone and everything you care about. Open or download Messages by Google to try them.

    Read more about other great features coming to Android.

    Our latest update to Messages by Google takes the stress out of messaging so that you’re free to connect with the people you care about.

    Website: LINK

  • 12L: A new look for Android’s larger screens12L: A new look for Android’s larger screensVP of Engineering, Android

    12L: A new look for Android’s larger screens12L: A new look for Android’s larger screensVP of Engineering, Android

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Tablets and foldables are my favorite devices for content and productivity. The large, portable screens are easy on the eyes and the perfect way to watch a movie, answer emails or video chat.

    On tablets, we introduced Kids Space and Entertainment Space for the whole family to watch content, and spotlighted apps to stay connected, entertained and productive. And on foldables, we brought the best of Google to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G devices.

    Today we’re introducing 12L, an update to Android 12 with features that will make tablets and foldables simpler and easier to use.

    A new layout for easier viewing

    The bigger the screen, the more space there is for relevant information. With 12L, we’re optimizing the display for the home screen, lock screen, notification shade, device set-up screens, settings and beyond, so they look even better on tablet and foldable screens.

    For example, we heard from you that the most common reason for swiping down to your notification shade is to check and clear your notifications. On 12L, we moved notifications and quick tiles to their own dedicated columns to give you more space to view and swipe away your notifications.

    Notification shade on a tablet showing notifications in a dedicated right-side column

    When setting up a new device, you’ll also be able to see more information with a two-column layout. And, you’ll be able to make changes to features in your Settings without having to go in and out of each section. Let’s say you’re looking to change the wallpaper on your device — select “Wallpaper & style” from the navigation panel and make your pick on the side, all in one view.

    Settings on a tablet show more content in a two-column layout.

    A taskbar to get more done

    We’ve added a taskbar to help multitaskers launch and switch between apps on the spot. You can also drag-and-drop any app from the taskbar to enter split-screen mode so you can do two things at once. You can watch a YouTube video while you scan the news, or search for accommodations for an upcoming trip in a Chrome browser while you view its location in Google Maps.

    Starting later this year, we’ll bring 12L to your favorite tablets and foldables with planned updates from Samsung, Lenovo and Microsoft. And we’ll continue to build more features and functionalities to help you make the most of your larger screen devices in Android 13 and beyond.

    12L introduces new features for Android’s larger screens including tablet and foldables.

    Website: LINK

  • Introducing the Privacy Sandbox on AndroidIntroducing the Privacy Sandbox on AndroidVP, Product Management, Android Security & Privacy

    Introducing the Privacy Sandbox on AndroidIntroducing the Privacy Sandbox on AndroidVP, Product Management, Android Security & Privacy

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Mobile apps are a core part of our everyday lives. Currently over 90% of the apps on Google Play are free, providing access to valuable content and services to billions of users. Digital advertising plays a key role in making this possible. But in order to ensure a healthy app ecosystem — benefiting users, developers and businesses — the industry must continue to evolve how digital advertising works to improve user privacy. That’s why we originally developed advertising ID to give users more control. Last year we introduced improvements to these controls, but we believe it’s important to go further.

    Today, we’re announcing a multi-year initiative to build the Privacy Sandbox on Android, with the goal of introducing new, more private advertising solutions. Specifically, these solutions will limit sharing of user data with third parties and operate without cross-app identifiers, including advertising ID. We’re also exploring technologies that reduce the potential for covert data collection, including safer ways for apps to integrate with advertising SDKs.

    The Privacy Sandbox on Android builds on our existing efforts on the web, providing a clear path forward to improve user privacy without putting access to free content and services at risk.

    Blunt approaches are proving ineffective

    ​​We realize that other platforms have taken a different approach to ads privacy, bluntly restricting existing technologies used by developers and advertisers. We believe that — without first providing a privacy-preserving alternative path — such approaches can be ineffective and lead to worse outcomes for user privacy and developer businesses.

    Our goal with the Privacy Sandbox on Android is to develop effective and privacy enhancing advertising solutions, where users know their information is protected, and developers and businesses have the tools to succeed on mobile. While we design, build and test these new solutions, we plan to support existing ads platform features for at least two years, and we intend to provide substantial notice ahead of any future changes.

    Working with the industry

    Starting today, developers can review our initial design proposals and share feedback on the Android developer site. We plan to release developer previews over the course of the year, with a beta release by the end of the year. We’ll provide regular updates on designs and timelines, and you can also sign up to receive updates.

    We know this initiative needs input from across the industry in order to succeed. We’ve already heard from many partners about their interest in working together to improve ads privacy on Android, and invite more organizations to participate.

    We’re also committed to working closely with regulators. We’ve offered public commitments for our Privacy Sandbox efforts on the web, including ensuring that we don’t give preferential treatment to Google’s ads products or sites. We’ll apply these principles to our Android work as well, and continue working with the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, and others.

    The Privacy Sandbox on Android is an important part of our mission to raise the bar for user privacy, while giving developers and businesses the tools they need to succeed on mobile. We look forward to working with the industry on this journey.

    We are expanding the Privacy Sandbox initiative to Android to introduce new, more private advertising solutions to mobile.

    Website: LINK