Kategorie: Android

  • Unpacking 7 features on the latest Samsung Galaxy devicesUnpacking 7 features on the latest Samsung Galaxy devicesDirector of Android Partner Engineering

    Unpacking 7 features on the latest Samsung Galaxy devicesUnpacking 7 features on the latest Samsung Galaxy devicesDirector of Android Partner Engineering

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Today at Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 series and updates coming soon to the Galaxy Watch4 series. Together with Samsung, we’re introducing new features that help you communicate in new ways, get more done and stay entertained with your Galaxy devices.

    More ways to connect with live sharing on Google Duo

    Video calling with Duo can help you connect with friends and family, no matter how far away. With live sharing support across your favorite apps, you will be able to use Duo on your Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 series to brainstorm ideas with your friends and colleagues through Jamboard, share ideas and images in Samsung Notes and Gallery, watch videos together on YouTube or search for locations on Google Maps.

    Preview YouTube videos on Messages by Google

    People share YouTube videos on Messages all the time — in fact, they’re one of the most-shared types of links on the app overall. In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to see a preview of the video your friends and family share with you right in the conversation, so you can quickly decide whether to watch it now or later. And you can tap again to play the video as well, without ever leaving the chat.

    Optimized for accessibility with Voice Access

    Voice Access on Android is designed to help people with disabilities navigate and control their device without needing to use their hands. While it’s optimized for people with motor disabilities like ALS, spinal cord injuries or arthritis, it can also be helpful for anyone with a temporary disability like a broken arm, or people whose hands are otherwise occupied. Built into the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 series, you don’t need to download a separate app, and you can use Voice Access prompts to quickly and easily tap, scroll and navigate your device. Tap, scroll, and browse your device with voice commands. Either set Voice Access to start whenever you use your device, or say, “Hey Google, Voice Access” and the accessibility prompts will help you open apps and manage your device.

    Color your world with Material You

    Coming with Android 12 out of the box, the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 series will let you personalize your device by taking advantage of the beautiful Material You design. Change your wallpaper and the look and feel of your entire device, including your notifications, apps and more, will change to match the color palette.

    Three phones showing different screens with background color adaptation

    Easily set up Google Play apps on your Galaxy Watch4

    Setting up a new Galaxy Watch4 has never been easier. Next month, we’ll be improving the setup process so your apps on your Android phone appear as recommended apps on your watch. With a simple tap on your phone, you can install all of your favorite apps from Google Play.

    Phone screen showing options to select and sync apps onto your watch

    Get help on your watch with Google Assistant

    As you move through the day, Google is there to help you get things done across your devices. In the coming months, we’ll bring Google Assistant to Galaxy Watch4. Soon, you can ask Google to help set a timer while cooking, stay on top of your appointments by asking your calendar what’s next, or playing your favorite music – right from your wrist. Google Assistant will be available for download on Google Play and feature a new design with faster than ever response times on your watch. Once activated, just say “Hey Google” to get started.

    Listen on the go with YouTube Music Premium

    Whether you’re working out or commuting to work, the YouTube Music app on Wear OS provides access to more than 80 million songs and thousands of playlists. Currently, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscribers have the ability to download music for ad-free offline listening. Coming soon, we’re adding Wi-Fi and LTE streaming support so subscribers can discover new tunes without their phone nearby. This will be available on Galaxy Watch4 and other Wear OS devices.

    We will continue to build on our longstanding partnership to bring helpful Google features to all of your favorite Samsung devices. With the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 series, you’ll receive a four-month trial of YouTube Premium (terms apply[1527fc]) on us. Learn more about the new Samsung Galaxy devices here.

    Website: LINK

  • CES 2022: Making the most of your drive with GoogleCES 2022: Making the most of your drive with GoogleProduct Director, Android for Cars

    CES 2022: Making the most of your drive with GoogleCES 2022: Making the most of your drive with GoogleProduct Director, Android for Cars

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Editor’s note: Google planned to attend CES 2022 but pulled out of having an in-person presence due to concerns over COVID-19.

    Google’s vision of helpfulness on the road is to provide a safe and seamless connected experience. Today, we’re introducing several updates for cars compatible with Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.

    Your Android phone as your car key

    With digital car key, you can now use select Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones to lock, unlock and start supported BMW vehicles from your phone. Starting later this year, phones with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology will allow you to unlock your compatible car without taking your phone out at all, and key sharing will allow you to securely and remotely share your digital car key to trusted friends and family. We’re working to bring these features to even more Android phones and vehicles later this year.

    Gif of a phone being placed on a car door handle to unlock it.

    Unlock your car with your mobile phone and a simple tap.

    A more helpful drive with Android Auto

    Now available on nearly 150 million cars around the world, Android Auto brings the best of Google onto your car display via your Android phone. Most of the world’s top car brands are bringing wireless Android Auto to their newest models, meaning you never need a cord to connect. And with just one tap, Fast Pair makes it easier than ever to connect your phone and wireless Android Auto. It’s available today on select BMW and Ford cars, with more to come. Also, with new accessories like the Motorola MA1 wireless adapter, you can now enjoy the wireless Android Auto experience even if your car doesn’t have wireless support built-in. Connected via USB, the adapter stays in your car and wirelessly projects Android Auto from your phone to your car display as soon as you step inside.

    You can already enjoy thousands of media, messaging, navigation, parking and charging apps that support Android Auto. And this summer, we’re bringing you more. We’re partnering with Lyft and Kakao Mobility to integrate their driver apps into Android Auto, so drivers will be able to view and accept rides right from their car display. And with access to points of interest apps like MochiMochi, Fuelio and Prezzi Benzina, you can explore more of the world, find and pay for all types of car services, and track your mileage and costs.

    Image of car dash with Lyft app driver interface shown on car display.

    Lyft Driver app for rideshare drivers will be projected onto their car display (UI for illustration purposes only and may not reflect final product).

    New capabilities for cars with Google built-in

    Car manufacturers like Polestar, Volvo Cars, and General Motors – with more to come – are already shipping select cars with Google technology built right into their infotainment systems, allowing you to get more use out of helpful features.

    With Google Play built-in, you can soon download navigation apps like Sygic and Flitsmeister, charging apps like ChargePoint and PlugShare, parking apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz and points of interest apps. In fact, later this year, you will be able to access video entertainment in the car while parked, starting with Volvo Cars with content from providers like YouTube. Suddenly, waiting for curbside pickup or for your car to charge isn’t so boring anymore.

    Image of car dashboard with Youtube video "Google Year in Search 202" playing.

    Enjoy watching YouTube while parked on select Volvo Cars with Google built-in.

    This deeper integration allows you to get help from Google beyond the car display. Coming this spring to Volvo Cars, you’ll be able to check on and adjust even more car settings by asking Google. From activating features like lane keeping assist to checking when your next service is due, your voice can replace looking around for the right button or scrolling through settings.

    Smart home, meet smart car

    With remote actions, you will soon be able to ask Google for help even before leaving the front door. Ask Google to warm up or cool down your car, lock and unlock it and check on the status of things like your battery charge, all from the comfort of your own home with the help of any Google Assistant-enabled device. This is coming first to select Volvo Cars, with more to follow.

    Video showing woman using remote actions to pre-warm her car before setting off on a drive in the snow.

    10:25

    Whether you’re getting ready for a drive or already on the road, we’re working hard to make sure Google helps make every ride a safe, smart and seamless experience.

    New ways we’re making your driving experience easier and better connected with Google and Android.

    Website: LINK

  • CES 2022: Better together with Android and beyondCES 2022: Better together with Android and beyondVP of Multi-Device Experiences

    CES 2022: Better together with Android and beyondCES 2022: Better together with Android and beyondVP of Multi-Device Experiences

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Editors note: Google planned to attend CES 2022 but pulled out due to concerns over COVID-19.

    The average U.S. household had 25 connected devices in 2021, up from 11 in 2019. If you’re like me, you want to pick and choose the devices that work best for you regardless of brand. You also want to easily set up and move from one device to the next throughout your day, and without having to pull up the same song or task over and over again.

    Android was built for everyone, everywhere and to give people more choice in devices, whether it’s based on the design, features or overall value. Over the years, we’ve evolved Android to support more devices in your life such as watches, tablets, TVs and even cars. And beyond Android, our work at Google includes laptops, headphones and speakers, smart home devices and much more.

    That’s why we’re building on our efforts and introducing more simple and helpful ways to make your devices, from Android’s ecosystem and beyond, work better together.

    Quickly set up and connect your new devices

    It can be fun and exciting to get a new device — but that can turn into a headache when you start setting it up. We’re making this process a little less daunting with pairing support for more devices.

    Fast Pair has already helped people connect their Android phones with Bluetooth accessories over 100 million times. It enables instant set up and device pairing, bringing up the companion app for installation and transferring your Google credentials. We’re continuing our work with partners to further extend Fast Pair’s functionality beyond audio connectivity with wearables, headphones, speakers and cars and extending it to TVs and smart home devices, so you can instantly start using all the devices in your life.

    Starting in a few weeks, when you turn on your Fast Pair-enabled headphones, your Chromebook will automatically detect it and pair with it in a single click, letting you stay focused when studying or working wherever you are. If you get a new Chromebook later this year, you can use your Android phone to quickly set it up and get immediate access to all of the information you’ve already saved, like your Google login and your Wi-Fi password.

    Log in credentials transferring from a side by side Android phone to a red Chromebook laptop.

    In the coming months, you’ll be able to set up your headphones for when you need to watch quietly with your Google TV or Android TV OS device at home. And with built-in support for Matter on Android, you’ll be able to use Fast Pair to quickly connect new Matter-enabled smart home devices to your network, Google Home and other accompanying apps all in just a few taps.

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

    Lock and unlock your devices

    Today, you can already unlock your Chromebook with your Android phone to quickly get right to work. In the coming months, we’ll bring this feature to your paired Wear OS smartwatch so you can instantly unlock and access your Chromebook and Android phone or tablet when you’re close by.

    A phone unlocks next to a watch face motioning through a passcode

    And with a digital car key, you can now use your compatible Samsung or Pixel phone to lock, unlock and start your supported BMW vehicles from your phone. Starting later this year, on phones with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, you won’t even have to take your phone out to use it as a car key. You’ll also be able to securely and remotely share your car key with friends and family if they need to borrow your car. We’re working to bring digital car keys to more Android phones and vehicles later this year.

    A phone over an outlined graphic of a car and an unlock motion

    Complete tasks and share media across devices

    To amplify your visual and audio experiences, your devices should instinctively know which of them you want to use and when. We’re building a technology for Bluetooth-enabled headphones that will enable them to automatically switch the audio to whatever device you’re listening to. So if you’re wearing headphones to watch a movie on your Android tablet and you receive a phone call, the movie will pause and the headphone audio will automatically switch to your Android phone and then switch back to the movie when you’re done. Spatial audio on your headsets will make you feel like you’re really there by adapting the sound based on your head movements, positioning the audio in the space all around you. These features will be available in the next few months on supported headphones.

    A video of a movie with dancers playing on a tablet, with a phone on next to it receiving a phone call

    We’re also making it easier to move and manage your content across any device. With Chromecast built-in, your Android phone already allows you to share videos to displays and TVs as well as audio content to select speakers from Nest and others. To help you cast music and podcasts you’re listening to from your Android phone to more of your speakers, we’re bringing Chromecast built-in to more brands, starting with all Bose smart speakers and soundbars in the next few months.

    A phone above a Bose soundbar showing a cast connection

    Whether you’re at home or on the go, we’re also adding features to Phone Hub on Chromebooks later this year that help you accomplish more across your devices. Today, you can use your Chromebook to view and respond to chat notifications, toggle Do Not Disturb, set off the ringtone to find your phone or continue browsing recent Chrome tabs. Later this year, if you’re working on your Chromebook and your Android phone is out of reach (such as charging in a different room), you’ll be able to stay in touch by accessing chat apps from your phone directly to your Chromebook –without needing to install them again on your Chromebook. We’re also excited to add Camera Roll to the Phone Hub, which makes access to your most recent photos and videos as easy as one click.

    A phone receiving a text message, with the message appearing on a red laptop for responding

    Today, you can already use your voice while driving to close the garage door, turn off the kitchen lights, turn down the thermostat and check if you locked the front door. You’ll soon be able to ask Google for help even before you leave the front door. With remote actions, you can use your voice to warm up and cool down your car, lock and unlock and get information (like how much battery you have left) on all Assistant-enabled devices. These capabilities are coming first to vehicles from Volvo Cars in the coming months, with more to follow.

    Do more with Android and Windows PCs

    For the first time with Android, we’re also focused on building for other platforms, like Windows, whether it’s in gaming, productivity or other areas. For example, by connecting your Android phone to your Windows PC with Fast Pair, you’ll be able to quickly set up Bluetooth accessories, sync text messages and share files with Nearby Share. We’re working with Acer, HP and Intel to bring these experiences to select Windows PCs first later this year.

    An HP Windows PC laptop next to a phone showing Nearby Share as a feature for sending files

    These features will be rolling out throughout the year. Moving forward, you’ll continue to see us invest in more helpful ways for your devices to work better together.

    Set up and connect your devices, share media and even unlock your car with Android.

    Website: LINK

  • A closer look at Android 12 (Go edition)A closer look at Android 12 (Go edition)Group Product Manager

    A closer look at Android 12 (Go edition)A closer look at Android 12 (Go edition)Group Product Manager

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Android (Go edition) launched in 2017 with the goal to help more people access the best of Android and Google through affordable, entry-level phones. Fast forward to today — over 200 million people actively use an Android (Go edition) phone.

    With the recent release of Android 12 (Go edition), we’re building on what you care about — creating a faster, smarter and more privacy-friendly experience than ever before. We’re also making these phones more accessible by improving features for multilingual users and introducing new ones that keep data costs in mind.

    Let’s take a closer look at some of the features coming to phones in 2022.

    Faster app launches

    Apps on your Android 12 (Go edition) device will launch up to 30% faster and with smoother animation — meaning they’ll open instantly, with no more waiting on a blank screen. We’ve also created the SplashScreen API so all developers can provide a consistently smooth experience when users launch their apps.

    Animation of a side-by-side comparison between an Android 11 (Go edition) device opening an app and an Android 12 (Go edition) device opening the phone app. The Android 12 phone on the right side is shown to be faster.

    Check out the Android 12 (Go edition)’s faster app load time

    Longer battery life

    Android 12 (Go edition) will automatically save battery life and storage by hibernating apps that haven’t been used for extended periods of time — which is particularly helpful for devices with limited storage capacity. Meanwhile, the updated Files Go app will allow you to recover files within 30 days, so you can confidently delete unnecessary files to free up space in the meantime.

    Two mobile phones side by side. The one on the left shows a settings notification that says three unused apps were hibernated. The screen on the right shows the settings page and the Music and News apps listed underneath.

    With Android 12 (Go edition), you’ll be notified when unused apps are hibernated

    More intelligent features

    Android 12 (Go edition) also makes understanding your content easier. By navigating to your recent apps screen, you’ll see options to listen to the news and translate any on-screen content into your preferred language.

    Two mobile phones side by side. The phone on the left is a still image of a Wikipedia page on Chrome with the “Translate”, “Listen” and “Screenshot” buttons below it. The phone on the right shows an animation of the content on the page being translated from English to Hindi.

    Access “Translate” and “Listen” directly from your recent apps screen

    Easier app sharing

    Apps are a core part of the smartphone experience, but downloading them can sometimes mean extra data charges. With Android 12 (Go edition), you’ll be able to save data by sharing apps directly with nearby devices using Nearby Share and Google Play.

    Gif of a cursor tapping the Google app on a phone screen, showing options to either view the app’s info or share the app. The cursor selects “share app” and the Nearby Share screen pops up from the bottom to display “Nisha’s Phone” as a nearby device. The cursor selects Nisha’s phone and shares the Google app.

    Simply tap an app to share it with family and friends

    Simpler device sharing

    Share your device with your friends or family without worrying about privacy. We’re simplifying the guest user experience on Android 12 (Go edition) by making profiles available directly on the lock screen. You’ll be able to easily switch to a guest profile before sharing your device, and reset it once they’re done.

    Gif showing guest profiles appearing on a black lock screen.

    Switch to Guest Mode right from your lock screen

    More privacy control

    Android 12 (Go edition) will give you more transparency around apps that are accessing your data, and more controls to decide how much private information your apps can access.

    To do this, we’re adding a new privacy dashboard. You’ll see a snapshot of which apps are accessing particular types of sensitive data, like the microphone, and revoke permissions if needed. And the new privacy indicator on your status bar will tell you when your apps are specifically accessing your microphone or camera.

    Two mobile phones side by side. The one on the left shows the privacy dashboard displaying apps that have used the camera, location and microphone in the past 24 hours. The phone on the right shows a gif of the camera app being opened and a green camera icon appearing at the top right side of the screen to show that the camera is in use.

    The privacy dashboard will show you which apps are accessing sensitive information or features, with an indicator that notifies you when your microphone or camera is in use

    We’re also giving you more control over how much information you share with apps. With new approximate location permissions, you can limit apps to see only your approximate location instead of a precise one. For example, limiting your weather app to your approximate location will still give you an accurate forecast.

    Enjoy these upcoming features, and look out for new devices launching with Android 12 (Go edition) in 2022.

    Several new features are coming to Android 12 (Go edition).

    Website: LINK

  • Working with the WHO to power digital health appsWorking with the WHO to power digital health appsProduct ManagerSoftware Engineer

    Working with the WHO to power digital health appsWorking with the WHO to power digital health appsProduct ManagerSoftware Engineer

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Nearly 4 billion people around the world don’t have access to the essential healthcare services they need, like immunizations or pediatric care. Complicating matters, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a global shortage of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030 — primarily in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).

    In many countries, healthcare workers use smartphone applications to manage data specific to certain diseases like malaria and tuberculosis. However, the data is often stored across multiple applications using different data formats, making it difficult for healthcare workers to have all the information they need. Additionally, it’s difficult for healthcare providers and organizations to exchange data, so they often don’t have a holistic view of individual or community health data to inform health decisions.

    To give healthcare workers access to advanced mobile digital health solutions, we’re collaborating with the WHO on building an open source software developer kit (SDK). This SDK will help Android developers around the world, including in LMICs, build secure mobile solutions using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), a global standard framework for healthcare data that is being widely adopted to address fragmentation and foster more patient-centered care. With Android OS powering 3 billion active devices worldwide, this collaboration provides an opportunity to support more healthcare workers on the frontlines.

    Supporting developers and frontline health workers

    Frontline health workers often work in areas where connectivity is unreliable. The SDK allows Android applications to run offline by storing and processing data locally, so health workers can deliver care without worrying about connectivity. When there is connectivity, the SDK will send the server the latest data collected on the device, and receive new updates to patient records.

    The SDK is being designed to provide healthcare workers with access to decision support tools. For example, the WHO is using the SDK to develop EmCare, an app for healthcare workers in emergency settings. This application provides clinical decision support, based on the WHO SMART Guidelines content, which ensures compliance with evidence-based recommendations at the point of care.

    By providing a common set of application components – like on-device storage, data-access and search APIs – the SDK reduces the time and effort it takes to build FHIR-based, interoperable digital health applications on Android, maximizing the efforts of local developers and unlocking their potential to meet their community’s needs.

    The FHIR SDK facilitates interoperability and high-quality data exchange and is designed with a high level of security. Interoperability not only opens up the ability for healthcare workers to more easily gather community health data, but also makes it possible to use high-quality data to understand health trends, better prioritize high-risk patients and deliver more patient-centered care to everyone. All data stored by apps built on the SDK is strongly encrypted, and the SDK does not send or share any data with Google.

    Extending interoperability globally

    The global digital health community is rallying around FHIR to help improve health data interoperability, and we are committed to helping developers everywhere safely use our SDK to build secure and interoperable digital health solutions for their communities.

    We are collaborating with WHO and a group of developers to make sure the SDK meets the needs of the community. We plan to release it more widely in the coming months and look forward to supporting developers as they build digital health tools for healthcare workers everywhere.

    Website: LINK

  • Get festive this holiday season with new Android featuresGet festive this holiday season with new Android featuresInteraction Designer, Google Assistant

    Get festive this holiday season with new Android featuresGet festive this holiday season with new Android featuresInteraction Designer, Google Assistant

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Special delivery! As we head into the busiest time of year, Android is becoming even more helpful with new features that make it a joy to create, capture, relive, and share holiday memories — all while strengthening security and personalization. Let’s take a look at what’s new.

    Keep your family on track this season with Family Bell

    A split-screen illustration: on the left side, an Android phone displaying the Family Bell selection menu. On the right side, a festively dressed man on his phone is smiling while making waffles and using Family Bell.

    Choose which devices you’d like to hear your reminders on in settings

    Family Bell helps you and your family stay on track with your daily schedules, wherever you may be. Whether you set up Family Bell on your Android phone, home speaker or smart display, bells and notifications will alert you and your family when it’s time for important moments throughout the day — helping you get out the door in the morning, pick up your kids from sports practice or get to bed on schedule. Family members will also be able to set bells on their own devices so they can stay on top of their individual goals too.

    For the holidays, suggested bells for new activities include watering a tree, a family movie night or volunteering to support a local cause. Family Bell is always easy to edit, manage and customize from your selected device.

    Get more out of your favorite Google apps with widgets

    Illustration of an Android Home screen, displaying a large photo of a mother and child from the Google Photos People and Pets widget.

    Home screen displaying a photo of a mother and child from the Google Photos People and Pets widget

    Widgets make it easier to view the content and information from your favorite Google apps on your Home screen — and we’ve got three new widgets for you to enjoy this holiday season:

    • Keep that holiday reading within easy reach, access your full library of books and even keep track of your audiobook progress with the new Google Play Books widget.
    • Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes with the new YouTube Music widget — it puts playback controls and recently played tracks right on your Home screen.
    • Feel closer to your family, friends, and favorite furballs. Starting to roll out next week, the new Google Photos People & Pets widget puts your family on your Home screen. Simply select a few faces and an appropriate frame, then the widget will do the rest, decorating your Home screen with your nearest and dearest.

    Relive festive memories

    A cursor taps on a box that says “Happy Birthday”. A 4-year-old girl with blond hair and blue eyes appears in a series of photos with a birthday cake, all memories from a birthday party event.

    Look back on great memories with Google Photos.

    This week we’re rolling out new Memories in Google Photos that help you look back on the moments you celebrate. These Memories appear in your photo grid and feature a curated selection of photos and videos from holidays like New Year’s Eve or Halloween, to important milestones like birthdays and graduations. And because everyone has their own special traditions, specific controls allow you to rename, personalize, correct or even remove these Memories from your photo grid.

    The best of Android, on the road

    Whether you’re driving home for the holidays or simply going to the store for some last-minute groceries, a suite of updates enhances just how helpful Android can be on the road.

    Gif of a car infotainment system displaying and reading out an incoming message from Dad, “Have you left already? Can’t wait to see you.” Options to respond with “on my way”, “no” and “me too!” pop up at the bottom of the screen. “On my way” is selected and sent.

    Reply to messages in the car with a tap

    You can now set Android Auto to launch automatically when you connect your Android phone to your compatible car to stay connected on every drive. And once you’re on the road, Android Auto helps you get things done so you can stay focused on the road. With smart reply options coming soon, you can respond to a text message more easily with the Google Assistant on Android Auto — simply tap to respond or create a custom message. And you can listen to your favorite music with a single tap of the new always-on play button, right on the Home screen. Coming soon, you’ll be able to use your voice to search for music faster in your media apps on Android Auto. Just tap the new search icon and say your favorite artist or song for easy listening.

    Gif of a phone with the lock screen displayed being placed near a car handle to unlock it.

    Use your phone as a car key

    We also continue to introduce new ways to bring your phone and car closer together. Starting today, you can use your Android phone to lock, unlock and even start your compatible car. Digital car key is now available in select countries on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S21 for compatible BMW cars.

    App permissions get a privacy boost

    Illustration of an Android phone displaying a notification from Google Play Protect that says, “App permissions removed”.

    Get notified when app permissions are removed

    Remember that mobile game you downloaded a few months ago? Probably not. With permissions auto-reset on Android, your device will automatically turn off runtime permissions—which allow apps to access data or take actions on your behalf—for downloaded apps you haven’t used in a while. You can always turn permissions back on anytime you like, either by opening the app again or through the settings menu. Starting next month, this feature expands support to billions more devices with Google Play services that run Android 6.0 or higher.

    Share the love with new Emoji Kitchen combinations

    Gif of a cursor selecting the pleading face emoji and the dog emoji to create a pleading dog face sticker

    Find the right combination that says how you really feel

    Sometimes those end-of-year messages can have you lost for words—and one emoji doesn’t always tell the full story. Emoji Kitchen lets you combine emoji into stickers to share with your friends, family, and loved ones. Celebrate the holidays by sharing your favorite emoji in a beautifully wrapped gift box 🎁. Or if you’re more of a dog person, make sure people know it with an all-new collection of furry friends 🐶. With thousands of new additions, Emoji Kitchen is the gift that keeps on giving and a great way to spread a little holiday cheer. The latest stickers are rolling out to Gboard Beta users starting today and will be available to all Gboard users in the coming weeks.

    We can’t wait for you to try out these new features while you celebrate the holidays. Learn more about each at Android.com.

    New apps and features coming to Android this winter.

    Website: LINK

  • Training the next generation of Android developersTraining the next generation of Android developersHead of Developer Inspiration & Inclusion

    Training the next generation of Android developersTraining the next generation of Android developersHead of Developer Inspiration & Inclusion

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Pictured left to right: Natalia Villalobos, Omoju Miller, Laura Markell and Kat Kuan

    In 2015, Developer Advocate Kat Kuan and I took a walk around the marshlands of Google’s Mountain View campus. We asked ourselves, “Why aren’t there more people of diverse backgrounds building apps for Android?” We noticed that the Android training content offered at the time assumed an intermediate level of programming experience, and decided to challenge that assumption. Was it possible to learn Android without any programming experience? We set out to create a learning path that would enable anyone to become an Android developer, and this remains one of the main priorities for Android’s training content.

    As a team of four women at Google with different backgrounds and experiences, we envisioned what this learning process could entail and conducted early user testing to make sure student needs were met. In partnership with Udacity, we co-developed a curriculum for Android beginners. We focused on not only delivering technical content, but also on crafting supplemental materials like app case studies, an easy-to-understand vocabulary glossary and inspiring video content to reduce imposter syndrome. In 2015 the Android for Beginners course launched, and we saw tremendous reception. Soon students were asking, “What’s next?” We expanded the curriculum into a series of courses to help people without programming experience build a collection of Android apps. This was a major step towards building a more inclusive, equitable Android developer ecosystem.

    In the six years since, Google continues to grow its investment with a larger dedicated training team. We’re seeing even more demand for beginner Android training, particularly as there are now over 3 billion active Android devices in the world. With a platform that evolves as quickly as Android, making sure learners have access to up-to-date materials that reflect development best practices is a major priority.

    The latest course is Android Basics in Kotlin, available now for people with no programming experience who want to build basic Android apps within the flexibility of their own schedule. Beyond this online curriculum, we created materials for different learning styles so everyone can learn these critical Android concepts. To support students who learn best with others, we have facilitator materials that are useful for a group setting. To support more traditional classroom learning, we offer a university classroom curriculum that educators can adapt for their teaching environments. Next up, we are working on a training course in Compose, which is Android’s latest toolkit for building user interfaces.

    Since that very first conversation that sparked the idea for this initiative, it was always about wanting to empower people. To date, hundreds of thousands of students have started their Android training. It has been incredible to witness their growth — both in the skills they acquire and the confidence they gain.

    But we’re not done asking the hard questions. We’re still challenging our assumptions, and we’re as committed as ever to enabling more people to build products that reflect their diverse experiences. This not only unlocks new career paths for people, but it results in a better app ecosystem — one that serves more people, and creates new opportunities.

    To stay up-to-date on the latest news in Android training, check out the Android Developers blog.

    How a team of four women tackled the challenge of making the Android developer world better for everyone.

    Website: LINK

  • Widgets just got better on Android 12Widgets just got better on Android 12Product Director

    Widgets just got better on Android 12Widgets just got better on Android 12Product Director

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Last week, we announced new widgets for Android to bring helpful content and actions from your Google apps right to your Home screen. And today, they’re officially live. Here’s a rundown of what’s now available, and what we’re most excited about.

    Personalization with Material You

    Your device should be just as unique as you are, so we’ve redesigned our widgets to bring the best of Material You to your Android phone.

    All widgets can be resized so you can fit different combinations on your phone screen based on what’s important to you. As you resize, your widgets will change. If you make your widgets bigger, you’ll get more functionality (more space means we can squeeze in more useful features).

    And on select Android 12 devices — including the Pixel 3 or later — widgets will dynamically change color as you move each one around your chosen wallpaper.

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

    Resize each widget to best suit you.

    Easy directions with Maps

    If you’re on the go, the new Google Maps widget makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and puts helpful actions within reach. For example, if you’re looking for the nearest coffee shop or gas station, you can quickly search for them with just one tap from the widget.

    Orange Android wallpaper showing a close-up of a flower. The Google Maps widget is in the foreground and shows the search bar and a number of quick actions like Home, Coffee or Gas.

    The Google Maps widget, with quick, tappable search suggestions.

    Help with your to-do list

    Google Keep widgets can help you manage that seemingly endless to-do list. Choose from two widgets designed to put your favorite Keep functionality on your Home screen, like a tappable to-do list that’s front and center on your Android device.

    Dark green Android wallpaper showing a bamboo palm with Google Keep widgets laid over the top. One list widget for your to-do items and a quick action clover widget for easy access to the Keep app.

    The Google Keep widgets offer quick actions and a dynamic to-do list.

    Frames for your favorite Memories

    The Google Photos Memories widget will be the first to use the new freeform widget frames in Material You, showing off your photos in fun and interesting shapes across your Android device.

    Orange Android wallpaper showing flower stamen with a selection of Google Photos Memories widgets overlaid. Each widget is a unique shape, including a circle, pill, rectangle and clover.

    Google Photos uses the unique Material You widget shapes.

    Quick access to your files and photos

    The Google Drive widget makes it easier to upload and search for files. And if you choose the larger widget, you can open suggested documents with just one tap.

    Dark green Android wallpaper showing a bamboo palm. Two Google Drive widgets are overlaid. One showing the quick toolbar options, the other some suggested documents to open.

    Google Drive widgets give you quick access to your files and photos.

    Non-stop listening

    If you listen to tunes on YouTube Music, you can place tappable playback controls anywhere on your Home screen with the new widget. Plus, you can see what’s playing without opening the app.

    Light green photo of flowers as Android wallpaper. The YouTube Music widgets are overlaid in the foreground. The widgets show playback controls and album artwork.

    YouTube Music widgets put playback controls on your Home screen.

    Simple view of your data usage

    For Google Fi phone plan customers, an updated widget will help you easily manage your monthly data usage. And just like the previous widget, the new one will alert you when you’ve used a specific amount of data, and allow you to set data limits for other plan members from the Fi app.

    Light green photo of flowers as Android wallpaper. The Google Fi widget in the foreground shows how much data is available.

    Track your data usage with the Google Fi widget.

    Closer eye on the time

    With new clock widgets, you can choose from four analog clock faces for your Home screen. Each clock face is a creative design with a ticking second hand. And if you need it, a new digital stopwatch widget will help keep you on track (and on time).

    Light green photo of flowers as Android wallpaper. The analog clock selection in the foreground shows three different types of analog clock faces.

    The analog clock widgets have ticking second hands.

    Most of all, we’re excited to see how you’ll combine these new widgets to create a more helpful, personalized Android device that’s as unique as you are.

    • An Android tablet with a light blue and gray wallpaper shows a collection of widgets organized in a unique way. Most of the screen is taken up with the Calendar widget, but the tablet screen also includes widgets for Google Drive, Gmail, Google Keep and Chrome.
    • An Android tablet with a light green and yellow wallpaper shows a collection of widgets organized in a unique way. The widgets include Google Drive, Gmail, YouTube Music and Calendar.
    • An Android tablet with a warm orange wallpaper shows a collection of widgets organized in a unique way. The widgets include Google Photos, Calendar, Maps and the analog clock.

    Widgets just got a big update in Android 12.

    Website: LINK

  • Bring your WhatsApp chat history to AndroidBring your WhatsApp chat history to AndroidProduct Manager

    Bring your WhatsApp chat history to AndroidBring your WhatsApp chat history to AndroidProduct Manager

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Switching to a new phone can be a daunting experience, especially if you are moving to a completely different operating system. We want to make this process easier, so with the recent Android 12 release, we added the ability to transfer all your essentials by connecting your iPhone with your new Android phone using a cable. With your permission, Android automatically matches and installs the same apps from Google Play, and lets you easily bring your SMS and iMessage history with you, along with photos, videos, contacts, calendars and more.

    But we can do more, too. Historically, certain types of data were impossible to bring across when switching from an iPhone to Android. Things like your WhatsApp chat history – those cherished memories, photos, voice messages and conversations with friends and family — can be really tough to leave behind, and that’s something we wanted to fix. So starting today, you can safely transfer your chat history and memories from your WhatsApp account on iPhone to Android. We worked closely with the WhatsApp team to build a new set of capabilities, all designed to make it easier to switch from iPhone to Android and take your WhatsApp history with you.

    Simply connect and transfer your WhatsApp data

    A smartphone screen showing a QR code and the text “Transfer WhatsApp chats

    All you need is a USB-C to Lightning cable to get started. Simply connect your phones, and when prompted while setting up your new Android device, scan a QR code on your iPhone to launch WhatsApp and move all your conversations, media and more over to your new device.

    Your WhatsApp data securely travels between two phones

    Our team has worked hand-in-hand with WhatsApp to ensure your data remains protected throughout the transfer process, so no one else can ever access your WhatsApp information and files. Your WhatsApp chat history will simply be copied from your iPhone to your new Android phone, and we’ll automatically make sure you don’t receive new messages on the old device while the transfer is in progress.

    This transfer capability is available on Samsung Galaxy devices and now on all Pixel phones, and will become available on new smartphones that launch with Android 12, so you’ll never lose what’s most important to you when making the switch. There’s never been a better time to switch to Android.

    Starting today, you can safely transfer your chat history and important information from your WhatsApp account on iPhone to Android.

    Website: LINK

  • A dozen things to love in Android 12A dozen things to love in Android 12VP of Engineering

    A dozen things to love in Android 12A dozen things to love in Android 12VP of Engineering

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Android 12, which starts rolling out on Pixel 3 and above today, delivers even more personal, safe and effortless experiences on your device. It features a totally reimagined and personalized user interface, new privacy features that are designed for your safety, and more seamless ways to get right into your gameplay or even switch to a new device. Here are a dozen of our favorite new features that are coming to Android 12:

    Our most personal OS yet

    • Three phones each showing a series of widgets on a green floral homescreen

      Material You brings redesigned widgets that are dynamic and customizable.

    • Four phones showing the new Material You design across different phone UI surfaces

      Change your wallpaper and see the entire Android 12 experience change to match its colors.

    • A phone zoomed in on a weather widget in the middle of the screen

      A new window magnifier lets you zoom in on a part of your screen.

    1. When you change your wallpaper, the entire Android 12 experience changes to match its colors, thanks to advanced color extraction algorithms and the gorgeous Material You design. Easily personalize the look and feel of your entire phone, including the lockscreen, notifications, settings, widgets and even apps. This new dynamic color experience is available on Pixel first and will be coming to more device makers and phones soon.
    2. Make way for new widgets! Material You brings redesigned widgets that are more dynamic and customizable than ever. By the end of this month, you’ll be able to try out over a dozen totally new or refreshed widgets from your favorite Google apps right on your home screen.
    3. New visibility features make Android 12 more accessible than ever. A new window magnifier lets you zoom in on a part of your screen while preserving the rest of the screen context. Extra dim screen lighting is perfect for night-time scrolling or other situations when even the lowest brightness setting is too bright. You can even adjust text to bold or colors to grayscale for easier reading.

    Privacy that puts you in control

    • Phone showing a video recording and microphone & camera indicators popping up in the status bar

      A new indicator will tell you when an app is using your microphone or camera.

    • Phone toggling between precise and approximate permission options.

      Choose between giving apps access to your precise location, or an approximate location.

    • Phone showing the new privacy dashboard which highlights location, camera and microphone permissions usage.

      With the new privacy dashboard, you can check your privacy permissions in one place.

    4. You can now see when an app is using your microphone or camera thanks to a new indicator in your phone’s status bar. And if you don’t want any apps to access your microphone or camera, you can completely disable those sensors using two new toggles in Quick Settings. Simply flip the switch.

    5. Keep your precise location private. Android 12 allows you to choose between giving apps access to your precise location or an approximate location instead.

    6. Check out your privacy permissions at a glance. A new privacy dashboard gives you a clear and comprehensive view of when apps access your location, camera or mic over the past 24 hours. If you see anything that you’re not comfortable with, you can manage permissions right from the dashboard.

    7. While your wireless headphones need to connect to your phone, they probably don’t need to know where you are. New Bluetooth permissions in Android 12 allow companion apps to connect to devices like watches or headphones without needing to access your location information.

    8. Have apps that you haven’t used in a while, or forgot about? Unused apps’ permissions are reset and cached files are removed to help free up space on your device.

    Making everything on your phone a little easier

    • A phone showing a screenshot getting extended across a page.

      Capture all the content on the page in one screenshot.

    • Two phones showing simultaneous downloads of the same game. The phone of the right jumps into gameplay while the phone of the left continues to download

      Some games will allow you to get into gameplay right away while you still download.

    • A set of phones showing a Wi-Fi password being shared across devices using nearby share

      Nearby Share now makes it easier to share Wi-Fi passwords.

    9. Just because you reach the end of your screen doesn’t mean you need to reach the end of your screenshot. New scrolling screenshots will allow you to capture all the content on the page in one image.

    10. Spend more time playing and less time waiting for game downloads. In Android 12, select games will allow you to play as you download, so you can jump straight into gameplay without needing to wait for the full download to finish.

    11. Wi-Fi credential sharing is getting a whole lot easier. No need to find that old sticky note with your passwords or make your friend type in a complicated combination of characters to login to your WiFi. With Nearby Share, just open your Wi-Fi settings, select the network you want, and tap “Share.”

    12. Android 12 makes it easier than ever to transfer all your essentials, memories, messages and data to a new Android phone. All that’s needed is a Wi-Fi connection to transfer from your old phone, or your phone’s cable if you’re switching over from an iPhone.

    Android 12 is packed with lots of other great features that you can learn more about at android.com/12. In addition to the rollout to Pixel devices today, Android 12 will be coming to Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi devices and more later this year.

    Announcing new features in Android 12, which is available on Pixel 3 and above starting today.

    Website: LINK

  • The best of Google available on Samsung Galaxy foldablesThe best of Google available on Samsung Galaxy foldablesVice President, Platforms and Ecosystems Marketing

    The best of Google available on Samsung Galaxy foldablesThe best of Google available on Samsung Galaxy foldablesVice President, Platforms and Ecosystems Marketing

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    From split-screen multitasking with the power of Google Workspace apps to hands-free Duo calls in Flex mode, Google and Samsung continue to work together to create more helpful experiences on Android foldables. When we combine the helpfulness of Google’s apps and services with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G devices, a world of new possibilities unfolds.

    Here are six great ways to experience the best of Google on Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z devices.

    1. Enjoy entertainment with a bigger, better and bolder YouTube experience

    New Ways to Watch YouTube on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

    10:25

    The Galaxy Z Fold3 takes YouTube to the next level. Simply unfold to the immersive main screen and your video will quickly adapt to the larger display so you can really dive into whatever you’re watching. The tablet-sized screen even hides the 4MP front-facing camera under the display allowing you to have an edge-to-edge cinematic viewing experience. If you want to follow along with a video while you cook, exercise or just lean back, you can prop your Galaxy Z Fold3 in Flex mode for a hands-free experience. And new users can enjoy four free months of YouTube Premium when they purchase a Galaxy Z Fold3 or Z Flip3 (terms apply).

    2. Stay in touch, hands-free with Google Duo

    New Ways to Call Handsfree with Google Duo on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G & Z Flip3 5G

    10:25

    Stop worrying about staying in the frame during video calls. You can set your Galaxy Z Fold3 or Z Flip3 down in Flex mode and keep your Duo calls going hands-free while staying in the picture. Step back and show off your apartment upgrade or pick up your pup and bring her in frame — all without the hassle of holding up your phone..

    3. Boost productivity with split-screen multitasking and Google Workspace

    New Ways to Multitask with Google Workspace on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

    10:25

    With apps like Google Duo, Calendar, Chrome, Gmail and more, you can connect, create and collaborate on the Galaxy Z Fold3 right out of the box. Using the Edge panel, you can easily drag and drop apps into place so you can work across up to three apps at once – taking multitasking to the next level. Answer emails while you watch your favorite YouTube livestreams. Edit docs in real-time with colleagues while you discuss in a Meet conference call. Check your Calendar while texting with friends in Messages. Do it all at once with side-by-side multitasking, and just about anywhere with 5G.

    4. Never get bored with millions of apps on Google Play

    Your next big adventure awaits with millions of apps on Google Play. And with the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate on both the Galaxy Z Fold3 cover and main screen, you’ll have smooth gameplay. Earn Play Points as you use the Play Store, and redeem them for special items in games or Play Credit. Or enjoy over 800 games and apps free of ads and in-app purchases with Play Pass.

    5. Record, edit and publish your next video with YouTube Shorts built in

    New ways to Create Handsfree with YouTube Shorts on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

    10:25

    Inspiration can strike at any time. With the Galaxy Z Flip3, you can unfold your ultra-portable content creator at the exact moment you need it. Open up YouTube Shorts in the YouTube app to quickly start recording, edit right in the app and upload with superfast 5G. And with Flex mode on the Galaxy Z Flip3, you don’t even need to worry about bringing a tripod with you: Simply fold your Galaxy Z Flip3 anywhere between 75 and 115 degrees, and you’ll be sure to capture your best angle.

    6. Explore with Google and Augmented Reality

    Unfold your Galaxy Z Flip3 and use Google’s augmented reality features built into some of your favorite apps to learn more about the world around you. With Live View in Google Maps, you can quickly orient yourself and know which way to go with directions overlaid right on top of your surroundings. If you come across something like a historical landmark, a cool new pair of sneakers or a menu that’s not in your native language, Google Lens can help you get more information about it, help you find where to buy it, or help you translate it. Just unfold and point.

    To learn more about all of the helpful ways you can use Google on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Flip3 5G, visit unfold.withgoogle.com. And stay tuned for more as we continue to partner with Samsung to spread the news about these helpful foldable experiences.

    Combine Samsung’s mobile craftsmanship with the helpfulness of Google’s apps and services and a world of new possibilities unfolds

    Website: LINK

  • Two new tools that make your phone even more accessibleTwo new tools that make your phone even more accessibleProduct Manager, Google ResearchProduct Manager, Central Accessibility Team

    Two new tools that make your phone even more accessibleTwo new tools that make your phone even more accessibleProduct Manager, Google ResearchProduct Manager, Central Accessibility Team

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Every day, people use voice commands, like “Hey Google,” or their hands to navigate their phones. However, that’s not always possible for people with severe motor and speech disabilities. 

    To make Android more accessible for everyone, we’re introducing two new tools that make it easier to control your phone and communicate using facial gestures: Camera Switches and Project Activate. Built with feedback from people who use alternative communication technology, both of these tools use your phone’s front-facing camera and machine learning technology to detect your face and eye gestures. We’ve also expanded our existing accessibility tool, Lookout, so people who are blind or low-vision can get more things done quickly and easily. 

    Video shows various people using Camera Switches through different facial gestures.

    10:25

    Camera Switches: navigate Android with facial gestures 

    In 2015, we launched Switch Access for Android, which lets people with limited dexterity navigate their devices more easily using adaptive buttons called physical switches. Camera Switches, a new feature in Switch Access, turns your phone’s camera into a new type of switch that detects facial gestures. Now it’s possible for anyone to use eye movements and facial gestures to navigate their phone — sans hands and voice! Camera Switches begins rolling out within the Android Accessibility Suite this week and will be fully available by the end of the month. . 

    You can choose from one of six gestures — look right, look left, look up, smile, raise eyebrows or open your mouth — to scan and select on your phone. There are different scanning methods you can choose from — so no matter your experience with switch scanning, you can move between items on your screen with ease. You can also assign gestures to open notifications, jump back to the home screen or pause gesture detection. Camera Switches can be used in tandem with physical switches. 

    We heard from people who have varying speech and motor impairments that customization options would be critical. With Camera Switches, you or a caregiver can select how long to hold a gesture and how big it has to be to be detected. You can use the test screen to confirm what works best for you. 

    A gif showing the customization options in Camera Switches.

    An individual and their caregiver customize Camera Switches. The set up process, shown through a finger on the screen, showcases customization for the size of gestures and assigning the gesture to a scanning action. 

    To get started, head to the Android Accessibility settings on your Android phone under Switch Access or download the app. For more information go to g.co/cameraswitches. 

    The tutorial video showcases ways to use and customize Camera Switches to your particular needs.

    10:25

    Project Activate: making communication more accessible

    Project Activate, a new Android application, lets people use these same facial gestures to quickly activate customized actions with a single gesture — like speaking a preset phrase, sending a text, making a phone call or playing audio. 

    Project Activate can be used to trigger specific actions on the screen, this video shows how different people can use Project Activate to send messages, play audio files or respond.

    10:25

    To understand how face gestures could allow for communication and personal expression, we worked with numerous people with motor and speech impairments and their caregivers. Darren Gabbert is an expert at using assistive technology and communicates using a speech-generating device. He uses physical switches to type letters that his computer speaks aloud. It’s a slow process that makes fully participating in conversations difficult. With Project Activate, Darren has a quick and portable way to respond in the moment — using just his phone. He can answer yes or no to questions, ask for a minute to type something into his speech-generating device, or shoot a text to his wife asking her to come in from another room. 

    Customization is built into all areas of the application — from the particular actions you’d like to trigger, to the facial gestures you want to use, to how sensitive the application is to your facial gestures. So whatever your facial mobility, you can use Project Activate to express yourself.

    Project Activate is available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia in English and can be downloaded from the Google Play store. 

    Lookout: Expanding to new currencies and modes

    We’re always updating our accessibility features and tools so that more people can benefit. In 2019, we launched Lookout for people who are blind or low-vision. Using a person’s smartphone camera, Lookout recognizes objects and text in the physical world and announces them aloud. Lookout has several modes to make a variety of everyday tasks easier — from identifying food products to describing objects in your surroundings. 

    Last year, we introduced Documents mode for capturing text on a page. Starting today, Documents mode can now read handwritten text,  including sticky notes and birthday cards from friends and family. Lookout supports handwriting in Latin-based languages, with more coming. Additionally, with more people around the world discovering Lookout, we’ve expanded Currency mode to recognize Euros and Indian Rupees, with more currencies on the way. 

    Building a more accessible Android

    We believe in building truly helpful products with and for people with disabilities and hope these features can make Android even more accessible. If you have questions on how these features can be helpful, visit our Help Center, connect with our Disability Support team or learn more about our accessibility products on Android. 

    New accessibility features let you use facial gestures to navigate your phone and read handwritten notes aloud.

    Website: LINK

  • New Android features coming this seasonNew Android features coming this seasonProduct Lead

    New Android features coming this seasonNew Android features coming this seasonProduct Lead

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    With Android, you can look forward to your device getting better and better throughout the year. From accessibility to Android Auto to features that make your life just a little easier, like Assistant and Gboard, we’re rolling out new features that help you do more, stay secure and have more fun with your Android phone.

    Animation of Camera Switches and Project Activate in use

    Camera Switches [left] and Project Activate [right]

    Control your phone with your facial gestures

    Inspired by people with motor and speech disabilities, Camera Switches and Project Activate are two new accessibility features that let you use your phone by making facial gestures. Beginning to roll out this week, Camera Switches is a feature within Android Accessibility Suite that turns your front-facing camera into a switch (an adaptive tool that replaces a keyboard, mouse, or touching the phone screen) so that you can navigate your phone. Project Activate is a new app that makes it easier to communicate and express yourself in the moment. You can use facial gestures and eye movements to activate preset actions like speaking a phrase (like „Wait!“), playing audio (like a laugh) or sending a text message (like „Please come here“). 

    Also new in accessibility, we’re bringing handwriting recognition to Lookout, an app that uses your phone’s camera to assist people with low vision or blindness get things done faster and more easily. In Documents mode, Lookout will now read out both handwritten and printed text for Latin-based languages. Also, in response to Lookout’s growing global audience, we are adding Euro and Indian Rupee recognition within Currency mode, with more on the way.

    Illustration of person using their phone to type a show title on their tv

    10:25

    Control your TV with your phone

    Starting today, you can find something great to watch on your Google TV even when the couch has eaten your remote. We’ve built remote-control features directly into your Android phone so you can power on your TV, navigate through your recommendations or even start up your favorite show right from your phone. And you can use your phone’s keyboard to quickly type complicated passwords, movie names or search terms. Try it on your Google TV or other Android TV OS devices by adding the remote tile to quick settings on your Android phone, or by visiting the Google TV app — coming to 14 more countries over the next few weeks.

    Illustration of person adding reminders to Google Assistant

    10:25

    Manage day-to-day tasks using Reminders from Assistant

    Keeping track of everyday to-dos is even easier with Reminders. You can now manage all your reminders in one place by saying, “Hey Google, open my reminders“ where you’ll also see helpful suggestions for recurring reminders that you can activate with a tap. And of course, you can continue to use your voice to create and automate your to-dos. Just say, “Hey Google, remind me to water the plants every morning.” Once set, Google will notify you at the perfect moment across your devices, whether you’re at home or on the go.

    Stay entertained, connected and on track during your drive

    With Android Auto, you can stay entertained by quickly launching and listening to your favorite music, news and podcasts with personalized recommendations from Google Assistant. You can also play a variety of games from GameSnacks while you’re parked waiting for a to-go order or charging your car. 

    And for commuters, ​​Android Auto can help you stay on top of important work meetings and messages with new support for your work profile. Plus, if you’re a dual-SIM Android phone user, you can now choose which SIM card to use when making calls through Android Auto. 

    To help you stay on track, Waze on Android Auto is also getting a refresh to create a more streamlined navigation experience. The new design includes touchpad support, night mode and lane guidance support, and puts the map and directions at the forefront so other elements aren’t in the way. With Waze, Google Maps and many more navigation apps, Android Auto makes it easy to get to where you need to be.   

    These Android Auto features will be available soon on Android phones when connected to a compatible car. If you don’t have a compatible car, you can check out other ways Google can help on your drive including new updates to Google Assistant driving mode and more on your Android phone.

    Add photos and videos to a passcode-protected space

    Previously on Pixel only and rolling out soon to Android, Locked Folder in Google Photos gives you a passcode-protected space to save photos and videos separately, so they won’t show up as you scroll through Google Photos or any other apps on your device.

    Animation of the crying laughing emoji and the owl emoji being combined into a laughing owl sticker

    Express yourself with Gboard

    Express how you really feel with new additions to Emoji Kitchen on Gboard. With over 1,500 stickers coming this fall, you’ll be able to create even more combinations of your favorite emoji like 🦉🐐🍞🍓. 

    In addition to making your messages more fun, Gboard is also helping you communicate faster and more fluidly with new features.

    gif of Smart Compose being used to auto-complete a message someone is sending

    First, when you copy text that includes multiple information like phone numbers, email addresses and URLs, Gboard will automatically extract and separate them into multiple pasting options, so you can choose the information that is most important to you. Second, when you open a messaging app right after taking a screenshot, Gboard will now show that screenshot as a suggestion to share. And finally, for devices running Android 11 or newer, the power of machine learning lets you quickly complete your sentences with just a swipe with Smart Compose.

    Control who shares with you

    With improved visibility settings in Nearby Share, you can take full control of who can discover your device and send files. Choose between everyone, your contacts, or no one, and you can easily change your preference through your phone’s Quick Settings space anytime.

    video of person using Heads Up while walking through a city

    10:25

    And wait, there’s more

    With the Heads Up feature, you can get reminders to look up and stay alert when you’re walking and using your phone. Launched first on Pixel earlier this year, Heads Up is now available through the Digital Wellbeing setting on devices running Android 9 and newer. 

    We can’t wait for you to try out all these features. Learn more about each at https://www.android.com/google-features-on-android/fall-2021/.

    Android brings new updates to your phone throughout the year to help you do more, express yourself more and have more fun.

    Website: LINK

  • Upgrade your drive with Google as your copilotUpgrade your drive with Google as your copilotProduct Director, Google AssistantProduct Director, Android for Cars

    Upgrade your drive with Google as your copilotUpgrade your drive with Google as your copilotProduct Director, Google AssistantProduct Director, Android for Cars

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Do you drive with your phone clipped to your air vent? Or does your car have the latest built-in infotainment system? No matter what kind of car you own, Google is ready to make your drive better.  We’re bringing updates to Google Assistant driving mode, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in (welcome Honda!) to help every driver find their way around, stay entertained, and keep in touch.

    Google Assistant driving mode on Android phones gets a new dashboard

    Millions of people in more than 12 countries use Google Assistant driving mode every day, by offering  voice-activated help via your Android phone in older cars. We originally launched it for active navigation in Google Maps, helping drivers manage tasks, like answering a call or responding to text messages with minimal distraction. 

    Thanks to early feedback, we heard how important it is to have your go-to apps handy for your drive, even when you don’t need turn-by-turn navigation. So coming soon, you’ll be able to say “Hey Google, let’s drive” (or connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth) to open the new driving mode dashboard, reducing the need to fiddle with your phone while also making sure you stay focused on the road. With glanceable, tappable cards, the basics you’ll need for the road are available with a single tap — no scrolling required: Start your navigation, see who called or texted recently and quickly resume media from Amazon Music, Audible, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Pandora, Podcast Addict, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube Music and more providers. Plus, there’s a new messaging update: Just say “​​Hey Google, turn on auto read” to hear new messages read aloud as they come in and to respond by voice.

    Driving mode will be the primary experience for Android phones going forward and will fully roll out in the next few weeks for Android phones in English (U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, India, Singapore and U.K.), German, Spanish (Spain, Mexico), French and Italian.

    Image of the new Google Assistant driving mode dashboard which features easy to see, tappable cards to find media, navigate and call / text..

    Improvements coming to Android Auto on car displays

    We’re also launching new features for the more than 100 million cars compatible with Android Auto — bringing help from Google onto your car display via your Android phone. 

    You’ll now see music, news and podcast recommendations from Google Assistant, and be able to set which app launches whenever Android Auto starts. You’ll even be able to enjoy games from GameSnacks right from the car’s display while you’re parked, waiting for a to-go order or charging your vehicle. 

    If you’re a dual-SIM Android phone user, you can now choose which SIM card to use when making calls through Android Auto. And great news for commuters: ​​Android Auto will support your “Work profile,” which lets you see upcoming work meetings and messages on your car’s display. 

    When it’s time to fill up at the gas station, you can now put away your credit card or cash and say, “Hey Google, pay for gas” on Android Auto or from your Android phone. Select your pump number and  complete contactless payment with Google Pay. This will be available at over 32,500 gas stations across the U.S. starting with Exxon and Mobil, Conoco, Phillips 66 and 76 stations. 

    The best of Google apps and services built-in to more cars

    In the coming years, millions of cars will have Google fully built-in to their infotainment systems, so you can get around with Google Maps, use Google Assistant to turn on the A/C, download your favorite apps on Google Play and much more, even without a smartphone.

    Image of Honda's brand logo

    We’re excited to share that our newest partner, Honda, will be launching future models with Google built-in starting in 2022. In addition to Honda, this experience will be available on cars from top brands including Ford, General Motors, Polestar, Renault and Volvo Cars. Today, you can test drive or purchase cars with Google built-in —  like the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge — and it’s coming to many more cars soon, like the new Chevrolet Silverado and Renault Mégane E-TECH Electric.

    Image of a user asking Google to help find the nearest charging station from a car with Google -built in

    If you drive an electric vehicle with Google built in, we make it easy to find charging stations and minimize charging time with Google Maps. Just say, “Hey Google, find me a charging station” to instantly see nearby stations compatible with your car, payment type and speed preferences, along with real-time information about whether or not a charger is available. And with new support for thermal battery management, Google Maps saves you precious time by helping your car’s battery heat up or cool down before you charge, reducing the amount of time you need to spend at a charger. 

    No matter what car you drive, we’re working hard to make sure you have the help you need from Google to get things done while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. 

    We’re introducing new features for Google Assistant driving mode, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in to help you get things done during your next drive.

    Website: LINK

  • Polishing up emoji and making them easier to sharePolishing up emoji and making them easier to shareCreative Director

    Polishing up emoji and making them easier to sharePolishing up emoji and making them easier to shareCreative Director

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    We talk a lot about the most frequently used emoji — 😂, 😭,❤️… But what about 📬? Who will speak for 📓? With over 3,521 emoji, there are a lot you have to scroll past to get to 👑. While working from home, plus the delay of Unicode’s next emoji release, we had some time to reflect and answer last year’s seemingly rhetorical question: What does World Emoji Day look like without new emoji?

    Well, it looks like giving some love to hundreds of emoji already on your keyboard — focusing on making them more universal, accessible and authentic — so that you can find an all-new fav emoji (I’m fond of 🎷🐛). And, you can find all of these emoji (yes, including the king, 🐢) across more of Google’s platforms including Android, Gmail, Chat, Chrome OS and YouTube.

    Emoji for everyone

    Emoji have a global audience and it’s important for them to be globally relevant. Pie emoji is a curious one — it previously looked like a very specific American pumpkin pie (a family favorite!). Now it’s something everyone recognizes. I could crack a joke about how there’s more food to go around but it’s not really a joke: This minor change means this one emoji can represent a whole host of pies — apple pie, blueberry pie, strawberry pie, cherry pie, chicken pot pie, beef and mushroom…the list goes on.

    Animation of pie emoji changing from a slice o a whole pie

    Have you ever wondered why an emoji looks the way it does? Like, the bikini emoji 👙 — does it really need an invisible ghost wearing it? Now, any body is a bikini body.

    Animation of bikini emoji changing to new design

    Other emoji changes are long overdue. This year has been eye-opening, and now, so is the face mask emoji 😷. This emoji originated in Japan, where people regularly wear masks even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, masking is a universal way of showing kindness to others.

    Animation of mask emoji opening it's eyes and blinking

    Emoji you can’t miss

    When designing emoji, you often have to exaggerate sizes. Our transportation emoji are now easier to see since the new designs allow them to take advantage of the small space they occupy.

    Animation of emoji cars changing to their new design

    Emoji that get the job done

    However, sometimes deviating too far from reality means an emoji comes along and taunts you, haunting your dreams. Oh, that doesn’t happen to you? Just me? Well, when I close my eyes I see the scissors emoji (✂️). I know it’s just an emoji and doesn’t need to be able to actually cut things…but the new one can!

    Animation of scissors emoji changing to new design and closing blades

    One of the perks of the job is that I get to learn all kinds of things — like the history of accordion design 🪗, the anatomy of an octopus, how parachutes work! As someone who never learned to drive, it took designing emoji to learn that the yellow painted lines on the road tell you to stay on the right of the yellow line. But, how can you stay on the right of the yellow line if the road is flanked by yellow lines? Well, our new design for motorway 🛣️ will pass its next driving exam.

    Animation of motorway changing to new design

    Other emoji just needed to be cooked a bit longer 🍳 (or in some cases, dropped in the fryer).

    Animation of food emoji (croissant, rice, bacon, tampura) changing to new designs

    Emoji that keep you company at night

    If you look close enough, you might also notice a few additions when you switch over to dark theme in a few of the new designs.

    Animation of camping emoji changing to dark them with new stars

    Emoji that show up in more places than ever before

    Android 12 will include all of these emoji when it rolls out this fall 🍁📲. And to make it easier for everyone to see emoji 🧚 no matter how old your phone is or when your favorite messaging app updates, starting with Android 12, all apps that support Appcompat will automagically get the latest and greatest emoji 📣. Now developers don’t have to write code to display cute baby seals 🦭🦭🦭.

    Can’t wait until the fall? Beginning this month, you will be able to send 📨 and receive 📩 emoji in Gmail and Chat without fear they will appear broken 💔. Have a Chromebook 💻 ? We’ve got you covered ☔ with a shiny new emoji picker coming this month. Watching your favorite creator on YouTube and chatting in the live Chat 🎮 ? Send as many 🥺 emoji as you like later this year.

    Website: LINK

  • Highlights from the Google for Games Developer SummitHighlights from the Google for Games Developer SummitGoogle for Games

    Highlights from the Google for Games Developer SummitHighlights 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 game developers, publishers and advertisers to come together globally. Though we couldn’t meet in person, we’re grateful for the chance to share our latest solutions for developers to create immersive and memorable gaming experiences for players everywhere.

    All keynotes and sessions from the summit are available on demand. Here are a few things we discussed during our keynote sessions:

    Easier game development on Android

    The new Android Game Development Kit can help make game development easier while Play as you download and the new Reach and devices data and insights tool can help get your games running on more screens and drive your launch success on Google Play.

    Graphic illustration with Android logo, games controller, and user interface.

    Get the most out of your games on Stadia 

    Bringing games to Stadia is now even easier. We revealed new initiatives coming soon that will maximize the return on launching Stadia titles, including an affiliate marketing program, sharing monthly Stadia Pro subscription revenue with partners and an updated revenue share split for new transactional games launching under the new Stadia terms.

    Drive lasting business revenue and growth with Ads

    This past year, we have seen more people than ever play online games, which means there’s a growth opportunity to build a more sustainable games business. Get players back to your game while focusing on profitability with target return on ad spend (tROAS) bidding for App campaigns for engagement, or maximize revenue within your game by using AdMob bidding.

    Interface screenshot of target return on ad spend (tROAS) bidding for App campaigns for engagement.

    tROAS bidding for App campaigns for engagement in Google Ads

    Bring your game to global audiences with Google Cloud

    With flexible, scalable gaming solutions like Open Saves, Google Cloud helps you serve great gaming experiences all over the world so you and your players can focus on the fun.

    As more people turn to games both for entertainment and for connecting with friends and family, we’re inspired by how the gaming community thrived this past year. That’s why we’re more committed than ever to help take your games to the next level.

    Highlights from Google for Games Developer Summit. We share announcements and best practices to help take your games to the next level.

    Website: LINK

  • A new Android smartphone and 5G partnership with JioA new Android smartphone and 5G partnership with JioCEO of Google and Alphabet

    A new Android smartphone and 5G partnership with JioA new Android smartphone and 5G partnership with JioCEO of Google and Alphabet

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Editor’s note: Today, we announced the next steps in our partnership with Jio Platforms, including a new, affordable Jio smartphone built with an optimized version of Android OS and a new 5G collaboration powered by Google Cloud. The following is adapted from remarks delivered by Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, at Reliance Industries’ Annual General Meeting today.

    Thank you to everyone at Reliance Industries for all you do for India — from investing in infrastructure and technology to creating jobs and expanding opportunity to supporting communities in need, especially in this difficult moment for the country.

    It’s been devastating to see the country hit so hard by COVID-19. Yet it’s heartening to see how Reliance has stepped up to contribute to the national response and get support to the communities that need it most. On behalf of all of us at Google: We hope you are taking care and we are wishing for better days ahead.

    For Google, the past year has brought renewed purpose and greater urgency to our mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. At a time when so many aspects of our lives and work are moving online, it’s even more important to make technology accessible and helpful for everyone. 

    This goal is at the heart of our partnership with Reliance Jio. I was proud to help launch this partnership last year. It was the first and biggest equity investment from the ₹75,000 crore ($10 billion) Google for India Digitization Fund.

    Our vision was to bring affordable access to information for Indians in their own language, to build new products and services for India’s unique needs, and to empower businesses with technology.

    I’m excited that today, we can announce the next steps in this vision, starting with a new, affordable Jio smartphone, created with Google. Our teams have optimized a version of our Android OS especially for this device. It will offer language and translation features, a great camera, and support for the latest Android updates.

    It is built for India and it will open up new possibilities for millions of new users who will experience the internet for the very first time. And we can’t wait to show you the device later this year.

    I’m also proud to announce that we are taking our collaboration further with a new 5G partnership between Google Cloud and Jio.

    It will help more than a billion Indians connect to a faster and better internet, support businesses in their digital transformation, and help Jio build new services in sectors like health, education and more — laying a foundation for the next phase of India’s digitization.  

    As part of this collaboration, Reliance will also shift its core retail businesses to Google Cloud’s infrastructure. They will be able take advantage of Google’s AI and machine learning, e-commerce, and demand forecasting offerings. Harnessing the reliability and performance of Google Cloud will enable these businesses to scale up as needed to respond to customer demand. 

    Empowering businesses as they embark on their digital transformation is a key part of our mission in India, and I’m excited for the innovations this partnership will help unleash. We are proud to play a part in India’s next wave of technological innovation. 

    Helping to connect 1.3 billion Indians to the opportunities the internet creates is meaningful to all of us at Google — and certainly to me personally. I know that with greater access to smartphones and improved connectivity, there’s no limit to what India’s people can do. 

    We look forward to getting technology into the hands of more people and to exploring what more we can achieve together in the years ahead. 

    Related Article

    Bringing internet access to millions more Indians with Jio

    We signed an agreement to invest $4.5 billion in Jio Platforms Ltd—the first investment from the Google For India Digitization Fund.

    Read Article

    We’re announcing the next steps of our Jio Platforms partnership: a new, affordable Android smartphone & 5G collaboration with Google Cloud.

    Website: LINK

  • 6 new features on Android this summer6 new features on Android this summerProgram Manager, Android

    6 new features on Android this summer6 new features on Android this summerProgram Manager, Android

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    From keeping your account password safe to scheduling text messages to send at the right moment, we’re constantly rolling out new updates to the 3 billion active Android devices around the world. Today, we’re welcoming summer with six updates for your Android that focus on safety  — so you’re protected at every turn.

    1. Android Earthquake Alerts System is rolling out globally

    Earthquake alert screen that clicks through to an earthquake safety info screen

    Last year, we embarked on a mission to build the world’s largest earthquake detection network, based on technology built into Android devices. With this free system, people in affected areas can get alerts seconds before an earthquake hits, giving you advance notice in case you need to seek safety. We recently launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System in New Zealand and Greece. Today, we’re introducing the Android Earthquake Alerts System in Turkey, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

    We are prioritizing launching Earthquake Alerts in countries with higher earthquake risks, and hope to launch in more and more countries over the coming year.

    2. Star what’s important with the Messages app

    10:25

    With tons of messages from family, friends, colleagues and others, it’s easy for information to get lost. Now, you can star a message on your Messages app to keep track of what’s important, and easily find it later without scrolling through all of your conversations. Just tap and hold your message, then star it. And when you want to revisit a message, like your friend’s address or the photo from your family reunion, tap on the starred category. 

    Starred messages will start to roll out more broadly over the coming weeks.

    3. Find the perfect Emoji Kitchen sticker at the perfect time

    After typing a message, relevant emoji mixes are proactively displayed at the top of the keyword

    In May, we introduced a new section in your recently used Emoji Kitchen stickers so you can quickly get back to the ones you use most frequently. Soon you’ll also start to see contextual suggestions in Emoji Kitchen once you’ve typed a message. These will help you discover the perfect emoji combination at the exact moment you need it.

    Contextual Emoji Kitchen suggestions are available in Gboard beta today and are coming to all Gboard users this summer for messages written in English, Spanish and Portuguese on devices running Android 6.0 and above.

    4. Access more of your favorite apps with just your voice

    10:25

    Ask Google to open or search many of your favorite apps using just your voice — you can say things like,  “Hey Google, pay my Capital One bill” to jump right into the app and complete the task or “Hey Google, check my miles on Strava” to quickly see your weekly progress right on the lock screen. See what else you can do by saying “Hey Google, shortcuts.” 

    5. Improved Password Input and gaze detection on Voice Access

    A gaze detection icon on a screen changes from crossed out to active when a character turns its head towards the device to speak the "scroll down" command in Voice Access

    Built with and for people with motor disabilities, and helpful for those without, Voice Access gives you quick and efficient phone and app navigation with just your voice.

    With gaze detection, now in beta, you can ask Voice Access to work only when you are looking at the screen — so you can naturally move between talking to friends and using your phone. 

    Voice Access now has enhanced password input. When it recognizes a password field, it will let you input letters, numbers and symbols. For example, you can say “capital P a s s w o r d” or names of symbols (like “dollar sign” to input a $), so it’s faster to safely enter your password.

    6. More customization and new app experiences on Android Auto

    After a user taps on the Messages app icon and + New, Google Assistant is activated to help send a new message from the launcher screen

    You can now customize more of your Android Auto experience for easier use, like personalizing your launcher screen directly from your phone and manually setting dark mode. It’s also easier to browse content with new tabs in your media apps, a “back to top” option and an A to Z button in the scroll bar. And, if it’s your first time using Android Auto, you can now get started faster in your car with a few simple taps.

    We’ve also added new app experiences to help enhance your drive. EV charging, parking and navigation apps are now available to use in Android Auto. Plus, we’ve improved the messaging experience, so you can access your favorite messaging apps  from the launcher screen. You can easily read and send new messages directly from apps like WhatsApp or Messages — now available globally. 

    These Android Auto features are available on phones running Android 6.0 or above, and when connected to your compatible car.

    Highlighting the latest Google updates that will make Android phones more safe and secure — for everyone.

    Website: LINK

  • 16 updates from Google I/O that’ll make your life easier16 updates from Google I/O that’ll make your life easier

    16 updates from Google I/O that’ll make your life easier16 updates from Google I/O that’ll make your life easier

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Part of our mission is to help make your daily life easier. At I/O this year, we shared news about a wide range of products and services that’ll do just that, from starting your car with your phone to searching your screenshots using Google Lens. Here are just a few of the features you should keep an eye out for. 

    Quickly view your notifications, invoke Google Assistant on Android.

    Android 12 includes the biggest design change since 2014. We rethought the entire experience, from the colors to the shapes, light and motion, and made it easier to access some of the most used features:

    • To invoke Google Assistant wherever you are, long press the power button.
    • Swipe down to view your new notification shade, an at-a-glance view of all your app notifications in one place.
    • And to make it easier to access everything you need, Google Pay and Device Controls have been added to your customizable quick settings.

    Learn about all the big changes in Android 12.

    Manage your privacy settings more easily on Android.

    On top of the new design changes, we’ve also launched a new Privacy Dashboard, giving you easy access to your permissions settings, visibility into what data is being accessed and the ability to revoke permissions on the spot. You also have new indicators that let you know when apps are using your microphone and camera, as well as a way to quickly shut off that access. And we’ve added new microphone and camera toggles into quick settings so you can easily remove app access to these sensors for the entire system. Learn about new privacy controls in Android 12.

    Change the channel with your phone.

    Lost your TV remote? Don’t sweat it — we’re building remote-control features directly into your Android phone. Another bonus: If you need to enter a long password to log into one of your many streaming services subscriptions, you can save time and use your phone’s keyboard to enter the text. This built-in remote control will be compatible with devices powered by Android TV OS, including Google TV, and it’ll roll out later this year. Learn more about how we’re helping your devices work better together.

    GIF of a user typing a password onto a phone and that password appearing on a TV screen

    Use your phone to enter your password for your streaming services.

    And unlock your car with your phone while you’re at it.

    We’re working with car manufacturers to develop a new digital car key in Android 12. This feature will enable you to use your phone to lock, unlock and even start your car — and in some cases you won’t even need to take it out of your pocket. And because it’s digital, you’ll also be able to securely and remotely share your car key with friends and family if needed. Read more about Android Auto.

    Understand more about your Search results.

    When you’re looking up information online, it’s important to check  how credible a source is, especially if you aren’t familiar with the website. Our About This Result feature in Google Search provides details about a website before you visit it, including its description, when it was first indexed and whether your connection to the site is secure. This month, we’ll start rolling out About This Result to all English results worldwide, with more languages to come. And later this year, we’re going to add even more helpful contextual details — like how the site describes itself, what other sources are saying about it and related articles to check out.

    Change your password using Chrome and Assistant.

    Chrome on Android will help you change your passwords with a simple click. On supported sites, whenever you check your passwords and Chrome finds a password that may have been compromised,  you will see a „Change password“ button from Assistant.  Powered by Duplex on the Web, Assistant will not only navigate to the site, but actually go through the entire process of changing your password for you.  This feature is already available for purchasing movie tickets, ordering food, and checking into flights.  

    Use Google Lens to translate your homework into a language you’re more comfortable with.

    Google Lens enables you to search what you see — from your camera, your photos and even your search bar. For a lot of students, their schoolwork might be in a language they’re not as comfortable with. That’s why we’re updating the Translate filter in Lens, making it easy to copy, listen to or search translated text in over 100 languages. Learn more about how information comes to life with Lens and AR.

    And search your screenshots with Google Lens.

    Lots of people take screenshots of things they’re interested in buying — but it can be hard to follow up on those screenshots afterward. Now when you look at any screenshot in Google Photos, we’ll prompt you to search the photo with Lens. This will help you find that pair of shoes or wallpaper pattern that you liked so much. 

    A GIF demonstrating using Google Lens to search a screen shot of a basketball player, returning results for his shoes

    Search your screenshots using Google Lens.

    When shopping online, keep track of your open carts when you open a new tab.

    Raise your hand if this has ever happened to you: You’ve got a browser open to do some online shopping, but then you get distracted and open up two, three, or 10 other windows — and you forget what you were online to do in the first place. We’re introducing a new feature in Chrome that shows you your open carts when you open a new tab. No more lost shopping carts here.

    And get the best value for products you’re buying online.

    Coming soon, we’ll let you link your favorite loyalty programs from merchants like Sephora to your Google account to show you the best purchase options across Google. Learn more about all our latest shopping updates.

    Explore unfamiliar neighborhoods with more detailed views in Maps.

    If you’re traveling by foot, augmented reality in Live View will show you helpful details about the shops and restaurants around you – including how busy they are, and recent reviews and photos. And if you’re traveling, Live View will tell you where you are relative to your hotel – so you can always find your way back. 

    Avoid the crowds with area busyness.

    Maps already shows the busyness of specific places — in fact, more than 80 million people use the live busyness information on Google every day. Now we’re expanding that functionality to show the busyness of an entire area, allowing you to see just how bustling a neighborhood or part of town is at any given moment. This means that if you want to keep things low-key, you can use Maps to see the hotspots to avoid. And if you’re looking for the most popular places to visit, you can use area busyness to scope out the liveliest neighborhoods at a glance.

    See breakfast spots in the morning and dinner joints at night. 

    We’re updating Maps to show you more relevant information based on what time of day it is and whether you’re traveling. That means we’ll show you things like coffee shops in the morning, when you need that caffeine fix, and burger joints at night, when you’re hungry for dinner. And if you’re on a weekend getaway, we’ll make tourist attractions and local landmarks easier to spot. Learn more about our latest updates to Maps. 

    Discover unexpected Memories in Photos.

    Starting later this summer, when we find a set of three or more photos with similarities like shape or color, we’ll highlight these little patterns for you in your Memories. For example, Photos might surface a pattern of your family hanging out on the same couch over the years — something you wouldn’t have ever thought to search for, but that tells a deeply meaningful story about your daily life. Learn more about Little patterns in Photos.

    Bring your pictures to life with Cinematic moments.

    When you’re trying to get the perfect photo, you usually take the same shot two or three (or twenty) times. Using neural networks, we can take two nearly identical images and fill in the gaps by creating new frames in between. This creates vivid, moving images called Cinematic moments. Producing this effect from scratch would take professional animators hours, but with machine learning we can automatically generate these moments and bring them to your Recent Highlights. Learn more about Cinematic moments.

    A GIF showing two similar pictures of a child and his baby sibling being converted into a moving image.

    Cinematic moments will bring your photos to life.

    Transform how you work with smart canvas in Google Workspace. 

    As part of our mission to build the future of work, we’re launching smart canvas, a bunch of exciting updates across Docs, Sheets and Meet. New features include interactive building blocks—smart chips, templates, and checklists—as well as a new pageless format in Docs and emoji reactions. We’re also bringing Meet closer to Docs, Sheets and Slides, and much more. See all of the big updates to Google Workspace.

    A look at some of the helpful features coming to your favorite Google products and services, announced during this year’s I/O.

    Website: LINK

  • Four Google smart home updates that MatterFour Google smart home updates that MatterSenior Director, Google Smart Home

    Four Google smart home updates that MatterFour Google smart home updates that MatterSenior Director, Google Smart Home

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Today, there are nine smart devices in the average smart home — in 2016, there were only three. While this is explosive growth, the industry is still evolving. Selecting the right devices or connecting them with the ones you already have can be frustrating. 

    It’s up to us to simplify the smart home, and to start we must change the way device makers build products. There should be one standard that simplifies selection, setup and control, and makes it easy for our partners to create products and experiences for your home. Here’s how we’re making that happen:    

    1. Google’s bringing Matter to Nest and Android

    Google and other leading tech companies are working together to develop Matter, the new protocol that simplifies smart homes by using one standard across the industry — and we’re committed to supporting Matter. We’re bringing Matter to Android and capable Nest products, powering them with interoperable control and enabling simpler setups.

    Android will be one of the leading operating systems with built-in support for Matter, letting you quickly set up devices with Google and link your favorite Android apps. You’ll only need a few taps to set up your Matter devices, and you’ll have lots of ways to instantly control them such as Matter-enabled Android apps, Google Assistant, the Google Home app, Android Power Controls and compatible Google devices. It also allows over one billion Android devices to enable simple setup and control all Matter-certified products.    

    Nest is committed to making our devices connect better and respond faster. Thread, a technology we cofounded in 2014 that helps smart home devices work faster and more securely, will work in conjunction with Matter. Devices with Thread built-in, like Nest Wifi, Nest Hub Max and the second-generation Nest Hub will become connection points for Matter devices, creating even stronger, faster connections across your home. All Nest displays and speakers, like the Nest Hub and Nest Mini, will be automatically updated to control Matter devices, giving you faster and more reliable experiences whether they use Wi-Fi, Thread or ethernet. 

    Plus, we’ll update the newest Nest Thermostat to support Matter – meaning for the first time it can be controlled on other platforms that have certified with Matter.

    The bottom line: Matter devices will work everywhere your Google smart home does. 

    2. One location for smart home information

    Smart home information should be available in one trustworthy place. We’re unveiling a new Google smart home directory, an online destination to discover Google Assistant-compatible devices, answer your questions and learn from educational videos. You’ll find products across more than 30 categories, from brands like Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, Samsung, LG, Dyson, Netatmo, Wyze and more. It’s easy to search and filter compatible products, see product details, read reviews and find the best prices.

    Google smart home directory

    3. Better streaming

    We’ve added support for WebRTC, an open-source communications protocol that reduces latency for an improved live video and audio streaming experience between security cameras, video doorbells, smart displays and mobile devices. Top device manufacturers, including Arlo, Logitech, Netatmo and Wyze, are among our first partners to integrate WebRTC with Google Assistant and more will join in the coming weeks.

    4. Control your home, from anywhere 

    We’re also using Google technology to improve Home & Away Routines, enabling automatic control of Nest cameras, Nest thermostats, smart lights, smart plugs and smart switches based on when you’re home or away. When you leave home, your Away Routine can automatically turn on your Nest cameras and turn off the lights and plugs. When someone arrives home, your Home Routine can turn off the cameras and turn on the lights. 

    We’re committed to making the smart home more helpful. The Google smart home will keep finding ways to bring Google Assistant, Nest devices, industry-leading partners and new technology together to help you get things done, stay on track…and sometimes just sit back and enjoy your home.  

    Website: LINK

  • Android 12 Beta: Designed for youAndroid 12 Beta: Designed for youVP of Product Management

    Android 12 Beta: Designed for youAndroid 12 Beta: Designed for youVP of Product Management

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    From the beginning, Android has always been about personalization and allowing you to select the device, service and experience that’s right for you. By providing an open ecosystem that gives you choice, Android has grown to more than 3 billion active devices around the world.

    Android 12 builds on everything you love about Android, and focuses on building a deeply personal phone that adapts to you, developing an operating system that is secure by default and private by design, and making all your devices work better together.

    Today, we’re releasing the first beta of Android 12, and giving you a look into some of the features that will be available in future releases.

    Video showing key Android 12 & Material You features

    10:25

    A more personal experience

    Android 12 includes the biggest design change in Android’s history. We rethought the entire experience, from the colors to the shapes, light and motion. The result is that Android 12 is more expressive, dynamic and personal than ever before.

    Personalization

    Gif of one phone fanning into five phones that show different color schemes.

    Starting with Android 12 on Pixel devices, you’ll be able to completely personalize your phone with a custom color palette and redesigned widgets. Using what we call color extraction, you choose your wallpaper, and the system automatically determines which colors are dominant, which ones are complementary and which ones just look great. It then applies those colors across the entire OS: the notification shade, the lock screen, the volume controls, new widgets and much more.

    Gif of clock zooms in on phone screen where the widget sits on the home screen.

    This work is being done in deep collaboration between our software, hardware and Material Design teams. We’re unifying our software and hardware ecosystems under a single design language called Material You.

    Fluid motion and animations

    Gif showing notifications being dismissed from the lock screen and the swipe up to the home screen.

    From the moment you pick up an Android 12 device, you’ll feel how it comes alive with every tap, swipe and scroll. Your phone quickly responds to your touch with smooth motion and animations. For example, when you dismiss your notifications on the lock screen, your clock will appear larger so you know when you’re all caught up.

    We’ve also simplified interactions and recrafted the entire underlying system to make your experience more fluid and efficient. Your Android devices are now faster and more responsive with better power efficiency so you can use your device for longer without a charge. This was achieved by some under-the-hood improvements including reducing the CPU time needed for core system services by up to 22% and reducing the use of big cores by the system server by up to 15%.

    Redesigned system spaces

    Gif of phone screen swiping down to notification shade to show quick settings for Google Pay and Device Controls.

    Some of the most important spaces on your phone — like your notification shade, quick settings and even the power button — have been purposefully reimagined to help you get things done. 

    The notification shade is more intuitive and playful, with a crisp, at-a-glance view of your app notifications, whatever you’re currently listening to or watching, and Quick Settings that let you control practically the entire operating system with a swipe and a tap. The Quick Settings space doesn’t just look and feel different. It’s been rebuilt to include Google Pay and Home Controls, while still allowing for customization so you can have everything you need most in one easy-to-access place.

    To make sure you always have help from Google at your fingertips, you can now long press the power button to invoke Assistant to make a phone call, open apps, ask questions or read aloud text-heavy articles.

    Private and secure by design

    Android 12 includes new features that give you more transparency around which apps are accessing your data, and more controls so you can make informed choices about how much private information your apps can access.

    Gif of phone screen showing privacy dashboard and opens location usage

    The new Privacy Dashboard offers a single view into your permissions settings as well as what data is being accessed, how often and by which apps. It also lets you easily revoke app permissions right from the dashboard.

    Gif of phone screen swiping down to quick settings to show new camera and mic toggles

    We’ve added a new indicator to the top right of your status bar so you know when your apps are accessing your microphone or camera. And if you want to remove app access to these sensors for the entire system, we’ve added two new toggles in Quick Settings.

    Gif of phone screen showing ability to give app access to approximate location

    We’re also giving you more control over how much information you share with apps. With new approximate location permissions, apps can be limited to seeing just your approximate location instead of a precise one. For example, weather apps don’t need your precise location to offer an accurate forecast. 

    Beyond these new privacy features in Android 12, we’re also building privacy protections directly into the OS. There are more opportunities than ever to use AI to create helpful new features, but these features need to be paired with powerful privacy. That’s why in this release we’re introducing Android Private Compute Core. It allows us to introduce new technologies that are private by design, allowing us to keep your personal information safe, private and local to your phone. 

    Private Compute Core enables features like Live Caption, Now Playing and Smart Reply. All the audio and language processing happens on-device, isolated from the network to preserve your privacy. Like the rest of Android, the protections in Private Compute Core are open source and fully inspectable and verifiable by the security community. 

    There are more features coming later this year, and we’ll continue to push the boundaries and find ways to maintain the highest standards of privacy, security and safety.

    Try these features and more

    Android 12 is packed with other useful experiences, like improved accessibility features for people with impaired vision, scrolling screenshots, conversation widgets that bring your favorite people to the home screen and ways for all your devices to work better together. We’re also delivering on our promise to make third-party app stores easier to use on Android 12. You can find many of these features today in Android 12 Beta, available on Pixel and other devices.

    Announcing Android 12 Beta and features in Android 12.

    Website: LINK

  • Helping all your devices work better togetherHelping all your devices work better togetherVP of Engineering, Android

    Helping all your devices work better togetherHelping all your devices work better togetherVP of Engineering, Android

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Phones are at the center of our digital lives. When purchasing a phone these days, we’re buying not only a phone, but also an entire ecosystem of devices that are all expected to work together — such as TVs, laptops, cars and wearables like smartwatches or fitness trackers. In North America, the average person now has around eight connected devices, and by 2022, this is predicted to grow to 13 connected devices.

    Today, we’re sharing how we’re helping make your Android phone, and all the devices connected to it, work even better together.

    Pair your devices in one tap

    Fast Pair helps make it easier and faster to connect to Bluetooth devices around you. So far, people have used Fast Pair over 36 million times to connect their Android phones with Bluetooth accessories from Sony, Microsoft, JBL, Philips, Google and many other popular brands.

    In the coming months, we’re bringing Fast Pair to even more devices such as Beats headphones as well as cars from BMW and Ford. With a single tap, you can pair your Android phone to your favorite accessories whether it’s earbuds, speakers, wearables or cars.

    Turn on your TV and find entertainment faster

    Whether it’s under the couch cushions, behind your nightstand or in your refrigerator, TV remotes are often mysteriously lost. And even when you finally find it, typing a password with a remote control can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.

    We’re making it easier to navigate your TV by building remote-control features directly into your Android phone, so you can watch your favorite show even if your actual remote is missing. And when you need to type a complex movie title or password, you can save time and use your phone’s keyboard to enter the text.

    Gif typing a password on a phone and appearing on a TV screen

    Rolling out later this year, the built-in remote control on Android phones will work instantly for the more than 80 million Android TV OS devices, including Google TV.

    Move between your phone and Chromebook with ease

    Your Android phone and Chromebook already work well together, with features like Wi-Fi Sync and Smart Lock. With the recent launch of Phone Hub, you now have a built-in control center that makes it easy to manage your Android phone right from your Chromebook. Even if your phone is in another room, you can receive and respond to text messages, check its battery life and cell signal, turn on its hotspot, or locate it — all from your Chromebook. Phone Hub also displays recent Chrome browser tabs opened on your Android phone, so you can pick up where you left off.

    Gif showing Chromebook Phone Hub features - incoming chat notifications, recent Chrome tabs and photo gallery.

    And coming soon, Phone Hub will provide access to recently taken photos from your phone, so when you need to edit a picture or share on social media, you can access it instantly on your Chromebook without having to email it to yourself.

    Unlock your car with your phone

    Android Auto is designed to make it safer to use apps from your phone while you’re on the road. Today, Android Auto is available in more than 100 million cars and the vast majority of new vehicles from loved brands like GM, Ford, Honda and more will support Android Auto wireless. No more cords.

    To make your phone even more helpful, we’re working with car manufacturers to develop a new digital car key in Android 12. With this feature, you’ll be able to lock, unlock and even start your car from your phone.

    By using Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, you won’t even have to take your phone out to use it as a car key. And for NFC-enabled car models, it’s as easy as tapping your phone on the car door to unlock it. Since it’s all digital, you can also securely and remotely share your car key with friends and family if they need to borrow your car.

    Phone with a digital car key for BMW

    Starting later this year, digital car keys will become available on select Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. We’re working with BMW and others to bring this to their upcoming cars.

    These are just a few ways that we’re helping all your devices work better together with your Android phone.

    Introducing ways to help all your devices work better together with your Android phone.

    Website: LINK