Kategorie: Android

  • Made by Google 2024Made by Google 2024

    Made by Google 2024Made by Google 2024

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    Today, at our ninth Made by Google event, we shared how we’re bringing the best of Google AI to more people and more phones with updates across Gemini, Android and the Pixel portfolio.

    We believe that AI can make day-to-day life more productive, open up new ways to learn, and create ways for people to express themselves. This is especially true when AI is built into the devices that people carry around with them everywhere. We’re innovating with AI at every layer of the tech stack — from our research and models that make new features and capabilities possible, to Android OS that brings the apps and services to billions of people to use every day, to our premium hardware built with a custom silicon chip.

    Here’s everything we announced across Gemini and Android — plus, how we’re bringing these new capabilities to our latest Pixel devices, including the new Pixel 9 phones, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.

    Find out where each product will be available and sign up for product updates on the Google Store.

    Website: LINK

  • Android is reimagining your phone with GeminiAndroid is reimagining your phone with GeminiPresident, Android Ecosystem

    Android is reimagining your phone with GeminiAndroid is reimagining your phone with GeminiPresident, Android Ecosystem

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    No matter the task, it’s critical that your personal information is protected and private. With your permission, Gemini can help you connect your relevant personal data with all the valuable knowledge that Google has organized and made accessible to provide just the right help you need. For example, Gemini can help create a daily workout routine based on your personal trainer’s email, or use your resume in Google Drive to write a work bio. Only Gemini can do all of this with a secure, all-in-one approach that doesn’t require hand-off to a third-party AI provider you may not know or trust.

    And because Android is the first mobile operating system with a large, on-device multimodal AI model — called Gemini Nano — your data never leaves your phone for some of the most sensitive use cases. With Gemini Nano on Pixel 9, you can use Call Notes to summarize audio from a phone call or Pixel Screenshots to save and organize your images.

    So whether your data is being processed in the cloud or on device, it lives within Google’s secure end-to-end architecture, keeping your information safe and private.

    Built for Android’s scale

    Gemini is the most widely available AI assistant — supported in 45 languages, in more than 200 countries and territories, and we’re continuing to add more.

    It’s available on hundreds of phone models from dozens of device makers, and has been tailored for the many form factors of Android — from phones to foldables. On Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, you can bring Gemini into a multi-window, split-screen experience for multitasking. And on the motorola razr+, you can bring up Gemini directly from the external display to quickly summarize your recent emails without ever having to open your phone. Beyond the latest flagship devices, Gemini is already supported on existing devices, which means your Android phone keeps getting better over time.

    Website: LINK

  • 4 new AI-powered Pixel and Android accessibility updates4 new AI-powered Pixel and Android accessibility updatesSenior Director, Product Management, Pixel

    4 new AI-powered Pixel and Android accessibility updates4 new AI-powered Pixel and Android accessibility updatesSenior Director, Product Management, Pixel

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    Working with the disability community to advance accessibility innovation is a core part of our mission to build for everyone. Here’s a look at our latest accessibility features that use AI — from Pixel Camera updates to more widely available captions.

    Get more suggestions to capture the perfect shot

    Guided Frame, built with and for people with blindness or low vision, lets you take great photos and selfies with your Pixel Camera. Guided Frame will give spoken guidance to help you not only get your face in the frame, but also position the camera angle just right. Prompts will tell you to tilt your face up or down, or pan left to right before the camera auto-captures the photo. It will also announce that “lighting is low,” so you’ll know to move your phone to find a better shot. The latest update to Guided Frame also delivers improved object recognition, intelligent face filtering in group photos, and better focus on subjects even in complex scenes.

    Previously, Guided Frame was only accessible through TalkBack, Android’s screen reader. Now you can also turn the feature on right from the camera settings, making it even easier for those who don’t use screen readers.

    Website: LINK

  • 10 fun facts about emoji for World Emoji Day10 fun facts about emoji for World Emoji DayContributor

    10 fun facts about emoji for World Emoji Day10 fun facts about emoji for World Emoji DayContributor

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    General summary

    Happy World Emoji Day! Did you know that new emoji are on the way? As part of the Unicode 16.0 release, seven new emoji will be available in September, including a fingerprint, leafless tree, harp, splat, face with bags under eyes, shovel, and root vegetable. Emoji Kitchen has also grown to include over 100,000 drawings to help you express yourself, and it’s now available via Google Search. You can also customize lists and react to photos in Google Maps with emoji, create custom emoji wallpaper on Android devices, and change the skin tone and gender expression of an emoji with one tap.

    Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

    Shakespeare-ish

    In realm of texts, where symbols reign,
    A day of joy, World Emoji Day, we proclaim.
    New additions come, a visual delight,
    Fingerprint, tree, harp, splat, a wondrous sight.

    From concept to keyboard, a journey long,
    Two years may pass, a creative throng.
    Once etched in Unicode, they shall endure,
    A high benchmark, forever to secure.

    Emoji Kitchen, a realm of endless glee,
    With stickers born from two emoji, you see.
    A hundred thousand drawings, vibrant and grand,
    To capture every feeling, at your command.

    Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

    Website: LINK

  • 10 years ago, Android expanded to 3 new platforms10 years ago, Android expanded to 3 new platformsKeyword Contributor

    10 years ago, Android expanded to 3 new platforms10 years ago, Android expanded to 3 new platformsKeyword Contributor

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    Ten years ago, Android got a lot bigger. Not just because it crossed over a billion active users, but because in 2014, we extended Android (then primarily available on phones and tablets) to three new platforms: Android Auto for your car, Android TV for your smart TV and Android Wear for your smartwatch. The new platforms introduced Android to hundreds of millions of new devices and brought Google services to more places.

    “Our mission since the launch of the first Android device in 2008 has been to work with the industry and build for everyone, everywhere — to provide people with choice,” says Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat. “And in 2014, we decided to take that to the next level.”

    Cars, smartwatches and TVs may sound like three extremely different categories of devices, with such vastly different hardware and form factors that it’s hard to imagine they’d share any software DNA, let alone the same base operating system. But Android’s open platform, developer-friendly design and flexibility made it a great fit for new places.

    Android hits the road

    In 2010, Google Maps added turn-by-turn navigation, and practically overnight, driving became wildly more efficient.

    “Smartphones were not designed to be used in a vehicle by a driver. So we looked at this as an opportunity to create a safer and more seamless connected experience,” says Patrick Brady, Android Auto VP. “We realized we could leverage the computers in everyone’s pockets that had an ecosystem of millions of apps used by over a billion people. So we adapted Android — and its apps — to work in cars.”

    Android Auto’s approach was simple: Connect your phone to your car display and you’ll see your Android apps on screen, ready to give you directions, make a hands-free call or play music from your favorite playlists.

    Website: LINK

  • 4 Google updates coming to Samsung devices4 Google updates coming to Samsung devicesSenior Director, Global Android Product Marketing

    4 Google updates coming to Samsung devices4 Google updates coming to Samsung devicesSenior Director, Global Android Product Marketing

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    At I/O, we shared how Wear OS 5 brings improved performance and battery life. Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch lineup, including the Watch Ultra and Watch7, will be the first smartwatches powered by Wear OS 5. And they’re the perfect companion for when you’re on the go: These smartwatches offer advanced health monitoring capabilities, including heart rate tracking and sleep monitoring, and a personalized health experience, as well as access to a wide range of apps in Google Play.

    4. Watch YouTube TV in multiview

    On the GalaxyZ Fold6, YouTube TV subscribers will be able to watch in multiview, enjoying up to four different streams at the same time. You can choose from pre-selected combinations of football, news, weather and simultaneous sporting events.

    We’re constantly working with Samsung to bring the latest Google updates to Galaxy products, from smartphones and wearables to even future technologies, like the upcoming XR platform. Check out everything that was announced at Galaxy Unpacked today.

    Website: LINK

  • Exclusive experience at Pokémon GO Fest 2024 for Google Play Points membersExclusive experience at Pokémon GO Fest 2024 for Google Play Points membersGeneral Manager

    Exclusive experience at Pokémon GO Fest 2024 for Google Play Points membersExclusive experience at Pokémon GO Fest 2024 for Google Play Points membersGeneral Manager

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    In May, we announced that we were leveling up Google Play Points with exciting new perks and rewards. That included exclusive early access to new games, Diamond Valley, and VIP experiences at the hottest events in gaming and entertainment.

    We’re kicking off those VIP experiences today at Pokémon GO Fest 2024. We’ve teamed up with Niantic and 100 Thieves to offer Play Points members both at home and on the ground in New York City exclusive perks and rewards. Here’s what’s available:

    Perks on the Play Store

    These exclusive perks are available to all members now until the end of Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global on July 14:

    • Redeem your points for exclusive Partner Research: Use your points for exclusive Partner Research that includes an encounter with the Fire Child Pokémon, Charcadet and the chance to earn XP, Stardust and an Incubator. Available for members in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Brazil and South Korea.
    • Watch 100 Thieves livestreams: Tune in as Valkyrae, Fuslie and more take viewers through Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City. Diamond, Platinum and Gold members: Be on the lookout for surprise merch drops during the streams.
    • Redeem your points for Pokémon GO Fest Merchandise: Use your points for hats, tote bags and pins from the official Pokémon GO Fest collection, while supplies last.
    • Claim a points boost: From July 5-7, claim a points boost to get 5X points on anything you buy in Pokémon GO.

    To redeem your points for Partner Research or Pokémon GO Fest merchandise and claim your points booster, visit the Use tab and Earn tab of Play Points home.

    On-the-ground at Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City

    Members with a ticket to Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City can visit the Google Play Space on Randall’s Island to go get rewarded. If you’re a Gold+ member, be sure to claim a Wildcard: your VIP pass to exclusive merchandise from the Pokémon x 100 Thieves collection, meet-and-greets with 100 Thieves Creators, and more.

    Gold+ members in NYC can also stop by the Google Store in Chelsea from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET on July 5-7 to snag apparel from the Pokémon x 100 Thieves collection, first come first serve while supplies last.

    To learn more about the Pokémon GO Fest experience, check out the blog post from the Pokémon GO team or visit the Play Store.

  • #WeArePlay celebrates app and game founders from Australia#WeArePlay celebrates app and game founders from AustraliaBrand Marketing Manager

    #WeArePlay celebrates app and game founders from Australia#WeArePlay celebrates app and game founders from AustraliaBrand Marketing Manager

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    Sweaty Chair Studio, Sydney

    After graduating in computer science, Brian embarked on a career as a 3D animator. Following a stint in Silicon Valley, he returned to Sydney and founded his own gaming company, SweatyChair, merging his technical skills with the passion for art. During a gaming developer competition, Brian — alongside his wife and three other participants — built a challenging monster and bullet dodging game called No Humanity within 48 hours, winning first place. He successfully improved and launched the title a week later, getting over 9 million downloads so far. Taking part in Google Play’s Indie Games Accelerator program in 2022 helped Brian to grow the studio even further. Apart from assisting fellow creatives in the industry, he also champions a more active gaming experience, where players can create and enjoy their own elements.

    Discover more #WeArePlay stories from Australia, stories from across the globe and share your favorites.

  • How we’re making Android Enterprise signup and access to Google services betterHow we’re making Android Enterprise signup and access to Google services betterSoftware Engineering Manager

    How we’re making Android Enterprise signup and access to Google services betterHow we’re making Android Enterprise signup and access to Google services betterSoftware Engineering Manager

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    To get the full benefit of the Google ecosystem, it’s important that you have the ability to sign up for multiple Google business products at the same time. That’s why you’ll now find a more intuitive signup process for deploying Google products for work alongside Android Enterprise.

    If you’re an IT admin signing up for Android Enterprise, you can now use your corporate email address instead of a personal Gmail account. This can reduce the risk of lost or deleted accounts and improves overall credential management, requiring fewer sign-ins and creating a more unified experience across your Google business products and services.

    As part of this tighter integration, you can also now perform certain setup tasks centrally through the Google Admin console, such as syncing users and configuring single sign-on (SSO). These selections apply to multiple Google product deployments, saving you time and ensuring consistency across your IT environment.

    And if you’d like to add additional Google products like Chrome Enterprise Upgrade for Chromebooks, Chrome Browser Cloud Management or Google Workspace to your Android Enterprise account, you no longer need separate registrations. During signup, or later in the Google Admin Console, simply select the products you want to add to automatically enable them for your workforce.

    Finally, the improved signup experience will allow you to bind multiple enterprise mobility management (EMM) instances to your organization’s account, making it easier to use testing and production environments in parallel or transition to a new EMM vendor.

    Improved employee experiences

    Google’s apps and services can help you get work done, and Android lets you do it on the go. Previously, Android Enterprise users often had limited access to these services. But now, IT admins can more easily enable a range of Google services for employees, including Google Workspace on their Android devices, so they can stay productive on the move.

    One of the most exciting aspects of tighter integration between Android Enterprise and Google’s other platforms and services is the ability to create better cross-device experiences. Tighter integration unlocks a range of enterprise features similar to Android’s Better Together initiative, but with the added security and management that you’ve come to expect from Android Enterprise and IT admin control. These features include:

    Deepening the integration between Google’s other enterprise products and Android also lays the foundation for AI-powered productivity at work. For example, Gemini for Google Workspace offers business access to Google’s most capable AI models with security and privacy controls for businesses. Users can get help from Gemini directly in the Gmail app, or through the standalone web app at gemini.google.com, with more experiences coming to mobile soon. In fact, the Gemini mobile app will soon be available across all Android Enterprise devices in the coming months, including fully-managed devices and those using an Android Work Profile.

    If you want to learn more and are new to Android Enterprise, visit our Solutions Directory to find an EMM partner to help you sign up and get started. If you’re a current Android Enterprise customer, stay tuned for updates from your EMM partner as these updates begin to roll out later this year.

    Website: LINK

  • Meet the Google TV networkMeet the Google TV networkGroup Product Manager, YouTube Ads

    Meet the Google TV networkMeet the Google TV networkGroup Product Manager, YouTube Ads

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    Connected TV continues to see a rise in popularity, and advertisers are already taking advantage of YouTube’s reach of over 150 million monthly viewers in the living room. With the recent launch of the Google TV network, we’re now giving advertisers a way to reach additional viewers on the big screen. Google TV provides targeted, in-stream video inventory across more than 20 million monthly active Google TV and other Android TV OS devices.

    Google TV powers TVs and streaming devices from top brands like Sony, Hisense, TCL, and Chromecast. Google TV makes it easy to watch movies, shows and live TV from across 10,000 apps and includes popular features like Google Assistant, smart home control, built-in channels, and personalized entertainment recommendations for viewers.

    Website: LINK

  • Texting 911 becomes even more useful with RCSTexting 911 becomes even more useful with RCSGM

    Texting 911 becomes even more useful with RCSTexting 911 becomes even more useful with RCSGM

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    Calling 911 in emergency situations isn’t always possible. In those moments, texting 911 may be the most helpful option. This is why, in partnership with emergency technology company RapidSOS, we’ll begin gradually rolling out the ability to text 911 with RCS (Rich Communication Services) to U.S. emergency call centers this winter, starting in areas where text-to-911 capabilities are currently not supported to close gaps in emergency communications coverage and provide new safety benefits. First available on Google Messages, emergency texting with RCS will bring critical safety communications capabilities to you when you need it most.

    A new way to reach 911 with RCS

    Today, you can already text 911 through SMS in some locations. However, texting 911 through SMS is only available for around 53% of U.S. emergency responder call centers and doesn’t always allow you to share pictures and videos. Using RCS to reach 911 brings new safety benefits and allows you to:

    • Confirm delivery of your emergency request and see if emergency responders are actively replying to your messages. This eliminates the uncertainty of waiting to see if your messages went through.
    • Send high-resolution images and videos to give first responders a clearer picture of your situation. This can be crucial to aid a faster and more effective response from emergency service providers.
    • Share your precise location and additional information automatically through Android Emergency Location Service, like your language settings and opt-in Medical Information, so emergency responders know exactly where to go and can get helpful details from you even if you’re unable to reply.

    Website: LINK

  • 7 new Android features to elevate your everyday7 new Android features to elevate your everydayDirector of Product

    7 new Android features to elevate your everyday7 new Android features to elevate your everydayDirector of Product

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    7. Unlock convenience with digital car key — coming to more vehicles

    Digital car key is now available on select MINI models and will expand soon to select Mercedes-Benz and Polestar vehicles. You’ll be able to lock, unlock and start your car with just your phone, or securely share your digital car key with family and friends.

    Website: LINK

  • 3 new ways to use Google AI on Android at work3 new ways to use Google AI on Android at workProduct Management Lead

    3 new ways to use Google AI on Android at work3 new ways to use Google AI on Android at workProduct Management Lead

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    The modern workplace can be a whirlwind of employees juggling tasks and business leaders trying to simplify operations or improve security. Everyone approaches work differently, but we’re all aiming for more efficiency and productivity. This is where AI-powered tools come into the picture— around three-quarters of employees say that AI has enhanced their productivity and quality of work. Our mission to make AI helpful for everyone extends to the workplace, too. Here are three ways new Google AI on Android features can make work easier for your employees and developers — and, by extension, for you.

    Website: LINK

  • Epic’s proposed remedies are bad for everyone but EpicEpic’s proposed remedies are bad for everyone but EpicVP, Government Affairs & Public Policy

    Epic’s proposed remedies are bad for everyone but EpicEpic’s proposed remedies are bad for everyone but EpicVP, Government Affairs & Public Policy

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    Last month, Epic Games asked a U.S. federal court to impose harmful and unwarranted changes to Android and Google Play that would undermine the privacy, security, and overall experience of consumers, developers, and device manufacturers. Not only do Epic’s demands go far beyond the scope of the recent U.S. trial verdict — which we will be challenging — but they are also unnecessary due to the settlement we reached last year with State Attorneys General from every state and multiple territories.

    We recently shared with the court why we strongly object to Epic’s proposal — and at a hearing later this week, economic experts will reinforce the reasons why Epic’s proposed remedies are problematic and unnecessary. This includes:

    • Epic’s proposal puts Android users’ security at risk on third party app stores: Epic’s proposal removes Google’s ability to implement trust and safety measures that keep Android users safe. Unlike iOS, Android enables OEMs to preload third party app stores and allows users to download additional app stores directly. To maintain a positive user experience while also providing choice, Android incorporates common-sense measures to protect user security and privacy – measures which would no longer be allowed under this proposal.
    • Epic’s proposal hurts the privacy of Android users: Under Epic’s proposal, Google would be forced to tell any and all third party app stores which apps a user has installed on their phone through Google Play. It would wrongly expose a person’s personal apps usage – even for topics like religion, politics, or health — for Epic’s gain. This is a clear violation of user privacy.
    • Epic’s proposal leaves people vulnerable to malicious apps: Unlike on iOS, Android users have the option to sideload apps, meaning they can install an app directly from a developer’s website without going through an app store. We’ve implemented important protections to ensure users are still protected while enjoying choice in apps. However, Epic’s proposal would force Google to remove them — severely curtailing our ability to protect users from potentially malicious apps.
    • Epic’s proposal reduces developers’ control over their app distribution: Developers have many options for app distribution on Android, but when they choose to use Google Play, they know the trust and safety rules that keep our platform safe. However, Epic wants to force all other developers to publish their intellectual property through multiple channels without their consent. Under this proposal, developers may suddenly find their app on a store without the same user protections or in a store that carries inappropriate or offensive content they do not want to be associated with.
    • Epic’s proposal cuts off key business opportunities for developers: As part of the State Settlement, we have already agreed not to sign wide-ranging exclusivity agreements with developers to launch their full app catalog on Google Play. But Epic wants to entirely restrict Google’s ability to offer any financial incentives to developers to distribute their apps in the Play store, even on a non-exclusive and app-by-app basis. Epic’s proposed remedy would also prevent Google from working with developers to provide any exclusive content through apps distributed in the Play Store. This is a common strategy used to engage users and grow a developer’s business, yet Epic is seeking to limit this important opportunity for all developers.
    • Epic’s proposal hurts device manufacturers: Part of the State AG settlement ensures that any app store is free to compete for placement on an Android device. But Epic’s proposal would cut Google Play out of this process, reducing competition and therefore enabling rival app stores to underbid. This would reduce what OEMs can earn from pre-installation and placement on their devices, cutting into already narrow OEM margins in a way that could raise consumer prices.

    Epic’s proposed remedies were all clearly designed to only benefit itself. They would harm the Android ecosystem, and competition in general, by creating security and privacy risks, depriving developers and OEMs of key business opportunities, and undercutting Google’s ability to support our investments in Android and Google Play. We will continue to vigorously defend our right to a sustainable business model that enables us to keep people safe, partner with developers and OEMs to innovate and grow their businesses, and keep the Android ecosystem thriving and healthy for everyone.

    Website: LINK

  • Google Play Points is leveling up the rewards gameGoogle Play Points is leveling up the rewards gameGeneral Manager

    Google Play Points is leveling up the rewards gameGoogle Play Points is leveling up the rewards gameGeneral Manager

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    In 2018, we launched the Google Play Points rewards program to say thanks for choosing Google Play as your destination for apps, games and digital content. Today, over 220 million members use Play Points to earn points and rewards.

    This year, we are leveling up Google Play Points with exciting new perks and rewards to connect you with experiences you’ll love. Plus, the higher your status, the more you’ll unlock. Here’s what to look forward to:

    New ways to play and win, starting with Diamond Valley

    Diamond Valley, a treasure hunt mini-game currently available for play in Korea and Japan, will launch in the U.S. on June 17. Search for diamonds and use them for a chance to win prizes like Pixel devices, exclusive merchandise from your favorite games, points bonuses, and more.

    Pre-register for Diamond Valley today and get a headstart with bonus diamonds. The first 50,000 Diamond and Platinum members to pre-register will also receive an exclusive Diamond Valley t-shirt. To pre-register and play the game when it opens, visit the Perks tab of Play Points home.

    Early access to new games, like Squad Busters

    We’re teaming up with the developers of some of your favorite franchises to give top members early access to the hottest new mobile games. Starting today, Diamond, Platinum and Gold members get exclusive early access to play Squad Busters. To build your squad, visit the Perks tab of Play Points home. Be on the lookout for more exclusive Squad Busters rewards coming soon.

    VIP experiences at gaming and entertainment events

    We regularly offer exclusive perks for members. This summer, we’re partnering with some of the hottest events in gaming and entertainment to bring you VIP experiences. Be sure to check the Google Play Store soon for more information and get ready for a summer of Play.

    To get started with Google Play Points, visit the Google Play Store. Tap your profile icon, then “Play Points” and “Join for free.” Then, Go Play!

  • 8 new accessibility updates across Lookout, Google Maps and more8 new accessibility updates across Lookout, Google Maps and moreSenior Director, Products for All

    8 new accessibility updates across Lookout, Google Maps and more8 new accessibility updates across Lookout, Google Maps and moreSenior Director, Products for All

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    New designs for Project Relate and Sound Notifications

    We’re committed to an ongoing partnership with the disability community to improve our accessibility features, including updates based on user feedback.

    • Customize how you teach Project Relate. In 2022, we launched Project Relate, an Android app for people with non-standard speech, that allows you to create a personalized speech recognition model to communicate and be better understood. Custom Cards allow you to customize the phrases you teach the model so it understands words that are important to you. Now, there’s a new way for you to select text and import phrases from other apps as Custom Cards, like a note in a Google Doc.
    • New design for Sound Notifications with feedback from you. Sound Notifications alerts you when household sounds happen — like a doorbell ringing or and a smoke alarm going off — with push notifications, flashes from your camera light, or vibrations on your phone. We’ve redesigned Sound Notifications based on user feedback, improving the onboarding process, sound event browsing, and making it easier to save custom sounds for appliances.

    Website: LINK

  • Android’s theft protection features keep your device and data safeAndroid’s theft protection features keep your device and data safeVice President, Product, Trust & Growth

    Android’s theft protection features keep your device and data safeAndroid’s theft protection features keep your device and data safeVice President, Product, Trust & Growth

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    1. Improved device and data protection to deter theft before it happens

    We’re working to strengthen your device’s security against theft with new and improved protection features that will make thieves think twice about trying.

    Factory reset upgrade prevents a reset by a thief. For some criminals, the goal is to quickly reset your stolen device and resell it. We’re making it more difficult to do that with an upgrade to Android’s factory reset protection. With this upgrade, if a thief forces a reset of the stolen device, they’re not able to set it up again without knowing your device or Google account credentials. This renders a stolen device unsellable, reducing incentives for phone theft.

    Private space hides your sensitive apps. Some thieves just want the device, but many aim to extract valuable data and transfer funds from your phone that can be worth much more than your hardware. Private space is a new feature that lets you create a separate area in your phone that you can hide and lock with a separate PIN, giving you additional security for apps that might contain sensitive data, like health or financial information.

    More steps for changing sensitive device settings to protect your data. Disabling Find My Device or extending screen timeout now requires your PIN, password or biometric authentication, adding an extra layer of security preventing criminals who got a hold of your device from keeping it unlocked or untrackable online.

    Increased authentication to protect you in case your PIN is known by a thief. When enabled, our new enhanced authentication will require biometrics for accessing and changing critical Google account and device settings, like changing your PIN, disabling theft protection or accessing Passkeys, from an untrusted location.

    Factory reset protection updates and private space will be released as part of Android 15. Enhanced authentication protections will be released to select devices later this year.

    Website: LINK

  • 10 updates coming to the Android ecosystem10 updates coming to the Android ecosystemSenior Director, Global Android Product Marketing

    10 updates coming to the Android ecosystem10 updates coming to the Android ecosystemSenior Director, Global Android Product Marketing

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    Stay entertained with more apps in the car

    Catch up on episodes of your favorite shows on Max and Peacock or play a game of Angry Birds on select cars with Google built-in — which is expanding to car models like the Acura ZDX, Ford Explorer and more. You’ll also be able to enjoy a rapidly growing selection of mobile and tablet apps in the car with our new developer program.

    In addition, Google Cast (formerly Chromecast built-in) is coming to cars with Android Automotive OS, starting with Rivian in the coming months. You can easily cast video content from your phone or tablet to the car, opening up even more entertainment options.

    Find new content with AI on Google TV

    With over 220 million active devices globally and a fast growing user base, Google TV helps you discover content faster with AI-based recommendations – so you can spend more time watching and less time searching. Now with the Gemini model, it’s even easier to pick what to watch with AI-generated descriptions on the homescreen, personalized for you based on your genre and actor preferences. AI-generated descriptions will also fill in missing or untranslated descriptions for movies and shows so you aren’t left guessing.

    Improve your training with Wear OS 5 updates

    With watch launches from Pixel, Samsung and more, Wear OS grew its user base by 40% in 2023 and has users in over 160 countries and regions. Now, Wear OS has expanded to more brands including OnePlus, OPPO and Xiaomi.

    Later this year, battery life optimizations are coming to watches with Wear OS 5. For example, running an outdoor marathon will consume up to 20% less power when compared to watches with Wear OS 4. And your fitness apps will be able to help improve your performance with the option to support more data types like ground contact time, stride length and vertical oscillation.

    Website: LINK

  • Experience Google AI in even more ways on AndroidExperience Google AI in even more ways on AndroidPresident, Android Ecosystem

    Experience Google AI in even more ways on AndroidExperience Google AI in even more ways on AndroidPresident, Android Ecosystem

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    Circle to Search can now help students with homework

    With Circle to Search built directly into the user experience, you can search anything you see on your phone using a simple gesture — without having to stop what you’re doing or switch to a different app. Since launching at Samsung Unpacked, we’ve added new capabilities to Circle to Search, like full-screen translation, and we’ve expanded availability to more Pixel and Samsung devices.

    Starting today, Circle to Search can now help students with homework, giving them a deeper understanding, not just an answer — directly from their phones and tablets. When students circle a prompt they’re stuck on, they’ll get step-by-step instructions to solve a range of physics and math word problems without leaving their digital info sheet or syllabus. Later this year, Circle to Search will be able to help solve even more complex problems involving symbolic formulas, diagrams, graphs and more. This is all possible due to our LearnLM effort to enhance our models and products for learning.

    Circle to Search is already available on more than 100 million devices today. With plans to bring the experience to more devices, we’re on track to double that by the end of the year.

    Website: LINK

  • 4 new ways to enjoy reading with Google Play Books4 new ways to enjoy reading with Google Play BooksDirector, Product Management, Google Play Books

    4 new ways to enjoy reading with Google Play Books4 new ways to enjoy reading with Google Play BooksDirector, Product Management, Google Play Books

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Discover new audiobooks with the Google Play Books YouTube channel

    Head over to the Google Play Books channel on YouTube to listen to thousands of audiobook previews, at no cost to you. All of these samples are already available in the Google Play Books store via the Android app, iOS app and web so you also have the option to listen there. Whether you’re on the hunt for an enthralling science fiction saga, a new celebrity memoir or a swoonworthy romance listen, you’re sure to find a book that’s right for you. Don’t forget to wishlist your favorites on Google Play Books to build out your “To listen” list.

    Find future reads with the “Upcoming” section in Google Play Books Android app

    To keep track of your books and stay up-to-date on upcoming releases, head to the new “Upcoming” section in the “Library” tab in the Play Books Android app. In this section, you can easily see all your pre-orders in one location on a calendar that can be filtered based on specific series or authors. Books available for pre-order from authors and series you’ve shown interest in may also appear in “Upcoming”.

    Get Reading Rewards digital stickers

    To make reading experiences more engaging and rewarding, kids can now earn Reading Rewards digital stickers when reading children’s books in the Play Books Android app or on Google Kids Space. Reading Rewards are granted when kids reach a reading goal or milestone. From the Kid Reader toolbar, kids can easily access their “Prizes” and track all the stickers they’ve collected.

  • 5 Google Play features for poetry lovers to try5 Google Play features for poetry lovers to tryDirector, Product Management, Google Play Books

    5 Google Play features for poetry lovers to try5 Google Play features for poetry lovers to tryDirector, Product Management, Google Play Books

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    April is National Poetry Month — the perfect time to discover your favorite poems. Whether you want to dive into a powerful sonnet or enjoy the playful simplicity of a haiku, Google Play Books has features to help you enjoy reading poetry. Here are handy tips and tricks to take your poetry reading up a level — from writing notes about your favorite lines to hearing stanzas read aloud to organizing your digital poetry book collection.

    Annotate and highlight poignant lines of poetry

    Poetry often inspires personal reflection. With Google Play Books, you can easily capture your thoughts and annotations so you can revisit them later. Highlight the lines that move you or add bookmarks for quick reference. You can even add notes and easily access them through Google Drive for when you want to reflect back.

    Customize your reading experience

    Just as every poem has its own style, every reader has their own preferences. Customized fonts, layout, lighting and more, let you personalize your poetry reading experience to match your individual taste. You can choose a font that reflects a poem’s theme or adjust the line spacing on the page so it’s easier for you to read.

    Let the poetry speak to you

    Experience poetry as spoken word with our curated poetry audiobook library. The collection features poems from a variety of genres so you can actively immerse yourself while you listen verse by verse.

    And for poems that don’t have an audiobook, Google Play Books’ Read Aloud accessibility feature provides you with the option to listen to the poem aloud. In addition to text-to-speech, you can select a natural-sounding, more human-like voice for reading aloud and change its speed to more accurately capture the inflection and emotion of the work.

    Organize and personalize your (virtual) bookshelf

    Google Play Books lets you organize and sort books on a virtual shelf, making it easier to filter by author, genre and more. You can also name a shelf — perhaps for your favorite poet or types of poetry — to better organize your library and quickly find your favorite poems.

    Become a self-published poet

    While Google Play Books is a destination for readers, our Google Play Books Partner Center helps aspiring writers to self-publish and reach potential readers in over 75 countries. After filling out basic information and agreeing to the terms, you can become a self-published poet and share your poetry with the world!

  • 5 ways to use the new Find My Device on Android5 ways to use the new Find My Device on AndroidVP of Engineering

    5 ways to use the new Find My Device on Android5 ways to use the new Find My Device on AndroidVP of Engineering

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    Find My Device is secure by default and private by design. Multi-layered protections built into the Find My Device network help keep you safe and your personal information private, while keeping you in control of the devices connected to the Find My Device network. This includes end-to-end encryption of location data as well as aggregated device location reporting, a first-of-its-kind safety feature that provides additional protection against unwanted tracking back to a home or private location. Read more about how our multi-layered protections for the Find My Device network work.

    The new Find My Device works with devices running Android 9+. And look out for software updates coming to headphones from JBL, Sony and others, which will join the Find My Device network soon.

    Website: LINK