Your Android phone will soon be able to auto-open apps when installation completes
When you install an app, the chances are that you’re going to want to fire up straight away. To help with this, Google is in the process of rolling out a handy auto-open feature to Android users.
If this sounds familiar, that is because it is something Google was spotted working on back in the second half of last year. You would have been forgiven for thinking that the company had forgotten about it, but the auto-open toggle is back.
Google Translate is ready to take on Duolingo with new language learning tools
When it comes to casual, mobile-based language learning, Duolingo reigns supreme. And now Google Translate is ready to take it on head-to-head.
Until now, Google Translate has been a multi-tool for travellers, holidaymakers, businesspersons and immigrants. It serves as an on-demand dictionary and translation tool for dozens and dozens of languages, and the next step sees it branching out into language lessons.
Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers
Downloading apps from an official app store helps to avoid dodgy software. The obstacles that can stand in the way of developers getting their apps into the likes of the Google Play Store, however, means that sideloading remains incredibly popular.
Sideloaded apps – those downloaded from unofficial sources – can be safe, but it is something of a minefield. And this is why Google has announced plans to block the sideloading of apps from developers that it has not been able to verify.
YouTube has been using AI on the sly to enhance creators’ videos
Many people turn to AI to improve their writing, their photos, or their videos. YouTube has been doing the same, quietly enhancing the look of users’ uploaded videos through the use of artificial intelligence.
So, what is the problem? Many creators are upset not so much that their videos have been “enhanced” (although there is debate over whether what YouTube has done can actually be seen as an improvement) but that it was done without consent.
Google is making it easier to switch your default browser to Chrome
Every company with a web browser wants you to choose it as your default. Google is no different with Chrome than Microsoft is with Edge or Mozilla is with Firefox.
Microsoft has received a lot of flak for the heavy-handed way in which it has prompted Edge and attempted to get users to switch to it. More than this the company has made it more difficult to set other browsers as default, although this has changed in recent times. Now Google is taking steps to promote Chrome, pushing a one-click-to-switch capability.
Google Drive simplifies video editing
Google Drive is home to every type of file imaginable, and a decent proportion of those files are videos. It is with this in mind that Google has decided to make it easier to edit videos which have been uploaded to its cloud storage service.
Rather than adding video editing tools directly into Google Drive, the company is instead making it easier to access the option to do so using Google Vids.
Google is bringing an AI fitness coach to Fitbit thanks to Gemini
There is nothing that technology companies will not try to enhance with AI. Google is no stranger to this with Gemini, and the company has announced an AI-powered fitness coach for the Fitbit platform.
But this is more than just a fitness coach. Google describes it as a “a fitness trainer, a sleep coach and a health and wellness advisor” all rolled into one. The aim is to be the AI coach that is suitable for everyone, so what can it do?
Google releases Password Manager app
Whether you have been waiting for it or not, Google Password Manager is now available as a standalone app for Android users.
Breaking the Password Manager component out of the Chrome browser is an interesting move. There is no real reason for Google doing so other than making it slightly easier to access saved passwords and usernames.
OtterBox launches new Pixel 10 case lineup with Pixelsnap charging support
OtterBox has introduced a lineup of cases designed for the newly launched Google Pixel 10 family, announced yesterday.
The range includes the Symmetry Series, Defender Series Pro XT and Thin Flex Series, each built with integrated magnets to support Google’s new Pixelsnap wireless charging system.
Pixel Buds 2a debut with active noise cancellation and Gemini AI
The final new launch from Google today, following the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Pixel Watch 4, is Pixel Buds 2a. These new A-series earbuds bring Active Noise Cancellation, immersive audio, longer battery life and Gemini AI at a more affordable price. Preorders start today, with general availability on October 9.
Google says the Pixel Buds 2a have been redesigned for comfort and stability. They are smaller and lighter than the previous A-series and take inspiration from the Pixel Buds Pro 2 design.
Pixel Watch 4 debuts with longer battery life, and new AI health coach
Google today launched the Pixel Watch 4 alongside its new Pixel 10 series of smartphones and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The new wearable is, naturally, described as the most advanced Pixel Watch yet, with a redesigned look, longer battery life, new health features and AI tools powered by Gemini. Preorders start today, with general availability on October 9.
Pixel Watch 4 maintains the familiar circular design but introduces a new domed Actua 360 display, offering a 10 percent larger active area, slimmer bezels and brightness up to 3000 nits for visibility in sunlight.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold launches as Google's most durable foldable yet
Alongside its range of 10th generation Pixel smartphones, Google has today introduced the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which it describes as its most durable foldable phone yet.
The device features a new gearless hinge, upgraded displays, a bigger battery, IP68 water and dust resistance and a suite of AI tools powered by the Tensor G5 processor. Preorders begin today, with general availability on October 9.
Google unveils Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL smartphones with new AI powered features
Google has taken the wraps off its 10th generation of smartphones, the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The new lineup introduces a refined design, the Tensor G5 processor, and AI features designed to make the phones more proactive and helpful. Preorders begin today, with general availability on August 28.
Pixel 10 sports a satin metal frame, polished glass back and four colour choices: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo and Lemongrass. Its 6.3-inch Actua display now reaches 3000 nits for easier outdoor use, and upgraded speakers bring deeper bass for a better multimedia experience.
New Temporary Chats in Gemini stops Google remembering everything
Google has announced new features for Gemini and changes to the way the AI works. In launching a new Temporary Chats function, Google is really sneaking in the fact that Gemini will – unless you choose otherwise – remember everything you have said to it.
The ability of Gemini (which will be the default) to remember all of your past conversations is sold as a way to make it an “even more personal, proactive and powerful assistant”. There are, of course, privacy concerns.
ChatGPT now integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar and Contacts
OpenAI has confirmed the rollout of Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts Connectors in ChatGPT.
Available to Pro and Plus tiers, the connectors come hot on the heels of the recently added Box, Canva, Dropbox, HubSpot, Notion, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams integrations. By granting ChatGPT access to Gmail emails, Calendar entries and Contacts data, the AI should be able to provide more personalized and relevant information.
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