Samsung's Android 14 update is almost ready to make its public debut, but it appears the smartphone giant has a few more kinks left to iron out. Today, the company has started rolling out the ninth iteration of its One UI 6 beta for the Galaxy S23 series. Initially making its appearance in the US, this update is set to grace other markets shortly.
Microsoft Edge makes things awkward with a survey after you download Chrome
Can we just not make eye contact now?
Ever since Chrome passed up Internet Explorer in market share way back in 2012, Google hasn't faced much serious competition in the browser space. Microsoft is trying to change that with its Chromium-based Edge browser, employing various tactics to retain or attract users. In its latest move, Microsoft seems to be taking a more direct approach by asking users why they're considering another browser.
YouTube Music is the latest Google service to get AI features
The streaming service is rolling out the option to personalize your playlist covers with AI images
Exploring the extensive realm of music can sometimes feel challenging. With so many songs and artists available, it's understandable to feel a bit swamped. YouTube Music has announced two new features aimed at making this journey smoother and more personalized: AI-generated playlist artwork and a speed dial for quick access to your favorite tunes.
Clash of Clans finally comes to PC courtesy of Google Play Games Beta
Supercell's big hitters make their grand PC debut
PC gaming is a competitive market, and the list of major players has only shrunken with Microsoft's pending purchase of Activision. Despite this, Google Play Games, Android's mobile gaming hub, has ventured into the PC domain, letting users indulge in mobile games on Windows 10 and 11 computers. Support has been sporadic to start, but more games are constantly being added, and the platform has just reached a major milestone.
Android's built-in QR scanner will soon help you add passes to Google Wallet
Google Play Services beta 23.42 promises enhanced Wallet integration
Digital wallets are more than just payment platforms these days — they're comprehensive tools for managing all types of cards and credentials. Google Wallet, for one, supports loyalty cards, digital car keys, and even drivers licenses and IDs in some states. Building on this, a recent update suggests that Google Wallet is about to get even more versatile, with Android's default QR code scanner slated to assist users in adding passes directly to the app.
Here's how Made for Google accessories are tested
Simulating real-world scenarios and other certification requirements
Everyone buys smartphone accessories hoping that their chosen product not only complements their device but is also of high quality. This isn't always the case, but Google has developed a robust testing mechanism for its third-party accessories. Only after passing this rigorous scrutiny do they earn the coveted Made for Google badge — one that lets Pixel users know that it's a perfect match for their device, even if it's a bit pricey. Now, Google has pulled back the curtain on its accessory certification process.
Google will start manufacturing some Pixel phones in India next year
India's manufacturing prowess gets a boost with Google's decision
The worldwide mobile phone market is constantly changing, as brands look for innovations to remain relevant. In this dynamic environment, Google has shared some notable news regarding its production strategy. The company will begin manufacturing some of its Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 8, in India beginning in 2024.
The Google Pixel 7 will get the Pixel 8's new Assistant multilingual voice typing
The company also confirmed a 'Pixel 8+,' or are we reading this wrong?
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were built to showcase Google's AI advancements over the last year, and exclusive cutting-edge features like Best Shot and Magic Editor are a testament to that. One of the more practical additions is a feature that can seamlessly detect languages when using the Google Assistant for voice typing in Gboard, giving Google's newest phones a major selling point for multilingual users. However, it appears this feature could soon make its way to older Pixel devices.
Qualcomm's working on a new type of chip for Wear OS smartwatches
Google and Qualcomm join forces (again) for RISC-V in wearables
Open-source has long been touted as a revolution in the tech industry. Enter RISC-V, an open-source instruction set architecture that promotes innovation by allowing any entity to craft bespoke cores. This encourages an influx of players into the market, fostering innovation and competition, and ostensibly benefiting everyone from silicon vendors to the end consumers.
Google Wallet extends digital ID support to Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia
Joining Maryland, three more states get a taste of the future
Smartphones may have started out as pocket computers, but their unique combination of sensors and always-on connectivity has led them to become so much more. As manufacturers aim to make life more convenient with features like contactless payments and wireless transfers, a byproduct of this is the integration of virtual government-issued ID cards into phones using the secure NFC element.
Accessibility takes center stage in Google's latest app updates
Wheelchair users find a friend in Google Maps' latest update
As our world becomes more interconnected through technology, the importance of universal digital access cannot be overstated. Google, long recognized for its efforts in accessibility, has unveiled a series of enhancements to several of its core apps. These latest updates are specifically designed with the needs of individuals with disabilities in mind, aiming to make daily digital interactions smoother and more intuitive.
Android's latest hidden gem targets online safety with Android Safe Browsing
SafetyNet Safe Browsing API — the backbone of Android's fortified security
Ensuring security in our digital lives is crucial, given the vast amounts of information we interact with every day. From accessing our bank details to exploring new websites or responding to messages, we need to feel protected. Android has taken many steps to shore up these areas over the years, and now it's gearing up to enhance your sense of security with the introduction of Android Safe Browsing.
Google Maps speed limit data is more thoroughly vetted than you'd think
Road conditions and community feedback shape Google Maps speed limit updates
We often take for granted the small, yet incredibly beneficial features embedded within our everyday apps — a perfect example would be the speed limit display on Google Maps. But have you ever wondered how Google ensures the accuracy of these speed limits as you drive from one location to another? We've always assumed some combination of Street View imagery and AI was at play, but it turns out the process is a bit more complex than most would imagine.
Google Play Store tests a permanent search bar for enhanced usability
A fresh interface tweak might change how users navigate the Play Store
Every so often, the Google Play Store undergoes modifications to its interface to improve the user experience. One of its latest endeavors is a notable one since Google is experimenting with a permanent search bar on the app's homepage. For frequent users of the Play Store, this will be a fresh deviation from the familiar.
Android 14's performance improvements could actually make a difference
These under-the-hood memory management tweaks might be game changers
Android's has historically pushed the limits with cutting-edge developments. But when new systems are implemented, they have a tendency to break existing functionality, so updates can sometimes decrease battery life and performance. Android 14 is bucking these trends by focusing more on refinement than new features, and there are a handful of changes that should help with memory management in particular.
Google Chat smart replies now work in group messages and spaces
Machine learning powers Google Chat’s expanded smart replies
In the ever-evolving world of digital communication, convenience is king. Tech juggernauts continually strive to improve user experience, focusing on intuitive interfaces and intelligent features. Google Chat, part of the tech titan's extensive Google Workspace suite, is no stranger to this trend. Following the integration of features like smart compose and autocorrect, Google Chat now brings smart replies to group messages and spaces.
Assistant with Bard is the AI integration we’ve been waiting for
A fresh chapter in AI chat assistants is about to begin
As the lines between technology and daily life blur, digital assistants play an instrumental role. For many, uttering a simple “Hey Google” activates an omnipresent helper that sets alarms, makes calls, or provides weather updates. In the past seven years, Google Assistant has become an integral part of daily life for countless individuals, helping them with various tasks through natural dialogue.
Android 14 QPR1 Beta welcomes Google's new Pixel 8 series to its fold
Beta testing ahead of the December Pixel Feature Drop is underway
The Android landscape is ever-changing, and currently, all eyes are on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro by Google. These flagship smartphones have consistently led the way within the Android world, pioneering the latest OS advancements. Today, they venture into a fresh domain with the Android 14 QPR1 Beta program.
Google Chrome preps redesigned new tab page on Android
The revamp is live in Chrome Canary with dynamic colors and sleek search bars
The best web browsers aren't just tools; they're windows into our digital worlds, and companies are constantly seeking ways to refine this experience. At the forefront of these efforts is Google, renowned for its innovations in Chrome. The latest in this series of developments is a significant redesign of the new tab page on Chrome for Android.
Thanks to AI, universal translators aren't just the stuff of science fiction anymore
Tools like Google Translate and DeepL are breaking down barriers
From the dawn of civilization, humanity's intrinsic desire for communication and connection has been a driving force in breaking down language barriers. However, the concept of a singular device, capable of seamlessly interpreting a diverse range of languages, didn't emerge from ancient times — rather, it was science fiction that provided the visualization of a universal translator. The concept, as portrayed in numerous sci-fi works, envisions a device even potent enough to decipher extraterrestrial languages. These portrayals transitioned the universal translator from a mere fantasy to a genuine technological goal in contemporary society.