#One
Google One VPN expanding to 10 more countries
If you got Google One 2TB plan, you will get access to the VPN by Google. One limitation though, it is not available in every country.

Anyway, Google is trying to expand it to 10 more countries in the coming weeks, these are the countries that are getting the access to the Google One VPN: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland. (9To5Google)

#Pixel #Pixel7
Google Tensor second generation in the works, likely preparing for the next Pixel flagship
9To5Google

Google Tensor is Google's home-made chip which is installed on the Pixel 6, and presumably will be install in the upcoming Pixels. Created with the help of Samsung, the chip is optimised for Google's AI machine learning, which enables feature Google couldn't done before.

People at 9To5Google found new evidences in app that are included in the Pixel 6, there references to a new Pixel-related codename, , “Cloudripper.” The name will be for a baseboard or developer board that shares hardware in common with the two phones.

Earlier 9To5Google also found that "Cloudripper" is connected to a second-generation version of Google Tensor chips, with the model number “GS201.” For comparison, "GS101" is found in the Pixel 6, which suggests each year of the chipset upgrade will increase the model number by 100. Mishaal Rahman also spotted the changes too.

With that said, the new chip is likely to debut in the next Pixel flagship.

#Pixel #Pixel6
Pixel 6 keyboard is smarter than you think
The voice typing on the Pixel 6 support inserting punctuation is a big deal, and things doesn't just stop here. The keyboard on Pixel 6 support grammar correction too. Google did actually implement this on Google Docs first, and now it arriving to Gboard on the Pixel 6.

Google said that the feature "works entirely on-device to preserve privacy," which hints it is using the Private Compute Core. The grammar correction feature will also support all apps except those in WebView. It only support English language for now, with more languages support coming in the future.

Google mention it is only available on the Pixel 6, but well, I could see this feature expanding to other devices too, anyway time will tell. There much more technical details on how Google achieve it, if you are interested, check it out over here. (Google AI Blog)

#Module #Pixel6
Pixel 6 Pro (Raven) Prop - Oct 2021
Updated: 28/10/2021

Changelog:
• Initial release of Pixel 6 Pro prop module

Notes:
• ID: SD1A.210817.015.A4
• Enable Pixel 6 Pro exclusive features like wallpapers, Gboard features & new UI, Google Translate Material You design and more!
• There might be an error notification showing "Couldn't install system update," just turn off the notification and done

By @PixelProps
Follow @PixelHubUpdates

#Android #A12
Android 12 set to always open non-verified links in the default browser
XDA Developers

Android 12 has released to all eligible Pixel phones last week. besides gaining major changes like Material You, there are minor improvements here and there.

This week’s in Android Dev Summit, Google detailed some under the hood changes in Android 12. There one useful change though, it is about how the OS handles the App Links, which is a type of deep link enabling web URLs to open content in supported apps.

Verified links will automatically open in the corresponding apps for a more straightforward experience. For non-verified links, it will directly open in your default browser instead of popping up app selection dialogue.

If you want to learn more about other changes in Android 12, you can watch this video to learn more about it. By the way, Google also announced Android 12L as the next Android version, which will be optimise for tablets and foldables.

#YouTube
YouTube borrowing Twitch feature, adding ‘Gifted Memberships’ and ‘Live Redirect’ for streams
If you would like to support your favourite creator in YouTube, the upcoming Gifted Memberships" and "Live Redirect for Gaming" will make it possible.

“Gifted Memberships” is somewhat similar to YouTube current channel membership system. This tier allows fans to support creators with paid-for tiers, providing access to live chat emoticons and special badges when commenting on a specific channel.

Live Redirect for Gaming can send viewers to another livestream seamlessly once yours ends. This helps create a much greater sense of the gaming community on the platform.

Besides, YouTube also confirmed that there will be further exploration into “other perks for YouTube Gamers through [their] subnoscription services,” which could possibly include recent free access to YouTube Premium for Discord Nitro users for example.

These features aren't live yet, with YouTube teasing “more updates” in the near future. (9To5Google)

#Photos
Google Photos Locked Folder arriving on iOS early 2022
9To5Google

Google Photos Locked Folder is first introduced on Pixel phone early this year, it is an extra layer of security which keep your photos & videos privately in a folder. Later this year, Google announced to bring it to other Android devices soon. Now, Google plan to bring it to iOS devices.

It will start rolling out "early next year." Once those photos & videos are move into that folder, it won't be viewable anywhere else, including in the cloud. To view the folder, you will be require to use your device biometric or PIN to unlock it.

#Workspace #Gmail
Gmail restoring big "Compose" button on the web
Gmail got a refresh in the desktop web a few months ago, one of the changes is that the compose button is shrinking down the "Compose" button into one singular button. After the changes, Google received many users feedback and they are reverting to the old "Compose" button design.

The enlarged "Compose" button will appear above the "Mail" section in the sidebar, with the icon keeping a simple outline-pencil design.

Starting from November 3, all Google accounts will receive this changes, and will take up to 15 days to appear for everyone. (Google Workspace Updates)

#Doodle
Google Doodle celebrates Halloween 2021
2021 Halloween set at October 31, and Google Doodle is here to celebrate it.

The Google logo has become orange in color, with both the letter O changed into two purple birds standing at one halloween pumpkin and a cooking pot respectively. The letter at the end "l" and "e" has a spider net linking between it.

This Doodle doesn't reach many Africa and Asia countries, with a few Europe countries not included too. Anyway if it doesn't reach you, here a look at it.

Follow @PixelHubUpdates