#News #Pixel
Get back notification lights on your Pixel with this app
Android Police (article) | Play Store (app link)
Since the Pixel 3, Google doesn't include the notification light in the upcoming Pixel models anymore. Anyway, on the first Pixel or Pixel 2, Google didn't even make use of the notification light like lighting it up when charging for example.
Well, there one app which can solve the issue. Developed by Jawomo, the aodNotify app is being ported to the Pixel series. Before that, he has make the apps to be compatible with other OEM phone models too.
He explains that the app is possible to bring over to the Pixel because the Pixel 6 phones has "a proper Always On Display and a dedicated low power Tensor Context Hub engine." On older model like the Pixel 5 and 4a, the app will hook into these phones' low-power solution that enables Always On Displays, which ensure the impact on the battery is at the minimum level.
Now Pixel owners can finally enjoy aodNotify's features. You can choose to display as a circular light around the punch hole camera, edge of the screen or class LED light style. Different color options allow you to further customise it. You can also preview notifications without waking the device.
You can also pair it to use with Pixel's Always On Display feature. If you don't want, you can also choose to display notification light only. Besides, most importantly, you can tell the app to make it appear when charging your device.
So far, the app is only optimise for the Pixel 6, Pixel 5, and Pixel 4a, further improvements and more proper Pixel devices support will be coming soon. Pixel 1 currently won't be able to use the app as it doesn't have Always on Display feature, which the app require to enable it. Give it a try if you miss notification light, link above for the application.
Get back notification lights on your Pixel with this app
Android Police (article) | Play Store (app link)
Since the Pixel 3, Google doesn't include the notification light in the upcoming Pixel models anymore. Anyway, on the first Pixel or Pixel 2, Google didn't even make use of the notification light like lighting it up when charging for example.
Well, there one app which can solve the issue. Developed by Jawomo, the aodNotify app is being ported to the Pixel series. Before that, he has make the apps to be compatible with other OEM phone models too.
He explains that the app is possible to bring over to the Pixel because the Pixel 6 phones has "a proper Always On Display and a dedicated low power Tensor Context Hub engine." On older model like the Pixel 5 and 4a, the app will hook into these phones' low-power solution that enables Always On Displays, which ensure the impact on the battery is at the minimum level.
Now Pixel owners can finally enjoy aodNotify's features. You can choose to display as a circular light around the punch hole camera, edge of the screen or class LED light style. Different color options allow you to further customise it. You can also preview notifications without waking the device.
You can also pair it to use with Pixel's Always On Display feature. If you don't want, you can also choose to display notification light only. Besides, most importantly, you can tell the app to make it appear when charging your device.
So far, the app is only optimise for the Pixel 6, Pixel 5, and Pixel 4a, further improvements and more proper Pixel devices support will be coming soon. Pixel 1 currently won't be able to use the app as it doesn't have Always on Display feature, which the app require to enable it. Give it a try if you miss notification light, link above for the application.
Android Police
This app brings back notification LED lights to Google Pixel phones
A blast from the past
#Updates #Pixel
November 2021 Security Patch (Changes)
More info:
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/133452459/google-android-pixel-security-update-nov-2021?hl=en
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
November 2021 Security Patch (Changes)
More info:
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/133452459/google-android-pixel-security-update-nov-2021?hl=en
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Google Pixel Hub
#Updates #Pixel November 2021 Security Patch (Changes) More info: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/133452459/google-android-pixel-security-update-nov-2021?hl=en Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#Updates #Pixel
November 2021 Security Patch rolling out!
Changes
This is the first Android 12 security update for the Google Pixel devices. Unfortunately, Pixel 3 series is being kicked out of guaranteed update support.
Download for Google Pixel devices (Unlocked model):
Pixel 3a (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 3a XL (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4 (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4 XL (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a 5G (SP1A.211105.003): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5 (SP1A.211105.003): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5a (SP1A.211105.003): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 6 (SD1A.210817.036): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 6 Pro (SD1A.210817.036): Factory Images | OTA
*Rest of the carrier builds, check Google's official factory images & OTA images website.
Source:
Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
November 2021 Security Patch rolling out!
Changes
This is the first Android 12 security update for the Google Pixel devices. Unfortunately, Pixel 3 series is being kicked out of guaranteed update support.
Download for Google Pixel devices (Unlocked model):
Pixel 3a (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 3a XL (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4 (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4 XL (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a (SP1A.211105.002): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a 5G (SP1A.211105.003): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5 (SP1A.211105.003): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5a (SP1A.211105.003): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 6 (SD1A.210817.036): Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 6 Pro (SD1A.210817.036): Factory Images | OTA
*Rest of the carrier builds, check Google's official factory images & OTA images website.
Source:
Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Telegram
Google Pixel Hub | Updates™
#Updates #Pixel
November 2021 Security Patch (Changes)
More info:
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/133452459/google-android-pixel-security-update-nov-2021?hl=en
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
November 2021 Security Patch (Changes)
More info:
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/133452459/google-android-pixel-security-update-nov-2021?hl=en
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#News #Android #A12L
A Google representative talks about Material You, Android 12L and the "L" definition with XDA
XDA had an interview with Sameer Samat, the VP of Product Management for Android and Google Play. They will talk about the Material You in Android 12, Android skin related topic, Chrome & Wear OS and Android 12L.
First, they discussed about Material You & dynamic colors in Android 12. Sameer said they "had a vision in mind how we wanted the device and the Android ecosystem to come together around you, and your choices, from the wallpaper to all the other elements" when XDA asked about the theming stuff in custom ROMs and why not Google implemented it in the earlier time.
Then they continued with Android skin discussion. Sameer said "Android is a big ecosystem of device makers, and the Android operating system is there to support that huge ecosystem." Later they discussed about Chromebook or Chrome OS, but we will just skip through it and come to Android 12L.
Android 12L as we may know, is going to be optimise for tablets and foldables. Sameer told that all major app developers working together can make sure large screen form factors to work well. He continued that the Android team will release tools to help developers build their apps easier on large screen devices, and in the next 18 to 24 months, "for these form factors is going to be super exciting."
Lastly, probably most people are wondering for, is what does the ‘L’ in Android 12L stand for? Sameer just answered "It’s kind of mysterious, isn’t it? Maybe we should leave it mysterious." Seems like the riddle has not come to an end.
If you wanted to read the whole interview content, check it out over here. (XDA Developers)
A Google representative talks about Material You, Android 12L and the "L" definition with XDA
XDA had an interview with Sameer Samat, the VP of Product Management for Android and Google Play. They will talk about the Material You in Android 12, Android skin related topic, Chrome & Wear OS and Android 12L.
First, they discussed about Material You & dynamic colors in Android 12. Sameer said they "had a vision in mind how we wanted the device and the Android ecosystem to come together around you, and your choices, from the wallpaper to all the other elements" when XDA asked about the theming stuff in custom ROMs and why not Google implemented it in the earlier time.
Then they continued with Android skin discussion. Sameer said "Android is a big ecosystem of device makers, and the Android operating system is there to support that huge ecosystem." Later they discussed about Chromebook or Chrome OS, but we will just skip through it and come to Android 12L.
Android 12L as we may know, is going to be optimise for tablets and foldables. Sameer told that all major app developers working together can make sure large screen form factors to work well. He continued that the Android team will release tools to help developers build their apps easier on large screen devices, and in the next 18 to 24 months, "for these form factors is going to be super exciting."
Lastly, probably most people are wondering for, is what does the ‘L’ in Android 12L stand for? Sameer just answered "It’s kind of mysterious, isn’t it? Maybe we should leave it mysterious." Seems like the riddle has not come to an end.
If you wanted to read the whole interview content, check it out over here. (XDA Developers)
xda-developers
Google talked to us about Wear OS, Play Store, and the 'L' in Android 12L
Following last week's Android Dev Summit, we sat down with Sameer Samat, the VP of Product Management for Android and the Google Play Store.
#Android #A12 #A12L
Android 12L will fix broken casting volume issue on Android 12
UPDATE: Google confirmed it is due to Sonos lawsuit.
Android 12 has been officially released and it brings a ton of new stuff like Material You and redesigned widgets. But beside that, Google quietly dropped the ability to control the volume of cast devices using your phone’s volume keys.
Google said it is temporary disabled and will be re-enabled back in Android 12L, and Google added that it was due to "a legal issue," commented by a Googler on the Google IssueTracker.
So if you cast audio to a smart speaker, you can't adjust the speaker volume by pressing the volume buttons anymore. Currently, there no workaround to bypass this restriction, so we will just have to wait Google to enable it in Android 12L. (XDA Developers)
Android 12L will fix broken casting volume issue on Android 12
UPDATE: Google confirmed it is due to Sonos lawsuit.
Android 12 has been officially released and it brings a ton of new stuff like Material You and redesigned widgets. But beside that, Google quietly dropped the ability to control the volume of cast devices using your phone’s volume keys.
Google said it is temporary disabled and will be re-enabled back in Android 12L, and Google added that it was due to "a legal issue," commented by a Googler on the Google IssueTracker.
So if you cast audio to a smart speaker, you can't adjust the speaker volume by pressing the volume buttons anymore. Currently, there no workaround to bypass this restriction, so we will just have to wait Google to enable it in Android 12L. (XDA Developers)
#Android #A12
Android 12’s new background app limitations could be a major headache for power users
Android 12, the OS that Google finally made some major changes after years. There are also some behind the scene changes which we can hardly noticed. Well one bad news though, the PhantomProcessKiller in Android 12 could probably be a nightmare for you if you are a power user.
You may know that some OEMs are known for aggressive killing background apps. Well, on Android 12 AOSP, seems like this is going to be a much more strict limitations for power users, and there seem to be no way to disable it.
The number of child processes that parent processes can spawn is limited to 32 across the whole system, which largely limited the number of operations an app can complete in the background. App like Termux is going to have hard time running on it.
If you want to dive more into it, check out the article over here. (XDA Developers)
Android 12’s new background app limitations could be a major headache for power users
Android 12, the OS that Google finally made some major changes after years. There are also some behind the scene changes which we can hardly noticed. Well one bad news though, the PhantomProcessKiller in Android 12 could probably be a nightmare for you if you are a power user.
You may know that some OEMs are known for aggressive killing background apps. Well, on Android 12 AOSP, seems like this is going to be a much more strict limitations for power users, and there seem to be no way to disable it.
The number of child processes that parent processes can spawn is limited to 32 across the whole system, which largely limited the number of operations an app can complete in the background. App like Termux is going to have hard time running on it.
If you want to dive more into it, check out the article over here. (XDA Developers)
XDA Developers
Android 12’s new background app limitations could be a major headache for power users
Android 12's new background app limitations could be a major headache for power users that use apps like Termux and maybe even Tasker.
#Pixel #Pixel3
One last official software update for the Pixel 3 in Q1 2022
9To5Google
Yesterday Google released November security patch update for its Pixel devices, but there no update for the Pixel 3 anymore as the guaranteed software period end in October 2021. Well, there one more update to come for the device as reported by 9To5Google.
Same for the OG Pixel & Pixel 2 series, Google skipped November update and released an extra update before completely ending the support (but they are still buggy anyway, lol). Similar situation is happening for the Pixel 3 series, but the final update is coming in Q1 2022.
Pixel 3 users will still get partial Pixel Feature Drop like how the unsupported older Pixels do, you will get the features via app update instead.
One last official software update for the Pixel 3 in Q1 2022
9To5Google
Yesterday Google released November security patch update for its Pixel devices, but there no update for the Pixel 3 anymore as the guaranteed software period end in October 2021. Well, there one more update to come for the device as reported by 9To5Google.
Same for the OG Pixel & Pixel 2 series, Google skipped November update and released an extra update before completely ending the support (but they are still buggy anyway, lol). Similar situation is happening for the Pixel 3 series, but the final update is coming in Q1 2022.
Pixel 3 users will still get partial Pixel Feature Drop like how the unsupported older Pixels do, you will get the features via app update instead.
9to5Google
Google will be releasing one last Pixel 3 and 3 XL update in Q1 of 2022
With the launch of the November security patch, Google did not release factory or OTA images for the Pixel 3, but one last update is...
#Pixel #Pixel6
Google Tensor details explained & review
Google Pixel 6 is the first Google phone to ever run Google's home made chipset Google Tensor. The chipset is made with the help of Samsung.
The website actually attached a lot of images of their various tests, but here we will take Geekbench 5 & 3DMark for benchmark score comparison. The raw power of the chipset is slightly less powerful than the other flagships, but daily use shouldn't be an issue.
This should be the highlight of Google's chipset, AI performance. Google highly promoted it in their blog post, and it seems like Google is ahead of the competition by a lot. Language processing, probably the part which powers the Live Translate, Google is 3x better than Snapdragon 888 here. Also in pure NNAPI mode, Google is leading this section too.
In conclusion, Google Tensor is not performance focus, but an intelligent chipset. For those people who are curious about the chipset, here a long review & detail explaination about it. (AnandTech)
Google Tensor details explained & review
Google Pixel 6 is the first Google phone to ever run Google's home made chipset Google Tensor. The chipset is made with the help of Samsung.
The website actually attached a lot of images of their various tests, but here we will take Geekbench 5 & 3DMark for benchmark score comparison. The raw power of the chipset is slightly less powerful than the other flagships, but daily use shouldn't be an issue.
This should be the highlight of Google's chipset, AI performance. Google highly promoted it in their blog post, and it seems like Google is ahead of the competition by a lot. Language processing, probably the part which powers the Live Translate, Google is 3x better than Snapdragon 888 here. Also in pure NNAPI mode, Google is leading this section too.
In conclusion, Google Tensor is not performance focus, but an intelligent chipset. For those people who are curious about the chipset, here a long review & detail explaination about it. (AnandTech)
#News #Android #A12
Try out Android 12 with these custom GSIs on your device
XDA Developers
For those who want to use Android 12 but your devices don't have any Android 12 ROM yet, custom GSIs can make your dream come true.
Well yes, you can try out Google's own version of GSI, but it is just a barebone AOSP build so nothing fun with that, and custom GSIs bring all the fun stuff which make it good to use at least. Here some of the Android 12 GSIs you can flash.
@phhusson developed his own custom GSI project, known as Phh-Treble. His GSI builds come with a ton of bug fixes and some useful features. it is vanilla build which don't include Google services. He also even show it can be install on OG Pixel.
Pixel Experience 12 GSI kicked in to add the sprinkle on top of it, developed by @ponces. In his GSI you will find Pixel goodies, the wallpapers, exclusive features, Pixel Launcher and more.
You can flash it on devices that have A/B partitioning which all Google Pixel devices are eligible. You can follow XDA's GSI installation guide to get started on how to install it.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Try out Android 12 with these custom GSIs on your device
XDA Developers
For those who want to use Android 12 but your devices don't have any Android 12 ROM yet, custom GSIs can make your dream come true.
Well yes, you can try out Google's own version of GSI, but it is just a barebone AOSP build so nothing fun with that, and custom GSIs bring all the fun stuff which make it good to use at least. Here some of the Android 12 GSIs you can flash.
@phhusson developed his own custom GSI project, known as Phh-Treble. His GSI builds come with a ton of bug fixes and some useful features. it is vanilla build which don't include Google services. He also even show it can be install on OG Pixel.
Pixel Experience 12 GSI kicked in to add the sprinkle on top of it, developed by @ponces. In his GSI you will find Pixel goodies, the wallpapers, exclusive features, Pixel Launcher and more.
You can flash it on devices that have A/B partitioning which all Google Pixel devices are eligible. You can follow XDA's GSI installation guide to get started on how to install it.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
XDA Developers
Android 12 custom GSIs bring the latest Android OS to any Project Treble-supported device
You can now get a taste of Android 12 on any Project Treble compatible device, thanks to these custom GSI releases. Read on to know more!
#Pixel #Pixel6
Google quietly released Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor calibration tool
XDA Developers
As the Pixel 6 went for a on-screen fingerprint sensor, if you happen to do a screen replacement for the phone, the sensor will no longer work. Well, Google quietly released fingerprint sensor calibration tool on Pixel Update and Repair tool site to solve the issue.
Currently so far, no custom ROMs is available for the Pixel 6 series. Well, if you start to mess around with ROMs or other modifications on your Pixel 6, you will probably need to use the tool to recalibrate the fingerprint sensor on your phone.
The tool is released, but no one has tried it out and report how it works though, so no guarantee that it will work for all people. Maybe you will also need to factory reset the device in order to start to use the fingerprint sensor.
Google quietly released Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor calibration tool
XDA Developers
As the Pixel 6 went for a on-screen fingerprint sensor, if you happen to do a screen replacement for the phone, the sensor will no longer work. Well, Google quietly released fingerprint sensor calibration tool on Pixel Update and Repair tool site to solve the issue.
Currently so far, no custom ROMs is available for the Pixel 6 series. Well, if you start to mess around with ROMs or other modifications on your Pixel 6, you will probably need to use the tool to recalibrate the fingerprint sensor on your phone.
The tool is released, but no one has tried it out and report how it works though, so no guarantee that it will work for all people. Maybe you will also need to factory reset the device in order to start to use the fingerprint sensor.
XDA Developers
Google releases fingerprint sensor calibration tool for Pixel 6, but use it with care
Google has released a fingerprint sensor calibration tool for the Pixel 6, but it's not clear if it can be used for screen replacements.
#GooglePlay #PlayStore
Google Play Store now let you vote for the Users’ Choice App & Game of 2021
2021 is coming to an end soon, and Google Play has open the voting platform for Users’ Choice App & Game of 2021.
Over the next two weeks, users who visit the Play Store will see banner of it in the homepage to vote for their favourite app or game. Voting end on November 17, the winner and Play Store editoral team picks will be announced on November 30.
You can check out all the nominee apps in the article if you can't access the Play Store page yet. (9To5Google)
Google Play Store now let you vote for the Users’ Choice App & Game of 2021
2021 is coming to an end soon, and Google Play has open the voting platform for Users’ Choice App & Game of 2021.
Over the next two weeks, users who visit the Play Store will see banner of it in the homepage to vote for their favourite app or game. Voting end on November 17, the winner and Play Store editoral team picks will be announced on November 30.
You can check out all the nominee apps in the article if you can't access the Play Store page yet. (9To5Google)
9to5Google
Google Play Store voting for your favorite Android app & game of 2021 opens
As the penultimate month of this year gets underway, Google Play is preparing its Best of 2021 roundup by opening voting for Users' Choice...
#Android #A12
Android 12 could crash your games if you use automated wallpapers
XDA Developers
UPDATE: The issue will be resolved in Android 12L.
Android 12 Material You can extract your wallpaper color and apply it to other apps as the accent color which is a really cool addition. One bad news is that it could crash your games if you use automated wallpapers.
There a bug report on Google Issue Tracker, stating that when playing Wild Rift or Pokémon Go, the game crashed whenever the wallpaper change. Adam Conway from XDA tested it and he is also able to reproduce the issue, he said most apps handle it fine, but games failed to do it.
The reason why it happened seems to be an Android configuration change that cannot be blocked. Games mostly ignore "configuration changes", that includes dark mode, screen rotation and local changes.
In a commit spotted by cketti on Twitter (via CommonsWare), Android 12 introduces a new change which force activities to be recreated when the wallpaper is changed. Currently there no way to bypass this restriction,
I hope there won't be many small limitations here and there for Android 12 anymore. Two past known limitations that has been founded in Android 12: Broken casting volume issues & Background app limitations.
Android 12 could crash your games if you use automated wallpapers
XDA Developers
UPDATE: The issue will be resolved in Android 12L.
Android 12 Material You can extract your wallpaper color and apply it to other apps as the accent color which is a really cool addition. One bad news is that it could crash your games if you use automated wallpapers.
There a bug report on Google Issue Tracker, stating that when playing Wild Rift or Pokémon Go, the game crashed whenever the wallpaper change. Adam Conway from XDA tested it and he is also able to reproduce the issue, he said most apps handle it fine, but games failed to do it.
The reason why it happened seems to be an Android configuration change that cannot be blocked. Games mostly ignore "configuration changes", that includes dark mode, screen rotation and local changes.
In a commit spotted by cketti on Twitter (via CommonsWare), Android 12 introduces a new change which force activities to be recreated when the wallpaper is changed. Currently there no way to bypass this restriction,
I hope there won't be many small limitations here and there for Android 12 anymore. Two past known limitations that has been founded in Android 12: Broken casting volume issues & Background app limitations.
XDA Developers
Android 12’s lovely wallpaper-based themes will crash your games if you use automated wallpapers
Android 12's Material You theming looks great, but it has a few problems when it comes to wallpapers that gamers might need to be aware of.
Google Pixel Hub
#Android #A12L Android 12L Beta program will be eligible for Pixel 4 & later, stable release by Q1 2022 UPDATE: Pixel 3a/XL included in Android 12L Beta Program Android 12L is officially announced by Google, focused on large screen devices like tablets and…
#Android #A12L
Google Pixel 3a being added into Android 12L Beta Program
Previous post
I can feel Google somehow is ready to abandon Pixel 3a but they just realise it is under 3 years guaranteed software update support, so at last they corrected the Android 12L Beta program device list to include them.
By the way, you may wonder where the Pixel 4 XL go. Someone at Google who control the site probably forgot that Pixel 4 XL exist (lol). Anyway, the same mistake is made in Android 11 release page, with the supported device model not showing the device too.
Anyway, Pixel 3a & later Pixel devices will get the Android 12L update, good luck. Also just updated the Android 12L highlights post we have.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Google Pixel 3a being added into Android 12L Beta Program
Previous post
I can feel Google somehow is ready to abandon Pixel 3a but they just realise it is under 3 years guaranteed software update support, so at last they corrected the Android 12L Beta program device list to include them.
By the way, you may wonder where the Pixel 4 XL go. Someone at Google who control the site probably forgot that Pixel 4 XL exist (lol). Anyway, the same mistake is made in Android 11 release page, with the supported device model not showing the device too.
Anyway, Pixel 3a & later Pixel devices will get the Android 12L update, good luck. Also just updated the Android 12L highlights post we have.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#News
Google News will be back in Spain
Google Blog
Google today announced Google News will be relaunching in Spain after 7 years.
In 2014, Google chosen to shut down the service due to local copyright regulations. Just today, Spain has issued a new Royal Decree implementing the European Copyright Directive, which Google can finally made their decision.
Starting early next year, Google News will be back in the country, with Google News Showcase coming alongside soon.
Google News will be back in Spain
Google Blog
Google today announced Google News will be relaunching in Spain after 7 years.
In 2014, Google chosen to shut down the service due to local copyright regulations. Just today, Spain has issued a new Royal Decree implementing the European Copyright Directive, which Google can finally made their decision.
Starting early next year, Google News will be back in the country, with Google News Showcase coming alongside soon.
Google
Google News to return to Spain
Google News will soon be available once again in Spain
#News #Chrome
You can customise Chrome's New Tab page by creating extensions via 'Tab Maker' tool
If you want to have a unique New Tab page in your browser from the others, you can use extensions to customise it and make it useful for you. And well, you can finally create your own extensions which can customise your Chrome's New Tab.
New Tab extensions can be used to “share images, text, links or GIFs that inspire, educate or inform.” The Tab Maker tool provides 11 template styles which can be customised. You can manage and update it via a determined Google Sheet. All the full instructions and details are over here.
If you are really into customising your New Tab further, then probably start trying out to develop your very own unique design with the Tab Maker tool. (9To5Google)
You can customise Chrome's New Tab page by creating extensions via 'Tab Maker' tool
If you want to have a unique New Tab page in your browser from the others, you can use extensions to customise it and make it useful for you. And well, you can finally create your own extensions which can customise your Chrome's New Tab.
New Tab extensions can be used to “share images, text, links or GIFs that inspire, educate or inform.” The Tab Maker tool provides 11 template styles which can be customised. You can manage and update it via a determined Google Sheet. All the full instructions and details are over here.
If you are really into customising your New Tab further, then probably start trying out to develop your very own unique design with the Tab Maker tool. (9To5Google)