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#Google #EasterEgg
Batman Easter Egg make its appearance on Google Search
Android Police
If you're a fan of Batman, you had known that the new movie will be coming out in just a week time. Apparently Google is also excited about it, and they have added an Easter Egg for it too.
Well, searching up for "Batman" or "The Batman" doesn't show the Easter Egg at the first place, instead you need to search for related terms like "Bat-Signal," "Gotham City" or "Bruce Wayne," that's where you get to see the Batman figure in action.
Google told Variety that Warner Bros didn't sponsor the Easter Egg, and it will be available on the site for one year time. “The Batman” movie starring Robert Pattinson in the noscript role, is set to premiere on March 4.
Batman Easter Egg make its appearance on Google Search
Android Police
If you're a fan of Batman, you had known that the new movie will be coming out in just a week time. Apparently Google is also excited about it, and they have added an Easter Egg for it too.
Well, searching up for "Batman" or "The Batman" doesn't show the Easter Egg at the first place, instead you need to search for related terms like "Bat-Signal," "Gotham City" or "Bruce Wayne," that's where you get to see the Batman figure in action.
Google told Variety that Warner Bros didn't sponsor the Easter Egg, and it will be available on the site for one year time. “The Batman” movie starring Robert Pattinson in the noscript role, is set to premiere on March 4.
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#Chrome
Google Chrome will soon let you share saved passwords
9To5Google
Earlier it is discovered that Chrome will be adding a note section to let you jot down some words in your saved passwords, now there's another feature being spotted in the works.
According to Leopeva64, the Chrome developers has added an option to let you "send passwords" with the password manager, but at the time of writing, it isn't working just yet, so it is unclear whether how the feature will work for now.
Google Chrome will soon let you share saved passwords
9To5Google
Earlier it is discovered that Chrome will be adding a note section to let you jot down some words in your saved passwords, now there's another feature being spotted in the works.
According to Leopeva64, the Chrome developers has added an option to let you "send passwords" with the password manager, but at the time of writing, it isn't working just yet, so it is unclear whether how the feature will work for now.
#GooglePlay #PlayStore
Google extend the deadline for developers to fill out Play Store’s Data safety section
Google Play Console Help
Google earlier opened form for developers to start filling up the upcoming Play Store's Data Safety section last October, and that new section is planned to make it appearance as early in February.
Just recently, Google has changed the date for the rollout of Data Safety section in the Play Store over to April 2022, this is previously expected to go live this month for users.
For the developers side, they will need to “declare how they collect and handle user data for the apps they publish” by July 2022, non-compliant apps may face additional enforcement action and new apps submissions & updates will also be rejected if there is any unresolved issues after that date.
Google extend the deadline for developers to fill out Play Store’s Data safety section
Google Play Console Help
Google earlier opened form for developers to start filling up the upcoming Play Store's Data Safety section last October, and that new section is planned to make it appearance as early in February.
Just recently, Google has changed the date for the rollout of Data Safety section in the Play Store over to April 2022, this is previously expected to go live this month for users.
For the developers side, they will need to “declare how they collect and handle user data for the apps they publish” by July 2022, non-compliant apps may face additional enforcement action and new apps submissions & updates will also be rejected if there is any unresolved issues after that date.
Google
Provide information for Google Play's Data safety section - Play Console Help
Google Play's Data safety section provides developers with a transparent way to show users if and how they collect, share, and protect user data, before users install an app. Developers are required t
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#News #Maps #StopRussianAggression
Google has disabled Maps live traffic data in Ukraine
As the Russia & Ukraine war getting worse day by day. many companies have already take actions to limit Russia economy growth. Google is one of them, as they also own one the most used maps service in the world, they have also decided to turn off Maps live traffic data in Ukraine.
The company explained they had taken this action in order to take care the local communities safety in Ukraine, so Russian won't be able to know which places are busy in the country, after consulting with sources including regional authorities.
Besides that, we can also see Google Maps usage in Ukraine is increasing over the past few days as many people are finding a safe place to shift and also escaping to other countries. And yes, we stand with Ukraine, we hope they can prevail in the battle.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Google has disabled Maps live traffic data in Ukraine
As the Russia & Ukraine war getting worse day by day. many companies have already take actions to limit Russia economy growth. Google is one of them, as they also own one the most used maps service in the world, they have also decided to turn off Maps live traffic data in Ukraine.
The company explained they had taken this action in order to take care the local communities safety in Ukraine, so Russian won't be able to know which places are busy in the country, after consulting with sources including regional authorities.
Besides that, we can also see Google Maps usage in Ukraine is increasing over the past few days as many people are finding a safe place to shift and also escaping to other countries. And yes, we stand with Ukraine, we hope they can prevail in the battle.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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#Android #A13
Android 13 finally let you control brightness of your device's flashlight
Esper Blog
Some other devices already let you have the ability to control the flashlight brightness since 2017, and after nearly 5 years time, it could start appearing on more devices running Android 13 soon.
Mishaal Rahman spotted Android 13 has added getTorchStrengthLevel, which returns back the data of the flash brightness level, and turnOnTorchWithStrengthLevel let users set the flash brightness level from minimum level of "1" till the maximum determined by the hardware.
He noted that not all devices will be getting the feature, because it required an update to the camera hardware abstraction layer (HAL) in order to have it. The two new framework is available on Pixel 6 Pro running Android 13 Developer Preview 1, which has version 3.8 of the camera device HAL. In AOSP, the latest version are still on 2.7 and 3.7 respectively.
Android 13 finally let you control brightness of your device's flashlight
Esper Blog
Some other devices already let you have the ability to control the flashlight brightness since 2017, and after nearly 5 years time, it could start appearing on more devices running Android 13 soon.
Mishaal Rahman spotted Android 13 has added getTorchStrengthLevel, which returns back the data of the flash brightness level, and turnOnTorchWithStrengthLevel let users set the flash brightness level from minimum level of "1" till the maximum determined by the hardware.
He noted that not all devices will be getting the feature, because it required an update to the camera hardware abstraction layer (HAL) in order to have it. The two new framework is available on Pixel 6 Pro running Android 13 Developer Preview 1, which has version 3.8 of the camera device HAL. In AOSP, the latest version are still on 2.7 and 3.7 respectively.
Esper Blog
Android 13 adds support for controlling the brightness of the flashlight
Android 13 adds new APIs for controlling the brightness of the flashlight. Here's what you need to know about this new feature!
#GooglePlay
Google Play Pass arrived in India
Google India Blog
Google Play Pass gives you access to 1000+ apps & games without any ads and in-app purchases, and that's finally available in India starting today.
The subnoscription is priced at Rs. 99/month and Rs. 889/year, one-month free trial is also available. You can also opt for a one month prepaid subnoscription at just Rs. 109. It also let you share with up to 5 other family members of a Family Group.
Google Play Pass arrived in India
Google India Blog
Google Play Pass gives you access to 1000+ apps & games without any ads and in-app purchases, and that's finally available in India starting today.
The subnoscription is priced at Rs. 99/month and Rs. 889/year, one-month free trial is also available. You can also opt for a one month prepaid subnoscription at just Rs. 109. It also let you share with up to 5 other family members of a Family Group.
Google
Google Play Pass now in India: enjoy 1000+ apps and games without ads or in-app purchases
Google Play Pass is a subnoscription service that is currently available in 90 countries.
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#Messages
Google Messages can now remind you of your contact's birthday
Mishaal Rahman
Earlier we knew that Google is preparing birthday reminders in the Messages app, and that's starting to roll out for some.
You will see Happy birthday wording in the chat list with a birthday cake emoji beside the profile avatar. Tapping into it will show you a popup explaining the birthday info is extracted from your contacts listing.
If you preferred not to receive all these reminders, you can disable it over at Suggestions -> Nudges, then toggle Birthday reminders. This feature is currently rolling out via server side.
Google Messages can now remind you of your contact's birthday
Mishaal Rahman
Earlier we knew that Google is preparing birthday reminders in the Messages app, and that's starting to roll out for some.
You will see Happy birthday wording in the chat list with a birthday cake emoji beside the profile avatar. Tapping into it will show you a popup explaining the birthday info is extracted from your contacts listing.
If you preferred not to receive all these reminders, you can disable it over at Suggestions -> Nudges, then toggle Birthday reminders. This feature is currently rolling out via server side.
Twitter
Mishaal Rahman
Google Messages is rolling out birthday reminders for your contacts. This feature can be toggled in settings > Suggestions > Nudges. I have this on one of my devices but not all (running the same version), so it's yet another server-side update. H/T and screenshots:…
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#Pixel #Safety
Google Pixel gains Fast Emergency Dialer, let you dial local police, fire, and medical services much easier
Android Police | Support page
Sometimes you could face emergency situations, and a quick way to contact emergency services is really important. In a few days time, Google Pixel users will get Fast Emergency Dialer (FED) feature.
Currently, most phones offered Traditional Emergency Dialer (TED), which show you a dial pad and let you enter emergency numbers manually. With Fast Emergency Dialer, all those numbers will be listed automatically on your device, which includes police, fire, or medical services. The numbers will change according to the regions that you are in, this is especially handy for those who move from one place to another frequently.
The feature is likely to widely rollout with the March Feature Drop. There are two ways to get access to the feature once rolled out, either from the lock screen or the power menu options, tap on the Emergency option and use the slider. FED will be used by default on Pixel devices, but it will use back TED if the region doesn't support it.
Google Pixel gains Fast Emergency Dialer, let you dial local police, fire, and medical services much easier
Android Police | Support page
Sometimes you could face emergency situations, and a quick way to contact emergency services is really important. In a few days time, Google Pixel users will get Fast Emergency Dialer (FED) feature.
Currently, most phones offered Traditional Emergency Dialer (TED), which show you a dial pad and let you enter emergency numbers manually. With Fast Emergency Dialer, all those numbers will be listed automatically on your device, which includes police, fire, or medical services. The numbers will change according to the regions that you are in, this is especially handy for those who move from one place to another frequently.
The feature is likely to widely rollout with the March Feature Drop. There are two ways to get access to the feature once rolled out, either from the lock screen or the power menu options, tap on the Emergency option and use the slider. FED will be used by default on Pixel devices, but it will use back TED if the region doesn't support it.
Android Police
Google Pixels are getting a new Fast Emergency Dialer for local police, fire, and medical services
It may not work everywhere, but you have the old emergency dialer to fall back on
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#Gboard
You can create text-based stickers soon with Emoji Kitchen on Gboard
Android Police
Emoji are getting fun nowadays with Emoji Kitchen, you could mashup two emoji and make it looks unique and fun. Now Google is currently experimenting text and emoji combination.
You can get access to all these stickers by typing in several words with a emoji followed behind, it will then appear in the suggestion strip. Not all phrases are supported, but shorter phrases will have higher chance of success.
The feature seems to be currently available in the latest Gboard beta for now.
You can create text-based stickers soon with Emoji Kitchen on Gboard
Android Police
Emoji are getting fun nowadays with Emoji Kitchen, you could mashup two emoji and make it looks unique and fun. Now Google is currently experimenting text and emoji combination.
You can get access to all these stickers by typing in several words with a emoji followed behind, it will then appear in the suggestion strip. Not all phrases are supported, but shorter phrases will have higher chance of success.
The feature seems to be currently available in the latest Gboard beta for now.
#News
Progressive Web Apps installation captured 270% YoY growth
Chrome OS Dev
Google has been improving Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) over time, makes users feel they are using a native desktop app. As a result, more and more users are starting to use the feature and PWAs manage to see a success.
Google has shared some information in a blog post regarding the PWAs, they reported PWAs have grown by 270% since February 2021. The company also pointed out it contributed to the increasing use of Android apps in Chrome OS.
In the future, more and more sites might add support for PWAs which will further boost the installation number. To install a PWA on supported sites, click the Install icon in the address bar, then click on Install button and you are good to go.
Progressive Web Apps installation captured 270% YoY growth
Chrome OS Dev
Google has been improving Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) over time, makes users feel they are using a native desktop app. As a result, more and more users are starting to use the feature and PWAs manage to see a success.
Google has shared some information in a blog post regarding the PWAs, they reported PWAs have grown by 270% since February 2021. The company also pointed out it contributed to the increasing use of Android apps in Chrome OS.
In the future, more and more sites might add support for PWAs which will further boost the installation number. To install a PWA on supported sites, click the Install icon in the address bar, then click on Install button and you are good to go.
#Updates #Android #GooglePlay
Google Play System Update Changes: March 2022
A new month, a new Google Play system update, Google has listed out the changes for the month of March. By the way, some features like the Play Games service profile is already available without the need of this system update, anyway check the full changelog below.
Updated
Google Play services: v22.09 (March 1)
Google Play Store: v29.5 (March 1)
Critical Fixes
• [Auto, Phone, Tablet, TV, Wear OS] Bug fixes for device connectivity, developer services, safety & emergency, and utilities related services.
Games
• [Phone, TV] With the update to the Play Games Services profile, users will be able to better manage their privacy settings.
Google Play Store
• Improvements to Play-as-you-download feature to let gamers start playing mobile games while the app download continues to reduce waiting times.
• New Features to help you discover the Apps & Games you love.
• Optimizations allowing faster and more reliable download and installation.
• New features to the Play Pass and Play Points programs.
• Enhancements to Google Play Billing.
• Continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep your device safe.
• Various performance optimizations, bug fixes and improvements to security, stability and accessibility.
Wallet
• [Phone] Improved user experience and feature education for NFC/HCE-enabled devices.
System Management
• Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, stability, security and updatability.
Developer Services
• New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support ads, accessibility, analytics & diagnostics and machine learning & AI, and security & privacy related developer services in their apps.
Source:
Support Page
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Google Play System Update Changes: March 2022
A new month, a new Google Play system update, Google has listed out the changes for the month of March. By the way, some features like the Play Games service profile is already available without the need of this system update, anyway check the full changelog below.
Updated
Google Play services: v22.09 (March 1)
Google Play Store: v29.5 (March 1)
Critical Fixes
• [Auto, Phone, Tablet, TV, Wear OS] Bug fixes for device connectivity, developer services, safety & emergency, and utilities related services.
Games
• [Phone, TV] With the update to the Play Games Services profile, users will be able to better manage their privacy settings.
Google Play Store
• Improvements to Play-as-you-download feature to let gamers start playing mobile games while the app download continues to reduce waiting times.
• New Features to help you discover the Apps & Games you love.
• Optimizations allowing faster and more reliable download and installation.
• New features to the Play Pass and Play Points programs.
• Enhancements to Google Play Billing.
• Continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep your device safe.
• Various performance optimizations, bug fixes and improvements to security, stability and accessibility.
Wallet
• [Phone] Improved user experience and feature education for NFC/HCE-enabled devices.
System Management
• Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, stability, security and updatability.
Developer Services
• New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support ads, accessibility, analytics & diagnostics and machine learning & AI, and security & privacy related developer services in their apps.
Source:
Support Page
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#Apps #Google
Google app gains darker dark theme
9To5Google
Earlier we saw that Google is starting to test out pure black theme on the web, and now the company seems to be testing out darker dark theme for the Android app too.
This time it's not a pure black theme, instead it's a darker gray (#171717, #202124 currently on stable version) When searching for results, the upper part is also darker now. This change come directly with the beta version of the app.
Download (13.8 beta):
Play Store | APKMirror
Google app gains darker dark theme
9To5Google
Earlier we saw that Google is starting to test out pure black theme on the web, and now the company seems to be testing out darker dark theme for the Android app too.
This time it's not a pure black theme, instead it's a darker gray (#171717, #202124 currently on stable version) When searching for results, the upper part is also darker now. This change come directly with the beta version of the app.
Download (13.8 beta):
Play Store | APKMirror
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#News #Pay #StopRussianAggression
Apple Pay and Google Pay no longer works in Russia
Jason Corcoran (Twitter)
A lot of stuff have happened over the past few days. More and more companies are starting to take actions against Russia, and recently both Apple and Google Pay have started to apply restriction to some Russian banks.
The two companies have already restricted transaction for several Russian bank cards, including VTB Group, Sovcombank, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank and Otkritie, which mean citizens won't be able to do any payment with them. As a result, those people who rely on one of these two services are required to withdraw cash from ATMs, and causing ATMs to even run out of money.
*Could the year 2022 be any worse? COVID-19 pandemic is still there, Ukraine Russia conflict currently ongoing, hopefully this don't trigger a bigger war, we wish everyone can live happily, peacefully and most importantly, healthily.
Apple Pay and Google Pay no longer works in Russia
Jason Corcoran (Twitter)
A lot of stuff have happened over the past few days. More and more companies are starting to take actions against Russia, and recently both Apple and Google Pay have started to apply restriction to some Russian banks.
The two companies have already restricted transaction for several Russian bank cards, including VTB Group, Sovcombank, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank and Otkritie, which mean citizens won't be able to do any payment with them. As a result, those people who rely on one of these two services are required to withdraw cash from ATMs, and causing ATMs to even run out of money.
*Could the year 2022 be any worse? COVID-19 pandemic is still there, Ukraine Russia conflict currently ongoing, hopefully this don't trigger a bigger war, we wish everyone can live happily, peacefully and most importantly, healthily.
Twitter
Jason Corcoran
Apple Pay and Google Pay no longer work on Moscow's metro system, leading to long queues as people fumble about for cash
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#Pixel #Pixel6a #PixelWatch
Google Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a spotted in inventory system, hinting at retail launch soon
Android Police
Google seems to be ready to launch Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a at a later date soon, as a source told Android Police that both of these devices have been added to a US carrier's inventory system.
Pixel Watch is reported to have the codename "rohan." The database suggests it will be sold in gray, black, and gold three color variants and come with 32GB of storage, same as Apple Watch Series 7. It is also spotted that the carrier doesn't sell non-cellular smartwatches, hinting that the watch would have eSIM connectivity.
Besides, Pixel 6a is in the listing too, it will come with the codename "bluejay," and available in black, white, and green three colors as well. The device is set to come with a 128GB of storage.
It's likely that both of these devices could be launching in this May with the Google I/O event, but these aren't confirmed yet and we don't know about the pricing too. so take it as a grain of salt for now.
Google Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a spotted in inventory system, hinting at retail launch soon
Android Police
Google seems to be ready to launch Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a at a later date soon, as a source told Android Police that both of these devices have been added to a US carrier's inventory system.
Pixel Watch is reported to have the codename "rohan." The database suggests it will be sold in gray, black, and gold three color variants and come with 32GB of storage, same as Apple Watch Series 7. It is also spotted that the carrier doesn't sell non-cellular smartwatches, hinting that the watch would have eSIM connectivity.
Besides, Pixel 6a is in the listing too, it will come with the codename "bluejay," and available in black, white, and green three colors as well. The device is set to come with a 128GB of storage.
It's likely that both of these devices could be launching in this May with the Google I/O event, but these aren't confirmed yet and we don't know about the pricing too. so take it as a grain of salt for now.
Android Police
Google Pixel Watch pops up alongside Pixel 6a in carrier inventory system
Colors and storage capacities, too
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#YTMusic
YouTube Music desktop web let you switch between song & video on the Now Playing page
9To5Google
YouTube Music mobile app has already been offering a switcher to let you switch between playing audio or video, and that's arriving for more users on the web version.
If you preferred just listening to the music, just click on "Song" option in the switcher. You can also easily switch back to play the music video anytime you want, the playback position will be retained so your listening experience won't get interrupted.
Same as the mobile app, the switcher is only available to use if you are a Premium subscriber.
YouTube Music desktop web let you switch between song & video on the Now Playing page
9To5Google
YouTube Music mobile app has already been offering a switcher to let you switch between playing audio or video, and that's arriving for more users on the web version.
If you preferred just listening to the music, just click on "Song" option in the switcher. You can also easily switch back to play the music video anytime you want, the playback position will be retained so your listening experience won't get interrupted.
Same as the mobile app, the switcher is only available to use if you are a Premium subscriber.
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#Apps #Recorder
Google Recorder 3.5 bring in dynamic color support and added Quick Settings tile
9To5Google
The smart voice recorder by Google got a minor update.
If you are using Android 12 on your Pixel, then you will find that there is dynamic color support which follow your device wallpaper accent color (screenshot attached is from Android 11).
The rewind and skip buttons are larger with the play/pause button becoming circle-shaped. The top part of the toolbar background now matched the bottom one, separating from the audio waveform. Audio and Trannoscript switcher is larger with the position being moved slightly upwards.
There is also a new quick settings tile, which allows you to start and stop the recording. When you start recording, you will also noticed the pause button is in square-shaped and the time of recording is written on top. Lastly, you can now let the app change light and theme automatically according to your system.
The update isn't widely rollout for now.
Download (3.5):
Play Store
Google Recorder 3.5 bring in dynamic color support and added Quick Settings tile
9To5Google
The smart voice recorder by Google got a minor update.
If you are using Android 12 on your Pixel, then you will find that there is dynamic color support which follow your device wallpaper accent color (screenshot attached is from Android 11).
The rewind and skip buttons are larger with the play/pause button becoming circle-shaped. The top part of the toolbar background now matched the bottom one, separating from the audio waveform. Audio and Trannoscript switcher is larger with the position being moved slightly upwards.
There is also a new quick settings tile, which allows you to start and stop the recording. When you start recording, you will also noticed the pause button is in square-shaped and the time of recording is written on top. Lastly, you can now let the app change light and theme automatically according to your system.
The update isn't widely rollout for now.
Download (3.5):
Play Store
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#Workspace #Forms
Google Forms will soon works better with your documents & presentation slides
Google Workspace Updates
Google Forms is a great tool to gather people's feedback or opinion and later make it as a data report for your project. Well, Google had added some sprinkle to it, making it works better in Google Docs, Slides & Drawing.
For a long time, you were required to copy the chart manually and paste it at the place you want. With the upcoming tool, you can just embedded it and when there's update made to the chart, it's as simple as clicking on the "Update" button and done. That's mean you no longer need to copy the updated chart from the form and later paste it again in your documents.
It will be rolling out to everyone, including personal Google accounts over the next two weeks.
Google Forms will soon works better with your documents & presentation slides
Google Workspace Updates
Google Forms is a great tool to gather people's feedback or opinion and later make it as a data report for your project. Well, Google had added some sprinkle to it, making it works better in Google Docs, Slides & Drawing.
For a long time, you were required to copy the chart manually and paste it at the place you want. With the upcoming tool, you can just embedded it and when there's update made to the chart, it's as simple as clicking on the "Update" button and done. That's mean you no longer need to copy the updated chart from the form and later paste it again in your documents.
It will be rolling out to everyone, including personal Google accounts over the next two weeks.