#News #Android
Android statues become mysterious as it vanished from Google's HQ
Android Authority
Recently, it is discovered that all the Android statues are no longer standing at Google headquarters anymore.
Google used to make one new status as they released a new version of Android, all the way till Android 9 Pie. Later, they ditched the public easter egg name altogether starting with Android 10, and from that version on we didn't see a new Android statue from Google anymore.
On Google Maps, a lot of recent visitors have commented that the place looks abandoned, it's just completely empty with only dirt patches left. Well, it's definitely sad to hear it, but a few months ago when the statues were still there, a lot of them also complained that the conditions weren't great either.
Possibilities are Google could have taken them to give them some repairs, but no one else knows. Anyways, Google I/O is happening on May 11~12 this year, and they could announce the reopening of the Android statue park, time will tell.
Android statues become mysterious as it vanished from Google's HQ
Android Authority
Recently, it is discovered that all the Android statues are no longer standing at Google headquarters anymore.
Google used to make one new status as they released a new version of Android, all the way till Android 9 Pie. Later, they ditched the public easter egg name altogether starting with Android 10, and from that version on we didn't see a new Android statue from Google anymore.
On Google Maps, a lot of recent visitors have commented that the place looks abandoned, it's just completely empty with only dirt patches left. Well, it's definitely sad to hear it, but a few months ago when the statues were still there, a lot of them also complained that the conditions weren't great either.
Possibilities are Google could have taken them to give them some repairs, but no one else knows. Anyways, Google I/O is happening on May 11~12 this year, and they could announce the reopening of the Android statue park, time will tell.
Android Authority
The Android lawn statues have disappeared from Google HQ, but here's why
Google's park filled with Android statues representing each of the released versions now lays barren. Where did the statues go?
#Pixel6
Pixel 6 series gain official certification for Verizon C-Band 5G with March update
George Koroneos (Twitter)
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are set to get official support for the C-Band 5G on the Verizon network.
As reported by a Verizon representative, George Koroneos has confirmed that the Pixel 6 series are officially certified to access Verizon Wireless C-Band 5G. He also mentioned the upcoming March update is releasing "later today," which has also been confirmed by The Verge.
The update is yet to be released, but it should be rolling out in a few hours if everything goes well on Google's side, hopefully it is.
Pixel 6 series gain official certification for Verizon C-Band 5G with March update
George Koroneos (Twitter)
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are set to get official support for the C-Band 5G on the Verizon network.
As reported by a Verizon representative, George Koroneos has confirmed that the Pixel 6 series are officially certified to access Verizon Wireless C-Band 5G. He also mentioned the upcoming March update is releasing "later today," which has also been confirmed by The Verge.
The update is yet to be released, but it should be rolling out in a few hours if everything goes well on Google's side, hopefully it is.
Twitter
George Koroneos 🗿🍹
The wait is over! @Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have officially been certified to work on @Verizon's 5G C-Band network, giving you access to the full power of 5G Ultra Wideband. Phones will be updated via a software update that will begin rolling out later…
#Updates #Pixel6
Android 12L + March 2022 Security Patch for Pixel 6 series is rolling out!
Pixel Feature Drop & ton of fixes | Previous post
Two weeks later, the March Feature Drop update and Android 12L is finally arriving for both Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro devices. With the Android 12L release, Google has fixed tons of issues that have existed on Android 12. Besides, those who are on the Verizon network can enjoy the new C-Band 5G.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Pixel 6: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Images | OTA
*Build ID: SP2A.220305.013.A3
Source:
Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Android 12L + March 2022 Security Patch for Pixel 6 series is rolling out!
Pixel Feature Drop & ton of fixes | Previous post
Two weeks later, the March Feature Drop update and Android 12L is finally arriving for both Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro devices. With the Android 12L release, Google has fixed tons of issues that have existed on Android 12. Besides, those who are on the Verizon network can enjoy the new C-Band 5G.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Pixel 6: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Images | OTA
*Build ID: SP2A.220305.013.A3
Source:
Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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Forwarded from Google Pixel 6/6a/6 Pro | Updates (DarkPlayer)
#A12 #A12L #A13
Pixel Launcher Mods 2.0.1 | Android 12+
Updated: 21/3/2022
▪️Download [31.3 MB]
▪️FAQ
▪️Source code (GitHub)
Changelog:
• Open source rebase of Pixel Launcher Mods. It retains the original features - icon & label changes, icon packs, resizing widgets, but has few new features too.
• Fixed overlay signing issue that was leading to Magisk overlay issues (from v2.0)
By @KieronQuinn
Follow @Pixel6Updates
Join @Pixel6Chat
Pixel Launcher Mods 2.0.1 | Android 12+
Updated: 21/3/2022
▪️Download [31.3 MB]
▪️FAQ
▪️Source code (GitHub)
Changelog:
• Open source rebase of Pixel Launcher Mods. It retains the original features - icon & label changes, icon packs, resizing widgets, but has few new features too.
• Fixed overlay signing issue that was leading to Magisk overlay issues (from v2.0)
By @KieronQuinn
Follow @Pixel6Updates
Join @Pixel6Chat
GitHub
Releases · KieronQuinn/PixelLauncherMods
A root app that enables you to add a number of features to the stock Pixel Launcher, without needing Xposed - KieronQuinn/PixelLauncherMods
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#Android #A13
Pixel Launcher's search bar will be able to show more results
Mishaal Rahman
Pixel Launcher on Android 13 is about to get smarter, as it will have the ability to show more search results soon.
As shown by Mishaal Rahman, when using the search bar in Pixel Launcher, you will get results to application widgets and Google search suggestions, which isn't there on Android 12 or 12L yet. For Google Photos results, that is currently an A/B test which you can learn more about over here. He also mentioned this is possible with the help of Android System Intelligence system application.
The feature isn't enabled by default and is hidden behind a flag, it is reportedly not working in the past but has started to get functional recently.
Pixel Launcher's search bar will be able to show more results
Mishaal Rahman
Pixel Launcher on Android 13 is about to get smarter, as it will have the ability to show more search results soon.
As shown by Mishaal Rahman, when using the search bar in Pixel Launcher, you will get results to application widgets and Google search suggestions, which isn't there on Android 12 or 12L yet. For Google Photos results, that is currently an A/B test which you can learn more about over here. He also mentioned this is possible with the help of Android System Intelligence system application.
The feature isn't enabled by default and is hidden behind a flag, it is reportedly not working in the past but has started to get functional recently.
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#News #Phone #Messages
Google quietly collect your call logs and text message without you being aware
Android Police
It's no surprise that by using Google services, Google will collect some personal information from the device you are using, and a recent research found out that Google is silently collecting your call logs & SMS messages content.
The research paper mentioned that both Phone & Messages app by Google don't have a privacy policy explaining what data will be collected, and the fact they require third-party apps on Play Store to have one, Goolag moment.
Nowadays a lot of Android phones shipped with either the Phone app, Messages app or both of them. Imagine the amount of data is holding, it’s enormous. Anyway, if you’re concerned about your privacy, you should better opt for open source dialer and messaging applications.
Google quietly collect your call logs and text message without you being aware
Android Police
It's no surprise that by using Google services, Google will collect some personal information from the device you are using, and a recent research found out that Google is silently collecting your call logs & SMS messages content.
The research paper mentioned that both Phone & Messages app by Google don't have a privacy policy explaining what data will be collected, and the fact they require third-party apps on Play Store to have one, Goolag moment.
Nowadays a lot of Android phones shipped with either the Phone app, Messages app or both of them. Imagine the amount of data is holding, it’s enormous. Anyway, if you’re concerned about your privacy, you should better opt for open source dialer and messaging applications.
Android Police
Privacy advocates raise concern over Google's access to Messages and Phone metadata
Don't worry, no one's reading your texts
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#Gmail
Gmail on Android pushing new notification icons for Chat and Spaces
9to5Google
The Gmail mobile app isn't just an ordinary email application, it also has Google Chat & Meet built-in. When you received Google Chat notifications from the Gmail app, you used to just see a filled in message bubble with an empty one followed behind, but Google might soon differentiate Chat & Space notifications.
For Chat, you will just see an empty message bubble (2nd icon) while for Spaces, you see an icon of three people gathering together (3rd icon), which matches the icon in the bottom bar of the app. This change is currently rolling out via server side, so it will take quite a while till it reaches everyone.
Gmail on Android pushing new notification icons for Chat and Spaces
9to5Google
The Gmail mobile app isn't just an ordinary email application, it also has Google Chat & Meet built-in. When you received Google Chat notifications from the Gmail app, you used to just see a filled in message bubble with an empty one followed behind, but Google might soon differentiate Chat & Space notifications.
For Chat, you will just see an empty message bubble (2nd icon) while for Spaces, you see an icon of three people gathering together (3rd icon), which matches the icon in the bottom bar of the app. This change is currently rolling out via server side, so it will take quite a while till it reaches everyone.
#ChromeOS
Chrome OS preparing new 'Float on by' screensaver
Android Police
Google is adding a new screensaver animation for Chrome OS, and it comes with some Material You touches.
The new screensaver is given the name "Float on by," you can either choose the art gallery provided by Google or use your Google Photos library as the image source. You also might probably notice something familiar in the screensaver, the Material You floating blobs.
The screensaver can currently be found on Chrome OS Canary version 101.0.4950.0 or later, which should arrive on the stable channel in a few months time.
Chrome OS preparing new 'Float on by' screensaver
Android Police
Google is adding a new screensaver animation for Chrome OS, and it comes with some Material You touches.
The new screensaver is given the name "Float on by," you can either choose the art gallery provided by Google or use your Google Photos library as the image source. You also might probably notice something familiar in the screensaver, the Material You floating blobs.
The screensaver can currently be found on Chrome OS Canary version 101.0.4950.0 or later, which should arrive on the stable channel in a few months time.
#ChromeOS
Chrome OS is getting Steam support, available now
The Chromium Projects
Earlier Google has confirmed to the public that Steam is arriving on Chrome OS, but with no information on where to get or try it, and today, it's finally here.
Only seven Chromebooks are eligible to try out the alpha version of Steam for now:
• Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W)
• Acer Chromebook 515 (CB515-1W)
• Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-3W)
• ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500)
• ASUS Chromebook CX9 (CX9400)
• HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook
• Lenovo 5i-14 Chromebook
Note that you will need a configuration of Chromebooks with an 11th Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and a minimum amount of 8GB RAM. Otherwise, the device isn't eligible to try it out.
To give Steam a try on your Chromebooks:
1. You'll need to switch over to the Dev channel of Chrome OS
2. Next, enable
3. Open a crosh terminal with
As this is still an early alpha version of Steam for Chrome OS, only 48 game noscripts are confirmed to be working well on the platform. There are also some known issues which you can learn over at the website.
Chrome OS is getting Steam support, available now
The Chromium Projects
Earlier Google has confirmed to the public that Steam is arriving on Chrome OS, but with no information on where to get or try it, and today, it's finally here.
Only seven Chromebooks are eligible to try out the alpha version of Steam for now:
• Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W)
• Acer Chromebook 515 (CB515-1W)
• Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-3W)
• ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500)
• ASUS Chromebook CX9 (CX9400)
• HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook
• Lenovo 5i-14 Chromebook
Note that you will need a configuration of Chromebooks with an 11th Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and a minimum amount of 8GB RAM. Otherwise, the device isn't eligible to try it out.
To give Steam a try on your Chromebooks:
1. You'll need to switch over to the Dev channel of Chrome OS
2. Next, enable
chrome://flags#borealis-enabled flag then restart the device.3. Open a crosh terminal with
ctrl+alt+t
4. Type the command insert_coin volteer-JOlkth573FBLGa
5. After that, hit enter and follow the setup installer, you'll be able to install successfully and start using it.As this is still an early alpha version of Steam for Chrome OS, only 48 game noscripts are confirmed to be working well on the platform. There are also some known issues which you can learn over at the website.
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#Photos
Google Photos update let you browse and share photos easier
Google Blog
Google Photos has got some useful updates, which make it easier to browse and share photos.
The library tab give users the ability to filter album type and sort it. Locked Folder, Utilities, Archive, and Trash have been moved to the bottom of the page, with a new “Import photos” option added, which can copy photos from other services, digital cameras and more.
The Sharing tab has also been improved. Previously it showed everything in a single list, with the new update it is separated into several sections, Partner Sharing on the top, followed by shared albums, conversations and shared links at the end.
Lastly, on the main homepage of Google Photos, you will see a shortcut to the Screenshot folder of your device. There will also be contextual suggestions when viewing a screenshot which has been shown earlier.
Google Photos update let you browse and share photos easier
Google Blog
Google Photos has got some useful updates, which make it easier to browse and share photos.
The library tab give users the ability to filter album type and sort it. Locked Folder, Utilities, Archive, and Trash have been moved to the bottom of the page, with a new “Import photos” option added, which can copy photos from other services, digital cameras and more.
The Sharing tab has also been improved. Previously it showed everything in a single list, with the new update it is separated into several sections, Partner Sharing on the top, followed by shared albums, conversations and shared links at the end.
Lastly, on the main homepage of Google Photos, you will see a shortcut to the Screenshot folder of your device. There will also be contextual suggestions when viewing a screenshot which has been shown earlier.
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#PlayStore #GoogleTV
Play Store killing Movies & TV tab in favor of Google TV
Google Play Community
Earlier Google rebranded Google Play Movies & TV as Google TV, and now they are set to drop the Movies & TV tab from the Play Store.
Google has announced starting in May, the Movies & TV tab will no longer be available on the Play Store. Instead, the Google TV app is where you can continue to buy, rent and watch movies on your Android devices.
This change won't impact your existing library, wishlist, reviews and payment method. It's basically just migrating the service all over to the Google TV app.
Play Store killing Movies & TV tab in favor of Google TV
Google Play Community
Earlier Google rebranded Google Play Movies & TV as Google TV, and now they are set to drop the Movies & TV tab from the Play Store.
Google has announced starting in May, the Movies & TV tab will no longer be available on the Play Store. Instead, the Google TV app is where you can continue to buy, rent and watch movies on your Android devices.
This change won't impact your existing library, wishlist, reviews and payment method. It's basically just migrating the service all over to the Google TV app.
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#YouTube
YouTube made 100 TV shows available for free with ads
YouTube Blog
YouTube announced they are expanding their TV shows library with nearly 4,000 episodes from over 100 TV shows. Some of them include Hell’s Kitchen, Andromeda, Heartland, Kitchen Nightmares, Relic Hunter, and Silk Stalkings.
All these TV shows are only made available in the US though, joining over 1,500 movies from Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, Warner Bros, and more. If you have a YouTube Premium subnoscription, you can enjoy an ad-free experience. YouTube also said they will add “up to 100 new noscripts each week.”
YouTube made 100 TV shows available for free with ads
YouTube Blog
YouTube announced they are expanding their TV shows library with nearly 4,000 episodes from over 100 TV shows. Some of them include Hell’s Kitchen, Andromeda, Heartland, Kitchen Nightmares, Relic Hunter, and Silk Stalkings.
All these TV shows are only made available in the US though, joining over 1,500 movies from Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, Warner Bros, and more. If you have a YouTube Premium subnoscription, you can enjoy an ad-free experience. YouTube also said they will add “up to 100 new noscripts each week.”
blog.youtube
Stream full seasons of TV for free on YouTube
A new way to enjoy classic favorites
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#Chrome
Chrome rolling out Side Panel feature, easily access reading list and bookmarks
Mishaal Rahman
Google is widely rolling out side panel on Chrome 99 for desktop, which gives you access to your bookmarks & reading list.
It is located at the toolbar between the Extensions panel and profile avatar. Tapping on it will open up the side panel and resize the web page accordingly.
For the reading list, there will be options for you to mark as read or delete it, and there is "Add current tab" option which lets you easily add it to your reading list. Meanwhile you can see all your bookmarks in a vertical format with the side panel.
Chrome rolling out Side Panel feature, easily access reading list and bookmarks
Mishaal Rahman
Google is widely rolling out side panel on Chrome 99 for desktop, which gives you access to your bookmarks & reading list.
It is located at the toolbar between the Extensions panel and profile avatar. Tapping on it will open up the side panel and resize the web page accordingly.
For the reading list, there will be options for you to mark as read or delete it, and there is "Add current tab" option which lets you easily add it to your reading list. Meanwhile you can see all your bookmarks in a vertical format with the side panel.
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#GooglePlay #PlayStore
Google might no longer force Play Store users to use its billing system
Android Developers Blog | Spotify
If you don't know yet, Google collects 15% to 30% of commissions from payments made through their billing system. For the first time ever, they have announced to bring "User Choice Billing," currently available with Spotify first.
Users who have downloaded Spotify from the Play Store will get the option to pay through Play Billing or Spotify's payment system. Google partnered up with Spotify to test this new payment system in several regions for now. Spotify mentioned that it will eventually be made available to "countries around the world."
Google also mentioned they will bring this payment system to more developers and make it available for more applications soon. This change is made in context of the South Korea law, which mandates app stores are required to accept third-party payment systems in addition to their own one.
Google might no longer force Play Store users to use its billing system
Android Developers Blog | Spotify
If you don't know yet, Google collects 15% to 30% of commissions from payments made through their billing system. For the first time ever, they have announced to bring "User Choice Billing," currently available with Spotify first.
Users who have downloaded Spotify from the Play Store will get the option to pay through Play Billing or Spotify's payment system. Google partnered up with Spotify to test this new payment system in several regions for now. Spotify mentioned that it will eventually be made available to "countries around the world."
Google also mentioned they will bring this payment system to more developers and make it available for more applications soon. This change is made in context of the South Korea law, which mandates app stores are required to accept third-party payment systems in addition to their own one.
Android Developers Blog
Exploring User Choice Billing With First Innovation Partner Spotify
Posted by Sameer Samat, Vice President, Product Management Mobile apps have transformed our lives. They help us stay informed and ...
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