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One of the best things about modern technology is that it's taking over some of the tasks that we simply shouldn't have to make time for. I can't count the number of times I've posted up next to my front door with my laptop to make sure I was around when a package was delivered. Google is preparing to introduce a new feature for Nest Hello units that will let us know when packages are left at the door and when they're picked up.
Smartphone filmographers were treated to something special when Moment began shipping its new anamorphic lens to Kickstarter backers back in August. For those that aren't familiar with anamorphic lenses, they allow a camera with a square-ish sensor (4:3 aspect ratio) to capture a widescreen image, 2.40:1 in this case. This is done by ("squeezing") optically compressing an image on a single axis. The footage can be "de-squeezed" or stretched afterward to look normal.
As we continue to wait for things like proper spam blocking and true universal RCS support for everybody, we can still look to Google Messages to bring some new features. The latest update is testing a new Assistant integration in the attachments screen, and a teardown shows that Federated Learning is growing beyond its starting point in Gboard. There's also a hint about a reminder notification that could help us deal with messages a little more efficiently.
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"Run and gun" has become a mantra for many YouTubers and filmmakers these days. It doesn't matter if you're a travel vlogger or directing a short film, you're probably eager to begin cutting together footage on the ride back from the field, not waiting until you're back in the office (or at home). There are plenty of good video editors available for Android, but none of them offer a seamless transition between working on a smartphone or tablet, then moving to a desktop to do finishing work. Today, Adobe is bridging that gap with the launch of Premiere Rush for Android.
YouTube is undeniably one of the most influential platforms in the world; and when it comes to product marketing, there's no place better. Google recognizes this and is preparing to integrate Google Shopping into YouTube in the near future. While there are plenty of implications, we're going to focus on a specific feature that uses AR technology to help customers shop for makeup.
If you're a smartphone photog — or just a fan of stylish cases — Moment is a name you've probably seen popping up over the years. The product lineup is growing a bit larger today with the introduction of Photo Cases for the OnePlus 7 Pro and a Wallet Case for the Pixel 3. And in case you hadn't already seen them, Photo Cases were also recently added for the Pixel 3a.
There are so many announcements at Google I/O, keeping track of them all is a bit daunting. While many of the sessions are intended for developers, there are still a lot of details that might directly impact users, or at least the indirect impacts can be fairly obvious. That's where a lot of topics from the What's New in Google Play session land. Some of the news was about brand new announcements while other things were recaps of recent launches or minor updates to current projects. Regardless, everybody will be seeing a lot of changes over the next several months, be it more varied listings for apps, (hopefully) fewer bizarre disappearances of apps, and lighter weight downloads and installs.
While Google I/O is on everybody's mind, there are still plenty of other big things happening. The latest update to the Google Phone app is rolling out now, and like most updates, there's not much to see outside of a few visual tweaks. However, clues inside the apk reveal that we can look forward to getting audio recordings from Call Screen interactions, send wrong number calls packing, and make emergency calls without having to speak.
Android Q already introduced a new feature that allows users to restrict an app's access to location data so it is only available while the app is in the foreground. Along with this change, a new screen was also added to Settings that gives users far more visibility of current settings and which apps have recently used this access to get your position. A new aspect of these enhancements was introduced during the Google I/O keynote that will give reminders to users when an app is accessing location while sitting in the background.
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Wear OS has gone through quite a few evolutions over the last five years as it adopted apps, watch faces with custom complications, changes to notifications, and so on. The next big change is coming soon as Google prepares to take another step on the path it began with the last major update, and it's going to be called Tiles.
Most people know the Moment name for its interchangeable smartphone camera lenses or some great looking cases, but last year the company also launched a new camera app designed to present manual controls in an intuitive interface. A major update is rolling out now that adds several new and enhanced features, including a few you wouldn't find very often outside of dedicated camera hardware. To celebrate, Moment is also running a sale for app buyers of 15% off everything in their shop.
The latest update to Google Messages is out and sporting much the same look as always. The major notes to be seen are in the teardown, which brings a few smaller details related to RCS settings and Verified SMS, hints at an auto-reply feature for spam messages, a change to the audio clip recorder, and a little refocusing on the upcoming Google Assistant integration.
Gboard's latest update is out, but there no particularly notable differences have been spotted lurking in the interface. Instead, this update seems to be preparing a couple of changes that will end a year-long run for the Make A GIF feature and bring a couple data privacy options to users.
A new version of the Google Home app is rolling out, but there aren't any visible changes making their way out with this one. Instead, this update seems to be focused mostly on adding initial support for some new hardware, including something that sounds like a smart home hub called Zion, and a security device called Castell that may be a door lock. There's also a little motion on a previously teased device that will likely be the Nest Hub Max, and some details on a new "Reactive UI" feature that lights up as you approach.
Google Play Books adopted the latest iteration of the Google Material theme back in January, doing away with the colorful version that exemplified the original Material Design. This update doesn't have quite as many striking changes, but it does bring functional improvements and a little more customizability to some of the features. Most of the additions are focused on Audiobooks, but you'll also find new icons for the app shortcuts.
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Google Messages just received its 4.2 update today as it adds a subtle but potentially valuable feature: Sending generic file types. Yes, you can now send files without being limited to just the standard photo and video collection. A teardown also brings follow-ups to the topics of Verified SMS and Google Assistant integration.
The latest update to the Google Home app is out, but it's not going to give you much to look at in the form of live changes. Instead, this update appears to be largely focused on adding new hardware support for Nest security products, and possibly a few others. There's also a new feature in the works called Talk and Listen that could be a solid enhancement to the Broadcast feature.
The latest update to Gboard is making the rounds, and this one appears to be taking another stab at enabling the clipboard manager. Meanwhile, this update also sets the stage for additional features to be added to the overflow menu, an improved Japanese keyboard, a Pixel-specific theme, and more.
As Google progressively moves things around to comply with the ever-changing design guidelines, we see apps catching up as each new change appears. Google Pay's latest move pushes the account switcher out of the navigation drawer and into the top right corner. This matches other apps like Gmail that have recently seen their own visual updates. Functionally, nothing else has changed, and there aren't any other noticeable visual tweaks to Google's Material theme at this time.