A big new set of services began rolling out to Firebase users today. Google's mainstream service for push messaging and other app services just announced an assortment of new capabilities. The big addition in this update is a new in-app messaging feature that enables quick announcements and offers to users, and can be tied to certain user behaviors. There are also big revisions to the management console and statistics tracking views, upgrades to the Crashlytics services, a new history view for Remote Config, and more.
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Firebase announces new in-app messaging capabilities, enhancements to the console and Crashlytics services, and more
Niantic Kids Parent Portal brings new child-oversight controls to 'Pokémon Go'
"Pokémon Go" developer Niantic Labs has announced that it's partnered with kid-focused web service company SuperAwesome to create a new platform called Niantic Kids Parent Portal. With it, parents can manage accounts for their kids, "review and approve [their] child’s permissions," and control what information about the child is shared.
Read MoreSamsung Brazil tried passing two stock photos off as Galaxy A8 camera samples
Remember when Huawei tried passing a photo from a $4,500 camera off as one from the then-new P9? Samsung Brazil's just done the same thing, but with a lot less justification, by attempting to pass a stock photo off as a sample from the Galaxy A8's front-facing camera - twice.
Read MoreConfidential Mode comes to Gmail Android app
Google's big Gmail redesign earlier this year added a handful of new features, including Confidential Mode. The Android app hasn't gotten all the new Gmail tools, but Confidential Mode is rolling out today. You don't even need to update the app—just take a peek in the menu.
Read MoreNew Google Express stores arrive by the dozens, as expansion continues unrestrained
It hasn't even been two weeks since we last shared with you a list of the latest retail partners to sign up with Google Express. The company's online-shopping platform has seen some tremendous growth over the course of the past few months, but the pace really feels like it's been picking up lately.
Read MoreReport: Google to open its first flagship retail store in Chicago
Google's most frequent corporate comparison is Apple, but one significant difference between the two tech titans is their differing retail presence. Although Google has occasionally had pop-up stores and some limited existence inside other retailers like Best Buy and Curry's, it's never had its own dedicated retail stores—though it was previously rumored to be working on a set in India. But, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune, Google may be close to finalizing a lease alleged to be used for a new retail flagship in Chicago's Fulton Market district.
Read MoreGoogle Duo turns two years old today
Two years ago today, Google released its 'Duo' video chat app for iPhone and Android. It was designed to replace the video chat component of Hangouts, just as Allo was supposed to supplant Hangouts' messaging functionality. Fast forward to the present, and Duo has definitely achieved its goal of making cross-platform video chat easier, even if it's not the runaway success Google probably hoped for.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Third-party Twitter apps got a lot worse today, thanks to Twitter
Twitter has a long and complicated relationship with the app developers who connect to its platform. As far back as 2011, Twitter said devs should avoid making apps that feature the same functionality as its own clients, and the now-infamous token limit came along in 2012. After temporarily pausing the rollout of new APIs earlier this year, Twitter is now moving ahead.
Read MoreWhatsApp backups to stop counting against your Google Drive storage allowance
If you're one of the 1.5 billion WhatsApp users of the world, you'll know how important it is to back up your messages. Google Drive backups are conveniently built into the app but have always taken up valuable bytes of your storage quota. Starting later this year, WhatsApp is teaming up with Google to make backups entirely free.
Read MoreGoogle Pay adds 111 more US financial institutions
How many First National Banks could there be? Turns out it's a lot. Google Pay has recently picked up five more First Nationals (and one 1st National), plus 105 more institutions across the United States.
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