Our digital security is tremendously important. With all the information stored online, and the necessity that the internet imposes on modern life, we must keep our most important accounts secure. One of the best ways to do that is via two-factor authentication, augmenting a password with a second identity challenge. With Android being the usual subject in these parts, and a Google account being a requirement to use Android to its utmost, do you have two-factor security set up on your primary Google account?
Read MoreGoogle takes first steps to support both Fi and Voice on a single account
Google has silently taken the first step in disentangling Google Fi from Google Voice, with the stated goal of supporting both on a single Google account. Late last year, the company revealed that it was changing how Fi would store voicemails, separating them from Google Voice, but keeping them accessible otherwise in all the same locations as before.
Read MoreGoogle account switcher for web gets new material design treatment
Every piece of software that Google makes is being reworked to get design uniformity across the board under the new material guidelines. Then why should the poor account switcher be left behind? The Google account switcher on the web is undergoing a redesign after its mobile counterpart got switching gestures and direct access to account settings.
Read MoreRedesigned 'Google' section in Settings spotted, matches Google Account changes from last year
Last year, a fresh new look for the Google Account page buried in Settings on most Android phones rolled out, bringing with it a new centered layout and updated fonts. More recently, we've received a few reports that the even more basic "Google" section in Settings is being updated to match it. Although we don't all see the new design, it appears to be in testing or rolling out as we speak.
Read MorePopular
Chrome OS 76 released to stable with Android-style media controls, virtual desktop support, and more
Following a bit of a hiccup when it came to the previous Chrome OS 75 release, Chrome OS 76 has been pushed to the Stable Channel and is rolling out to some devices. As well as picking up features from Chrome 76, the latest release includes Android-style notification media controls, support for virtual desktops, some accessibility improvements, and GPU acceleration for some Chromebooks in Crostini/Linux containers, among a whole pile of other changes — and you'll get to hear about most of them via the new "What's new with your Chromebook?" release notes notification when you upgrade.
Read MoreCautionary tale: Hackers hijack phone number, break into man's Google account, then try to steal $25K
Identity theft via hacking or social engineering is a common problem these days, and the results can quickly spiral out of control, locking you out of the accounts you depend on permanently, as in the case of today's horror story. A contributor over at ZDNet recently suffered what can only be called a total security meltdown in the space of a week when a hacker gained access to his Google account via a SIM-swap attack.
Read More[Update: Your data in Maps] Google Maps rolls out updated account manager, gets rid of Google+ cover photo in side menu
At I/O, Google emphasized a new account picker for several of its apps that lets you easily manage your Google account and would soon add an Incognito mode in Maps and Search. The picker is already live in several apps such as Gmail, Contacts, Keep, and it recently began rolling out to the Google app as well. Now, it's making its way to Maps too.
Read MoreYouTube gets a new account switcher with access to your Google settings
Last week at I/O, Google emphasized a new account picker that would simplify access all of your Google settings from many apps. Gmail, Contacts, Keep, Photos, Search, Maps, have already gotten that new switcher (even if for some it's in the app's top search bar, while in others it's in the side menu), and now it's YouTube's turn. The app has gotten a small update to its Account page that brings this functionality.
Read MoreGoogle Account on the web gets new Material Design makeover
Slowly but surely, all of Google's products are being updated to the latest evolution of its Material Design theme. The whiter, more rounded look came to the Google Account settings on Android back in the summer, and now it's now arrived at myaccount.google.com on the web.
Read MoreGoogle's still struggling to clearly explain Location History data gathering
It's been a bad year for data privacy — though it might be more accurate to say it's been a bad year for blissful ignorance. User data privacy issues are suddenly erupting into the spotlight after bubbling under the surface for years. While Facebook provided the most scandal fodder so far this year, Google hasn't been immune. One issue that gained widespread attention was its misleading representation of how Location History tracking works. After changing the wording on its support page in August, the company has now once more edited the page, moving to a description that is technically correct, but slightly more vague than its original fix.
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