Google made some big changes back in May with the launch of Google News, bringing both Play Magazines and the News & Weather app together in a new format and completely redesigned app. A few months later, Google announced several new automatic features for the Google News app that would make it even more data-efficient. Unfortunately, something went wrong and many users found that the app had taken to downloading multiple gigabytes of data over cellular connections and racking up huge overages. While those bugs seem to have been fixed, the latest update includes signs that Google may be putting countermeasures in place to help prevent similar bugs in the future.
Read MoreGoogle News v5.7 is testing restrictions to prevent data abuse, prepares music playback for Grammy Awards [APK Teardown]
Show off your Chrome dino-game skills with the arrival of cross-device high score sync
Since 2014, Chrome has featured a delightful little time waster that kicks in when your device doesn't have internet access. It's a game featuring a dinosaur that hops over cacti (and, eventually, other dinosaurs), in which your score increases as you progress through a pixelated desert. Until recently, that score was lost when you stopped playing, but as of Chrome version 72, it's finally saved — and it even syncs between your devices.
Read MoreChrome OS 'Better Together' feature shows up in Dev channel
Google has been working on a Chrome OS phone syncing feature for over a year, called 'Better Together'. It started out as a way to respond to SMS messages from your phone on your Chromebook, but it has evolved into something more general-purpose. Now the functionality is rolling out on the Chrome OS Dev channel.
Read MoreGoogle responds to controversy over Chrome 69's account login changes
Chrome 69 was a major update. It finally rolled out the Material Design makeover that has been in testing for months, added a password generator, and brought Linux app support to Chromebooks. There was also a feature change that Google didn't publicize, which has been a source of controversy over the past few days - the new login functionality.
Read MoreGoogle Assistant adds command for syncing smart home devices
Smart home devices can become extremely complicated. You have to use different apps for each brand, and new devices you add might not be visible to a Google Home. Google has now (partially) solved this problem, with a new voice command.
Read MoreContacts sync is breaking on some devices running Android Oreo
One of the most basic and convenient features of life in Google's ecosystem is contacts sync. From email to phone numbers and Google+ profiles, you know that whatever platform you are on, you'll be able to reach out to the people you need to with a minimum of fuss. But for some this essential feature isn't working correctly, and contacts aren't being successfully synced to their Oreo-powered Android devices.
Read MoreMicrosoft Edge update adds dark theme and password syncing
Seemingly out of nowhere, Microsoft announced last month that it would bring its Edge Browser to Android and iOS. The Android version went live a week later, and despite having limited functionality at first, it has the basics right. Microsoft has started to fill in the feature gaps, with the latest update adding a dark theme and password syncing.
Read MoreGoogle Photos adds new backup option for spotty cellular connections
At today's Google for Brazil event in São Paulo, the company introduced several new features for its products - such as audio calling in Duo. Another announcement involves new backup options for Google Photos, designed to make backing up on poor connections less tedious.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Google Photos v2.10 prepares for photo archiving, includes syncing and improvements for RAW photos and other visual tweaks [APK Teardown + Download]
Photo management is a tricky subject because everybody wants to tackle it a little bit differently. Some people organize everything into albums, some delete anything they don't want to keep, and some would rather skip managing photos altogether and leave everything sitting in a huge collection. The latest release of Google Photos includes some clues that show users will soon have the ability to add a new tool to their organizational belt: archiving photos.
Read MoreTitanium Backup developer offers a preview version of EvGenie, a synced calendar app
Google Calendar covers most of the basics for synced calendar users, but anyone who wants something more robust needs to go on a bit of a hunt. Titanium Track, the indie developer team behind the power user favorite Titanium Backup, is on the job. Their latest project is EvGenie, an advanced calendar designed for seamless backup across multiple devices and sharing with family members or coworkers. It's currently on the Play Store in an open preview. It's free to download.
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