Google could be Testing Dark Mode for Chrome OS
Image sourced from Android Police Google is testing dark mode for Chrome OS, according to AndroidCentral. If the feature is released, Chrome OS users would be able to join the ranks of Windows and macOS users. “Dark mode has been in high demand for any OS over the past few years for its benefits on eye strain and general readability,” reads a report from Android Central. “[And] although the feature isn’t fully ready and definitely has some bugs to squash, it already works on the Chrome browser and a bunch of different system web apps. The dark theme already seems to be a pretty comprehensive feature so far as it not only applies to the app backgrounds but seems to apply to other UI elements as well.” There’s no word yet on when (or if) Google will unveil this feature. /* custom css */...
You Can Finally Search for Music by Humming, Singing, or Whistling
The Holy Grail of music identification has arrived. How many times were you unable to secure that elusive Shazam, only to have a sick beat incessantly poke at you like an annoying little brother? The earworm is in your head, but it doesn’t have lyrics, so you can’t search for it anywhere and it’s not like you can just clumsily hum it into your phone—until now. Thanks to Google‘s new “Hum To Search” feature, you can now search for music by humming, singing, or whistling a melody. Gone are the days of agonizing, tedious lyric searches and Reddit rabbit holes. All you have to do is use the Google Search app or Google Search Widget, tap the microphone icon, and ask “what is this song?” or click the “Search a song” button. From there, ...
Google to Warn Users if their Passwords are Hacked
Sourced from IOL. Google has revealed that it would notify Chrome users if their passwords have been compromised. In an official blog post, the tech company said that it would be improving password security on both Android and iOS devices. To find out whether your passwords have been compromised, Chrome will send users a copy of their usernames and Passwords using a special form of encryption – this lets Google check them against lists of credentials known to be compromised, but “Google cannot derive your username or password from this encrypted copy”. “We notify you when you have compromised passwords on websites, but it can be time-consuming to go find the relevant form to change your password. To help, we’re adding support for “.well-known/change-password” URLs that let Chrome take user...
Google Rebrands G Suite as Google Workspace
Google has officially unveiled the redesign of its collection of office apps as Google Workspace – formerly known as G Suite. Google Workspace is expected to still include Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and more. “Whether you’re returning to the office, working from home, on the frontlines with your mobile device, or connecting with customers, Google Workspace is the best way to create, communicate, and collaborate,” reads an official blog post from the tech company. [embedded content] With Google Workspace, Google is introducing three major developments: new, deeply integrated user experience that helps teams collaborate more effectively, frontline workers stay connected, and businesses power new digital customer experiences a new brand identity that reflect...
Google Announces Two New Pixel Phones & More During Launch Night In Event
Source: Google / Google Launch Night In Event Amazon shared its slate of new devices customers can look forward to this year, and not it’s Google’s turn. During Wednesday’s (Sept.30) pre-recorded Launch Night In Event, Google didn’t really surprise anyone and just confirmed what “leaks” had already hinted that the tech giant was working on. During the 30-minute impressively produced event, we got to see two new Pixel smartphones, the new Chromecast device, and Nest Audio speakers. Google Pixel 5 Source: Google / Google Launch Night In Event The follow-up to the solid Pixel 4 has arrived. Google’s latest smartphone doesn’t really bog you down with new features but instead is geared towards giving Pixel new and old a reliable device at an affordable price. The Pixel 5 ditches the Qualcomm’s&...
Google Launches the Pixel 5 Smartphone
Google has officially launched its latest flagship device – the Pixel 5. The 6.2-inch smartphone is said to be Google’s most capable handset ‘in terms of connectivity and features’ as it is one of the first 5G devices within the Pixel range. The Pixel 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 765G and sports 8GB of RAM and 128GB worth of internal storage. Google is especially proud of the Pixel 5’s photography capabilities – It has a dual-rear-camera set up as well as a punch-hole notch front-facing camera. “Ask any Pixel owner and they’ll tell you: Pixels take great photos,” says the tech company. “Pixel 5 [is] no exception. [This phone] brings Pixel’s industry-leading photography features to the next level.” Here’s a closer look at the Pixel 5’s key specifications: Operating System Android 11 Main ...
Google to Enforce 30% In-App Payment Policy
Google has revealed that it will be taking on app developers, who circumvent the Play Store’s in-app payment system, by enforcing its 30% service fee. In a blog post, Google reveals that a number of developers have reported being confused over the company’s billing system policies. “We want to be sure our policies are clear and up to date so they can be applied consistently and fairly to all developers, and so we have clarified the language in our Payments Policy to be more explicit that all developers selling digital goods in their apps are required to use Google Play’s billing system,” reads the post. The tech company has always required developers who distribute their apps on Play to use Google Play’s billing system if they offer in-app purchases of digital goods, and pay a service...
Google Drive to Automatically Delete Trashed Files
Google has revealed that it will be making an adjustment to the longevity of ‘trashed files’. In an email to users, the tech giant confirms that files moved to the ‘trash’ will be deleted automatically after 30 days. “We are writing to let you know that starting October 13, 2020, Google Drive is making a change so that its trash behaves more consistently with the rest of Google applications (such as Gmail) with regards to automatic deletion,” says Google. “This means that any file that is put into Google Drive’s ‘My Drive’ trash will begin to be automatically deleted after 30 consecutive days in the trash.” “You can always restore files from trash before the 30-day time window.” /* custom css */ .tdi_3_b5c.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_b5c.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } ...
Google, UNWTO partner to boost tourism in Nigeria, others
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Google on Wednesday hosted the first UNWTO & Google Tourism Acceleration Program which focused on insights from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. The programme was put together ahead of World Tourism Day, Google said in a statement. The organisations said they partnered to create and host an online Acceleration Program for UNWTO member states’ tourism ministers, top travel associations and tourism boards. The initiative is put together to further develop innovation and digital transformation skills across the Africa and beyond. The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately affected tourism, a sector that accounts for millions of jobs around the globe, a statement by Google said Wednesday. “While no one can say with certainty when th...
Google Launches Android 11 Go
Image sourced from The Verge Google has unveiled Android 11 Go – designed with low-powered budget devices in mind. A key feature of the stripped-down OS is that it is able to work on devices with 2GB of RAM or less. However, Google told The Verge that Android 11 Go is “only going to come out with new phones with that much memory”. Otherwise, Google expects Android 11 Go will allow apps to launch 20 per cent faster than on Android 10 Go. Google Launches Android 11 Google has launched the highly-anticipated Android 11 – the latest version of its mobile operating system – to a number of users who own select Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO or realme devices. The tech company says that this update has been optimised for how people use their phones – “giving you powerful device contr...
Google Launches Android 11
Image sourced from The Verge Google has launched the highly-anticipated Android 11 – the latest version of its mobile operating system – to a number of users who own select Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO or realme devices. The tech company says that this update has been optimised for how people use their phones – “giving you powerful device controls. And easier ways to manage conversations, privacy settings and so much more”. Here are some of Android 11’s key features: Accessibility /* custom css */ .tdi_3_433.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_433.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } Voice Access – Intuitive labels on apps help you control and navigate your phone, all by speaking out loud. Even use Voice Access offline, for more support whenever you need it. Talkback braille ke...
Google Maps is Getting a more Realistic Update
Google has revealed that it’s rolling out “new visual improvements that bring even more detail and granularity” to its global map. The company hopes that this will give help users get a better understanding of what an area looks like whether they’re exploring it virtually or planning a visit. Google uses high-definition satellite imagery that maps out 98% of the earth’s population. “With a new color-mapping algorithmic technique, we’re able to take this imagery and translate it into an even more comprehensive, vibrant map of an area at global scale,” it says in an official blog post. “Exploring a place gives you a look at its natural features—so you can easily distinguish tan, arid beaches and deserts from blue lakes, rivers, oceans and ravines. You can know at a glance how lush and green ...
