Google essentials debuts on windows with new features; instant Google Store credits for one subscribers

Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Essentials app launches on Windows, starting with HP devices.
- Instant Google Store credits are now available for One subscriber after the purchase ships.
- Google Essentials offers easy access to Google apps and services on Windows.
Google is making it easier for Windows users to access its services with the launch of a new app called Google Essentials. This app allows you to easily find and install Google’s key apps on Windows devices. Currently, it’s available first on HP’s consumer and gaming laptops, including Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, Victus, and HP brands, with plans to expand to more devices soon.
What is Google Essentials?
Google Essentials helps Windows users discover and install Google apps like Play Games, Google Photos, and Google Messages. It also provides shortcuts to popular Google services such as Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar. Although Quick Share, a file-sharing feature, is visible in the app’s promotion, it wasn’t specifically mentioned in the official announcement.
The app also offers a special perk: a 2-month free trial of 100GB Google One storage for eligible users. You can launch Google Essentials directly from the start menu and seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop.
One convenient feature of Google Essentials is that it’s fully removable, so if you don’t find it useful, you can uninstall it along with any other Google apps you’ve downloaded.
Google Store Credits: Now Instant for One Subscriber
In a less-publicized but significant update, Google One subscribers now receive Google Store credits immediately after their orders ship, rather than waiting up to a month as before. This means if you order a new Pixel 9 or any other Google product, your Store credit will be ready to use almost instantly once the item is on its way to you.
Previously, these credits could take up to a month to appear in your account. Now, with the Pixel 9 series and other Google products rolling out globally, this update could be a great incentive to make your next purchase.
However, these credits are only available in certain regions, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Credits expire 365 days after being issued, so make sure to use them within a year.
If you’re a Google One subscriber, you might want to check your Store credit balance. Simply go to the Google Store page, tap your profile image, and select “Your Google Store credit” to see what’s available.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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