Google Chat enhances automation with IFTTT integration; Pixel 9 introduces adaptive touch for improved wet screen sensitivity
Key Points:
- Google Chat now supports IFTTT for seamless automation across popular apps.
- Pixel 9’s Adaptive Touch feature improves screen sensitivity in challenging conditions.
- Both updates are designed to enhance user experience across personal and enterprise settings.
Google Chat has expanded its functionality by integrating with IFTTT (If This, Then That), a powerful automation tool that connects with over 1,000 popular apps. This integration is available for both Google Workspace and personal Google accounts, making it easier for users to automate various tasks within Google Chat.
As revealed at Cloud Next 2024, the IFTTT integration offers a range of triggers, such as detecting new messages or members in a space, and corresponding actions like posting to a space or updating space descriptions. This is particularly useful for teams and enterprise accounts, allowing them to set up workflows like sending onboarding emails to new space members or notifying a space when new files are added to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Additionally, the integration allows users to stay informed by automatically posting mentions or tags from platforms like Discord, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to a designated space in Google Chat. This feature is now accessible to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and personal Google account users.
Other Google Workspace services, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks, are also compatible with IFTTT, further expanding the automation possibilities within the Google ecosystem.
Pixel 9’s Adaptive Touch Enhances Screen Sensitivity
Google’s latest smartphone, the Pixel 9 series, introduces a new feature called Adaptive Touch, designed to improve touchscreen sensitivity in challenging conditions. Whether the screen is wet, covered by a screen protector, or subjected to other factors that might impede functionality, Adaptive Touch automatically adjusts the screen’s sensitivity to optimize performance.
This feature can be found in the Pixel 9’s settings under Display > Touch Sensitivity, alongside the existing “Screen protector mode.” Adaptive Touch was initially tested in Android beta releases earlier this year, but the Pixel 9 series marks its official launch.
According to tests conducted by Android Authority, the Pixel 9’s screen performs significantly better with Adaptive Touch enabled compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, particularly when used with wet fingers. This improvement suggests that Google has made considerable strides in enhancing the overall user experience for its latest devices. Adaptive Touch is enabled by default on all Pixel 9 models, ensuring users benefit from this feature right out of the box.
Google Calendar is getting a fresh look with a new visual design. Along with the updated look, Google has added some handy new features to simplify managing your schedule.
One of the most noticeable changes is the return of the three buttons for creating new events. You can now quickly choose between making a regular appointment, a task, or a birthday event.
Birthday Reminders
For birthdays, you can set reminders for the day itself, a week before, or even further in advance. This is a great way to ensure you never forget a special occasion.
Google Photos Gets Smarter
Google Photos is also getting a significant upgrade with the introduction of “Ask Photos”. This new feature allows you to ask questions about your photos using natural language. For example, you could ask “When was the last time I went to the beach?” or “Who is that person in the photo?”
AI-Powered Search
Using artificial intelligence, Ask Photos can analyze your photos and provide relevant answers to your questions. While it’s still in its early stages, Google promises that Ask Photos will become even more powerful over time.
Quick Search Tips for Google Photos and Play Store
Google has also made it easier to search for apps and photos. You can now quickly access the search bar in both Google Photos and the Play Store by double-tapping the search icon. This eliminates the extra step of opening the search tab first.
These new features are a welcome addition to Google Calendar and Google Photos. They make it easier to manage your schedule and find the photos you’re looking for.
Google Photos is rolling out a powerful new feature called Ask Photos! This AI-powered tool lets you search your photo library with natural language questions. Gone are the days of clunky keywords. Now, you can ask things like “Show me Halloween costumes over the years” or “When did my child learn to swim?”
The feature is still in its early stages, but it shows great promise. It appears as a new tab in the Photos app, replacing the “Search” function. Initially, it focuses on recognizing people and places in your photos. It might not be perfect for events or objects yet, but it’s constantly learning.
Signing Up for Ask Photos:
While not available to everyone yet, Google opened a waitlist last month. If you signed up, keep an eye out for the update! For others, the waitlist is still open (US only for now).
A New Look for Google Shopping:
In addition to the exciting Photos update, Google Shopping is getting a makeover! It seems a new logo is on the way, replacing the familiar price tag icon. The new logo is a simplified shopping bag in Google’s signature colors, swirling together for a clean, modern look.
The website itself might also be getting a refresh. We spotted glimpses of a redesigned site with a user-friendly layout and helpful features like browsing recommendations and price comparisons.
What’s Next?
While official announcements from Google are likely forthcoming, these updates hint at exciting things to come for Google Photos and Shopping. Ask Photos has the potential to revolutionize how you search your memories, and the Google Shopping revamp promises a more streamlined shopping experience.
Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.
What’s New?
- Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
- Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.
When Will Car Media Be Available?
Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.
How to Get Android Auto 13.0
The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.
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