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Google Messages enhances group search and Pixel Camera 9.5 offers more control and better astrophotography

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Google

Key Points:

  1. Improved Group Search: Google Messages now allows searching group chats directly in the New Conversations screen.
  2. Enhanced Pixel Camera: The Pixel Camera 9.5 update brings manual sensor selection and improved astrophotography.
  3. Creative Features: New camera options include a flexible timer and night vision for panoramic shots.

Google has introduced a valuable enhancement to its Messages app for Android, making group chat searches easier on the New Conversation screen. Previously, the “To” field in the Start Chat > New Conversation section only showed individual contacts. Now, a new “Group chats” section allows users to search for conversations involving multiple participants.

This update includes the ability to search by group names or participants, displaying the last sent message as a preview with a chevron icon that takes you directly to the chat. This group search feature is currently being tested in the latest Google Messages beta (version 20240820_00_RC00) but isn’t available yet in the stable version.

Earlier in October 2023, Google removed the “Top contacts” section from this screen, and the conversation picker and share UI received updates a few weeks ago.

In addition to updates in Google Messages, Google has also introduced new features in its Pixel Camera with the latest version, 9.5, providing users with greater creative control. This update is particularly exciting for photography enthusiasts, offering new tools even for older Pixel models, not just the latest Pixel 9 series.

One of the standout features in Pixel Camera 9.5 is the ability to manually select the camera sensor on Pro models. Previously, the software would automatically choose the optimal sensor based on the zoom level. Now, users can manually select whether to use the ultra-wide angle, wide angle, or telephoto lens, offering more control for professional photographers.

The “Best Moment” function has also seen improvements. When HDR+ is activated, the camera now detects when your eyes are open and captures that precise moment, resulting in more natural and expressive portrait photos.

Astrophotography mode, another highlight of this update, can now be manually activated. Previously, this mode would only turn on under specific conditions, such as complete darkness and a static smartphone. Now, users can decide when they want to capture the starry sky, providing more flexibility for night sky photography.

Additional improvements in Pixel Camera 9.5 include a flexible timer that now offers a 5-second option alongside the existing 3 and 10-second timers, quick access to the Guided Frame feature, which provides tips and instructions for taking perfect shots, and a new Panorama mode with night vision, allowing users to capture stunning panoramic shots even in low light. The “Add Me” feature, available on the Pixel 9 series, seamlessly integrates users into their selfies.

With these latest updates, Google continues to enhance the Pixel Camera, offering users more control and creative options for their photography.

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Google

New Pixel Watch feature simplifies phone swaps

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Google Pixel Watch

Google has introduced a smart new tool for Pixel Watch owners to ease the transition when upgrading to a new phone. The latest Pixel Watch app update (version 2.2) now includes a “Switch phone” prompt that pops up when the app notices your watch is linked to a different device. This alert, visible on the app’s home screen, guides you to connect your watch to the new phone effortlessly.

The feature walks users through the steps to transfer their Pixel Watch, ensuring a smooth setup. Once completed, the prompt vanishes, and the app updates to show the new connection. It supports all models—Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3—but requires the newest app version, so you may need to update.

This addition addresses a common hassle where users forget to re-pair their watch after switching phones, which can lead to syncing issues. However, the reminder might feel a bit insistent for those not ready to make the switch immediately. It’s unclear if you can turn off the prompt for good.

Google’s attention to practical tweaks like this highlights their commitment to improving user experience. The phone switch feature saves time and reduces frustration, especially for frequent phone upgraders. If you’ve recently changed phones, open the Pixel Watch app to check out this helpful tool.

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Android

Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

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Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.

The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.

For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!

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Google

Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

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Google

Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.

This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.

If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.

This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.

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