Google Wallet expands to store more cards, Google Home app adds search bar on Android
Key Points:
- Google Wallet adds a bulk card-saving feature for easier card management.
- Google Home app finally introduces a search bar for easier device navigation.
- Both updates are in the early stages, with more features likely to come.
Google is steadily enhancing its Wallet app, aiming to store even more of our physical documents digitally. Over the past year, Google Wallet has evolved, allowing users to save more than just payment cards. It now aims to store a variety of physical cards and documents we typically carry daily, like loyalty cards, customer cards, and more.
A new update to Google Wallet is in development, as uncovered in the latest app version’s source code. Soon, users will be able to save multiple cards at once using a convenient bulk mode. This new feature will allow users to take photos of all their cards and then select them at once to save digitally in Google Wallet. This process removes the need to add each card individually, making it more efficient for users who need to store several cards quickly.
Although this feature is still in its early stages, as noted by Android Authority, it could take some time before it’s fully released to all users.
Meanwhile, the Google Home app is also receiving a much-needed improvement. Despite being an essential tool for managing smart home devices, the app has never had a built-in search function. This has been a surprising gap in its functionality, considering that search bars are standard in most other Google apps.
Fortunately, this is about to change. Android Authority recently discovered a test version of a search bar in the “Devices” section of the Google Home app. Once rolled out, this feature will allow users to easily locate and manage their connected devices, streamlining the experience for smart home users.
Both the Google Wallet and Google Home updates are expected to launch soon, possibly as part of a broader set of new features in upcoming updates.
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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