Google

Google Fi awaits Apple’s RCS support for iPhones, search widget gets custom shortcuts and Wear OS gets health upgrades

Published

3 weeks ago

September 17, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Google Fi waits on Apple to enable RCS support for iPhone users, despite iOS 18’s release.
Google updates its iPhone Search widget with customizable shortcuts like Gemini and Lens.
Wear OS smartwatches will soon get health upgrades through a partnership between Google and Masimo.

Google Fi and RCS Support for iPhones

With the launch of iOS 18, Rich Communication Services (RCS) is now available to improve messaging between Android and iPhone users. However, Google Fi is still waiting on Apple to enable this feature for its iPhone users. Google has already done the necessary technical work on its end, but only Apple can activate RCS interoperability for Fi users.

As of now, RCS is enabled on major U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, but not yet on other networks like Mint Mobile. According to 9to5Mac, enabling RCS requires an updated carrier file to be sent to Apple, which is then distributed through an over-the-air update. Currently, Apple’s support documents don’t specify when or if RCS will be enabled for carriers like Google Fi.

Google has expressed hope that Apple will enable this feature soon. As of now, Google Fi users with Android phones can use RCS to communicate with iPhone users, provided the latter has RCS enabled.

Google Search Widget Adds New Shortcuts for iPhone

Google has updated its Search widget for iPhone and iPad, introducing customizable shortcuts, including one for its AI platform, Gemini. Previously, the widget offered quick access to Lens, Voice Search, and Incognito Mode, but now users can personalize the shortcuts with options like Song Search, Google Translate, and even Google Lens features like homework assistance.

The ability to customize these shortcuts improves usability, allowing users to quickly access their most-used tools. Google is also working on a similar update for Android’s Search widget, though it might only allow one customizable shortcut next to Voice Search and Lens.

Wear OS Smartwatches Get Health Upgrades

Google is teaming up with Masimo, a health technology company, to improve the health-tracking capabilities of Wear OS smartwatches. The partnership will create a “reference platform” that helps smartwatch manufacturers integrate Masimo’s biosensing technology, which has been used in hospital monitoring systems, into future Wear OS devices.

This platform will offer a suite of health and wellness tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data, while also being compatible with Android smartphones. Manufacturers will still have creative control over the smartwatch design and features but will benefit from Masimo’s health tech expertise.

This collaboration is significant as Masimo has been involved in a legal battle with Apple over health-tracking technology in the Apple Watch. The dispute led to Apple disabling blood oxygen tracking in some of its latest models.

Related Topics:Apple Apple RCS Google News

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Google

Google Photos gets smarter with “Ask Photos” and Google Shopping revamps logo

Published

23 hours ago

October 6, 2024

Tom Carter

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.

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Android

Android Auto gets a behind-the-scenes update

Published

23 hours ago

October 6, 2024

Tom Carter

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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Google

Google boosts Android Security with new theft protection features

Published

2 days ago

October 5, 2024

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out a trio of powerful features designed to protect your Android phone (version 10 and above) from theft. These features, accessible through Google Play services updates, aim to automatically safeguard your data in case your phone goes missing.

Here’s how it works:

Theft Detection Lock: This clever feature utilizes your phone’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and even smart device connections to detect suspicious activity. If someone snatches your unlocked phone and takes off running (think snatch-and-grab), Theft Detection Lock will automatically lock your screen, preventing access to your sensitive information.
Offline Device Lock: This feature acts as a safeguard against thieves who might try to disable your phone’s internet connection to avoid location tracking. Offline Device Lock triggers a lock if your phone is stolen while unlocked and subsequently goes offline. Google emphasizes that this feature works under two conditions: your phone must be actively unlocked when stolen, and the screen can only be locked automatically twice a day.
Remote Lock (Coming Soon): This feature, currently under testing, offers a faster alternative to accessing Find My Device. In case of theft, you can visit a dedicated website (android.com/lock) from any trusted device, enter your pre-registered phone number, and complete a security challenge. This will remotely lock your stolen phone.

These features were initially tested in Brazil back in June 2024. While a full global launch hasn’t happened yet, users worldwide are starting to see some Theft Detection features rolling out on their Pixel, Samsung, and other Android devices.

Availability:

Full features are currently appearing for users enrolled in the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33).
Stable channel rollout is expected soon.

Keeping Your Android Safe:

These theft protection features are a valuable addition to your Android security arsenal. Remember, it’s always a good practice to enable a strong lock screen password or PIN and utilize Find My Device to locate your phone in case it gets misplaced. With these tools in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your data is protected.

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