Google rolls out Gemini Calendar extension, Wear OS 5 for Pixel Watch, and Gmail blue checkmarks on mobile
Top 3 Key Points:
- Gemini Extension for Google Calendar: Users can create and manage events through conversational commands.
- Wear OS 5 Updates: Enhances the Pixel Watch with improved running metrics and new features like grid-view apps and enhanced heart rate tracking.
- Gmail’s Blue Checkmarks: Introduces sender verification for Android and iOS apps, offering stronger email security.
Google has introduced several updates across its services, aiming to improve user experience and security.
Google Calendar Gemini Extension
The Gemini Extension for Google Calendar is gradually being rolled out for Android and web users. It offers a conversational way to manage your calendar, making creating, editing, and deleting events easier. You can simply ask Gemini to:
- “Create an event for [time] on [date] for [task].”
- “Change my meeting at [time] on [day] to [new time].”
- “Cancel my event with [name] on [day].”
The feature also supports photo uploads, enabling Gemini to extract event details from images like flyers or screenshots. However, it’s important to note that certain details, such as event locations or descriptions, cannot yet be modified through Gemini.
To check if this feature is available for you, look for the Gemini extension in your Google Calendar or Gemini app.
Wear OS 5 on Pixel Watch
Google is also rolling out Wear OS 5 for the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, bringing a range of new features and improvements. The update enhances health tracking, especially for runners. New metrics include:
- Ground contact time: How long your foot stays on the ground during a step.
- Stride length: The distance covered in a single step.
- Vertical oscillation: Measures how much your body moves up and down during each step.
Additionally, users can now track goal progress and other discrete health data directly from their watch. Wear OS 5 also includes a new grid-view app launcher, better camera controls, and integration with Pixel Recorder.
Once the update is available, you can install it by visiting your watch’s System updates menu. To speed up the download, disable Bluetooth to force a Wi-Fi connection.
Gmail Adds Verified Sender Checkmarks
Gmail is enhancing email security by extending the blue verified checkmarks feature to its Android and iOS apps. This feature, which was initially introduced on the web, helps users identify verified senders through the BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) standard.
Verified senders display a brand logo next to their email address, providing visual confirmation that the message is authentic. For instance, instead of seeing just an “A” for Apple, you’ll see the Apple logo alongside a blue checkmark, indicating that the sender’s identity has been verified.
Over the coming weeks, Gmail users will see this feature rolled out to both personal and Workspace accounts. Moreover, Gmail now supports a CMC (Certification Mark Certificate) option, allowing more brands to display their logos even if they don’t meet the stricter VMC requirements for the blue checkmark.
These updates mark a significant step toward making Google’s ecosystem more user-friendly and secure, offering enhanced features across its calendar, wearable devices, and email platform.
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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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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