Google’s big updates: calling apps and document tabs
Calling Apps on Android Auto:
One of the most requested features for Android Auto has been the ability to use third-party calling apps. Currently, you can only use your phone’s default dialer, which can be limiting if you prefer to use a different app for your calls. However, it seems like Google is finally working on adding support for third-party calling apps. This means that in the future, you may be able to use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom for your calls on Android Auto.
This is a significant update that will give users more flexibility and control over their calling experience. It will also be useful for people who use multiple calling apps for different purposes. For example, you may use WhatsApp for personal calls and Skype for work calls. With support for third-party calling apps, you can use the app that is most appropriate for the situation.
Google Docs Gets a New Look:
Google Docs has a new feature that makes it easier to organize your documents. It’s called “document tabs.” Think of it like having different sheets in a spreadsheet. You can create, rename, and rearrange these tabs to keep your documents organized.
This is a helpful feature for both writers and viewers. Writers can use tabs to organize their thoughts and keep track of different sections of their documents. Viewers can use tabs to navigate to specific sections of the document more easily.
Document tabs are especially useful for longer documents with multiple sections. For example, a marketing manager could use tabs to organize a campaign brief into sections for budget, goals, and creative ideas. A sales leader could use tabs to organize pitch templates into sections for different industries or territories.
Document tabs are also helpful for documents that are shared with multiple people. By using tabs, you can make it easier for others to find the information they need.
In addition to creating, renaming, and rearranging tabs, you can also duplicate tabs and link directly to tabs. This makes it easy to create multiple versions of a document or to share specific sections of a document with others.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
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