Android
ChromeOS 130: Recorder app rolls out to all Chromebooks and Android 15 introduces weather to home controls screensaver
ChromeOS and Android are both getting exciting updates that make user experience better and more functional. ChromeOS is introducing a new Recorder app, while Android 15 is enhancing its Home Controls screensaver with a weather feature. Let’s explore these updates in detail.
ChromeOS 130: The New Recorder App
ChromeOS 130, which is scheduled to launch later this month, will include a new Recorder app designed to improve audio recording and transcription features across all Chromebooks. Previously, some of these advanced features were limited to Chromebook Plus devices, but with the latest update, even standard Chromebooks will benefit from the new Recorder capabilities.
Key Features of the Recorder App:
- Offline and Real-Time Speech-to-Text: One of the main highlights of this update is the offline, real-time transcription feature. After downloading a 100MB model, users can transcribe audio without needing an internet connection, a great advantage for those who work on the go or in areas with limited connectivity.
- Dual-Column Layout: The app has a user-friendly interface, featuring a dual-column design inspired by the Pixel Recorder app. The layout is fully resizable and incorporates Google’s Material You design language, making it visually consistent with other Google apps.
- Device Audio Recording: Chromebook users will now be able to record audio directly from their devices, offering flexibility for content creators, educators, and everyday users.
- Searchable Transcripts and Export Options: Users can easily search through transcripts to find specific parts of their recordings. The playback speed can also be adjusted, making the app convenient for note-taking or reviewing important points. Additionally, audio and transcripts can be exported to other applications for further use.
Exclusive AI Features for Chromebook Plus:
For those using Chromebook Plus devices, the Recorder app comes with extra AI-powered features. The app will offer AI-generated summaries of the recordings, providing concise three-point summaries of long audio files. Users will also get title suggestions based on the content of the recording. However, this feature requires a larger 2GB model download.
Beyond the Recorder app, the ChromeOS 130 update for Chromebook Plus devices will introduce new tools for enhancing video calls, such as studio-style microphones and appearance effects that adjust lighting and brightness. Additionally, a new “Help me read” feature will be added to assist users in reading and understanding content more easily.
Android 15 Home Controls Screensaver Adds Weather Information
Meanwhile, Android 15 is making its Home Controls screensaver more functional by adding weather details. This update was introduced with Android 15 Beta 3 and is now rolling out to users as part of a server-side change, following a “Dreams” update for Pixel devices.
Home Controls Overview:
The Home Controls feature, accessible from the Quick Settings (QS) Tile or the lock screen, allows users to manage various smart home devices directly from their screensaver. It organizes smart devices into categories like Cameras, Climate, Lighting, and Wi-Fi, with quick access to favorite devices.
New Weather Information Display:
In addition to displaying the time in the upper-right corner of the screen, Android 15 now shows the current temperature and weather conditions. This feature is especially useful for users of the Pixel Tablet when it’s in Hub Mode with the Charging Speaker Dock. While primarily designed for tablets, this feature is also available on phones, although there are slight design differences. For instance, the weather icon on the Pixel Tablet appears flatter, while on the Pixel 9 Pro, it has a more detailed look.
This enhancement brings more convenience to Android 15 users, as they can now quickly check the weather without needing to unlock their devices or open an app.
Conclusion
Both ChromeOS and Android 15 are gearing up for updates that promise to enhance user productivity and convenience. The new Recorder app in ChromeOS 130 brings powerful transcription and recording features to all Chromebooks, with additional AI tools for Chromebook Plus users. On the Android front, the Home Controls screensaver now includes weather information, making it more useful for managing smart home devices and staying updated on current conditions.
These updates reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to improving user experience across their platforms, offering more practical and user-friendly tools for everyday use. Whether you’re a Chromebook user or an Android enthusiast, these changes are sure to enhance your daily workflow.
Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google has just rolled out some exciting updates across its services and apps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new and what it means for you.
Gemini 2.5 Pro is here
Google has launched Gemini 2.5 Pro, the latest version of its AI model. This upgrade brings smarter and faster responses, making it easier for users to get helpful answers. Gemini 2.5 Pro is now available in Google’s AI Studio and Vertex AI, so developers can build even better tools and apps using this technology.
Android 16 brings more customization
Android 16 is adding new ways to personalize your phone. One of the standout features is the ability to hide the clock on your lock screen, giving you a cleaner look if you want it. This is part of Google’s push to let users make their phones feel more unique. There’s also a new animation for the power button, making the experience smoother and more modern when you turn your phone on or off.
Google Messages removes the unsubscribe button
If you use Google Messages, you might notice that the “Unsubscribe” button is gone from some business messages. Google has removed this feature, so users now have to find other ways to stop unwanted texts. This change might make it a bit harder to manage spam, but Google hasn’t said why the option was removed.
What does this mean for you
These updates show that Google is focused on making its products smarter and more personal. Whether you’re using AI tools, customizing your phone, or managing your messages, you’ll see some changes that aim to improve your experience.
Google Keep is getting a fresh look with the new Material You design, making it more colorful and easier to use on Wear OS smartwatches. The update brings bigger buttons and clearer text, so you can quickly jot down notes or check your lists right from your wrist. This makes Google Keep more handy when you’re on the go and don’t want to pull out your phone.
On another front, Android Automotive is improving how apps show information while you drive. Instead of opening full apps, you’ll see simple cards on your car’s screen that give you important details at a glance.
These cards help keep your focus on the road by showing things like music controls, navigation updates, or reminders without distractions. This new card system is designed to work smoothly with apps like media players and navigation tools, making your driving experience safer and more convenient.
Together, these updates show Google’s effort to make its apps smarter and easier to use in everyday life, whether you’re walking around with your smartwatch or driving your car. The focus is on clear, simple designs that help you get things done quickly without hassle.
In short, Google Keep’s new look on Wear OS and the smart cards in Android Automotive are small but useful changes that make tech fit better into your daily routine.
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