Google Home testing on Chromecast with Google TV and Google Messages bug brings back old text field design
Google is making strides in expanding its ecosystem with new updates for Chromecast with Google TV, alongside a Google Messages bug that revives an old text field design. These changes offer new experiences and adjustments for users, reflecting Google’s ongoing evolution of its services.
Google Home Panel Comes to Chromecast with Google TV
Google is testing new features for the Chromecast with Google TV, allowing integration with Google Home. A new feature, called the Home Panel, enables users to control various smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, and more, directly from their TV screen. This advancement aligns with Google’s vision of a more unified smart home ecosystem, making it easier for users to manage their devices without needing separate apps or controllers.
The testing phase for this feature has begun, and users who wish to try it early must join the Google Home app’s preview program on their mobile devices. Once enrolled, the Home Panel will become available on Google TV in a trial version, giving users a chance to explore its functionality.
The Home Panel aims to simplify smart home control, but some early feedback points to its limited features. As of now, its capabilities are confined to basic device control, and many users are hoping for a more expansive set of tools in future updates.
For those who are not part of the preview program, the official rollout of this feature across all Chromecast with Google TV devices is expected to take a few months. Google has outlined the activation process and details on a dedicated support page, providing users with an overview of what to expect as this feature becomes more widely available.
Google Messages Bug Reintroduces Old Text Field Design
In an unexpected twist, Google Messages users on the latest beta version have noticed the return of an outdated text field layout. The version 20241008_00_RC00 of Google Messages, which was released on Thursday, has reintroduced a one-line text input field that was previously replaced by a more streamlined design.
In this older design, the text field begins with a ‘plus’ button, followed by quick access to gallery, camera, and Magic Compose for compatible devices. Emoji, GIFs, stickers, and other multimedia tools are also located within the field, along with an audio recorder. When users start typing, some of these options disappear, replaced by a chevron icon that brings back the shortcuts.
However, this text field design is narrower than the current version, causing the three quick actions on the left to appear cramped. While it offers the benefit of right alignment, making sent messages more consistent in appearance, it was not without its flaws.
This change is likely a bug, as Google had previously committed to a left-aligned, two-line text field design after user feedback prompted a redesign. The reappearance of this old layout suggests that the company is still refining the user interface, and this issue may soon be patched.
While not all users are affected, the bug has been spotted on select devices running the beta version of Google Messages. Google is expected to address the problem in an upcoming update, as the company seems dedicated to the newer design format.
Conclusion: Google Continues to Evolve Its Services
Both the Google Home Panel integration with Chromecast and the Google Messages bug illustrate Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experiences across its platforms. The Home Panel marks an exciting step forward for smart home integration, though it is still in its early stages. Meanwhile, the Google Messages bug serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with continuous updates and user interface changes. As Google works through these developments, users can expect further improvements and refinements in the near future.
Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
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