Google

New Google features enhance Pixel devices, boost AI capabilities, and expand Wear OS on Pixel Watch

Published

5 months ago

October 30, 2024

Google continues to enhance its software and hardware ecosystem, releasing a range of updates for Pixel phones, Android tablets, foldables, and the Pixel Watch. These updates showcase Google’s focus on personalized and AI-powered experiences, as well as new tools that improve user interactions across devices. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest Google features, including seasonal Audio Emoji, split-screen multitasking on tablets, and Google Maps’ impressive 2 billion monthly user milestone.

1. Audio Emoji and Halloween Effects in Phone by Google

The recent version 150 update for the Phone by Google app includes a playful Audio Emoji feature, initially introduced with the Pixel 8a and now available on all Google phones. This feature lets users express emotions through short audio clips during calls. For those who prefer a simpler interface, the Audio Emoji shortcuts can be easily disabled by navigating to Phone by Google > Settings > General. These features add a fun, seasonal touch, much like Google Messages’ “Halloween” Screen Effect and the festive Nest Doorbell sounds.

2. Gemini’s Split-Screen Multitasking for Tablets and Foldables

Google has introduced a new split-screen multitasking shortcut for large-screen Android devices like tablets and foldables. The Gemini AI assistant now offers a split-screen overlay with a top-edge handle bar, allowing users to position Gemini side-by-side with another app. This feature, first available on Samsung foldables, has expanded to the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, making it easier to access Gemini for multitasking, such as reading or streaming content alongside AI-driven tasks. Currently, the feature is not yet supported on Android phones.

3. Google Maps Surpasses 2 Billion Monthly Users

In a recent announcement, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that Google Maps has surpassed the impressive milestone of 2 billion monthly users. This achievement places Maps among Google’s top-performing products, joining Search, Gmail, Android, Chrome, Play Store, and YouTube in the 2+ billion user club. All seven of these services now integrate Google’s Gemini AI models, which continue to evolve with an ambitious roadmap for 2025.

Pichai also emphasized Google’s commitment to advancing AI performance across its platforms, noting that Google’s Gemini app team has joined Google DeepMind to streamline development and deployment of AI features.

4. AI-Powered Development Stats and Features

During Alphabet’s Q3 2024 earnings call, several key AI metrics and updates were shared:

AI-Generated Code: Over 25% of Google’s new code is now AI-generated, reviewed, and optimized by engineers, significantly accelerating productivity.
Gemini API Expansion: API calls to Gemini have grown by almost 14 times in just six months.
Circle to Search Growth: Available on over 150 million Android devices, Circle to Search lets users shop, translate, and learn by circling on their screen. A third of those who have tried it use it weekly, with higher engagement among users aged 18 to 24.
Lens Visual Searches: Google Lens now processes over 20 billion visual searches monthly, particularly popular for answering complex queries and aiding in product discovery.
YouTube’s Revenue Success: YouTube’s combined ad and subscription revenue surpassed $50 billion over the past year, a record milestone for the platform.
Waymo’s Autonomous Milestones: Waymo has completed more than 1 million autonomous miles and over 150,000 paid rides, marking significant growth in the autonomous vehicle sector.

5. New Wear OS Features on Pixel Watch

Google’s October Pixel Drop has brought additional functionality to the Pixel Watch lineup, including a new Google Contacts Tile for Wear OS. This feature offers easy access to individual contacts, displaying their profile image and providing quick call and messaging shortcuts. If a contact has multiple phone numbers, a picker allows users to select the correct one. The latest Tile update, found in Google Contacts version 1.64 for Wear OS, joins the existing Favorite contacts Tile for streamlined communication on the Pixel Watch.

Additionally, a new feature is on its way that will allow users to send and view emoji reactions directly from the Gmail app on the Pixel Watch. This update, while not yet live, promises to make email interactions quicker and more expressive on wearable devices.

6. Update Delays for Pixel Watch 3 and Earlier Models

Notably, the Pixel Watch 3, along with earlier models, did not receive a system update in October. Google paused the September Wear OS 5 update due to issues reported by users. However, the company has reassured users that updates are expected to resume later in the year, addressing the delay and enhancing stability for the Pixel Watch lineup.

Conclusion

With these new updates across Pixel devices, Android tablets, and wearables, Google is doubling down on personalized, seamless experiences powered by Gemini AI. The recent enhancements to Google Maps and Google Contacts on Wear OS reflect Google’s commitment to making interactions smarter and more convenient across devices, keeping users connected and engaged in innovative ways. As Google continues to refine these features, users can look forward to an even more integrated ecosystem tailored to modern needs.

Google

New Google Home app update resolves issues for reset Chromecast devices

Published

3 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has just released a solution for people who reset their 2nd-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices. This comes after last week’s update, which helped most users with their streaming gadgets.

For those who tried fixing problems by doing a factory reset, Google has a simple answer. You’ll need to update your Google Home app to these versions:

Android: 3.30.1.6
iOS: 3.30.106 (now widely available)

Once updated, you can set up your Chromecast (2nd gen) or Chromecast Audio again without trouble. The update is starting today, but it might take a couple of days to reach everyone. Keep an eye on the Google Nest Community for the latest news.

Google also shared that if you didn’t reset your device, it should already be working fine. But if something still feels off, you can check your device’s firmware version with the steps provided by Google. If it’s not on the right version, just restart your device to kick off the update.

In a message sent today, Google said:

“We’re really sorry for the hassle this caused. We’re working hard to get everyone back to normal as fast as we can.”

This update shows Google’s effort to fix things quickly and keep users happy with their Chromecast devices.

Google

Pixel 9a unboxing videos reveal a simpler modem

Published

6 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s Pixel 9a is almost here, with an expected launch later this week. But before the official reveal, some early videos have popped up online, giving us a sneak peek at the phone—and hinting that its modem might not match the rest of the Pixel 9 family.

A YouTuber named Sahil Karoul got his hands on a Pixel 9a in Dubai. He picked up the “Iris” purple version and shared a full unboxing. The box looks just like the ones for other Pixel 9 phones—pretty basic, with a SIM tool, a USB-C cable, and a few papers inside. The video also highlights the phone’s smooth, matte purple finish on the back and sides, which looks pretty cool.

In the video, Sahil shows that the Pixel 9a runs on a Tensor G4 chip with 8GB of RAM. But the big news is the modem. The video shows a baseband code starting with “g5300,” which points to an Exynos 5300 modem. Other Pixel 9 models use a “g5400” code, tied to the newer Exynos 5400 modem. So, the Pixel 9a’s connection speed might feel closer to the older Pixel 8 than the shiny new Pixel 9.

The unboxing also includes some test scores from apps like AnTuTu and GeekBench, plus gameplay from PUBG Mobile, where the phone seems to hold up well. There are even a few camera shots to check out. Sahil’s video is in Hindi, but if you prefer English, another review from The Mobile Central (spotted by Android Police) covers the Pixel 9a too.

Google is likely dropping the Pixel 9a details later this week—rumors say March 19 could be the big day. For now, these early looks give us a solid idea of what’s coming, even if the modem news might disappoint some fans. Stay tuned!

Google

Google Assistant drops 7 more tools on Android and smart devices

Published

15 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Last Friday, we found out that Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant on Android phones. Alongside this, Google quietly shared that Assistant is losing seven more tools. Earlier this year, in 2024, Google already cut 18 features from Android, smart screens, and speakers. Now, they’ve added seven more to the list:

You can no longer use your voice to like, share, or ask about the time and place of your photos. (You can still do this in the Google Photos app or check details on your smart screen or tablet.)
Voice commands won’t adjust photo frame or background screen settings anymore. (You can tweak these in your smart display’s settings instead.)
The interpreter mode, which helped translate live chats with someone speaking a different language, is gone. (Single words or short phrases can still be translated. Check out interpreter mode details.)
Birthday alerts won’t pop up in Routines anymore. (You can still ask Assistant to remind you about birthdays.)
You can’t schedule or hear Family Bell announcements with your voice. (Learn how to set up a Routine instead.)
Daily updates, like getting the weather every day, won’t come automatically. (Set them up yourself with a custom Routine.)
Assistant won’t work with car gadgets using Bluetooth or AUX connections.

The photo slideshow changes aren’t a big deal, but they take away some ease. Family Bell was loved by many, and now Routines is the go-to option.
Back in 2019, Google launched Assistant’s Interpreter Mode, turning smart screens and speakers into handy translation tools. It worked on Android too. Now, the Google Translate app on your phone is the better, more advanced choice to replace it.