Chrome 131 for iOS brings enhanced Google Drive and Maps integrations
Google’s latest update, Chrome 131 for iOS, introduces several new features that enhance integration with popular Google services like Google Drive and Google Maps. These updates aim to make file management and navigation easier for iOS users. Many of these features were already available on Android, but now iOS users can also enjoy these enhancements.
1. Save Files Directly to Google Drive
With Chrome 131, iOS users can now save their downloaded files directly to Google Drive, offering a seamless way to manage files and free up local storage. Here’s how it works:
- When you download a file in Chrome, a “Save” banner appears at the bottom of your screen.
- Tapping this banner gives you the option to save the file either to the iOS Files app or directly to Google Drive.
- If you choose Google Drive, the file will be saved in a folder named “Saved from Chrome”, making it easy to locate later.
This feature offers a convenient solution for users who want to store files in the cloud instead of using their device’s limited storage. It complements an existing feature in Chrome where long-pressing an image gives you the option to “Save in Google Photos”.
2. Enhanced Image Search with Google Lens
Chrome 131 also improves its image search capabilities with Google Lens integration. The update brings a new feature called “Add to Your Search,” which allows users to enhance their visual search queries:
- When you use “Search Image with Google” from the context menu, you can now add text to refine your search.
- This feature helps users perform more complex searches by combining image recognition with text input.
- Additionally, users can access this capability by taking a live photo using the Lens shortcut on the New Tab Page.
This update makes image searches more powerful and versatile, enabling users to find what they are looking for with greater accuracy.
3. New Shopping Insights and Deals Notifications
As the holiday shopping season begins, Chrome 131 introduces a new “Good Deal Now” notification feature to help users find better deals online:
- This feature shows a notification when it detects a good deal on a product you are viewing.
- It provides Shopping Insights, such as price history, allowing users to track price changes and set alerts for specific items.
- Currently, this feature is available in the US for users who have enabled “Make searches and browsing better” in the Chrome settings under Google Services.
- The feature will be rolled out to more regions over the next few months.
With this addition, Chrome aims to enhance the shopping experience by helping users make more informed purchase decisions and find discounts.
4. Improved Google Maps Integration for Quick Navigation
Chrome 131 also enhances its integration with Google Maps, making navigation smoother and quicker:
- Now, when you tap on an address in Chrome, it immediately brings up a bottom sheet with a mini-map view.
- From this mini-map, you can quickly access the “Get Directions” button, making it easier to start navigation without leaving the browser.
- This update eliminates the need to manually open Google Maps or right-click to get directions, streamlining the user experience.
Google is currently testing this feature and plans to roll it out globally in the coming months. iOS users can expect this enhancement to be available on their devices soon.
Conclusion
Chrome 131 for iOS brings valuable updates that enhance user interaction with Google services, making the browser a more integrated and efficient tool for everyday tasks. From saving files directly to Google Drive to refining image searches with Google Lens and receiving timely shopping alerts, these features aim to provide a smoother and more productive browsing experience for iOS users. Keep an eye out for these updates as they roll out globally, adding new ways to simplify your browsing and shopping experience.
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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