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New Google apps enhance messaging safety with verification and sensitive content warnings

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Google is rolling out two new Android apps to boost safety in its messaging services. The Android System Key Verifier helps users confirm they are chatting with the right person, while the Android System SafetyCore introduces Sensitive Content Warnings to prevent exposure to inappropriate images. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing effort to improve user safety and privacy, especially in an era of increasing online scams and risks.

Android System Key Verifier: Verifying Contacts with Encryption Keys

When chatting online, it’s often challenging to confirm if the person on the other end is really who they claim to be. Online account hijacking is a common scam tactic, so Google’s new Android System Key Verifier app aims to solve this by letting users verify their contacts through end-to-end encryption keys.

How It Works:

  • The app, compatible with Android 10 and above, offers a service that lets messaging apps store and share encryption keys safely.
  • It utilizes a QR code system for sharing and verifying keys. Users generate a QR code containing their encryption key, which their contacts can scan. This establishes a secure link between the devices.
  • If you suspect that the person you’re chatting with isn’t the original contact, you can request them to verify their encryption key. If the keys don’t match, it indicates the possibility of a different device being used.

Key Features:

  1. End-to-End Encryption: The service allows secure storage and exchange of encryption keys within messaging apps like Google Messages.
  2. Verification UI: The app provides a simple user interface for scanning and sharing QR codes, making the verification process easy and quick.
  3. Contact Safety: If a contact changes devices, they need to rescan your QR code to re-verify their identity.

This feature resembles Apple’s Contact Key Verification introduced in iOS 17.2, where users receive alerts if an unrecognized device is added to a contact. It’s a proactive way to maintain contact safety across messaging apps.

Future of Android System Key Verifier

Currently, no apps are fully utilizing this service, but Google has hinted that its Messages app will support this verification feature in the near future. The rollout is expected to support Android devices running version 9 and above, although the app itself requires at least Android 10. This discrepancy could be due to ongoing updates or compatibility issues, which may be resolved before the official launch.

Android System SafetyCore: Protecting Users from Inappropriate Content

In addition to contact verification, Google is introducing a Sensitive Content Warning feature to help users avoid inappropriate images. This feature will be managed by a separate app called Android System SafetyCore.

How It Works:

  • When an image with potential nudity is detected, it gets automatically blurred. The user is then shown a “speed bump” warning, offering options to view the image or seek resources for further help.
  • If a user tries to send a potentially inappropriate image, they receive a similar warning prompt, encouraging them to reconsider before sending.
  • The feature is entirely on-device, meaning it works without sending data to Google servers, preserving user privacy.

Parental Controls and Minor Safety:

  • For users under 18, the feature is turned on by default but can be disabled for adults who opt out.
  • The goal is to give parents more control over their children’s online activities without blocking access to essential messaging functions.

What is Android System SafetyCore?

Android System SafetyCore acts as an on-device safety infrastructure, providing protection for sensitive content across various apps. It ensures user privacy by analyzing images directly on the device, without transmitting data over the internet.

Expanding to Other Platforms:

  • Google plans to extend SafetyCore to Google TV and potentially other platforms, offering a broader set of safety features beyond just messaging.

Broader Implications and Future Updates

These new features are part of Google’s broader cybersecurity strategy. By enhancing message security and privacy, Google aims to reduce online scams and improve user trust in its ecosystem.

The Android System Key Verifier and SafetyCore apps are not limited to Google Messages. They could potentially be integrated into third-party messaging apps, giving users across different platforms access to these safety features.

Expected Rollout:

  • Both apps are expected to be rolled out widely in the coming months. Users should keep their Android devices updated to benefit from these new features as soon as they become available.

Conclusion

Google’s introduction of Android System Key Verifier and Android System SafetyCore marks a significant step forward in enhancing user safety on Android devices. These features offer a more secure way to verify contacts and protect against exposure to inappropriate content, making online communication safer for everyone, especially minors.

As these updates become available, we can expect more messaging apps to adopt similar technologies, setting a new standard for privacy and security in digital communications. Stay tuned for more updates as these features officially roll out to Android users worldwide.

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Google

Google is making it easier to chat and set up your TV

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Google is rolling out two new updates to help users connect and set up devices more easily.

Easier chatting with the Pixel VIPs widget

Google is testing a new widget for Android called “Pixel VIPs.” This widget puts your most important contacts right on your home screen. With it, you can quickly see recent conversations, calls, and messages from your favorite people. The goal is to make it simple to keep in touch without searching through different apps. This feature is being tested on Pixel phones and could come to other Android devices soon.

A simpler way to set up your Google TV

Google is also updating the setup process for Google TV. Now, when you get a new Google TV device, the setup is much faster and easier. You can use your phone to finish most of the steps, like signing in and connecting to Wi-Fi. The new process makes it less confusing and saves time, especially for people who aren’t tech experts. This update is rolling out to more devices, so setting up your TV will soon be a smoother experience for everyone.

What does this mean for you?

These updates show that Google wants to make technology easier for everyone. Whether you’re chatting with friends or setting up a new TV, these changes help you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying your devices.

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Google cancels Pixel 10 preview for superfans and Google adds audio overviews to search

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Pixel 10 Series

Google has decided not to hold its special early preview event for the Pixel 10, which was meant for its most dedicated fans. In past years, Google invited “superfans” to see new Pixel devices before anyone else. This year, however, Google canceled the event without giving a clear reason. Fans who were looking forward to getting an early look at the Pixel 10 will now have to wait for the official launch, like everyone else. This change has disappointed many in the Pixel community, who enjoyed feeling included and valued by Google.

At the same time, Google is making it easier for people to get information from its search engine. The company is rolling out a new feature called “audio overviews.” With this update, when you search for something, you can listen to a summary of the information instead of reading it. This is helpful for people who are busy or prefer listening over reading. The audio overview gives a quick explanation of the topic, making it more convenient to learn new things on the go.

In summary, while Google has skipped its early Pixel 10 preview for superfans, it is improving its search experience by letting users listen to summaries of their search results. These updates show Google is still working to make its products better, even if some fans are disappointed by the event cancellation.

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Android

New Android Updates: Easier call controls and earthquake alerts on your wrist

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Google is making Android and Wear OS even better with some helpful new features.

Easier call controls with Android 16

Android 16 is testing a new “call chip” that makes it easier to manage phone calls. When you’re on a call, a small button will appear at the top of your screen. This “call chip” lets you quickly get back to your call if you switch to another app. You can tap it to return to the call screen, mute yourself, or hang up, all without searching for the call app. This update should make handling calls much simpler, especially if you often multitask on your phone.

Earthquake alerts coming to wear os smartwatches

Google is also bringing earthquake alerts to Wear OS smartwatches. If there’s an earthquake nearby, your watch will vibrate and show a warning on the screen. This helps you get alerts even if your phone isn’t in your hand. The feature uses the same technology as Android’s earthquake alert system, which gathers data from phones to detect quakes quickly. Now, with alerts on your wrist, you can get to safety even faster.

What does this mean for users

These updates show that Google wants to make daily life safer and easier. With better call controls and quick earthquake warnings, Android and Wear OS devices are becoming even more helpful for everyone.

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