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Google Phone app enhances scam call reporting and new Chromecast update rolled out

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Google

The Google Phone app is steadily becoming more user-friendly, especially when dealing with spam and scam calls. In a recent update, Google has introduced and is refining features to empower users to report fraudulent calls more effectively. Meanwhile, a fresh update for the Chromecast with Google TV has begun rolling out, keeping the device optimized as Google preps for larger changes.

Google Phone App: Smarter Tools for Scam Reporting

The Google Phone app has long been a reliable tool for blocking unwanted calls, but it’s taking scam call reporting to the next level. Users can already block or report spam calls directly from the call log by long-pressing an entry and selecting “Block or report.” From there, you can classify the call as either spam or scam and choose whether to block the number. However, this process currently sends minimal context to Google.

An upcoming update is set to introduce a detailed feedback mechanism. Version 155.0.697690833-publicbeta of the app hints at a future feature where users can provide additional insights about scam calls. This update may include:

Enhanced Reporting Options

When reporting a call as a scam, users might see a multi-select menu with questions like:

  • What did the scammer ask for?
    • Personal information (e.g., full name)
    • Passwords
    • Electronic payments
    • App downloads
    • “Not applicable” or “Something else” (with a text entry option)
  • What did the scammer pretend to be?
    • Government agencies (e.g., FBI, IRS, Social Security Administration)
    • Friends or acquaintances
    • Law enforcement (e.g., police)
    • “Not applicable” or “Something else” (allowing for further details)

This information will be reviewed by Google and could potentially be used to warn other users about known scam numbers or their tactics.

Lookup Button Gets Better Placement

The update also tweaks the Lookup button, which helps identify unknown numbers. While this button has existed in the app, it is now visible within the Google Contacts app when accessed through the Phone app. A banner labeled “Contact info from Phone” further clarifies the context.

Although these features are still in development and not yet available for public use, they highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to combat spam and scam calls.

Chromecast with Google TV: Latest Update Rolling Out

Google is also rolling out a new update for the Chromecast with Google TV, continuing its commitment to improving performance and security.

Update Details

  • Version: STTL.240812.006.N1 (upgraded from STTL.240812.006)
  • Size: 59.48 MB (smaller than October’s 83.01 MB patch)
  • Patch Level: September 2024 (still based on Android 12)
  • Changes: General bug fixes and performance improvements.

This marks the eighth update for Chromecast with Google TV in 2023, following monthly patches since February. While these incremental updates focus on stability, they pave the way for a bigger milestone: Android 14.

What’s Next for Chromecast?

The Android 14 update is expected to bring a significant feature called “Home runtime”, enabling Chromecast devices to function as hubs for Matter smart home devices. Google has until the end of the year to roll out this transformative upgrade, and this recent patch could be preparing the device for the transition.

How to Update Your Chromecast

To ensure you have the latest version:

  1. Navigate to Settings on your Chromecast with Google TV.
  2. Go to System > About > System update.
  3. Follow the prompts to install the update.

Conclusion

Google’s latest improvements for the Phone app and Chromecast with Google TV showcase its focus on user experience and security. With smarter scam call reporting on the horizon and updates ensuring devices stay optimized, Google continues to lead in enhancing everyday tech. Stay tuned as these features and updates roll out to users worldwide!

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Android

Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

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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!

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New updates for YouTube, Gemini, and Google Home apps

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Google is rolling out exciting changes to its YouTube, Gemini, and Google Home apps, making them more user-friendly and packed with cool features. These updates, announced in May 2025, aim to improve how you watch videos, edit images, and control your smart home.

The YouTube app for TVs is getting a fresh look. You’ll see better video previews, easier ways to subscribe to channels, and a smoother interface for browsing playlists and comments. Autoplay will also work smarter, keeping you hooked on your favorite content without extra clicks. These changes will hit your screens by summer 2025, perfect for binge-watching on Google TV or Android TV.

Meanwhile, the Gemini app now lets you edit images like a pro. Want to change a photo’s background or add fun elements? Just type what you want, and Gemini’s AI makes it happen while keeping the original picture intact. It even adds a small “ai” watermark to show it’s edited. This feature is available in the U.S. and works on both uploaded and AI-made images, with more countries getting access soon.

The Google Home app (version 3.32) is also stepping up. It now supports more smart devices, like cameras and doorbells, and offers quicker controls for lights and thermostats. A new “Activity” tab lets you see what’s happening with your devices in one place, making your smart home easier to manage.

These updates show Google’s focus on making its apps simpler and more powerful, whether you’re streaming, creating, or managing your home. Keep an eye out for these changes to enhance your daily tech experience

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Google Pixel phone and watch update for May 2025 brings fixes and a fresh app look

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Android Feature Drop

Google is rolling out its May 2025 software update for Pixel devices, making things smoother for phones, tablets, and the Pixel Watch app. This update is all about fixing bugs and adding a small but nice change for Pixel Watch users. It’s available for devices running Android 15, like the Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 series, and Pixel Tablet. The rollout started on May 7, 2025, and will reach devices over the next week, depending on your carrier.

For Pixel phones and tablets, the update tackles three key issues: better microphone recording, improved Bluetooth pairing, and general performance tweaks. It also includes 28 security fixes, with one possibly being targeted by hackers, so updating soon is a good idea. If you have a Pixel 6 or 8, note that this update locks the bootloader, meaning you can’t go back to older software versions.

On the Pixel Watch side, there’s no major device update this month, but the Pixel Watch app on Android now has a light theme option. This gives the app a brighter, cleaner look, making it easier to use in different lighting.

Google might share more about Wear OS at I/O 2025, but for now, the app’s new style is a welcome touch. To get the update, check your device settings. Pixel users can expect a notification soon, but you can also manually check for it. Stay updated for a better, safer experience.

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