Android

Google Updates: Easier police reporting on Android Auto, RCS Ad Spam controls in Messages, and Google Photos’ “Moments” redesign

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2024

Google is rolling out several updates across its platforms to enhance user experiences. From a significant usability improvement in Android Auto to better spam control in Google Messages and a redesign in Google Photos, these changes aim to simplify and optimize their services. Let’s dive into the details.

Easier Police Reporting on Google Maps for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Google Maps has introduced a small yet impactful update to improve incident reporting on Android Auto. Previously, users had to navigate through multiple menus to report police activity, a common use case for many drivers. With the latest update:

Streamlined Reporting Menu: The option to report police activity is now prominently placed at the top of the menu, just below critical options like crashes and traffic slowdowns.
Simpler Terminology: The reporting option has been renamed from “Speed Traps” to a more generalized “Police,” making it easier for users to identify.
Broad Rollout: This update is server-side, meaning there’s no need to update the Android Auto app. It’s also expected to apply to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay.

This change addresses long-standing feedback, making it more convenient for users to report incidents while on the road.

Google Messages Tackles RCS Ad Spam with a New “STOP” Button

RCS (Rich Communication Services) in Google Messages has been a game-changer for Android messaging. However, in some regions, verified businesses misuse RCS to send unsolicited ads, frustrating users. Google is testing a solution to address this:

STOP Button for Business Messages:
- A new feature in the beta version of Google Messages (v20241125_04) introduces a prominent “STOP” button.
- Clicking this button automatically sends the “STOP” keyword to unsubscribe from unwanted RCS Business Messages (RBM).
How It Works:
- Once you unsubscribe, businesses should stop sending messages. If you wish to re-subscribe, you can send the keyword “START” at any time.
- This solution ties to your phone number, ensuring spam control even when switching devices or resetting your phone.
Why It Matters:
- Previously, users had to rely on blocking and reporting spam, which was cumbersome and device-dependent.
- The STOP feature is more reliable and user-friendly.

While this feature is still in beta and may not be available to all users, you can manually type “STOP” in business chats to achieve the same result. For those overwhelmed by spam, disabling RCS altogether remains an option.

Google Photos: From “Memories” to “Moments”

Google Photos is undergoing a redesign that repositions its “Memories” feature while maintaining its functionality:

Name and Location Update:
- The “Memories” tab at the bottom bar is now called “Moments.”
- It has been moved to the “Collections” tab alongside other categories like Albums, People & Pets, and Places.
Clean Navigation:
- With this change, the bottom navigation bar now has three tabs: Photos, Collections, and Search (or Gemini-powered “Ask”).
- This mirrors similar navigation simplifications in Google Maps earlier this year.
Consistency Across Platforms:
- The update has started rolling out to iOS users with Google Photos version 7.9, and Android users can expect it soon.

The Moments view retains its scrapbook-like organization, allowing users to see their best photos, search for specific memories, and share them easily. The carousel at the top of the main photos grid will continue to use the “Memories” branding.

What These Updates Mean for Users

These updates reflect Google’s focus on user feedback and continuous improvement:

Better Driving Experience: Simplified police reporting in Google Maps improves safety and convenience for drivers.
Enhanced Messaging Control: The STOP button in Google Messages offers a much-needed solution to RCS ad spam, saving users time and hassle.
Streamlined Photo Organization: The Moments redesign in Google Photos makes navigation cleaner and integrates memories more seamlessly.

As these features roll out, users can look forward to a smoother, more intuitive experience across Google’s ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available!

Android

Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.

With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.

At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.

Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.

Android

Google improves Translate, Assistant, TV, and Chrome with new updates

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.

Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.

Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.

Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.

Android

Android 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.

Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.

In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.

Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.