Google

Google’s Innovations: Pixel Tablet 2’s canceled upgrades, Quick Phrases glitch, AI accuracy boost, and Gemini’s new features

Published

7 months ago

December 2, 2024

1. Pixel Tablet 2 Canceled but Packed with Promising Features

Google’s much-anticipated sequel to the Pixel Tablet, codenamed “Kiyomi”, has reportedly been shelved. Despite its cancellation, leaks reveal several exciting upgrades that could have addressed the shortcomings of its predecessor. Here’s what the Pixel Tablet 2 might have offered:

120Hz Display: A significant jump from the 60Hz panel of the first-generation Pixel Tablet, providing smoother visuals.
4K Display Output Support: Aimed at enhancing productivity and media consumption through DisplayPort connectivity.
Improved Brightness and Design: The tablet’s 10.95-inch screen would have been 10% brighter with thinner bezels, maintaining a sleek form factor.
Upgraded Camera: A 10MP Samsung S5K3K1 sensor for selfies and an 11MP autofocus-enabled rear camera, though still lacking Face Unlock support.
Bigger Battery: A slightly larger 7,200 mAh battery for extended usage.
Other Enhancements: Thread support and the Tensor G4 chip with 5G connectivity.

Although the Pixel Tablet 2 as we know it is canceled, sources suggest Google may still have plans for future iterations.

2. Quick Phrases Glitch Troubles Pixel Users

Pixel phone owners are experiencing a frustrating glitch in Google Assistant’s Quick Phrases feature, which lets users perform tasks like silencing alarms or answering calls with simple voice commands like “Stop” or “Answer.”

The Issue:

Persistent Notifications: Users report that Quick Phrases prompts like “Say Stop” and “Say Answer” refuse to disappear even after the task is completed.
Lock Screen Intrusion: The notifications appear on the lock screen, obscuring important information like caller IDs.
Widespread Impact: The glitch affects various Pixel models, including the Pixel 8 and 9 series, across both stable and beta versions of Android 15.

Workarounds:

Restarting the device often resolves the issue temporarily.
Disabling certain toggles in the Quick Phrases menu can mitigate the problem.
Force-stopping and reopening the Google app might also help.

Google is yet to release an official fix, so some users have resorted to disabling Quick Phrases entirely.

3. Google AI Overviews to Get Fact-Checking Boost

Google’s AI-generated overviews, part of its Gemini assistant, are helpful but often require manual fact-checking. Recognizing this, Google is testing a feature to improve transparency by linking directly to sources within AI-generated summaries.

Upcoming Enhancements:

Linked Sources: Relevant web pages will be directly embedded within AI overviews, making it easier to verify information.
Expanded Source List: Users can view all references and related content via an expandable menu, a design already seen in Google’s mobile-web AI overviews.

Currently, this feature is in beta testing in Google app version 15.47.28, with no confirmed release date.

4. Gemini Enhances Lock Screen Functionality

Google’s Gemini AI assistant is rolling out a new feature that allows users to make calls and send messages without unlocking their devices.

Details of the Feature:

How It Works: Found in Gemini Settings > Gemini on Lock Screen, the feature uses the Google Assistant to bypass the unlock screen for outgoing calls and messages.
Setup Requirements: Users must enable calling and messaging apps within Gemini to activate this functionality.
Rollout Status: Currently available in Google app version 15.48 beta for select users, with broader availability expected soon.

This feature complements Gemini’s existing capabilities, making it a more versatile assistant.

Conclusion

From the scrapped Pixel Tablet 2 to the ongoing development of Gemini’s features, Google continues to innovate despite occasional setbacks like the Quick Phrases glitch. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday tasks, the company’s focus on accuracy and usability ensures its tools remain valuable to users worldwide.

Google

Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

Published

2 weeks ago

June 22, 2025

Tom Carter

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.

With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.

Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.

These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.

Android

Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Published

2 weeks ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Carter

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.

How to switch between light and dark themes

Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.

To change the theme, follow these steps:

Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
Go to the settings menu.
Find the “Theme” option.
Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).

Why themes matter

Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.

In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.

Google

Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

Published

2 weeks ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.

First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.

Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.

Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!