Google enhances weather forecasting, Messaging, and Photo management with AI updates
With several new AI-powered features and updates, Google is making significant strides in weather forecasting, messaging tools, and photo management. Here’s a quick overview of the latest advancements:
1. GenCast AI: A Leap in Weather Forecasting
Google’s GenCast is an advanced AI weather model that improves accuracy and reliability. Built on diffusion technology, similar to what powers AI for generating images and videos, GenCast adapts to Earth’s spherical geometry to predict complex weather scenarios.
- How It Works: GenCast produces an ensemble forecast of 50+ predictions, offering a range of possible weather outcomes. This helps express uncertainty better, making predictions more balanced and accurate.
- Performance: Compared to the ECMWF’s ENS system, GenCast provides better forecasts for regular weather and extreme events like cyclones up to 15 days in advance. It was found more accurate in 97.2% of tested scenarios from 2019 data.
- Efficiency: GenCast takes only 8 minutes on a Google Cloud TPU v5 to generate a 15-day forecast, significantly faster than traditional supercomputer systems.
- Open Access: Google has made GenCast’s code and weights available, allowing researchers and organizations to integrate these forecasts into their workflows.
2. Gemini Extensions for Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp
Google has begun rolling out Gemini AI-powered extensions for its messaging and calling apps, including Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp.
- Messages Integration: Gemini can help compose, rewrite, and send messages using simple prompts. It supports conversational commands like drafting a haiku or sending a congratulatory message. However, it cannot read or summarize incoming messages.
- Phone Calls: The Phone extension enables natural voice-driven call handling. Gemini can summarize reviews, call businesses, or assist in tasks like negotiating over the phone.
- WhatsApp Support: For the first time, Gemini integrates with a third-party app, allowing users to make calls or send messages via WhatsApp using AI-driven commands.
These extensions are enabled by default but may require a restart of the Gemini/Google app to appear.
3. Google Photos: Undo Backup and Improved Features
Google Photos is introducing a new “Undo Device Backup” feature, giving users control over their backed-up media:
- How It Works: This option removes photos and videos from Google Photos without deleting them from your device. It helps users who no longer want their device media backed up.
- Steps to Undo Backup:
- Open Google Photos > Profile > Settings > Backup.
- Tap “Undo backup for this device.”
- Confirm the action, and backup will be disabled automatically.
- Partner Sharing Update: Google has stopped automatic sharing of third-party app photos with partners, reducing clutter and enhancing feed focus.
Additionally, Google is working on simplifying the process of setting wallpapers from Google Photos. A future update will add a “Set as wallpaper” option in the toolbar, streamlining the current multi-step process.
4. Transitioning to Google Messages from Verizon Message+
As Verizon Message+ sunsets, Google offers a guide for users switching to Google Messages:
- Customizations: Change conversation colors, adjust notification sounds, and pinch-to-zoom for font size.
- Features: Schedule messages, pin favorite conversations, and manually save media to your device.
- RCS Support: Google Messages works over mobile data and Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless communication.
Google’s continuous AI innovations are enhancing user experience across various services. Whether it’s accurate weather forecasting, smarter messaging tools, or better photo management, these updates reflect the company’s commitment to integrating AI into everyday tools.
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 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 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!
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