Google Photos to work with more digital picture frames
Digital picture frame companies have been using Google Photos tools to send your pictures and videos to their devices for a while. But this month, Google is updating those tools, which will stop the old way of connecting. Don’t worry—they’re giving a new option instead.
According to The Verge, brands like Aura and Cozyla won’t be able to link to Google Photos the same way starting now. Before, Aura’s app let people pick photos from their Google Photos collection and send them to the frame. There was even a handy “auto-add” feature that grabbed new pictures from chosen albums and sent them over automatically.
With these updates, announced by Google back in September, Aura users will need to save photos from Google Photos themselves and then upload them using Aura’s app or website. Google says these changes are all about “making user privacy better.” They’ve also created special tools for digital picture frames and a program to help companies switch to the new system.
“We’re always trying to improve our tools to keep your privacy safe. We’ve made new options just for digital picture frames and are helping our partners update their products,” a Google spokesperson explained. It’s not totally clear how this will look for users yet. One clue might be how Google recently shared that Google Photos slideshows are coming to more devices like tablets, smart TVs, picture frames, and even refrigerators.
The new setup for picture frame companies could be like what’s already used for Nest Hubs, Google or Android TVs, Chromecasts, and Pixel Tablets. Those let you control slideshows right from the Google Photos app (under Settings > Apps & devices > Photo frames). We don’t know yet if these updates will be ready when the old Google Photos tools stop working. For now, it’s a wait-and-see moment for anyone with a digital frame.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design
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
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 Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use
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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