Google

Google’s Gemini AI expands file management and smart home widget capabilities

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2024

Google is enhancing its Gemini AI with new features, making it more capable for users who want a versatile virtual assistant. Gemini, which initially offered basic document assistance and image generation, is now gearing up for deeper integration with user files and smart home devices.

Gemini Live for Document Interaction

Google is currently testing a feature called Gemini Live, aimed at making file management more interactive. With this update, users can upload various file types, such as text documents or spreadsheets, and conversationally engage with Gemini. Instead of just reading or summarizing the files, the AI can modify them based on user commands. For example, you could ask Gemini to extract key data points from a spreadsheet or summarize a lengthy document, making it much more efficient for professionals managing multiple files.

This enhanced feature, identified in recent updates of the Google app, hints at a more dynamic interface where users might soon be able to directly talk to Gemini about their files. Although not fully active yet, the development suggests a future where file-based tasks become much simpler, allowing users to ask for changes or information directly in real-time conversations with the AI.

Google Home’s Smart Widget

In parallel, Google is enhancing its smart home experience through the Google Home app. A new widget, internally named Home Summary, is under development to offer a streamlined overview of all smart devices connected to the Google ecosystem. This widget aims to use AI capabilities, possibly powered by Gemini, to present a summarized view of device statuses, such as temperature adjustments from Nest Thermostats or activity detected by Nest Cameras.

This move is part of Google’s effort to simplify smart home management, addressing user feedback on the current complexity when controlling multiple devices. The widget aims to provide a concise, AI-generated summary right on the home screen, giving users a quick glance at their smart home’s status without diving into the app. Although still in the testing phase, this feature reflects Google’s push to integrate AI deeply into daily digital experiences, making smart home management more intuitive and responsive.

What’s Next for Users?

Both features, Gemini Live and the Home Summary widget, are designed to be rolled out initially as part of Google’s testing programs. Users who subscribe to Gemini Advanced or participate in Google’s Public Preview may get early access. These updates are a significant part of Google’s strategy to expand its AI ecosystem, enhancing the utility of its apps and making everyday tasks easier for users.

Expect to see these features rolling out more broadly as Google continues to refine its offerings, likely with a focus on deeper integrations across its various apps and smart devices.

Android

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

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

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!

Google

Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.

This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.

If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.

This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Google

Google updates Chrome, Search, and Play Store for better user experience

Published

13 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.

Chrome’s Improved Security

Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.

Redesigned Google Search Bar

The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.

Better Play Store Downloads

The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.

These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!