Google

Google Gemini enhances Pixel 9 with new features

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Gemini is the Default Assistant: The Pixel 9 will come with Google Gemini as its standard assistant.
Voice Chat Mode: Gemini Live introduces advanced voice chat with multiple voices and conversational interruptions.
Future Updates: Google plans to expand Gemini’s features and support to more devices and languages.

At the Made by Google event, it was confirmed that Gemini will be the default assistant on the new Pixel 9 phones. Previously, users could choose to replace Google Assistant with Gemini, but now it will be the standard on these new devices.

For those who prefer the older Google Assistant, there’s an option to switch back. Despite the excitement around Gemini, Google Assistant will still be part of Google’s Nest/Home products.

The Pixel 9 also benefits from new AI tools, including the Gemini 1.5 Pro-powered Live feature, which promises more natural conversations. This AI capability extends Google’s advanced imaging tools like Magic Eraser and Add Me.

Google aims to roll out Gemini more widely across Android devices, but this will depend on the timing of updates and the choices of other device makers like Samsung, which has its own AI projects.

Pixel 9 phones will start shipping on August 22.

In addition to making Gemini the default assistant, Google introduced Gemini Live, a new voice chat mode for Gemini Advanced subscribers. This feature allows users to have more interactive conversations, including speaking to Gemini without needing to press buttons. Conversations can be interrupted or paused and resumed later, and Gemini Live can operate even when the phone is locked.

New voices for Gemini, with ten options available, are now rolling out in English for Android devices, with more languages and support for iOS coming soon.

Google also announced upcoming features for Gemini, such as new integrations with apps like Keep, Tasks, Utilities, and YouTube Music. Gemini will also be able to understand the context of your screen, providing relevant information and details directly from videos to enhance your Google Maps experience.

Google

Google Calendar and Circle to Search expand to more devices

Published

9 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.

Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:

Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.

Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:

Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.

Other Chrome Updates:

Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.

These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.

Source/Via

Google

YouTube gets smarter: AI boosts Shorts and Studio

Published

10 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.

AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.

YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.

Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.

Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.

For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”

YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.

For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.

These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.

Android

Faster keyboard switching on Android

Published

13 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key points:

Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.

Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.

Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.

For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.

While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.