Google’s Pixel Weather App adds AI reports and precipitation map
Top 3 Key Points:
- AI Weather Insights: The new Pixel Weather app uses AI to provide personalized weather reports.
- Interactive Precipitation Map: A new feature that shows real-time precipitation forecasts.
- Customizable Interface: Users can rearrange weather data cards and sync locations across devices.
Google has revamped its weather experience with the introduction of the Pixel Weather app, available starting with the Pixel 9 series. Unlike previous versions, this app operates independently of the Google Search app, offering a more tailored and immersive experience.
The Pixel Weather app’s interface prominently displays the current temperature for your location, with details on weather conditions, “Feels like” temperature, and daily highs and lows. The background images change to match the location, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or the Statue of Liberty in New York.
A standout feature of the new app is the “AI Weather Report,” powered by Google’s Gemini Nanotechnology. These AI-generated reports provide insightful weather updates throughout the day, such as advice on carrying an umbrella for rainy conditions or warnings about high UV levels during a sunny morning.
Users will also appreciate the carousel that displays hourly and 10-day forecasts, allowing for a quick glance at upcoming weather patterns. A significant new addition is the Precipitation map, which shows the expected rainfall or snowfall in your area over the next few hours.
Beyond these features, the app offers customizable weather data cards that include information on Precipitation, Wind, Sunrise & Sunset times, UV Index, Air Quality, Visibility, Humidity, and Pressure. These cards, along with the 10-day forecast, can be rearranged according to your preferences. On devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the app uses a dual-column layout for an enhanced viewing experience.
The main screen of the app keeps track of your current location and any saved locations, which are synced to your Google Account for easy access across multiple devices. Additional features include evening notifications with an overview of the next day’s weather and alerts for upcoming precipitation.
Google’s Pixel Weather app is a significant upgrade, bringing more interactive and intelligent weather forecasting to its users.
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google TV adds more free channels, including The Bob Ross Channel, reaching 157 total.
- Google faces a second antitrust trial, this time focused on its dominance in online advertising.
- YouTube rolls out Pause ads, encouraging users to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Google is continuously expanding its free TV offerings. This week, Google TV added seven new channels, bringing the total to 157. New channels include The Bob Ross Channel, Comedy Dynamics, and The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. These channels are available on Chromecast and other Google TV devices, allowing users to watch them directly through the home screen or the Freeplay app.
Initially, when Google TV launched its free channel service in 2023, there were around 80 channels. Through partnerships with platforms like Plex and Tubi, users can now access even more content through Google TV’s “Live” tab. As of now, this feature is only available in the U.S., and there’s no information on expanding it internationally.
On a different front, Google is facing another antitrust trial. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online advertising. This is the second major antitrust case against the company in just a few months, following a ruling in August that Google held a monopoly in online search.
Unlike the search case, this ad case is more complex. Google’s dominance in advertising largely stems from its acquisition of several competitors, creating a highly sophisticated system for managing ads across platforms. Now, the DOJ is arguing that Google used these acquisitions to unfairly maintain control over the digital ad market.
As the trial unfolds, witnesses from news publishers and advertising experts are testifying on how Google’s practices have impacted competition. If the court rules against Google again, the company could face serious consequences, possibly even having parts of its business broken up.
Meanwhile, over on YouTube, the platform has started expanding its Pause ads feature. These ads appear when a user pauses a video, with a static ad popping up next to the video screen. YouTube’s goal is to make these ads feel less intrusive compared to the usual pre-roll and mid-roll ads, but it’s also a clear push to get users to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
Although some users are frustrated by the increasing number of ads, YouTube claims that advertisers are responding positively to the new format. However, the platform has made no indication that it plans to reduce the number of other ads users encounter, especially for those who aren’t subscribed to Premium.
In conclusion, Google’s expanding presence in TV, ongoing legal battles, and evolving advertising strategies reflect its continuing influence on both entertainment and online business.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
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.
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