Google updates messages with a new send button and rollout ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones for Pixel devices
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Messages gets a redesigned send button with a bolder look.
- New ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones and alarms, inspired by African wildlife, are now available on Pixel devices.
- These updates aim to enhance user experience and well-being through thoughtful design and soundscapes.
Google has made a small yet noticeable update to its Messages app for Android. The send button within conversations has been redesigned to be more prominent. Previously, the paper airplane icon was displayed against a light or dark background, depending on the theme. Now, the roles have been reversed—the icon appears in a light or dark color, while the background is themed using Dynamic Color or one of the eight preset Custom Bubble themes. As usual, the RCS end-to-end encryption (E2EE) lock icon or Gemini sparkle remains visible in the corner of the button.
This new design is currently available in the Google Messages beta channel (version 20240813_00_RC00) and seems to be widely accessible. This update follows Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience, including recent work on a new read receipt system.
In addition to this update, Google has also introduced a new collection of ringtones and alarm sounds called “Sound Matters,” initially launched with the Pixel 9 series. These sounds are now rolling out to earlier Pixel devices. The “Sound Matters” collection features a variety of bird songs recorded in the wild areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe during the rainy season of late 2023. Google collaborated with an award-winning wildlife sound recordist to capture these sounds, emphasizing their significance in reflecting a healthy ecosystem.
The collection includes six ringtones and alarm sounds, such as “Limpopo Savannah at Dawn” and “Zimbabwe Savannah at Dawn,” as well as four notification sounds like “Meyer’s Parrot at Dawn” and “Crested Francolin at Dawn.” To access these, Pixel users can navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration.
For those who want more, Google has also released a 1-hour recording of the “Sound Matters Dawn Chorus” collection, which will be available in the Fitbit app. Research indicates that the sounds of birds can positively impact mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and improving mood.
The latest version (3.1, build 642123347) of Google’s Sounds app is rolling out now via the Play Store for Pixel 4 and later models, following the introduction of the “Gems” collection last year.
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.
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.
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