Android

Google’s Gemini revamps Android experience and prepares Android 14 for older Chromecast models

Published

1 month ago

August 20, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Google’s Gemini AI introduces a sleek floating panel on Android, enhancing user experience without interrupting ongoing tasks.
The update includes a new YouTube feature for easy video summaries, boosting its usefulness for educational content.
Older Chromecast models will receive Android 14, although some features will be exclusive to newer devices.

Google’s Gemini AI assistant is rolling out a new, user-friendly interface on Android devices. This update features a floating panel that is both visually appealing and functional. The panel includes a subtle glowing animation that activates when Gemini is called, making it easy to use without overwhelming the screen. The animation and layout are designed to complement your current activities, ensuring that Gemini can assist you without disrupting your workflow.

Unveiled at Google’s developer conference in May, this new interface is tailored for seamless multitasking. The panel provides useful information from Gemini while you continue working within your current app. If you prefer a more detailed view, a simple tap in the upper-right corner will expand the panel to full screen. Additionally, this interface integrates smoothly with Gemini’s image generation capabilities, allowing you to drag and drop images directly into apps like Gmail or Google Messages.

One of the standout features in this update is a new “Ask about this video” option for YouTube, replacing the older “Ask about this screen” prompt. This new feature is particularly useful for educational videos, allowing users to easily access summaries or ask questions about the content, making it easier to understand and retain information.

Overall, these enhancements mark a significant improvement in how Gemini interacts with Android users. The floating panel, in particular, is a smart addition that enhances the experience, making it easier to access AI-driven assistance on the go.

This update follows the recent release of Gemini Live, which introduced a more conversational interface for interacting with the AI. While Gemini Live offers more advanced features, such as natural conversation, it requires a Gemini Advanced subscription. In contrast, the new floating panel is available to all users, making it a more accessible option for many.

Currently, these new features are available to a limited group of users, but Google plans to expand access in the coming weeks.

In addition to Gemini’s updates, Google is also preparing to bring Android 14 to older Chromecast models, despite having recently launched the new Google TV Streamer. According to Android Authority, Chromecast with Google TV will receive the Android 14 update, even though the device has been discontinued. This was confirmed by a Google product manager during the Made by Google event, where the latest Pixel models and Pixel Watch 3 were also introduced.

While the new Google TV Streamer runs Android 14 natively and offers cutting-edge features, older Chromecast devices won’t support all the new functionalities. For instance, the ability to connect to the Thread border router, which allows for fast and secure connections to smart home devices, will be exclusive to the new Streamer.

The Android 14 update for Chromecast with Google TV (4K) will be its second major upgrade, following its initial release with Android 10 and a subsequent update to Android 12. The HD version, which launched later, came with Android 12 pre-installed. The 4K model will continue to receive security updates until September 2025, and the HD model until September 2027.

While Android Authority has confirmed that the update is on the way, the exact release date remains uncertain. However, it is expected to arrive soon.

Source/Via

Related Topics:Chromecast Gemini Google News

Up Next

Google Clock app adds timer widget: boost your productivity from the home screen

Don't Miss

New zoom enhance feature for Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel screenshots integration with Google’s Circle to Search

Click to comment

Android

Google Password Manager adds Passkey support on desktop and Android Auto introduces Tesla NACS charger compatibility

Published

12 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Google Password Manager now supports saving passkeys on desktop Chrome for easier sign-in.
Android Auto now includes support for electric vehicles (EVs) using Tesla’s NACS charging system.
The latest Android Auto update makes it easier to find NACS chargers for non-Tesla EVs.

Google has made it simpler for users to save and access passkeys on their desktop Chrome browser through its Password Manager. Previously, passkeys could only be saved through the Google Password Manager on Android devices. To log in from a desktop, users needed to scan a QR code with their Android phone, which added a layer of inconvenience.

Now, with this new update, Google Password Manager on Chrome can store passkeys for macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS (currently in beta testing). Support for iOS is expected soon. This means you can sign in using a passkey by just scanning your fingerprint or entering your device’s passcode directly on your desktop, removing the need for QR code scanning.

When creating a new passkey on your desktop, you’ll be prompted to enter a six-digit recovery PIN. This PIN is essential for unlocking your passkey on other devices. Additionally, your Android’s screen lock can act as a backup security method. Google highlights that this PIN enhances security by ensuring your passkeys are encrypted and cannot be accessed by others.

On a different front, Google is also rolling out a significant update to Android Auto. This update is important for electric vehicle (EV) users, especially those who need access to Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging stations. Until now, Android Auto supported various charging systems like J1772, CCS, and CHAdeMO, but it didn’t support NACS, which is now expanding as a major charging standard.

With this update, users with non-Tesla EVs can now enable NACS charging options through Android Auto. By doing this, they can easily locate Tesla’s NACS charging stations using Google Maps. It’s worth noting that Tesla vehicles do not natively support Android Auto, but this update will benefit non-Tesla EV users who use the NACS charging network.

A recent example of how this is useful is the approval of NACS adapters for GM’s electric vehicles. These adapters allow GM’s EV drivers to use both the NACS and CCS charging options. Google is gradually rolling out this update through the Play Store beta, and it should be available to a broader user base in the coming weeks.

Source/Via

Android

Android 15 delayed, Gemini Live now free for Android

Published

14 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

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.

Android

Faster keyboard switching on Android

Published

1 day 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.