Top 3 Key Points:

1. Google is developing cross-platform end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messaging between Android and iPhone.
2. The Gemini web platform now supports Google Keep and Google Tasks, enabling users to integrate notes and tasks directly with AI.
3. Google is focused on improving messaging features like replies, reactions, and message editing across platforms.

Google is working on enhancing the messaging experience by adding end-to-end encryption (E2EE) between Android and iPhone users. Recently, RCS (Rich Communication Services) rolled out on the iPhone, and Google is planning to introduce secure messaging between different platforms.

The GSMA, the organization responsible for governing mobile standards, mentioned that the next big step is implementing encryption that works across different devices. This will allow secure communication between Android and iPhone users, protecting them from fraud, scams, and other security risks.

Google’s Messages app already supports encryption for conversations on Android, but this protection doesn’t yet extend to iPhone chats. Google is working with various partners to make this happen, hoping to provide strong privacy for everyone.

The company is proud of its ongoing efforts to offer encrypted messaging through RCS since 2020. Google is committed to ensuring that secure communication becomes the standard for all RCS users, regardless of which platform they are using.

Apple has also shown interest in working with the GSMA to bring encryption to RCS messaging on iPhone. While encryption is a top priority, Google also looks forward to improvements like message reactions and direct replies, which are coming in future updates.

In another development, Google’s Gemini web client has added extensions for Google Keep and Google Tasks. These new tools allow users to create, manage, and find their notes and tasks from anywhere. For instance, with Google Keep, users can create lists, make notes, and even ask the Gemini AI to help them with tasks like generating ideas or planning activities. Similarly, Google Tasks lets users set reminders, manage their to-dos, and organize upcoming tasks.

These new features in Gemini were initially launched for Pixel 9 users, but they are now available to everyone on the web. Users can access Keep and Tasks under the Google Workspace Extension on the Gemini settings page, bringing added convenience to their productivity workflow.

In summary, Google’s efforts to improve messaging security and integrate productivity tools like Keep and Tasks with Gemini showcase its commitment to enhancing both communication and task management for its users.

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Key Points:

1. Google is adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and AR to enhance indoor tracking in Find My Device.
2. The Find My Device app may soon offer AR-based directions to locate lost devices with high precision.
3. Google plans to simplify managing Trusted Places for extended unlock with a new toggle feature.

A few months ago, it was revealed that Google was developing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and augmented reality (AR) support for its Find My Device network. Today, new details have emerged about these exciting features, which aim to improve the way you locate your devices.

UWB Support: Precision Indoor Tracking

Google’s Find My Device will soon incorporate UWB technology, which is designed to enhance precision when tracking lost devices indoors. This improvement would allow Google to compete more directly with Apple’s Find My service, which already uses similar technology. UWB enables highly accurate location tracking, helping you pinpoint devices within close range, even when they’re hidden behind objects like furniture.

AR Directions: Guiding You to Your Device

Another upcoming feature is the addition of ARCore support in Find My Device. This integration could mean that AR directions, such as “turn left” or “the device is behind you,” would guide users to their lost devices in real-time, similar to how Samsung’s SmartTag 2 works with SmartThings. These AR-based cues could make finding misplaced items much faster and more intuitive, using visual overlays on your phone’s display.

While these features were first uncovered months ago, they haven’t gone live in the app yet. It’s important to note that, as with any app update, there’s no guarantee of when or if these additions will be officially released.

Simplified Trusted Places Management

In addition to the updates in Find My Device, Google is working on making its “Trusted Places” feature easier to manage. Trusted Places allows your phone to stay unlocked in secure locations, such as your home, for up to four hours. This feature is part of the Extended Unlock option in Android, but until now, it has been difficult to manage when you want to make temporary changes.

A new beta version of Google Play Services (v24.37.31) includes a convenient toggle that lets users turn the Trusted Places feature on or off without deleting the saved locations. Previously, if you wanted to disable Trusted Places, you had to remove all your trusted locations, which was inconvenient for short-term changes.

This update streamlines the process, making it easier to enable or disable the feature. There’s also a revamped location picker interface to help users set up Trusted Places more efficiently.

What’s Next?

Although these updates aren’t fully rolled out yet, they align with Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance Android’s security and usability. With the new UWB and AR capabilities in Find My Device, and the simplified Trusted Places management, users will have more control and convenience in keeping their devices secure and easy to locate. Keep an eye on future updates for these exciting improvements.

Key Points:

• Flip Photos: Google Photos now lets you flip photos and videos horizontally.
• AI in Gmail: Gmail’s AI features are now accessible directly in the Gemini Assistant.
• Limited Availability: The new features are currently rolling out and may not be available to everyone yet.

Google Photos has finally added a long-awaited feature: the ability to flip photos and videos horizontally. This simple but essential tool is now available within the “Crop” section of the Photos app. While it might not be a feature you use every day, it can be helpful for certain types of images or videos.

Gmail’s AI features are also getting an upgrade. You can now access features like summarizing long emails, suggesting replies, and listing action items directly from the Gemini Assistant. This makes it easier to manage your inbox and get things done.

Note: These new features are currently rolling out and may not be available to everyone yet. If you don’t see them in your apps, you might need to wait for an update.