Google

Google expands RCS encryption for Android and iPhone with Gemini bringing Google Tasks and Keep to the web

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Google is developing cross-platform end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messaging between Android and iPhone.
The Gemini web platform now supports Google Keep and Google Tasks, enabling users to integrate notes and tasks directly with AI.
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.

Source/Via

Android

Android 15 delayed, Gemini Live now free for Android

Published

6 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.

Google

Google Calendar and Circle to Search expand to more devices

Published

16 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

18 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.