Google Fi awaits Apple’s RCS support for iPhones, search widget gets custom shortcuts and Wear OS gets health upgrades
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Fi waits on Apple to enable RCS support for iPhone users, despite iOS 18’s release.
- Google updates its iPhone Search widget with customizable shortcuts like Gemini and Lens.
- Wear OS smartwatches will soon get health upgrades through a partnership between Google and Masimo.
Google Fi and RCS Support for iPhones
With the launch of iOS 18, Rich Communication Services (RCS) is now available to improve messaging between Android and iPhone users. However, Google Fi is still waiting on Apple to enable this feature for its iPhone users. Google has already done the necessary technical work on its end, but only Apple can activate RCS interoperability for Fi users.
As of now, RCS is enabled on major U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, but not yet on other networks like Mint Mobile. According to 9to5Mac, enabling RCS requires an updated carrier file to be sent to Apple, which is then distributed through an over-the-air update. Currently, Apple’s support documents don’t specify when or if RCS will be enabled for carriers like Google Fi.
Google has expressed hope that Apple will enable this feature soon. As of now, Google Fi users with Android phones can use RCS to communicate with iPhone users, provided the latter has RCS enabled.
Google Search Widget Adds New Shortcuts for iPhone
Google has updated its Search widget for iPhone and iPad, introducing customizable shortcuts, including one for its AI platform, Gemini. Previously, the widget offered quick access to Lens, Voice Search, and Incognito Mode, but now users can personalize the shortcuts with options like Song Search, Google Translate, and even Google Lens features like homework assistance.
The ability to customize these shortcuts improves usability, allowing users to quickly access their most-used tools. Google is also working on a similar update for Android’s Search widget, though it might only allow one customizable shortcut next to Voice Search and Lens.
Wear OS Smartwatches Get Health Upgrades
Google is teaming up with Masimo, a health technology company, to improve the health-tracking capabilities of Wear OS smartwatches. The partnership will create a “reference platform” that helps smartwatch manufacturers integrate Masimo’s biosensing technology, which has been used in hospital monitoring systems, into future Wear OS devices.
This platform will offer a suite of health and wellness tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data, while also being compatible with Android smartphones. Manufacturers will still have creative control over the smartwatch design and features but will benefit from Masimo’s health tech expertise.
This collaboration is significant as Masimo has been involved in a legal battle with Apple over health-tracking technology in the Apple Watch. The dispute led to Apple disabling blood oxygen tracking in some of its latest models.
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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