Top 3 Key Points:

1. Gemini Extension for Google Calendar: Users can create and manage events through conversational commands.
2. Wear OS 5 Updates: Enhances the Pixel Watch with improved running metrics and new features like grid-view apps and enhanced heart rate tracking.
3. Gmail’s Blue Checkmarks: Introduces sender verification for Android and iOS apps, offering stronger email security.

Google has introduced several updates across its services, aiming to improve user experience and security.

Google Calendar Gemini Extension

The Gemini Extension for Google Calendar is gradually being rolled out for Android and web users. It offers a conversational way to manage your calendar, making creating, editing, and deleting events easier. You can simply ask Gemini to:

• “Create an event for [time] on [date] for [task].”
• “Change my meeting at [time] on [day] to [new time].”
• “Cancel my event with [name] on [day].”

The feature also supports photo uploads, enabling Gemini to extract event details from images like flyers or screenshots. However, it’s important to note that certain details, such as event locations or descriptions, cannot yet be modified through Gemini.

To check if this feature is available for you, look for the Gemini extension in your Google Calendar or Gemini app.

Wear OS 5 on Pixel Watch

Google is also rolling out Wear OS 5 for the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, bringing a range of new features and improvements. The update enhances health tracking, especially for runners. New metrics include:

• Ground contact time: How long your foot stays on the ground during a step.
• Stride length: The distance covered in a single step.
• Vertical oscillation: Measures how much your body moves up and down during each step.

Additionally, users can now track goal progress and other discrete health data directly from their watch. Wear OS 5 also includes a new grid-view app launcher, better camera controls, and integration with Pixel Recorder.

Once the update is available, you can install it by visiting your watch’s System updates menu. To speed up the download, disable Bluetooth to force a Wi-Fi connection.

Gmail Adds Verified Sender Checkmarks

Gmail is enhancing email security by extending the blue verified checkmarks feature to its Android and iOS apps. This feature, which was initially introduced on the web, helps users identify verified senders through the BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) standard.

Verified senders display a brand logo next to their email address, providing visual confirmation that the message is authentic. For instance, instead of seeing just an “A” for Apple, you’ll see the Apple logo alongside a blue checkmark, indicating that the sender’s identity has been verified.

Over the coming weeks, Gmail users will see this feature rolled out to both personal and Workspace accounts. Moreover, Gmail now supports a CMC (Certification Mark Certificate) option, allowing more brands to display their logos even if they don’t meet the stricter VMC requirements for the blue checkmark.

These updates mark a significant step toward making Google’s ecosystem more user-friendly and secure, offering enhanced features across its calendar, wearable devices, and email platform.

Key points:

• Circle to Search Expansion: Soon, you’ll be able to use Google’s Circle to Search feature on messaging bubbles.
• Improved Touchpad Support: Android 15 introduces a new gesture for easier touchpad navigation.
• No More Alarm Annoyances: Shared tablets will get a feature to handle background alarms more smoothly.

Google’s Circle to Search feature, which lets you quickly search for information about anything on your screen, is getting even better. In the upcoming Android 15 update, you’ll be able to use it on messaging bubbles, making it easier to find information related to conversations.

Android 15 is also making it easier to use your tablet with a touchpad. A new gesture will let you drag and drop items more smoothly. Plus, you’ll have more control over touchpad settings, like pointer speed and tap-to-click behavior.

If you share your tablet with others, you’ll appreciate a new feature that helps manage background alarms. When an alarm goes off for a different user, you’ll get a notification to mute it or switch to that user’s profile. This eliminates the frustration of trying to silence an alarm that’s playing in the background.

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Google Photos introduces AI-powered video editing presets for easier video creation.
2. Android Auto improves lane guidance visibility in Google Maps for smoother navigation.
3. Google Home app updates settings pages for TVs, cameras, and other media-focused devices.

Google Photos Video Editor Redesign

Google Photos is rolling out a new video editor design to make it simpler for users to turn their videos into shareable clips. The main editing tools are now prominently placed within the “Video” tab, including options like “Mute,” “Enhance,” “Speed,” “Stabilize,” and “Export Frame.”

One of the key features is the “Enhance” tool, which improves colors and stabilizes videos with a single tap. The Speed tool allows users to either speed up their videos for action-packed moments or slow them down for dramatic effects. Additionally, the Trim tool has been upgraded with better controls for precise cuts, while the Export Frame has been moved to the end of the carousel for easier access.

A new “Presets” tab includes AI-powered video presets, offering options such as:

• Basic Cut: Trim, adjust lighting, and control speed.
• Slow-mo: Apply a slow-motion effect.
• Zoom: Highlight key action by zooming in.
• Track: Automatically track the main subject in the video.

This updated video editor is gradually being made available to users.

Android Auto Enhances Lane Guidance in Google Maps

Google Maps on Android Auto has improved its lane guidance feature, making it easier to read and follow while driving. The latest update rolled out over the past few weeks, increases the spacing between arrows in lane guidance. This small change makes it easier to see how many lanes are available and highlights the correct lane more clearly.

Previously, lane guidance was more condensed, making it harder to distinguish between lanes. Now, the arrows appear in a larger, more spaced-out block that is easier to understand at a glance. Although a minor tweak, this change improves the navigation experience, especially when driving in busy areas with multiple lanes.

This update likely aligns with other recent Google Maps improvements, though the widely anticipated incident reporting feature is still pending release for Android Auto.

Google Home Updates Device Settings for TVs, Cameras, and More

Google Home app has received a subtle but useful update that revamps the settings pages for various devices, particularly those related to media. Users accessing settings for TVs, cameras, speakers, soundbars, and other similar devices will now see a clearer layout, making it easier to manage these devices.

When navigating to device settings, users will find a larger, more visible icon representing the device, along with its name and type. Previously, this information was accessible but required more clicks. The update simplifies the interface, giving users a more streamlined view.

The changes currently apply to devices such as Nest cameras, thermostats, doorbells, and smart displays, while other devices like lighting gear, hubs, switches, and sensors have not yet received the new UI. This redesign focuses on devices that handle media, like streaming video or live feeds.