Key Points:

• YouTube Music Songs Missing: Many songs are missing from YouTube Music due to a license issue with SESAC.
• Google Maps Incident Reporting: Google Maps is now letting Android Auto users report road hazards.
• YouTube and SESAC: YouTube is talking to SESAC to get the songs back.

YouTube Music Loses Songs

If you use YouTube Music in the US, you might have noticed some songs are missing. This is because YouTube has a problem with a company called SESAC. SESAC is a group that helps songwriters and publishers get paid when their music is played.

YouTube and SESAC couldn’t agree on a new deal, so YouTube had to remove songs from its music service. YouTube is still talking to SESAC and hopes to fix the problem soon.

Google Maps Gets New Feature

Google Maps has a new feature for Android Auto users. You can now report road hazards like accidents, traffic jams, and construction. This is a great way to help other drivers stay safe.

Just tap the new triangle button on your Android Auto screen to report a hazard. You’ll see a list of options to choose from.

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Key points:

• Google’s Pixel phones are known for their distinctive camera bar.
• The Pixel 9’s camera bar is larger and more prominent than previous models.
• Some love the bold design while others find it excessive.

Google’s Pixel smartphones have always stood out with their unique camera bar. It started as a sleek way to house multiple cameras, but with each new model, the bar has grown larger and more prominent. The Pixel 9 takes this trend to a new level, with a camera bar that’s both striking and divisive.

Some people love the bold design, arguing that it makes the phone stand out from the crowd. They appreciate the way it adds a touch of personality and uniqueness to the device. Others find it excessive, believing it detracts from the overall aesthetics of the phone. They argue that the camera bar is too large and dominant, making the phone look unbalanced and clunky.

The Pixel 9’s camera bar is a testament to Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. While some may find it controversial, there’s no denying that it’s a conversation starter. It’s a bold statement that shows Google’s willingness to take risks and try something new.

Whether you love it or hate it, the Pixel 9’s camera bar is a feature that’s sure to be remembered. It’s a symbol of Google’s unique approach to smartphone design, and it’s a reminder that even the most iconic design choices can be divisive.

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Here’s a quick rundown of the latest tech news:

• Calling it Quits on the Big Screen: Google Meet, the popular video calling app, will soon be saying goodbye to Android TV and Google TV. While not the most widely used feature, it offered a convenient way to make video calls on your TV with a webcam.
• Storage at a Glance: Gmail on the web is getting a handy upgrade! A new storage indicator has been added to the account switcher menu. With a quick tap, this lets you see how much storage you’re using out of your total Google Drive space.
• Smarter Chat with Gemini: Google Chat is getting a brain boost with the rollout of Gemini to Workspace Labs. This AI-powered tool helps you summarize conversations, generate to-do lists from discussions, and even answer specific questions within a chat.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these updates:

Meet Exits the Living Room:

While Google Meet on Android TV was helpful during the pandemic, it seems its time has come. Recent code updates suggest Google plans to discontinue the app. A message within the app hints at this, mentioning “deprecation” and prompting users to find alternatives. This follows a similar shutdown of Meet on Samsung TVs earlier this year.

For those who relied on Meet for TV video calls, it’s wise to start exploring other options.

Gmail Gets Storage Savvy:

Ever wondered how much storage you’ve used in your Gmail account? Now, checking is easier than ever. A new storage indicator has been added to the Gmail account switcher menu. It displays a clear percentage of your total storage used, along with a handy Google One shortcut if you need more space. This complements the existing indicator already present at the bottom of Gmail’s main page.

This update extends to standalone Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides as well, offering a quick way to monitor your storage usage across various Google services.

Gemini Joins the Workspace Party:

For Workspace users, Google Chat is getting a major upgrade with Gemini. This AI assistant is now available in Workspace Labs, offering a range of helpful tools. With Gemini, you can summarize entire chat spaces or specific conversations, extract actionable items from discussions, and even ask questions and get answers directly within your chat window.

Source/Via