Google Chrome disables uBlock origin, Gboard adds font switcher, and Pixel Camera 9.6 update brings new features
In recent updates across Google’s ecosystem, significant changes have been introduced to Chrome, Gboard, and the Pixel Camera app. These updates bring both improvements and challenges for users, from ad-blocking disruptions to new customization options and exciting photography tools.
Chrome Disables uBlock Origin: Manifest V3 Changes
One of the major developments comes from Chrome’s shift to a new extension framework, called Manifest V3. This change has led to the automatic disabling of the popular ad-blocker uBlock Origin for many users. According to reports, users trying to use uBlock Origin now receive an error message saying the extension is “no longer supported.”
The root of the issue is Chrome’s transition to Manifest V3, which introduces stricter rules on how extensions can operate. uBlock Origin, which relied heavily on the flexibility of Manifest V2, now struggles to run as smoothly under the new rules. As a workaround, the developer behind uBlock Origin suggests using uBlock Origin Lite, a version that was created specifically for the new Manifest V3 environment. However, the Lite version is less effective at blocking ads and other unwanted content due to limitations in the new platform.
Manifest V3 requires that ad-blockers use a more restrictive system, known as Declarative Net Request (DNR), which limits how filters are applied. Because of this, uBlock Origin Lite can’t fully replicate the functionality of the original version. Many users may experience more ads getting through, especially on websites that actively block content filtering.
Google has noted that more than 93% of Chrome extensions in the Chrome Web Store have already moved to Manifest V3, and it plans to completely phase out support for Manifest V2 by 2025. This means that many other ad-blocking or content-filtering extensions could face similar challenges shortly.
Gboard Beta Adds Limited Font Switcher
In another update, Google has added a small but notable feature to its Gboard keyboard app for Android devices. The latest beta version of Gboard (14.7) introduces a font switcher, allowing users to choose between two font styles: the “Gboard default,” which is Google Sans Text, and the “System default,” which on Pixel devices remains Roboto.
The font switcher can be found in the Settings menu under Preferences > Appearance > Font. However, the change only affects the font displayed on the Gboard keyboard itself, not the entire system. This new feature is rolling out on beta versions for both Pixel and Samsung devices, but it hasn’t yet appeared in the stable release of the app.
For users who prefer a more personalized look on their devices, this font customization option provides a bit more control over the appearance of the keyboard, although the change is relatively minor compared to system-wide font settings.
Pixel Camera 9.6: Underwater Photography and Vertical Panorama
The October 2024 feature drop for Pixel devices brings an exciting update to the Pixel Camera app, version 9.6. This new version introduces several significant features, especially for the latest Pixel 9 series, while earlier devices will also see improvements.
For the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL, the most notable addition is support for underwater photography and video. This feature allows users to capture images and videos underwater with true-to-life colors, provided the phone is placed in a waterproof case. To enable this feature, users must go to Camera Settings > Advanced and toggle on the “Underwater photography/video” option. Once enabled, a notification will appear in the viewfinder confirming that underwater mode is active.
Older Pixel models had access to underwater capabilities through a specific third-party app and compatible case, but this update now integrates the feature directly into the camera settings for the latest models.
Additionally, the Pixel 9 series now supports vertical Panorama mode, offering a new way to take panoramic shots. Previously, Panorama mode was restricted to horizontal shots only, and users would receive a warning to rotate their phones when trying to take a vertical shot. This new feature makes it easier to capture tall buildings, trees, or other vertical subjects in a single panoramic photo.
For users of older Pixel devices (Pixel 6 through 8a), the update makes Astrophotography mode easier to access in Pixel Camera 9.6. Astrophotography, a feature designed for capturing night skies and stars, is now accessible with a simple tap from the Night Sight tab. After selecting the mode, users will see a control pill above the shutter button allowing them to toggle between Night Sight and Astro, with a timer displayed to guide the shot.
Upcoming Features: Quick Access Controls
The latest Pixel Camera update also hints at upcoming changes, with new strings of code suggesting the return of Quick access controls. This feature, once available in older versions of the app, would allow users to quickly adjust settings like white balance, brightness, and shadows directly from the viewfinder, using sliders on the side of the screen. While these controls haven’t been activated yet, their inclusion in the code suggests that Google may reintroduce them in a future update.
Conclusion
Google’s recent updates bring a mix of new opportunities and challenges for users. The shift to Manifest V3 in Chrome has created issues for uBlock Origin users, pushing them toward less effective alternatives. Meanwhile, Gboard’s font switcher offers more customization, though its impact is limited to the keyboard. On the photography front, Pixel Camera 9.6 brings exciting new features for Pixel 9 users, with underwater photography and vertical panoramas leading the way. And as Google continues to evolve its software, more updates are expected soon, promising further enhancements across its ecosystem.
A Fresh Look for Google Messages: Subtle animations breathe new life into conversations
In the ever-evolving world of mobile communication, staying fresh and engaging is paramount. Google Messages, already a powerful platform connecting millions, appears to be taking this to heart with the introduction of subtle yet impactful animations. These aren’t flashy gimmicks, but rather carefully crafted visual cues that enhance the user experience and inject a sense of polish into everyday interactions.
For years, text messaging has been a relatively static experience. Messages appear, they stack, and they remain. While functional, this approach lacks the dynamism that modern users have come to expect. Google seems poised to change this, introducing a new animation system for both sending and receiving messages that adds a touch of visual flair without being distracting.
Imagine this: you tap send on a message to a friend. Instead of simply appearing in the chat window, the message begins small and gracefully expands to its full size, almost as if it’s blossoming onto the screen. The same elegant animation occurs when you receive a message, creating a smooth and cohesive visual flow. It’s a small detail, but these are the kinds of details that elevate a good app to a great one.
This new animation is not just a cosmetic change; it speaks to a broader trend in app design. As apps mature and move beyond basic functionality, the focus shifts to user experience. Small touches like these animations demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to creating a more enjoyable and engaging environment. They signal that an app has moved beyond simply working and is now focused on delighting its users.
The beauty of this new feature lies in its subtlety. It’s not an over-the-top effect that draws attention away from the conversation itself. Instead, it’s a gentle enhancement that adds a layer of refinement to the overall experience. It’s the difference between a functional room and a thoughtfully decorated space – both serve their purpose, but one is clearly more inviting and enjoyable to be in.
The impact of these animations is twofold. Firstly, they provide immediate visual feedback to the user, confirming that their message has been sent or received. This subtle confirmation can contribute to a more seamless and reassuring experience. Secondly, they add a touch of personality to the app. In a world of increasingly homogenous interfaces, these small visual flourishes can help an app stand out and create a more memorable impression.
This isn’t about adding unnecessary bells and whistles. It’s about recognizing that even small visual cues can have a significant impact on how users perceive and interact with an app. It’s about creating a more fluid, engaging, and ultimately more human experience.
While this feature isn’t widely available just yet, its emergence hints at Google’s ongoing commitment to refining and improving Google Messages. It’s a sign that the platform is not just resting on its laurels but is actively seeking ways to enhance the user experience and keep pace with the evolving demands of modern communication. It’s a reminder that even in the world of text messages, there’s always room for a little bit of magic.
Android
Android Tablets Poised for a Multitasking Revolution: Three Apps, One Screen
For years, Android users have enjoyed the convenience of multitasking, juggling between apps with relative ease. However, the core functionality of split-screen mode has remained largely unchanged, typically limiting users to two apps at once. While manufacturers have introduced their own enhancements, a unified, system-level solution for more robust multitasking has been notably absent.
But the winds of change are blowing. Whispers from the development of Android 16 suggest a significant shift: the potential for running three apps simultaneously on tablet displays. This development promises to redefine the tablet experience, unlocking new levels of productivity and convenience.
The Current Landscape of Multitasking:
The ability to run two apps side-by-side has proven invaluable across various screen sizes, from smartphones to foldable devices and tablets. Yet, the increasing size and capabilities of tablets have created a demand for more sophisticated multitasking. Imagine seamlessly managing a video call, browsing the web, and taking notes, all on the same screen. This is the promise of enhanced split-screen functionality.
Several Android manufacturers have already recognized this need and implemented their own solutions. Samsung’s One UI, for example, allows users to split the screen into three sections – two on one side and one on the other – and even offers pop-up views for added flexibility. Lenovo’s “PC Mode” introduces a desktop-like experience with floating windows, providing a different approach to multitasking. OnePlus has also made waves with its “Open Canvas” feature, found on the OnePlus Pad and Open, which offers a highly adaptable system for arranging apps, including support for three apps simultaneously. These implementations demonstrate the potential of enhanced multitasking and the clear user desire for such features.
Android 16: A Glimmer of Hope:
Now, it appears Google is poised to bring this advanced multitasking capability to the Android operating system itself. Emerging from the development of Android 16 is evidence of a new system designed to support three apps in split-screen mode. This discovery, unearthed by diligent observers, suggests a fundamental change in how Android handles multitasking on tablets.
While still in its nascent stages, this new system appears to function similarly to OnePlus’s Open Canvas. Early indications point to an intuitive interface that prompts users to place a third app within the existing split-screen setup. Imagine effortlessly dragging and dropping apps into designated areas, creating a customized workspace tailored to your needs. This would not only enhance productivity but also provide a more engaging and immersive user experience.
The Potential Impact:
The implications of this development are significant. A native, system-level implementation of three-app split-screen would benefit a wide range of devices, most notably the Pixel Tablet. It would also set a new standard for Android tablets, encouraging manufacturers to embrace and optimize for this enhanced multitasking capability. This would lead to a more consistent and powerful user experience across the Android ecosystem.
For users, this means greater flexibility and efficiency. Imagine researching a topic online while simultaneously composing an email and referencing a document. Or perhaps watching a tutorial video while practicing the steps in a separate app and taking notes in a third. The possibilities are vast.
Looking Ahead:
It’s important to remember that Android 16 is still under development. The features currently being explored may evolve or change before the final release. However, the evidence of a three-app split-screen system is a promising sign. The development of Android 16 is ongoing, with developer previews currently available and a beta program anticipated to launch soon. As we move closer to the official release, we can expect more details to emerge about this exciting new feature and the future of multitasking on Android tablets. This potential upgrade signifies a major step forward for Android tablets, transforming them into even more powerful and versatile tools for both work and play.
Elevating the Google Messages Experience: Group chat icons, threaded replies to media and YouTube Music samples
Google Messages has been on a steady path of improvement, and two recent developments promise to significantly enhance the user experience, particularly for group chats and multimedia content. Let’s delve into these exciting features and explore how they’ll revolutionize the way we interact with friends and family.
Putting a Face to Your Group Chats: Custom Group Icons
For years, group chats in Google Messages have been identified by a generic grid of user profile pictures or initials. This can make it difficult to quickly distinguish between multiple chats, especially for users who participate in numerous group conversations. Thankfully, Google is addressing this pain point by introducing custom group icons.
Recent beta versions of Google Messages reveal code hinting at the imminent arrival of this feature. Users will soon be able to personalize their group chats with unique images, similar to the profile pictures we use for individual contacts. This long-awaited functionality will bring Google Messages on par with other popular messaging apps and make it easier to visually identify and organize group chats.
The ability to set custom group icons is likely to be met with enthusiasm by users. Imagine assigning a funny picture to your college buddies’ chat or a heartwarming family photo to your family group. These visual cues will add a touch of personality and make navigating your chats a breeze. It’ll also be interesting to see if this feature allows for collaborative changes or requires admin privileges. Additionally, it remains to be seen whether the chosen group icon will be reflected for iPhone users within the chat.
Threaded Replies to Photos and Videos: A Richer Conversation Experience
Another exciting addition to Google Messages is the ability to create threaded replies to images and videos shared within chats. This functionality, currently under development, promises to streamline conversations around multimedia content.
Imagine this scenario: you share a hilarious video in a group chat, and everyone chimes in with their reactions. Previously, replies would be scattered throughout the conversation, making it difficult to follow the thread. With threaded replies, users can now directly reply to a specific media item, keeping the conversation organized and focused.
Tapping on a shared image or video will bring up new options at the bottom of the screen. You’ll be able to leave reactions directly from this view, eliminating the need for long presses and additional steps. More importantly, you’ll be able to add comments to pictures and videos, and a dedicated conversation thread will be displayed for each media item, fostering a more structured discussion.
While this feature is still in its early stages, it has the potential to significantly enhance the way we interact with multimedia content in Google Messages. It will make conversations around photos and videos more engaging and easier to follow, especially in large group chats.
YouTube Music Gets a Discovery Boost with Samples
In 2023, YouTube Music introduced the “Samples” feed as a music discovery tool. Now, this feature is becoming even more accessible by appearing directly on artist pages.
Samples, essentially a short-form video segment feed, is designed to help you discover new music that you might love. Inspired by the success of YouTube Shorts, it leverages YouTube Music’s vast library of music videos to curate a personalized feed. This ensures that you’re always encountering new music, whether it’s the latest release from a rising star or a hidden gem from an established artist.
On YouTube Music for iOS, a new “Samples” button has been incorporated into the top bar, providing quick access to an artist’s collection of short-form videos. This is a fantastic way to get a taste of an artist’s style and discography before diving deeper. Samples are intended to offer a glimpse into the artist, the video, and the overall feel of the song, making it a valuable tool for music exploration.
The Samples integration with artist pages is currently limited to the iOS version of YouTube Music. However, it’s likely that this feature will soon be available on Android as well. Additionally, YouTube Music for Android tablets has finally received the Speed Dial feature, allowing for faster access to frequently played music.
In conclusion, Google Messages and YouTube Music are undergoing exciting transformations that cater to the evolving needs of their users. The ability to personalize group chats with custom icons, engage in threaded replies around multimedia content, and discover new music through YouTube Music Samples are significant steps forward. These features promise to make our messaging and music streaming experiences richer, more interactive, and ultimately, more enjoyable.
-
Apps11 months ago
Gboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News11 months ago
Samsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News10 months ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News10 months ago
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News11 months ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News11 months ago
Satellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps8 months ago
Google’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
News11 months ago
Google Pixel evolves as Europe’s third best selling flagship