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.