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Enhanced security features in Google Messages: spam protection and sensitive content warnings

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Google Messages

Google is enhancing safety features within its Messages app by introducing new protections, including “Sensitive Content Warnings” for images containing nudity. This builds upon existing safety measures that currently help Android users block over 2 billion suspicious messages each month.

One of the key updates is the introduction of “enhanced scam detection.” This feature helps users identify scam texts that may initially seem harmless but can eventually lead to fraud. Using an on-device machine learning model, the system will automatically flag these messages, moving them into the spam folder or issuing a warning. This enhancement aims to offer better protection against scams that typically arise from package delivery notifications or job-related messages. The update will first be available to users who are part of the Messages beta program and who have already enabled spam protection settings.

Google is also working to counter more complex messaging threats, particularly those that involve attempts to impersonate trusted contacts. To address this, Google is creating a unified public key verification system for messaging apps. Users will be able to verify a contact’s identity through QR code scanning or by comparing phone numbers, ensuring that they are messaging the correct individual. This feature is expected to launch next year for devices running Android 9 or higher.

Furthermore, Google is expanding protections to alert users when they receive suspicious links from unknown senders. The Messages app will display warnings for such links, and this capability will be rolled out globally by the end of this year. After successfully piloting these dangerous link warnings in countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, Google is now preparing for a wider launch. In addition, the app will block messages containing links from international senders who are not on a user’s contact list, starting with a trial in Singapore.

Another critical update is the introduction of “Sensitive Content Warnings” for images received through Google Messages. This feature uses on-device processing to automatically detect and blur images containing nudity before they are displayed. It will also include a “speed bump” warning to remind users of the risks before they send or forward explicit content, aiming to prevent accidental or inappropriate sharing.

Importantly, Google emphasizes that these warnings are processed entirely on the user’s device, meaning that Google cannot view the images or confirm whether they contain nudity. Adults will need to opt-in for this feature through Android Settings, while users under 18 will have the option enabled by default but can opt out if desired. The rollout of Sensitive Content Warnings will occur over the coming months and will be available for Android 9+ devices, including Android Go.

In summary, these enhancements in Google Messages reflect the company’s focus on improving user safety by addressing scam detection, preventing the misuse of explicit content, and increasing protection against suspicious links. The updates are designed to make communication safer and more secure for all users.

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Android

Android 16 Beta 3.2: What’s new and improved

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Android 16

Google has just rolled out Android 16 Beta 3.2, a small update that fixes some bugs and boosts performance for testers. This version comes after Beta 3, focusing on making the system smoother and more reliable. It’s part of Google’s plan to get Android 16 ready for everyone later this year.

This update tackles a few annoying issues. It fixes a glitch that made notifications act weird, like not showing up right or disappearing too fast. It also solves a problem where apps would crash when trying to open certain files. Plus, it improves how the battery lasts by tweaking how apps use power in the background.

For people testing this beta on Pixel phones, the update is easy to grab. Just head to the settings, check for updates, and download it. It’s about 500 MB, so it won’t take long. Google says this is one of the last beta versions before the big launch, so it’s a good chance to see what’s coming. Android 16 is shaping up to be faster and more user-friendly. With these fixes, Google is working hard to make sure it runs great when it finally arrives!

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Google’s new updates make life easier

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Google

Google is rolling out some cool changes to its apps! First, Google Keep now lets you turn your handwritten notes into text. Just scribble your thoughts, and the app will type them out for you—super handy for quick ideas or lists. It’s simple and saves time!

Next, Google Discover is adding a fun “Space” section. This new feature shows a slideshow of space-related stuff, like planets and stars, right on your home screen. If you love learning about the universe, this makes it easy to stay curious and explore more.

Finally, the Gemini app is getting a big upgrade with Google Photos. Now, you can ask it to find specific pictures—like “my beach trip last summer”—and it’ll dig through your photo collection to show them. It’s like having a smart helper to sort your memories!

These updates make Google apps more helpful and fun. Whether you’re jotting down notes, gazing at the stars, or finding old photos, Google’s got you covered with tools that feel easy and natural to use. What do you think—ready to try them out?

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Google

New updates for Waze and NotebookLM make life easier

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Waze, the popular navigation app, just got a fresh update for Android users. With version 5.5.0.1, it now supports themed icons. This means if you’ve turned on themed icons in your Android settings, Waze’s logo will match your phone’s color style, moving away from its usual blue look.

It’s a small change, but it makes your home screen look nicer. The update doesn’t seem to add much else, focusing only on this visual tweak. Meanwhile, Google’s NotebookLM has a cool new feature called “Discover Sources.”

This tool helps you find useful web links for your research. When you click the “Discover” button in the Sources section, you can type what you’re curious about. NotebookLM then finds up to 10 relevant websites, each with a summary explaining why it fits your topic. You can pick the ones you like and add them to your project. It’s perfect for students or anyone digging into a subject. This update is rolling out soon to all users, making research simpler and faster.

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