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Google expands Pixel Weather, Google Wallet for kids, Digital Wellbeing nudges, and enhanced Magic Editor for Photos

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Google Pixel Weather Rolls Out to More Devices

In the October 2024 Feature Drop, Google expanded Pixel Weather to Pixel 6 and newer models, including the Pixel Tablet. This app enhances weather updates, offering real-time forecasts and city-specific backgrounds on your Pixel devices.

Pixel Weather is a background service that you can activate with an update from the Google Play Store. Once you install version 1.0.20240910.x, a “Weather” app icon will appear in your app grid. During setup, allow notifications and enable precise location for the most accurate updates. In the Pixel Weather settings (accessed via your profile avatar), select it as your main source for weather notifications, turning off “Weather forecasts” from the Google app for a streamlined experience.

For a seamless setup, consider restarting your device so existing widgets and “At a Glance” default to Pixel Weather. Additionally, sign in with your Google Account to sync saved locations across devices. The interface shows detailed weather elements, including hourly forecasts, precipitation, wind, UV index, and air quality. On foldable devices and tablets, the app features a two-column layout for easier access to each city’s customized display.

Pixel Weather includes a 6-hour precipitation forecast powered by Google nowcasting, available in the U.S., U.K., and many European countries (with a few exceptions like Italy and Luxembourg). You can also customize units, themes, and receive tomorrow’s forecast at night or city-specific rain alerts. For users in the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy, pollen count information is also available.

Google Wallet for Kids with Family Link Support in 2025

Starting in 2025, Google Wallet will support tap-to-pay for children’s Family Link-managed devices, marking a step towards safer, parent-monitored digital transactions. Using the Google Wallet app on Android, children will be able to make in-store payments, with each transaction requiring device PIN, password, or biometric authentication for security.

Parents must approve every credit or debit card linked to a child’s account. Through the Family Link app, parents can monitor transaction history, remove cards, and block access if needed. This feature builds on Google’s success with tap-to-pay for kids on Wear OS-powered smartwatches, emphasizing family security.

Initially, the feature will be available in the U.S. and select other countries, with a broader rollout planned in the future.

Digital Wellbeing’s New “Mindful Nudge” Feature for Healthier Screen Time

Google’s Digital Wellbeing app will soon introduce “Mindful Nudge” reminders to encourage more mindful app usage. Part of version 1.19.688167517.beta, this feature gently prompts users when they’ve spent extended time on an app, helping break excessive browsing patterns and promoting healthier screen time habits.

While similar to Apple’s Screen Time, this approach aims to be more flexible. When active, users can tap on the nudge for more details or disable it for specific apps. Though not yet widely available, “Mindful Nudge” is expected to roll out on Pixel devices and possibly other Android phones soon.

Google Photos’ Magic Editor Enhancements for Easier Edits

Google Photos is enhancing its AI-powered Magic Editor with an improved user interface. The “Reimagine” feature now allows users to adjust images in various ways, from altering backgrounds to resizing and moving objects. A new UI update for the Magic Editor, coming soon in Google Photos v7.6, simplifies using these features by providing intuitive tools like “Insert” and “Replace.” These options offer quick prompts for customization, such as changing a background with just a few clicks.

Magic Editor aims to make photo editing accessible to all users with easy-to-use AI-driven options, perfect for creating the ideal image without needing advanced photo editing skills.

Google’s recent updates across Pixel Weather, Google Wallet for kids, Digital Wellbeing, and Google Photos’ Magic Editor all highlight a commitment to enhancing user experience through personalization, family-friendly features, mindful tech usage, and simplified AI tools for creative expression.

Android

Google Phone app enhances scam call reporting and new Chromecast update rolled out

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The Google Phone app is steadily becoming more user-friendly, especially when dealing with spam and scam calls. In a recent update, Google has introduced and is refining features to empower users to report fraudulent calls more effectively. Meanwhile, a fresh update for the Chromecast with Google TV has begun rolling out, keeping the device optimized as Google preps for larger changes.

Google Phone App: Smarter Tools for Scam Reporting

The Google Phone app has long been a reliable tool for blocking unwanted calls, but it’s taking scam call reporting to the next level. Users can already block or report spam calls directly from the call log by long-pressing an entry and selecting “Block or report.” From there, you can classify the call as either spam or scam and choose whether to block the number. However, this process currently sends minimal context to Google.

An upcoming update is set to introduce a detailed feedback mechanism. Version 155.0.697690833-publicbeta of the app hints at a future feature where users can provide additional insights about scam calls. This update may include:

Enhanced Reporting Options

When reporting a call as a scam, users might see a multi-select menu with questions like:

  • What did the scammer ask for?
    • Personal information (e.g., full name)
    • Passwords
    • Electronic payments
    • App downloads
    • “Not applicable” or “Something else” (with a text entry option)
  • What did the scammer pretend to be?
    • Government agencies (e.g., FBI, IRS, Social Security Administration)
    • Friends or acquaintances
    • Law enforcement (e.g., police)
    • “Not applicable” or “Something else” (allowing for further details)

This information will be reviewed by Google and could potentially be used to warn other users about known scam numbers or their tactics.

Lookup Button Gets Better Placement

The update also tweaks the Lookup button, which helps identify unknown numbers. While this button has existed in the app, it is now visible within the Google Contacts app when accessed through the Phone app. A banner labeled “Contact info from Phone” further clarifies the context.

Although these features are still in development and not yet available for public use, they highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to combat spam and scam calls.

Chromecast with Google TV: Latest Update Rolling Out

Google is also rolling out a new update for the Chromecast with Google TV, continuing its commitment to improving performance and security.

Update Details

  • Version: STTL.240812.006.N1 (upgraded from STTL.240812.006)
  • Size: 59.48 MB (smaller than October’s 83.01 MB patch)
  • Patch Level: September 2024 (still based on Android 12)
  • Changes: General bug fixes and performance improvements.

This marks the eighth update for Chromecast with Google TV in 2023, following monthly patches since February. While these incremental updates focus on stability, they pave the way for a bigger milestone: Android 14.

What’s Next for Chromecast?

The Android 14 update is expected to bring a significant feature called “Home runtime”, enabling Chromecast devices to function as hubs for Matter smart home devices. Google has until the end of the year to roll out this transformative upgrade, and this recent patch could be preparing the device for the transition.

How to Update Your Chromecast

To ensure you have the latest version:

  1. Navigate to Settings on your Chromecast with Google TV.
  2. Go to System > About > System update.
  3. Follow the prompts to install the update.

Conclusion

Google’s latest improvements for the Phone app and Chromecast with Google TV showcase its focus on user experience and security. With smarter scam call reporting on the horizon and updates ensuring devices stay optimized, Google continues to lead in enhancing everyday tech. Stay tuned as these features and updates roll out to users worldwide!

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Android

Android 16 enhances notification privacy and introduces integrated screen dimming

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Android 16

Android 16 is already making waves with its first developer preview (DP1), introducing two notable features that improve privacy and usability: automatic hiding of sensitive notifications on the lock screen and seamless integration of screen dimming functionality into the brightness bar. These updates aim to enhance user experience while prioritizing data security and convenience.

Protecting Sensitive Notifications on the Lock Screen

Lock screen notifications offer quick access to updates, but they can expose sensitive information to prying eyes, especially if your device is lost or stolen. Android 16 tackles this issue by automatically hiding the contents of sensitive notifications, particularly those containing one-time passwords (OTPs) and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

In Android 16 DP1, notifications deemed “sensitive” by the Android System Intelligence service are automatically redacted on the lock screen, regardless of your notification settings. While users can still control how notifications are displayed—choosing to hide titles, summaries, or all notification content—this feature ensures that sensitive information is protected by default.

This builds on privacy enhancements introduced in Android 15, where untrusted apps were blocked from accessing sensitive notifications, even with notification-reading permissions. Android 16 takes it a step further by ensuring these notifications are redacted on the lock screen itself, safeguarding your data from potential breaches.

Evolving Lock Screen Notification Settings

The updated lock screen notification settings in Android 16 provide flexible options:

  • Sensitive Notifications Setting: Allows you to hide titles and summaries for all notifications, while still displaying app icons.
  • Lock Screen Notification Control: Lets you choose to show all, hide specific categories like conversations, or hide all notifications entirely.

However, many users stick to default settings, which display full notification content. Android 16 ensures that even in this default mode, sensitive OTP notifications remain hidden, preventing accidental exposure.

Even Dimmer: A Smarter Screen Dimming Solution

Alongside privacy enhancements, Android 16 DP1 introduces “Even Dimmer,” a more integrated version of the existing Extra Dim mode. This feature simplifies the process of reducing screen brightness for comfortable viewing in low-light conditions.

Previously, the Extra Dim feature had to be activated manually via Settings > Accessibility or through a Quick Settings tile. While effective, it required extra steps and could easily be forgotten. With Even Dimmer, the functionality is embedded directly into the brightness bar. Sliding the bar to its lowest point now triggers an additional dimming layer, making it intuitive and accessible.

Why Even Dimmer is a Game-Changer

  • Seamless Integration: Even Dimmer removes the need for separate toggles, blending directly into everyday brightness adjustments.
  • Quick Deactivation: Simply increasing the brightness disables the feature, reducing the chance of accidentally leaving it on.
  • Eliminates Redundancy: The Extra Dim feature will be removed once Even Dimmer is fully rolled out, simplifying the interface further.

Availability and Device-Specific Rollout

Curiously, Even Dimmer is not universally available across all Pixel devices running Android 16 DP1. For now, it seems limited to the base Pixel 9, where the feature is enabled through a device-specific framework overlay. Other Pixel models, including the Pixel 6, 8, and 8a, lack this feature in the current preview.

Google may expand availability in future updates or adjust the rollout based on testing and feedback. However, this selective activation suggests it might be fine-tuning the feature for broader compatibility.

What to Expect from Android 16

While Android 16 is still in its early stages, the inclusion of these features reflects Google’s focus on balancing usability with security. The automatic hiding of sensitive notifications and the streamlined dimming functionality highlight the platform’s evolution toward a smarter, more user-centric design.

As Google refines these features in upcoming developer previews, Android users can look forward to a safer and more convenient experience in the final release. Whether it’s protecting your private data or making your screen easier on the eyes, Android 16 sets a new standard for mobile operating systems.

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Google enhances Android data transfer and app login features: What to Expect in 2025

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Android 16

Google is making it easier to set up Android devices with new features aimed at improving data transfers and app logins. These advancements, introduced with the Pixel 9 and expanding across more Android devices in 2025, aim to simplify the user experience when switching devices or setting up a new phone.

Post-Setup Data Transfer: Explore First, Transfer Later

With the Pixel 9 running Android 14, Google introduced a flexible data transfer option. Users can now copy data from another device even after completing the initial setup. This feature, accessible through the “Back up or copy data” page in system settings, encourages users to explore their new device before transferring data.

Starting in 2025, this post-setup transfer capability will be available on more Android phones. This feature allows users to complete basic setup quickly and transfer data later when it’s convenient. Data transfers can be initiated via system settings or through the updated Android Switch app, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Faster and Smarter Android Switch Experience

Google has been improving the Android Switch process for the past two years, focusing on speed and convenience. Key highlights include:

  • 40% Faster Transfers: Transferring data from iOS to Android using a cable is now significantly quicker compared to 2023.
  • Comprehensive Data Support: The transfer process ensures that critical data like chats, calendars, contacts, Wi-Fi configurations, screen lock settings, and Google accounts are seamlessly moved to the new device.
  • RCS Compatibility: Rich Communication Services (RCS) improve messaging capabilities during the transition. Users can enjoy high-resolution media sharing, emoji reactions, and group chat management regardless of whether friends use Android or iOS.

However, full RCS data transfers are currently exclusive to Pixel 9 and are not yet available for other Android devices.

Credential Manager: Stay Logged In Effortlessly

Google is also addressing the hassle of logging back into apps after setting up a new device. The Credential Manager API, a tool responsible for managing sign-ins and passkeys, now includes a feature called Restore Credentials.

How Restore Credentials Works:

  1. Backup Creation: When users log into an app, a restore key is created and stored securely. This key is encrypted and saved either locally or in cloud backups, depending on the user’s preferences.
  2. Seamless Transfer: During device setup, restore keys are transferred along with app data—either via local device-to-device transfer or through cloud backup.
  3. Automatic Login: Once the app is launched on the new device, it retrieves the restore key to sign the user back in automatically.

This process eliminates the need for manual logins and even allows users to receive notifications and access app content without opening the app first.

Developer Integration:

  • No additional developer work is needed for transferring restore keys, as the Android backup and restore mechanism handles this automatically.
  • Developers can further enhance the experience by implementing a “backup agent,” enabling silent logins so users remain signed in without launching the app.

Availability and Future Outlook

The Restore Credentials API is currently in developer preview and supports Android 9 and later versions. With these features expanding across Android devices in 2025, Google is set to make device setup and data transfer smoother than ever.

By focusing on user-friendly innovations like post-setup data copying and automatic app logins, Google is redefining how Android users transition to new devices while ensuring data security and convenience.

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