Chrome 131 for iOS brings enhanced Google Drive and Maps integrations
Google’s latest update, Chrome 131 for iOS, introduces several new features that enhance integration with popular Google services like Google Drive and Google Maps. These updates aim to make file management and navigation easier for iOS users. Many of these features were already available on Android, but now iOS users can also enjoy these enhancements.
1. Save Files Directly to Google Drive
With Chrome 131, iOS users can now save their downloaded files directly to Google Drive, offering a seamless way to manage files and free up local storage. Here’s how it works:
- When you download a file in Chrome, a “Save” banner appears at the bottom of your screen.
- Tapping this banner gives you the option to save the file either to the iOS Files app or directly to Google Drive.
- If you choose Google Drive, the file will be saved in a folder named “Saved from Chrome”, making it easy to locate later.
This feature offers a convenient solution for users who want to store files in the cloud instead of using their device’s limited storage. It complements an existing feature in Chrome where long-pressing an image gives you the option to “Save in Google Photos”.
2. Enhanced Image Search with Google Lens
Chrome 131 also improves its image search capabilities with Google Lens integration. The update brings a new feature called “Add to Your Search,” which allows users to enhance their visual search queries:
- When you use “Search Image with Google” from the context menu, you can now add text to refine your search.
- This feature helps users perform more complex searches by combining image recognition with text input.
- Additionally, users can access this capability by taking a live photo using the Lens shortcut on the New Tab Page.
This update makes image searches more powerful and versatile, enabling users to find what they are looking for with greater accuracy.
3. New Shopping Insights and Deals Notifications
As the holiday shopping season begins, Chrome 131 introduces a new “Good Deal Now” notification feature to help users find better deals online:
- This feature shows a notification when it detects a good deal on a product you are viewing.
- It provides Shopping Insights, such as price history, allowing users to track price changes and set alerts for specific items.
- Currently, this feature is available in the US for users who have enabled “Make searches and browsing better” in the Chrome settings under Google Services.
- The feature will be rolled out to more regions over the next few months.
With this addition, Chrome aims to enhance the shopping experience by helping users make more informed purchase decisions and find discounts.
4. Improved Google Maps Integration for Quick Navigation
Chrome 131 also enhances its integration with Google Maps, making navigation smoother and quicker:
- Now, when you tap on an address in Chrome, it immediately brings up a bottom sheet with a mini-map view.
- From this mini-map, you can quickly access the “Get Directions” button, making it easier to start navigation without leaving the browser.
- This update eliminates the need to manually open Google Maps or right-click to get directions, streamlining the user experience.
Google is currently testing this feature and plans to roll it out globally in the coming months. iOS users can expect this enhancement to be available on their devices soon.
Conclusion
Chrome 131 for iOS brings valuable updates that enhance user interaction with Google services, making the browser a more integrated and efficient tool for everyday tasks. From saving files directly to Google Drive to refining image searches with Google Lens and receiving timely shopping alerts, these features aim to provide a smoother and more productive browsing experience for iOS users. Keep an eye out for these updates as they roll out globally, adding new ways to simplify your browsing and shopping experience.
Android
Google Phone app enhances scam call reporting and new Chromecast update rolled out
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:
- Navigate to Settings on your Chromecast with Google TV.
- Go to System > About > System update.
- 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!
Android
Android 16 enhances notification privacy and introduces integrated screen dimming
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.
Android
Google enhances Android data transfer and app login features: What to Expect in 2025
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:
- 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.
- Seamless Transfer: During device setup, restore keys are transferred along with app data—either via local device-to-device transfer or through cloud backup.
- 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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