Google Brings New Features Across Apps: Notifications tab, Authenticator updates, shielded email, and double-tap heart in messages

Google App on Android Adds Notifications Tab

The Google app on Android now includes a Notifications tab in its bottom navigation bar, making it easier for users to access updates without interrupting their search flow. Google initially tested a bell icon for alerts next to the profile image, but this design, after various beta tests, has now evolved into a dedicated “Notifications” tab. It sits alongside the “Home,” “Search,” and “Saved” tabs, displaying a badge for unread alerts. This change aligns the Android app’s design with iOS, which already includes a similar setup.

In the Notifications feed, Google curates updates on various topics, including the latest weather forecasts, sports scores, trending shows, and more. Updates are organized chronologically with “Today” or “New for you” at the top, followed by older alerts. Users can delete notifications or turn off specific types through an overflow menu, with a single tap on an update leading directly to relevant search results.

This enhancement comes as part of a server-side update for Google app version 15.44 and above.

Google Authenticator 7.0 Introduces Material You and New Features

Google Authenticator’s latest version (7.0) introduces a Material You-inspired redesign and new features aimed at making account management and security easier. Initially available in August to some Android users, this updated version is now widely accessible on the Play Store. Key improvements include:

• Enhanced Search Functionality: Users can now search through their accounts instead of scrolling, simplifying account access.
• Updated QR Scanner: The QR code scanning interface now includes a flash option and leverages Google Play services, with a new shortcut to quickly open the camera scanner from the home screen.
• Privacy Screen Option: Users can enable a “Privacy screen” requiring a PIN, biometric verification, or screen lock to access 2FA codes. This can be customized to lock immediately, after 10 seconds, a minute, or 10 minutes of inactivity.
• Material Design Updates: Google has applied Material 3 elements, including dynamic color themes on the main screen, rounded corners for the navigation drawer, and a redesigned floating action button. Notably, manual light/dark mode and “Time correction for codes” options have been removed in this version.

The last significant update to Google Authenticator was in early 2023, which added cloud sync and a refreshed icon. This update continues Google’s effort to modernize the app while enhancing its functionality for secure authentication.

Google’s New Privacy Feature: Shielded Email

Google is developing a new privacy feature for Android users called “Shielded Email”, designed to protect your real email address when signing up for apps. This concept is similar to Apple’s Hide My Email, a feature available through iCloud+ that allows users to generate random, unique email addresses to keep their personal information secure. Hide My Email forwards messages to your actual inbox without revealing your real email address to third parties.

Apple’s iCloud+, launched in 2021, charges a subscription fee starting at $0.99 per month. While Google has yet to confirm if Shielded Email will be free or part of a paid service like Google One, it is expected to offer similar protection against tracking and spam.

How Shielded Email Works

According to recent findings in the beta version (24.45.33) of Google Play Services, the Shielded Email feature will let Android users create temporary, disposable email addresses when signing up for apps. These addresses forward emails to your main inbox, providing an extra layer of security to prevent data breaches and online tracking.

The system will likely integrate with Android’s Autofill feature and the Google Password Manager, making it easier to generate and manage these Shielded Emails seamlessly during app sign-ups. Users will have the option to disable forwarding anytime through their Google Account settings, either via myaccount.google.com or directly from Android’s settings.

Key Highlights of Shielded Email:

• Generate Temporary Email Addresses: Create unique, disposable email addresses for app sign-ups.
• Privacy Protection: Prevents your real email address from being exposed to apps and reduces the risk of data breaches.
• Spam Control: Users can turn off email forwarding if they start receiving spam from these temporary addresses.
• Easy Management: Integrated with Android Autofill and Google Password Manager for smooth operation.

While it’s not yet clear if Shielded Email will be a premium feature, making it part of a Google One subscription could help prevent misuse and add value to the subscription service.

Google Messages Adds ‘Double Tap to Heart’ Feature

In another update, Google Messages has introduced a new gesture-based feature that allows users to quickly react to messages with a red heart emoji by simply double-tapping on the message. Previously, users had to long-press a message and choose the reaction from a row of emoji options. This new feature streamlines the process and enhances the user experience by offering a quick way to show appreciation or affection.

Key Features of ‘Double Tap to Heart’:

• Quick Reactions: Double-tap to instantly react with a heart emoji, saving time compared to the traditional method.
• User Feedback: After activating the feature, a small prompt appears briefly, informing the user of the new capability.
• Rollout Timeline: The feature was first tested with select users in February and has now expanded to a wider audience after a server-side update.

The double-tap gesture comes alongside a redesign of the RCS status indicators and read receipts in Google Messages. Previously, tapping on a message would show the timestamp and encryption lock icon. Now, with this redesign, swiping left will bring up those details, clearing the way for the double-tap reaction.

What to Expect Next

Google’s move towards enhancing privacy with Shielded Email is a step in the right direction, especially as digital privacy becomes a growing concern for users. By offering a feature that allows Android users to keep their email addresses private, Google is responding to a demand for more secure and anonymous online interactions.

Similarly, the “Double Tap to Heart” feature in Google Messages aims to make messaging more interactive and user-friendly. These updates indicate Google’s focus on improving both security and usability across its platform, catering to a tech-savvy audience that values privacy and efficiency.

With these enhancements, Google is clearly working to offer more control and convenience to its users, making the Android ecosystem a safer and more enjoyable space for everyday activities.

Conclusion:

• Shielded Email could soon become a standard tool for Android users to protect their privacy when interacting with apps, mirroring what Apple has successfully implemented with iCloud+.
• Double Tap to Heart simplifies message reactions in Google Messages, enhancing user interaction and streamlining communication.

Stay tuned for official announcements on Shielded Email’s availability and pricing details, as well as the full rollout of the new message reaction feature across all devices.