Google

Google expands AI in YouTube, Chat, and Nest devices

Published

2 months ago

November 19, 2024

Google is rolling out exciting updates across its platforms, enhancing AI-powered interactions on YouTube, adding voice messaging to Google Chat for free accounts, and integrating Nest cameras into the Google Home app. Here’s a detailed look at these updates.

YouTube Gets Smarter with Gemini AI Conversations

Google’s AI model, Gemini, improves how users interact with YouTube videos. A new feature allows deeper conversations about video content. Users can access a contextual chip labeled “Ask about this video” through the Gemini overlay when watching a YouTube video. Tapping this chip lets you ask specific questions related to the video.

For instance, if you’re curious about the best laptop in a video comparing Snapdragon X Elite and Lunar Lake models, Gemini will summarize the details for you.

Recent beta testing (version 15.46.31.ve.arm64 of the Google app) includes code snippets referencing a “conversation mode.” This mode, linked to Gemini Live, enables ongoing dialogues about YouTube videos, going beyond single-response interactions. Users will be able to ask follow-up questions for a more immersive experience.

While still in development, this feature hints at a more natural way of engaging with video content through AI.

Google Chat Adds Voice Messaging for Free Gmail Users

Voice messages are now available for personal Gmail accounts on Google Chat, following their debut in Google Workspace earlier this year. This update simplifies sending audio messages, offering a user-friendly and streamlined design:

Quick Access: The send icon in chats is replaced by a microphone, making voice recording easily accessible.
Compact UI: A pill-shaped interface displays a waveform and a timer.
Editing Options: Users can delete recordings instantly or listen to them before sending them.

Sent messages appear as waveforms, and both sender and receiver get an automatic transcript after a short delay, similar to Google Messages. Voice memos can also be accessed on the web, though the interface differs slightly.

If you don’t see the feature yet, force stop the Google Chat or Gmail app to trigger the update.

Nest Cameras Join the Google Home App

Google is enhancing the Google Home app by integrating support for older Nest cameras, including:

Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor (2017)
Nest Hub Max (2019)
Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor (1st gen, wired)
Nest Hello Doorbell

This move consolidates Nest camera management into a single app, removing the need to toggle between the Nest and Google Home apps. The integration includes:

Unified live streams in the Favorites tab.
Access to updated camera history and timeline views.
Automation controls across devices.
Viewing options for phones, tablets, TVs, and the web via home.google.com.

However, some features like the Supersight close-up tracking on Nest Cam IQ are not yet available in the Google Home app. Users will receive prompts in both apps for step-by-step migration instructions.

For owners of the Nest Hub Max (with a 6.5MP camera and 127-degree field of view), note that transferring to the Google Home app is irreversible. Check Google’s Help Center for guidance on the migration process.

Why This Matters

Google’s updates reflect its commitment to creating seamless, AI-driven experiences across its ecosystem. From smarter YouTube interactions with Gemini to voice messaging in Chat and a unified home app for Nest devices, these changes simplify how users interact with technology. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, these enhancements are designed to make daily interactions more intuitive and efficient.

Related Topics:Gemini Google Google Home Google Nest News YouTube

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Android

Fix coming for broken swipe back on Pixel 8 Pro with Android 15

Published

9 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Carter

After the Android 15 update, many Pixel 8 Pro users noticed that the swipe-back gesture wasn’t working right. This gesture, where you swipe from the edge of the screen to go back, failed especially when swiping from the right side.

This problem made the phone hard to use for some people. The update brought new features, but this bug was a big headache. Until now, there hasn’t been a way to fix it.

Good news is on the way though. Google has promised a fix in one of their next updates. They didn’t say exactly which update or when it will come out, but it’s likely to be in the February security patch. These patches usually fix small issues like this one.

The Pixel 8 Pro gets these updates every month, so owners should see their swipe-back gesture working again soon. Keep an eye out for that update to make your phone easier to use again.

Android

Gemini App Simplifies Homepage: Introduces new overlay design

Published

10 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Carter

In October last year, Google made the Gemini app on mobile devices much simpler. They’ve now updated the Android version even more with the overlay redesign.

Before and After Design

The new Android homepage has changed the “Ask Gemini” area. The shortcuts for voice and camera are gone from the pill shape. Instead, the ‘plus’ menu now includes options like Camera, Gallery, Files, and Drive. Only Gemini Advanced subscribers get the last two options.

The app now looks cleaner without the line that used to be above the text bar.

Gemini Homepage Redesign

The text field is slightly smaller, and the Gemini Live button is now part of the main box, not separate. This look is similar to the updated web version from December. The old design had a fancy animation for voice input, but it’s now just a blue circle around the microphone, which is now filled in.

These changes are part of the overlay redesign, which isn’t available everywhere yet. Google is likely to update the iPhone version soon to match.

Speaking of iPhones, Google just updated their app on Monday (version 1.2025.0220100) with:

Better keyboard support
Improved dark mode
Bug fixes

Google

Google is making Circle to Search easier to use on Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, and other Android phones

Published

10 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Carter

Circle to Search has become a hit since it came out and is now on many Android phones from different brands. Google is always adding new features and changing how the interface looks for Circle to Search. Right now, you can start it by holding down on the navigation handle or, if you use the three-button setup, by holding the home button.

It seems Google is planning to give us more ways to use Circle to Search. In the latest Google beta app update (version 16.2.39.sa.arm64 beta), I found some code suggesting new ways to access this feature.

The codename for Circle to Search is OMNIENT. This code shows new ways to start the feature:

NAV_HANDLE and HOME are already known ways to start it.
FILES_APP lets you use Circle to Search when you look at pictures in Google’s Files app.

Here are some of the new ways:

OMNIENT_ENTRYPOINT_LONG_PRESS_OVERVIEW: This could mean a button on the screen where you see all your recent apps, allowing you to use Circle to Search on the app you’re looking at.
OMNIENT_ENTRYPOINT_LONG_PRESS_POWER: Maybe you’ll be able to trigger Circle to Search by holding down the power button, which might come with a new system update, probably Android 16.
OMNIENT_ENTRYPOINT_EDGE_PANEL: On Samsung Galaxy phones, the Edge panel is a side tab for quick app access. Soon, you might add Circle to Search there.
OMNIENT_ENTRYPOINT_ACCESSIBILITY_SYSTEM_ACTION: This could add Circle to Search to the accessibility menu for users who need these services.

These updates would make it easier for people to use Circle to Search in ways that work best for them. We don’t know when these changes will show up, but it should be soon.