Google is making strides with its AI and productivity tools. The latest updates to its Gemini assistant and Google Calendar are noteworthy, improving user experiences across music control and task management.

Gemini’s Spotify Extension: Control Music with Your Voice

Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, continues evolving as it replaces the former Google Assistant. New features, called “extensions,” enhance Gemini’s capabilities, and the Spotify extension is now rolling out globally. This extension allows you to use Gemini to control Spotify with voice commands or text inputs. Here’s what you can do with it:

• Play Specific Tracks: Request a particular song, album, or podcast.
• Search for Playlists: Discover curated playlists or stations.
• Find Songs by Lyrics: If you can recall a line from a song, Gemini can help locate it.

To get started, you must connect your Spotify account to Gemini. This feature is initially limited to the English language and requires a Spotify Premium subscription for playing specific tracks. However, note that the Spotify extension works only in the primary Gemini app and not in other integrations, like Messages or the web.

If you have multiple music apps connected to Gemini, make sure to specify Spotify as your default to avoid conflicts.

Limitations and Availability

While the Spotify extension adds significant functionality, it has some limitations:

• Language Support: Currently, it works only with English.
• Premium-Only Features: Free Spotify accounts are restricted in functionality.
• Platform Restrictions: The extension is exclusive to Android users and is unavailable for Gemini on iPhone or web versions.

Google Calendar Introduces Full Tasks Integration on Android

In another significant update, Google Calendar for Android now integrates Google Tasks directly into the app. This feature is rolling out as a server-side update, but you’ll need version 2024.46.1 of the app from the Play Store for the best experience.

Here’s what’s new with this integration:

• Unified Interface: A Google Tasks icon now appears in the top bar of Calendar, allowing you to access your tasks with a single tap.
• Consistent Design: Tasks retain a Dynamic Color background and share the floating action button (FAB) design with Calendar for a cohesive look.
• Seamless Synchronization: Tasks created or updated in Calendar reflect immediately in the standalone Tasks app, and vice versa.

Improved Functionality

When using Google Calendar’s Tasks view:

• Create Dated Tasks: Use the Calendar FAB to add tasks tied to specific dates.
• Stand-Alone Tasks: To create undated tasks, switch to the dedicated Tasks view.
• Persistent View: If you leave the app while in Tasks, the view remains open upon return.
• Cross-Account Sync: Switching Google Accounts in Tasks instantly reflects in Calendar.

Why Keep the Google Tasks App?

Despite this integration, the standalone Google Tasks app still offers unique features, such as:

• List Widget: A dedicated widget for task lists, which Calendar lacks.
• Material You Redesign: A possible future update could make the standalone app even more appealing.

There’s no indication yet that Google plans to discontinue the standalone app. Moreover, while this update benefits Android users, Google has not confirmed if the integration will come to iOS.

Enhanced Notifications

If both Google Tasks and Calendar apps are installed, notifications will now include a “Reschedule” button, making task management more flexible.

Conclusion

Google’s updates to Gemini and Calendar showcase its focus on enhancing AI tools and productivity apps. With Spotify integration, Gemini users gain hands-free control over music, while Calendar’s deep Tasks integration simplifies task management for Android users. These features, though currently limited in scope, point to a future where Google’s ecosystem becomes even more cohesive and user-friendly.

Google has rolled out significant updates to the navigation and interface of Google Photos on the web and the Google Drive file picker on Android. These changes aim to enhance user experience by making it easier to access important features and files. Let’s dive into the updates.

Google Photos Introduces “Collections” on the Web

After launching the Collections feature on Android and iOS in August, Google Photos has now brought it to the web, replacing the Library section. The redesigned interface simplifies navigation while aligning with the mobile app’s layout.

Key Changes in Google Photos Web:

1. Side Panel Updates:
   • The Explore tab has been removed.
   • Sharing has been replaced by an Updates tab, which provides:
     • Notifications for shared albums, conversations, partner sharing, memories, and storage updates.
     • A refreshed design consistent with the mobile app, introduced earlier in November.
2. Introducing “Collections”:
   • The former Library section is now called Collections.
   • The interface prioritizes dropdowns for Albums and Documents, moving Favorites down the list.
   • Quick-access categories now include:
     • People & Pets
     • Places
     • Videos
     • Recently Added
   • These changes mimic the grid-style organization introduced earlier for mobile users.
3. Other Menu Updates:
   • Archive, Locked Folder, and Trash are easily accessible.
   • While the new layout is busier, it takes full advantage of the web’s larger screen real estate.

This redesigned Collections view has been gradually rolled out in recent days, streamlining organization for desktop users.

Google Drive File Picker Gets a Smarter Redesign on Android

The Google Drive file picker, used in apps like Gmail, Google Chat, and other Workspace tools, has received a much-needed update on Android. The changes focus on improving file visibility and reducing navigation steps.

What’s New in the Google Drive File Picker?

1. New Carousel Layout:
   • The previous list view (which displayed My Drive, Computers, Shared with Me, Starred, and Recent) has been replaced by a carousel format.
   • Users can now see folders/views at the top, with a list of Recent files displayed immediately upon opening the picker.
2. Improved Usability:
   • The update eliminates extra taps, making it quicker to find recently accessed files.
   • Users can still toggle between list view and grid view for flexibility.
3. Enhanced Clarity:
   • Google explains that the new layout highlights storage locations beyond “My Drive,” including shared drives and other items you can access.

Where to See the Update?

This redesigned picker is live in:

• Gmail: Under Compose > paperclip icon > Insert from Drive.
• Google Chat: Under conversation > plus menu > Drive.

The web version of the file picker received a similar redesign last year, setting the stage for a more unified experience across platforms.

Why These Updates Matter

Both updates emphasize efficiency and usability:

• Google Photos’ Collections provides faster access to key categories, aligning web and mobile experiences.
• The Drive file picker redesign simplifies file selection, especially for shared work environments.

These changes underscore Google’s ongoing commitment to making their apps more intuitive and productive for users across devices. If you’re using these features, be sure to check out the latest updates for a smoother experience.

Google Pixel Camera 9.6: New Features and Wider Availability

Google’s Pixel Camera 9.6 update, first released in mid-October, is now available to more users via the Google Play Store. This update introduces new features for different Pixel devices, enhancing the user experience with innovative tools and improvements.

Initially, some users were stuck on previous versions like 9.4 (for Pixel 6 to Pixel 8a) and 9.5 (for Pixel 9 series). Recently, Google pushed a patch, version 9.6.080.695519101.19, ensuring all users can access the latest features.

Key Updates in Pixel Camera 9.6

1. Improved Timer Options:
   Pixel 6 to Pixel 8a owners now have a 5-second timer option alongside the existing 3- and 10-second settings, offering more flexibility for capturing moments.
2. Enhanced Astrophotography Mode:
   Accessing Astrophotography mode is easier. From the Night Sight tab, tap the bottom-right corner and slide to “Astro” to capture stunning shots of the night sky.
3. Underwater Photography for Pixel 9 Series:
   Pixel 9 devices now include an “Underwater photography and video” option under Settings > Advanced. This feature, compatible with any waterproof case, adjusts for accurate colors in underwater environments. When enabled, the viewfinder indicates the mode is active. Unfortunately, this feature is not available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
4. Redesigned Panorama Mode:
   Users can now capture panorama shots while holding their devices vertically. Previously, this feature only supported horizontal orientation.

Google Wear OS 5.1: A Glimpse Into the Future

Google has launched a developer preview for Wear OS 5.1, built on Android 15 (API level 35). This update marks a significant leap forward, bringing enhancements to app functionality and new tools for wearable developers.

Evolution of Wear OS:

• Wear OS 3: Based on Android 11
• Wear OS 4: Based on Android 13
• Wear OS 5: Based on Android 14
• Wear OS 5.1: Now based on Android 15

Developers are encouraged to test their apps on API level 35 to ensure compatibility and take advantage of the new capabilities.

Highlighted Features in Wear OS 5.1

1. Credential Manager Support:
   A unified authentication system simplifies sign-ins using passwords, passkeys, or federated identities (e.g., Sign In with Google). Credentials sync across devices through a credential provider, enhancing security and convenience.
2. Watch Speaker Playback:
   For watches with built-in speakers, users can now select the watch speaker as an output option for media playback. This feature, integrated with the Wear Output Switcher, adds flexibility.

Currently, devices like the Pixel Watch 3 and YouTube Music require Bluetooth headphones for playback, but this update signals a shift. For example, Apple introduced speaker playback on its Apple Watch Series 10, highlighting its practicality for quick audio needs.

Additional Updates and Known Issues

Google also teased support for passkeys in a “Wear OS 5 Quarterly Platform Release” during the 2024 I/O conference.

The Wear OS 5.1 developer preview, released on November 19, includes the following known issues:

• The emulator may fail to let users add accounts during setup after a reset.
• Notifications may not open their corresponding apps immediately until the screen is scrolled.
• Wear Health Services occasionally fail to start exercises.

For testing, developers can access the Wear OS 5.1 emulator via Android Studio.

These updates to the Pixel Camera and Wear OS highlight Google’s focus on enhancing functionality and user experience across devices. Both updates are steps forward in creating a seamless ecosystem of advanced, user-friendly tools.