Google Messages Gemini button design faces issues; Google Meet revamps personal video calling with new features
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Messages introduces a problematic design update for the Gemini button, which can now be hidden.
- Google Meet redesigns its video calling interface, adding text chat, screen sharing, and other new features.
- The updates aim to align the personal video-calling experience with standard meetings in Google Meet.
Google recently made a noticeable change to the Gemini button in its Messages app, but it hasn’t been well-received. The new design might be a bug, as it introduces two floating action buttons (FABs) that seem oversized and redundant. Previously, the Gemini button was a small, subtle icon. Now, it’s been joined by another button, resulting in two equal-sized FABs on the screen. The difference is minor, but as you scroll, both buttons shrink down to rounded squares, which feels awkward and out of place.
This new look is clunky and takes up too much space, making it harder to see the content underneath. If this change bothers you, Google has thankfully added an option to hide the Gemini button. You can do this by going to Settings > Gemini in the Messages app. The previous design, while not perfect, was at least unobtrusive. The current one, however, might be a mistake in the latest beta version of the app (20240812_01_RC00), and it’s not very user-friendly.
Meanwhile, Google Meet is undergoing a significant redesign on Android and iOS, particularly for its video calling features. These changes stem from the old Google Duo migration and aim to create a more unified experience between personal video calls and standard meetings, which usually involve joining via a link.
The updated interface includes modernized pre-call screens and new in-call controls at the bottom of the screen. Now, users can access real-time chat during video calls for sharing links or communicating when speaking isn’t possible. Additionally, there’s an audio-only mode for on-the-go calls, live captions in over 70 languages, and the long-awaited screen-sharing feature.
Expressive tools have also been enhanced, allowing users to react with emojis and apply stacked filters, effects, and accessories during calls. These updates will be rolled out gradually over the next few months, aiming to improve the overall user experience in Google Meet’s video calls.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
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