Google updates messages with a new send button and rollout ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones for Pixel devices
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Messages gets a redesigned send button with a bolder look.
- New ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones and alarms, inspired by African wildlife, are now available on Pixel devices.
- These updates aim to enhance user experience and well-being through thoughtful design and soundscapes.
Google has made a small yet noticeable update to its Messages app for Android. The send button within conversations has been redesigned to be more prominent. Previously, the paper airplane icon was displayed against a light or dark background, depending on the theme. Now, the roles have been reversed—the icon appears in a light or dark color, while the background is themed using Dynamic Color or one of the eight preset Custom Bubble themes. As usual, the RCS end-to-end encryption (E2EE) lock icon or Gemini sparkle remains visible in the corner of the button.
This new design is currently available in the Google Messages beta channel (version 20240813_00_RC00) and seems to be widely accessible. This update follows Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience, including recent work on a new read receipt system.
In addition to this update, Google has also introduced a new collection of ringtones and alarm sounds called “Sound Matters,” initially launched with the Pixel 9 series. These sounds are now rolling out to earlier Pixel devices. The “Sound Matters” collection features a variety of bird songs recorded in the wild areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe during the rainy season of late 2023. Google collaborated with an award-winning wildlife sound recordist to capture these sounds, emphasizing their significance in reflecting a healthy ecosystem.
The collection includes six ringtones and alarm sounds, such as “Limpopo Savannah at Dawn” and “Zimbabwe Savannah at Dawn,” as well as four notification sounds like “Meyer’s Parrot at Dawn” and “Crested Francolin at Dawn.” To access these, Pixel users can navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration.
For those who want more, Google has also released a 1-hour recording of the “Sound Matters Dawn Chorus” collection, which will be available in the Fitbit app. Research indicates that the sounds of birds can positively impact mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and improving mood.
The latest version (3.1, build 642123347) of Google’s Sounds app is rolling out now via the Play Store for Pixel 4 and later models, following the introduction of the “Gems” collection last year.
Android
Google Password Manager adds Passkey support on desktop and Android Auto introduces Tesla NACS charger compatibility
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Password Manager now supports saving passkeys on desktop Chrome for easier sign-in.
- Android Auto now includes support for electric vehicles (EVs) using Tesla’s NACS charging system.
- The latest Android Auto update makes it easier to find NACS chargers for non-Tesla EVs.
Google has made it simpler for users to save and access passkeys on their desktop Chrome browser through its Password Manager. Previously, passkeys could only be saved through the Google Password Manager on Android devices. To log in from a desktop, users needed to scan a QR code with their Android phone, which added a layer of inconvenience.
Now, with this new update, Google Password Manager on Chrome can store passkeys for macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS (currently in beta testing). Support for iOS is expected soon. This means you can sign in using a passkey by just scanning your fingerprint or entering your device’s passcode directly on your desktop, removing the need for QR code scanning.
When creating a new passkey on your desktop, you’ll be prompted to enter a six-digit recovery PIN. This PIN is essential for unlocking your passkey on other devices. Additionally, your Android’s screen lock can act as a backup security method. Google highlights that this PIN enhances security by ensuring your passkeys are encrypted and cannot be accessed by others.
On a different front, Google is also rolling out a significant update to Android Auto. This update is important for electric vehicle (EV) users, especially those who need access to Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging stations. Until now, Android Auto supported various charging systems like J1772, CCS, and CHAdeMO, but it didn’t support NACS, which is now expanding as a major charging standard.
With this update, users with non-Tesla EVs can now enable NACS charging options through Android Auto. By doing this, they can easily locate Tesla’s NACS charging stations using Google Maps. It’s worth noting that Tesla vehicles do not natively support Android Auto, but this update will benefit non-Tesla EV users who use the NACS charging network.
A recent example of how this is useful is the approval of NACS adapters for GM’s electric vehicles. These adapters allow GM’s EV drivers to use both the NACS and CCS charging options. Google is gradually rolling out this update through the Play Store beta, and it should be available to a broader user base in the coming weeks.
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google TV adds more free channels, including The Bob Ross Channel, reaching 157 total.
- Google faces a second antitrust trial, this time focused on its dominance in online advertising.
- YouTube rolls out Pause ads, encouraging users to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Google is continuously expanding its free TV offerings. This week, Google TV added seven new channels, bringing the total to 157. New channels include The Bob Ross Channel, Comedy Dynamics, and The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. These channels are available on Chromecast and other Google TV devices, allowing users to watch them directly through the home screen or the Freeplay app.
Initially, when Google TV launched its free channel service in 2023, there were around 80 channels. Through partnerships with platforms like Plex and Tubi, users can now access even more content through Google TV’s “Live” tab. As of now, this feature is only available in the U.S., and there’s no information on expanding it internationally.
On a different front, Google is facing another antitrust trial. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online advertising. This is the second major antitrust case against the company in just a few months, following a ruling in August that Google held a monopoly in online search.
Unlike the search case, this ad case is more complex. Google’s dominance in advertising largely stems from its acquisition of several competitors, creating a highly sophisticated system for managing ads across platforms. Now, the DOJ is arguing that Google used these acquisitions to unfairly maintain control over the digital ad market.
As the trial unfolds, witnesses from news publishers and advertising experts are testifying on how Google’s practices have impacted competition. If the court rules against Google again, the company could face serious consequences, possibly even having parts of its business broken up.
Meanwhile, over on YouTube, the platform has started expanding its Pause ads feature. These ads appear when a user pauses a video, with a static ad popping up next to the video screen. YouTube’s goal is to make these ads feel less intrusive compared to the usual pre-roll and mid-roll ads, but it’s also a clear push to get users to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
Although some users are frustrated by the increasing number of ads, YouTube claims that advertisers are responding positively to the new format. However, the platform has made no indication that it plans to reduce the number of other ads users encounter, especially for those who aren’t subscribed to Premium.
In conclusion, Google’s expanding presence in TV, ongoing legal battles, and evolving advertising strategies reflect its continuing influence on both entertainment and online business.
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.
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