Google

Revamped Pixel Wallpaper app UI in Android 15 QPR1 beta: Pixel update delayed, source code release soon

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Android 15 QPR1 beta introduces a refreshed UI for the Pixel Wallpaper app.
Google delays the Pixel device update; other manufacturers may roll out Android 15 faster.
Android 15 source code is set to be released on September 3, 2024.

Google has recently launched the Android 15 QPR1 beta, marking the first testing phase for the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop update. This beta version brings notable design changes, particularly to the Pixel Wallpaper app, which now features a refreshed user interface and new animations.

The Pixel Wallpaper app is more than just a wallpaper tool; it serves as a customization hub for Pixel devices, allowing users to modify lock screen shortcuts, clock styles, and other elements. With the Android 15 QPR1 beta, Google appears to be enhancing the app’s UI for a smoother user experience.

Reports from Android Authority highlight that the revamped UI in the Pixel Wallpaper app isn’t activated by default, but it was enabled by some users in the beta. The changes allow users to switch between lock screen and home screen customization with a swipe, rather than tapping on tabs. The lock screen clock customization has also been improved, with options for clock styles, colors, and sizes now accessible via a bottom sheet.

The color accent customization section has been updated as well, featuring two rows of options instead of one. Additionally, a better zoom-in effect now enhances the display of color palettes and light/dark mode previews.

While these updates are promising, they may not be included in the first stable release of Android 15. Users might need to wait until December for these features to be available with the Android 15 Feature Drop.

Interestingly, Google’s timeline for Android 15 has been unusual this year. Although the new Pixel smartphones have already been announced, the final Android 15 update is still pending. However, the source code for Android 15 is expected to be released on September 3, 2024, aligning with the release patterns of previous versions.

Meanwhile, Google has delayed the Android 15 update for its own Pixel devices, even as other manufacturers like Samsung are progressing with their updates. The reasons for Google’s delay are unclear, but it might be to further optimize the system or refine certain features.

Source/Via

Google

Google Calendar and Circle to Search expand to more devices

Published

9 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

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.

Source/Via

Google

YouTube gets smarter: AI boosts Shorts and Studio

Published

11 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

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.

Android

Faster keyboard switching on Android

Published

13 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key points:

Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.

Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.

Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.

For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.

While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.