Google lifts limit on Contacts widget and introduces freeform Windows to Android, drawing inspiration from Samsung DeX
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google is removing the seven-contact limit on the home screen Contacts widget.
- Freeform Windows feature is coming to Android, inspired by Samsung’s DeX.
- Android’s new windowing system will enhance multitasking with resizable app windows.
Google is making changes to its Contacts app by lifting the restriction on the home screen Contacts widget. Previously, users could only view up to seven of their favorite contacts in this widget, but this limit will soon be removed.
According to Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug, who tested version 4.40.48.672619802 of the Google Contacts app, users can now add more than seven contacts to their widget. During testing, 16 contacts were successfully added, and the widget now features a scroller, allowing users to easily swipe through their favorite contacts. Additionally, the widget can be resized to cover more of the home screen if needed.
A notable improvement is that contact names will now appear in the widget, rather than just the avatars, enhancing ease of use. This change addresses a common user expectation and will roll out soon to all users.
Inspired by Samsung DeX
Samsung’s DeX feature, popular among Galaxy users, offers a desktop-like experience on mobile devices, making multitasking more efficient. Although DeX is a Samsung-specific feature, Google is bringing similar functionality to all Android devices through freeform app windows. Google introduced “Desktop Windowing” in the Android 15 Developer Preview, specifically aimed at tablets.
This new feature allows users to freely resize app windows, similar to systems like ChromeOS and macOS. Users will be able to open multiple instances of the same app, and instead of full-screen apps, windows will float on the desktop. You can maximize or minimize them, making multitasking smoother and more flexible.
To use this feature, users can drag the app window handle or use a keyboard shortcut: Meta Key + Ctrl + Down Arrow. This system is also expected to be available for foldable Android phones, which benefit from larger screens.
Though not all apps may work well with this feature right away, especially in landscape mode, Google is encouraging developers to optimize their apps for this new windowing experience. They plan to address any display issues by adjusting the app’s user interface for better scaling.
With these updates, Android users will have a more customizable and productive experience, improving both communication and multitasking capabilities.
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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