Chrome’s new tab search and Google Photos’ AI memory boost with Gemini
Top 3 Key Points:
- Chrome for Android’s new tab search feature is in development for easier navigation.
- Google Photos may use Gemini AI to enhance memory recaps with narrative elements.
- Both features are still in the testing phases, not been fully released yet.
Google Chrome, known for being a top-notch web browser on both desktop and mobile, is continuously improving its features. Recently, new updates have been spotted in Chrome Canary, an experimental version of Chrome. One of the standout features in development is a search bar within the tab switcher, specifically for the Android version. Meanwhile, Google Photos might soon introduce AI-powered memory recaps using its advanced Gemini AI.
Chrome for Android: Search Through Open Tabs
Chrome Canary often reveals upcoming features before they hit the stable version. A recent addition allows users to search through their open tabs directly from the tab switcher. If you’re the type of user who keeps multiple tabs open, finding a specific one can be tricky. This new feature will make it easier to locate exactly what you need.
According to reports from Leopeva64 on X (formerly Twitter), the new search bar appears right in the tab switcher. When you enter a search term, it will highlight matching results from your open tabs. This could be particularly useful for those using devices with smaller screens, where managing multiple tabs can be more challenging. Although this feature is still in the experimental stage, it’s available to try in the Canary version of Chrome, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, be aware that Canary isn’t as stable as the public version of Chrome, so you may encounter some bugs.
The new search box in the tab switcher now works in Chrome Canary for Android, the right-facing arrows inside the rectangle indicate that those are your open tabs:https://t.co/2GFOG5iSR9 pic.twitter.com/54bdXu7FEZ
— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) September 24, 2024
Google Photos and Gemini AI: A New Way to Relive Memories
Google Photos is widely popular for storing and managing photos and videos. One feature many users enjoy is its “Memories” feature, which shows highlights from past years. Now, it seems that Google is looking to enhance this experience using AI, specifically its Gemini AI.
In the latest Google Photos v7.1, there are signs that Gemini will soon be involved in creating more personalized memory recaps. Currently, memory recaps are simple slideshows of photos and videos with music, but without narration. The addition of AI-powered narration could provide more context to these moments, making them feel even more special. For example, instead of just showing photos from a vacation, Gemini might narrate the event, providing a story-like experience.
Google may limit this feature to certain memory types, like a “Year in Review” recap. Whether Gemini AI will pull additional data from other Google services is still unclear. However, the feature appears to be opt-in, meaning users can choose whether to use it or not. The strings in the latest Google Photos update suggest that this feature might be available by December.
Conclusion
Both Chrome’s new tab search feature and Google Photos’ AI-powered memory recaps are still in testing phases, but they promise to make user experiences more efficient and personalized. Whether it’s finding tabs more easily in Chrome or reliving your favorite memories in a more immersive way through Google Photos, these updates are something to look forward to. As always, being part of experimental updates like Chrome Canary lets you explore these changes before they’re widely available, but with the understanding that some features might still be unstable.
Google Calendar gets a visual upgrade and Gemini boosts Gmail and Messages
Key Points:
- Gemini’s Smart Replies: Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, is now helping you compose emails faster with contextually aware replies.
- Gemini in Messages: Gemini is also available in Google Messages, ready to help you draft messages, brainstorm ideas, or just chat.
- Calendar Flairs: Google Calendar is introducing colorful “flairs” to make your events more visually appealing.
Google is making some exciting updates to its popular apps.
Gmail is getting a boost from Gemini, Google’s powerful AI. With Gemini’s Contextual Smart Replies, you’ll get more helpful and tailored responses to your emails. It’s like having a personal assistant who understands the context of your conversations.
Gemini is also making its way to Google Messages. Now, you can chat with Gemini to draft messages, brainstorm ideas, or just have a fun conversation. It’s a great way to get help with your messaging tasks.
Google Calendar is getting a visual makeover with new flairs. These colorful images will add personality to your events and make them easier to identify. You can choose from a variety of flairs based on the type of event, such as birthdays, holidays, or meetings.
These updates are a great way to make your Google apps even more useful and enjoyable.
Gemini gets a simpler look, Chrome gets a themed navigation bar, and Google TV blocks screenshot
Key Points:
- Gemini’s new look: Google has simplified the Gemini app’s home screen on Android to make it more like the web version.
- Chrome’s themed navigation: The navigation bar in Chrome for Android now matches the color of the active tab, creating a more immersive experience.
- Blocked screenshots on Google TV: Google TV has disabled the ability to take screenshots using remapped remote buttons, likely to prevent unauthorized use.
Gemini’s New, Cleaner Look
Google has recently updated the Gemini app on Android to give it a cleaner and more streamlined look. The home screen now features a simpler layout with a text field and four buttons for typing, talking, sharing photos, and accessing Gemini Live. This update brings the Gemini app closer to its web counterpart, offering a more consistent experience across different platforms.
Chrome’s Themed Navigation Bar
In another update, Google Chrome for Android has introduced a new feature that themes the navigation bar to match the color of the active tab. This change creates a more immersive browsing experience by visually connecting the navigation bar to the content on the screen. While the navigation bar is not fully transparent, it blends in more seamlessly with the page’s design, especially when using tab groups.
Google TV Blocks Screenshot Functionality
One unexpected change in Google TV is the blocking of screenshot functionality using remapped remote buttons. While this might not be a feature you use frequently, it was a convenient option for those who wanted to capture screenshots quickly. Google has likely disabled this feature to prevent unauthorized use or to simplify the user experience.
Overall, these updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience and streamline its products. The simplified Gemini home screen, themed navigation bar in Chrome, and blocked screenshot functionality are all steps towards creating a more intuitive and efficient user interface.
Google limits new accounts in Russia, Qualcomm’s next chip renamed
Key Points:
- Google is reportedly blocking new account creations for Russian users.
- Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship chip will be called “Snapdragon 8 Elite” instead of “Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.”
- This new chip will feature powerful new cores for better performance.
Google’s Growing Tension with Russia
The relationship between Google and Russia has been strained for years. Russia has criticized Google for removing content it considers illegal, often related to opponents of the government. Tensions escalated after the conflict with Ukraine, with Google blocking ads and demonetizing content related to the war. Now, Russia’s digital ministry claims Google is restricting new account creation and limiting SMS-based two-factor authentication for Russian users.
Qualcomm Introduces “Snapdragon 8 Elite”
Meanwhile, Qualcomm is set to unveil its latest flagship chip. Instead of the expected “Snapdragon 8 Gen 4,” the chip will be called “Snapdragon 8 Elite.” This new name reflects the chip’s powerful performance, thanks to its new “Oryon” cores. The chip is expected to be used in upcoming flagship smartphones from major brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Samsung.
Conclusion
Google’s actions in Russia are a sign of the growing digital divide between the West and Russia. Qualcomm’s new chip, “Snapdragon 8 Elite,” promises to bring significant performance improvements to Android smartphones. As technology continues to evolve, the geopolitical landscape is also changing, affecting how we use and access technology.
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