Here’s a quick rundown of the latest tech news:

• Calling it Quits on the Big Screen: Google Meet, the popular video calling app, will soon be saying goodbye to Android TV and Google TV. While not the most widely used feature, it offered a convenient way to make video calls on your TV with a webcam.
• Storage at a Glance: Gmail on the web is getting a handy upgrade! A new storage indicator has been added to the account switcher menu. With a quick tap, this lets you see how much storage you’re using out of your total Google Drive space.
• Smarter Chat with Gemini: Google Chat is getting a brain boost with the rollout of Gemini to Workspace Labs. This AI-powered tool helps you summarize conversations, generate to-do lists from discussions, and even answer specific questions within a chat.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these updates:

Meet Exits the Living Room:

While Google Meet on Android TV was helpful during the pandemic, it seems its time has come. Recent code updates suggest Google plans to discontinue the app. A message within the app hints at this, mentioning “deprecation” and prompting users to find alternatives. This follows a similar shutdown of Meet on Samsung TVs earlier this year.

For those who relied on Meet for TV video calls, it’s wise to start exploring other options.

Gmail Gets Storage Savvy:

Ever wondered how much storage you’ve used in your Gmail account? Now, checking is easier than ever. A new storage indicator has been added to the Gmail account switcher menu. It displays a clear percentage of your total storage used, along with a handy Google One shortcut if you need more space. This complements the existing indicator already present at the bottom of Gmail’s main page.

This update extends to standalone Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides as well, offering a quick way to monitor your storage usage across various Google services.

Gemini Joins the Workspace Party:

For Workspace users, Google Chat is getting a major upgrade with Gemini. This AI assistant is now available in Workspace Labs, offering a range of helpful tools. With Gemini, you can summarize entire chat spaces or specific conversations, extract actionable items from discussions, and even ask questions and get answers directly within your chat window.

Source/Via

Key Points:

• Android 15 introduces a new Home Controls screensaver for Pixel devices.
• The Dreams app powers this screensaver and other features like Weather Frog and full-screen clocks.
• Google has released an update for the Dreams app on Pixel phones running Android 15.

Google’s Dreams app, which is used to create personalized screensavers and experiences on Pixel devices, has received a new update. This update is specifically for Pixel phones running the latest version of Android, Android 15.

One of the major features introduced in Android 15 is the Home Controls screensaver. This screensaver provides quick access to your home’s smart devices directly from your phone’s lock screen or Quick Settings. The Dreams app plays a crucial role in powering this screensaver, making it customizable and visually appealing.

In addition to the Home Controls screensaver, the Dreams app also powers other features like Weather Frog, full-screen clocks, and Google Photos slideshows. With this update, Google has enhanced the Dreams app’s functionality and improved its overall performance.

While there may not be any immediately noticeable changes for users, this update likely lays the groundwork for future enhancements and features in the Dreams app. As Google continues to develop and refine the Dreams app, we can expect to see even more innovative and personalized experiences on Pixel devices.

Source

Here’s what’s new with Google Wallet: a smoother experience on your smartwatch, easier access on the web, and even train ticket integration!

Top 3 Updates:

• Wear OS App Enhancements: Manage your passes more efficiently with grouped listings, pass archiving, and support for “unsc dostępne karty” (unscannable passes) in Polish (and other languages).
• Website Access Expands: Google Wallet’s online management tool (wallet.google.com) is now available in 43 countries, making it easier to control your digital wallet from anywhere.
• Train Tickets in Gmail: Google Wallet now automatically integrates train ticket information from your Gmail, adding them alongside existing loyalty cards, movie tickets, and boarding passes.

Deeper Dive:

Calling all smartwatch users! The Google Wallet app on Wear OS just got an upgrade. Now you can experience:

• Grouped Passes: No more endless scrolling! Passes will be grouped for a more organized view. Simply tap a group to see each pass displayed in a carousel.
• Pass Archiving: Declutter your list without deleting it completely. Archived passes will reside in a dedicated section at the bottom of your Wear OS app, accessible when needed.
• Unscannable Pass Support: Google Wallet now recognizes and displays even “unsc dostępne karty” (unscannable passes) in Polish and other languages.

This update ensures a smoother experience for managing your passes on your wrist.

Going Web-Wide:

Remember wallet.google.com? This online tool lets you manage both Google Wallet and Google Pay from a web browser. Great news! It’s now available in 43 countries, a significant leap from the initial 15 launched in July. Google assures this is just the first step in making it accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Train Tickets Join the Party:

Traveling by train? Google Wallet is now pulling information from train ticket confirmation emails found in your Gmail. This joins the existing functionality for loyalty cards, movie tickets, and boarding passes, creating a one-stop shop for your travel essentials.

Developer Corner:

Google Wallet also has some exciting updates for developers:

• Closed Loop Transit API: This API now allows physical transit cards to be converted into digital ones within Google Wallet, further streamlining the commuting experience.
• VDV Support: Google Wallet now supports VDV (eTicket Services Motics specification), a secure mobile ticketing standard in Germany. This enables transit agencies and developers to leverage Google Wallet’s secure infrastructure, preventing ticket copying, falsification, and fraud.

These updates solidify Google Wallet’s position as a comprehensive and secure platform for managing your digital life, both on your phone and online. Stay tuned for even more exciting features in the future!

Source