Google has introduced new enhancements for both Google Photos and Chrome for Android, providing users with easier ways to back up their media and listen to web pages. Here’s a breakdown of the latest features:

Google Photos Web Backup for Folders:

Google Photos on the web now allows users to automatically back up folders from their computer, making it easier to store photos and videos in the cloud without needing additional software.

When you visit photos.google.com, Google Photos can scan and upload media from folders you have selected on your computer. This is similar to the Google Drive desktop app on both Mac and Windows but with a more streamlined, browser-based approach.

To use this feature, go to photos.google.com and click on the Upload button in the app bar, then select Back up folders. This will allow you to choose folders on your computer that you want to sync with Google Photos. After selecting the folders, you will need to permit Google Photos to start the backup process.

You can easily manage the folders you back up by revisiting this option. The “Folder backup” menu lets you see which folders are currently being backed up, remove folders you no longer want to sync, and add new ones if needed.

This feature is available on desktop Chrome, including Chromebooks, and offers a more lightweight alternative to the Google Drive desktop app. While the Google Drive app works in the background, with Google Photos on the web, you’ll need to visit the site periodically to ensure new media gets backed up.

Chrome’s ‘Listen to this Page’ Adds Background Playback:

In addition to improvements in Google Photos, Chrome for Android has updated its “Listen to this page” feature, which now supports background playback. This tool, designed to read web pages aloud, allows users to continue listening even when they switch to other apps or close the browser.

The “Listen to this page” feature, initially introduced as part of Chrome’s text-to-speech capabilities, previously paused audio when you exited the browser. However, with the release of Chrome 130, you can now continue listening to articles even after leaving the app. This brings it more in line with Google’s Reading Mode app, which offers a similar audio experience.

When using this feature, a media player appears in the notification panel, displaying the article title and website, along with playback controls such as rewind, skip, and a timeline scrubber. Users can adjust the playback speed from 0.5x to 4x and choose from 10 different voices for narration. There is also a Highlight text & auto-scroll feature that highlights the text as it’s being read aloud, making it easier to follow along.

For quick access, users can add a play button between the address bar and tab switcher. This shortcut eliminates the need to open Chrome’s three-dot overflow menu, streamlining the listening experience. To enable this, go to Chrome Settings > Toolbar shortcut and select the option to add the play button to your toolbar.

The background playback feature and other improvements are rolling out widely with Chrome 130 for Android this week.

With these updates, Google is making it easier for users to back up their media and enjoy hands-free web browsing. Whether you’re looking to automatically sync your folders to Google Photos or listen to web content while multitasking, these tools seamlessly offer convenience and flexibility.

Google is rolling out several updates with the upcoming release of Chrome 131 for Android. This update brings significant improvements, particularly for users who rely on third-party password managers, along with a more streamlined Google Maps interface.

Chrome 131: Better Autofill with Third-Party Password Managers

Chrome 131, scheduled for a stable release on November 12, introduces native support for third-party autofill services on Android. Previously, users experienced issues with autofill, such as glitchy page scrolling and duplicate suggestions when using password managers other than Google’s built-in service. This was because Chrome operated in a “compatibility mode” for autofill, which sometimes caused a disjointed user experience.

With Chrome 131, third-party services can now seamlessly autofill passwords, passkeys, addresses, payment details, and other stored information. This makes the autofill process smoother and faster, offering a better experience for users who prefer alternatives like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden.

To activate this feature, Android 14+ users can navigate to their device’s settings through Settings > Passwords, passkeys & accounts. From there, they can choose a third-party service for autofill. In Chrome, under Settings > Autofill Services, selecting “Autofill using another service” enables this feature. Users need to restart the browser for the changes to take effect.

If you’re using Chrome 131 in beta, you can further enhance your autofill experience by enabling the following flag:

chrome://flags#enable-autofill-virtual-view-structure

Google has announced that Chrome will discontinue the older compatibility mode for autofill by early 2025. Therefore, users should switch to third-party autofill in Chrome settings to avoid any disruption in their experience once this mode is deprecated. Encouraging users to toggle the autofill option ensures that they enjoy seamless functionality with third-party services.

Google Maps: Relocating the Weather Widget for a Cleaner View

Along with Chrome updates, Google Maps on Android is also seeing a minor but important interface change. Earlier this year, the app introduced a weather display on the top-left corner, providing real-time information on temperature, weather conditions, and air quality index (AQI). However, Google is now relocating this weather widget to declutter the main map view.

The weather information will no longer overlay the map but will instead be housed in the “Latest in the area” section, located at the bottom of the screen. This section displays relevant updates for the user’s current city, neighborhood, or nearby attractions. When expanded, the weather will appear in the top-right corner, and in the bottom-right corner when the information panel is minimized. To access this panel, users simply need to interact with the map or swipe up from the bottom.

This repositioning helps make the map more visually clean and less crowded with elements. The bottom panel’s collapsible feature also allows users to explore the map with fewer distractions. Although this change might slightly reduce the ease of checking weather conditions while navigating, the overall map view gains clarity.

The revamped interface is currently being tested in the beta version of Google Maps (version 11.151.x), with an expected stable release in the coming updates. However, users who prefer quick access to weather information may find this change less convenient, as the display area is slightly reduced when the bottom panel is expanded.

Final Thoughts

With Chrome 131 and the updated Google Maps, Android users can expect improved functionality and a cleaner, more efficient experience. The autofill improvements in Chrome ensure that third-party password managers integrate more naturally, while the changes in Google Maps make navigation more visually appealing by decluttering the interface. These updates highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance usability and streamline the overall experience for Android users.

Both features are currently in beta but are expected to reach all users soon, making Android even more user-friendly with optimized browsing and navigation.

Google has announced a major reorganization across several of its key areas, including Gemini, Assistant, and Search. CEO Sundar Pichai explained the changes in a recent company update, stating that these shifts are aimed at improving efficiency, innovation, and product development, particularly in AI-powered solutions.

Gemini Team Moves to DeepMind

The Gemini app team, previously part of Google’s Knowledge & Information (K&I) division—responsible for Search, Ads, Maps, and Commerce—is now being moved to the Google DeepMind organization. DeepMind is Google’s AI research lab, and this move is intended to enhance collaboration between teams and accelerate the deployment of new AI models.

Pichai noted, “By bringing these teams closer together, we can improve feedback loops, speed up deployment of new models in the Gemini app, and make our post-training efforts more efficient.”

Assistant Now Part of Pixel and Android

Google’s Assistant team, previously linked to the Gemini team, will now be part of the Platforms & Devices division, which oversees Pixel and Android. This realignment allows Assistant developers to work more closely with the hardware and software products they’re supporting, with a stronger focus on enhancing user experience in AI-driven home and device integrations.

This shift brings Google’s AI-powered initiatives, especially in the home automation and device ecosystem, under a unified team, which is expected to streamline efforts and drive better results.

Prabhakar Raghavan Transitions to Chief Technologist

Another significant change involves Prabhakar Raghavan, who has stepped down from his role as Senior Vice President of Search. He will now take on the role of Chief Technologist at Google, where he will partner closely with Sundar Pichai and other Google leaders to provide technical direction and leadership.

Raghavan’s contributions to Google have been vast, spanning across products like Gmail, Drive, Ads, and Search. He played a key role in launching AI-powered features such as Smart Reply and Smart Compose, while also driving AI advancements in Search, including the introduction of AI Overviews and visual search tools like Lens. His transition to Chief Technologist marks a new phase in his career, where he will continue to influence the technical growth of the company.

Nick Fox Takes Over Knowledge & Information Division

Following Raghavan’s move, Nick Fox, a long-time Googler and Senior Vice President, will now lead the Knowledge & Information division. Fox has been instrumental in shaping Google’s AI product strategy, working on initiatives that span Search, Assistant, Ads, and more. He has launched successful consumer products like Google Fi and has led complex projects such as RCS messaging.

Fox’s new role signals Google’s commitment to continuing its innovation in AI-driven products and services, particularly in Search, Ads, and other K&I-related areas.

Google Wallet Testing Digital Passport Feature

In another exciting development, Google Wallet has begun testing a feature that allows users to store digital versions of their U.S. passports. This feature is currently in beta for users enrolled in Google Play services and is available for domestic flights in select U.S. airports.

The process to add a passport to Google Wallet involves scanning the passport’s information page, detecting the embedded security chip using NFC technology, and submitting a brief video to verify the user’s identity. Google will then match the video to the passport photo to confirm the authenticity of the document.

This feature, much like the existing state ID option in Google Wallet, offers users the convenience of securely carrying their identification digitally. If a phone is lost, users can remotely remove the digital passport from their devices.

New Security Features in Android 15

As part of Android’s upcoming updates, Google is introducing a new security feature called “Failed Authentication Lock” as part of its enhanced theft protection suite. This feature will lock down devices after multiple failed login attempts, preventing unauthorized access.

This new layer of security adds to Android’s existing protections, which include Theft Detection Lock, Remote Lock, and Offline Device Lock. These features are part of Google’s continued efforts to strengthen user privacy and security across its ecosystem.

Conclusion

Google’s recent organizational changes reflect its ongoing efforts to streamline AI development, enhance product efficiency, and bolster security. Moving the Gemini app team to DeepMind, refocusing Assistant on device integrations, and adding digital passport functionality to Google Wallet demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation. With the introduction of new security measures in Android 15, Google continues to prioritize user safety and a seamless experience across its services.