Google Products & Services: Discussions

[Nairrk]

Google Maps gets 'Ok Google' recognition

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In the latest update, voice navigation tool 'OK Google' has been made available on Google Maps. In simple terms it means now users can just ask their smartphone to navigate, re-route or even change the place of destination by just sending in a voice command. This can be extremely useful while driving where earlier one had to spend considerable amount of time in typeing the destination or even change the route.

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[Nairrk]

Google Duo to replace Hangouts as default app in future Android devices

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In future Android versions and updates, Google Duo will replace Hangouts as a mandatory pre-installed app. Google Duo is a video calling app and it was announced some time back along with a messaging app called Google Allo.

"We are announcing that Google Duo will replace Hangouts within the suite of core GMS apps, and Hangouts will become GMS Optional for telephony products. This change will take effect on December 1, 2016," Google said in a statement.

However, this doesn't mean Google is killing Hangouts. The app will be always available to download from Play Store.

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[Nairrk]

Chrome will suck less RAM

Google has announced that it has finally sorted out Chrome’s tendancy to suck up RAM as efficiently as a Dyson vacuum when visiting javascript heavy sites.

The search engine outfit said that it will roll out an update on December 6 that will slash the amount of RAM Chrome uses by up to half.

By using less RAM, Chrome will let keep more open tabs and run more apps without slowing down your computer as much.

It could also help if your computer is on the low-end in terms of memory, which ranges from four gigabytes and below.

Chrome 55 will include an upgraded JavaScript engine which requires less RAM to work. Given that many modern websites thrive on JavaScript, this should lead to some dramatic improvements. Google says it has a few other ideas in mind which will also speed up Chrome and should make an appearance in future versions.

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[Nairrk]

Google News introduces ‘fact-check’ tag for factually verified stories

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In a bid to categorize stories on its Google News service based on accuracy and facts, Google has introduced a new ‘fact-check’ tag. The news service aggregates timely news across sections and countries from multiple sources. In order to make its service more reliable, the new tag will differentiate verified stories from the rest. Traditionally, the service has different labels for articles which are categorized into In-Depth, Opinion, Wikipedia, and Highly-cited, among others.

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[Nairrk]

Google Maps’ new feature shows you nearby traffic status in real-time

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Google Maps is constantly on the look-out for more enhancements for its mapping service. The service not only allows users to find their way around in a city, but also offers weather updates, and real-time traffic information so that every time a user steps out in the sun, they know which is the shortest and least crowded way to their destination. Shortly after integrating Calendar events, Google Maps has now introduced an all-new feature to its Android app that will allow users to spot nearby traffic in real-time. The new feature, called ‘Traffic Nearby’, is a shortcut that allows users to locate congested areas around their current location with a single tap. All that one needs to do is add the shortcut to their home screens, and every time they run the shortcut, based on their location, real-time data will be provided.

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[Nairrk]

Google Flights’ latest update will help you find the cheapest tickets

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Whether you are headed home or you are planning a holiday, the biggest headache of planning a travel is finding the cheapest possible flights. Whenever you book a flight, you are always doubtful if you did get the best deal and if you could have managed a more economical flights with a little more research. And that very research is what is exhausting and extremely time-consuming, despite there being many travel planning portals and apps. In a bid to address the problem almost every traveler faces, Google is soon going to roll out an update to its Flights app, which will notify users when flight prices are likely to shoot up or fall, and when would be the best time to book a ticket. Fare expiration and expected price jump notifications will be rolling out over the coming weeks everywhere the Google Flights app is available.

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[Nairrk]

Google app to soon get a ‘lite mode’ aimed at reducing mobile data usage

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We have already seen the likes of Facebook introduce a lite version of its app that is aimed at emerging markets like India. This app reduces the amount of mobile data consumed and also works in areas where there is iffy network connectivity. Now it seems Google is following suit. After adding a lite mode to its News and Weather app, Google is reportedly adding a similar mode to the Google app. The lite mode is reportedly said to be rolling-out this week to users in India, followed by Brazil, Indonesia, and other emerging markets in the coming months.

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[Nairrk]

New and Improved-Google Allo 2.0 rolling out

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Google has started rolling out v2.0 for its recently launched app Google Allo. Like every android app, it takes time to roll out the update to everyone depending on where you live but eventually it will reach you.

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[Nairrk]

Google Chrome for Android tests new feature for easy one-handed use

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One of the most common difficulties faced with large-screen devices is the inconvenience that they bring in terms of user experience. Simple operations which can be easily accomplished using one hand, require using both hands for bigger smartphones. When smartphones were smaller in size, single-handed usage was a lot easier. Large-screen smartphones not only made single-handed operation difficult but has also compelled developers to redesign interfaces so that it gets easier to navigate through apps for users. Chrome for Android is one of the latest apps to be overhauled for the need of convenience. Instead of the address bar at the top of the screen, a new interface under testing is looking at placing the most-used element at the bottom of the screen.

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[Nairrk]

Google brings ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ magic to Android smartphones with hidden spells

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Smartphones are magical, aren’t they? They buzz when you least expect and blast when you least suspect. But what truly makes them magical is the sheer blend of technology and convenience which makes everyday tasks a lot easier, like saying “Lumos” to turn on the flashlight and “Nox” to turn it off. Confused? Google has tied up with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring magic from the upcoming ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ movie to your Android smartphones. The search giant has brought in the fantastical world of wizardry to its Search, Maps, and Daydream VR apps.

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[Nairrk]

Gmail iOS app updated with ‘undo send’ feature; here’s everything that is new

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Google finally paid heed to its neglected Gmail app for iOS. While we understand that ‘all things Google’ deserve more attention, but the company admits that it took four years to bring a major overhaul to its email app for the rival platform; and the change primarily is – undo send. Gmail, the email service by Google is the most widely used, free email service across the globe and given its popularity, certain features top the list for consumers.

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[Nairrk]

Google Photos updated with new features like Suggested Sharing, Photo Books

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Google announced multiple updates and launched new services at its I/O 2017. Google Photos now comes with a host of changes and there are three major updates Google announced. The new updates will be applicable to Android, web as well as iOS users and will slowly roll out in the coming weeks. Google already offers free, unlimited cloud storage to Google Photos users.

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[Nairrk]

Google Play Protect comes to Play Store, adds a layer of security to your Android devices

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Google’s Android platform has often been at the receiving end when it comes to security. There have been multiple questions raised on the device’s ability to protect users from fake apps or spam apps that can cause potential harm to the device and also compromise data. The search giant has announced a new security feature for Android devices through the Google Play apps store at Google I/O 2017. The new feature is called Google Play Protect.

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[Nairrk]

Google adds ‘Personal’ tab to search results, will now show content from Gmail, Google Photos

Aiming to help people find what they are looking for, Google has added a “Personal” tab in search results to show content from private sources like Gmail account and Google Photos library.

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[Nairrk]

Google introduces doodling, YouTube, Maps on Gboard

New York: In its latest update, Google's Gboard, an app that integrates Google Search and other features into the smartphone keyboard itself, announced the inclusion of YouTube and Google Maps, thus enabling users to use both features directly from the keyboard.

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