We spotted two weeks ago that Google might rebrand “Assistant with Bard” to just “Bard.” The company might not have decided on a new Assistant with Bard name yet as the latest version of the Google app introduces “Gemini” as a candidate.
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Gboard preps ‘Seamless voice typing’ that lets you instantly start talking
Instead of having to manually initiate voice typing every time, Gboard is working on a more “seamless” option on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseYou say ‘Allo’ and I say ‘Bard is coming to Google Messages’
Bard is coming to Google Messages to “help you write messages, translate languages, identify images, and explore interests.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle might rebrand ‘Assistant with Bard’ before launch
During the Pixel 8 event, “Assistant with Bard” was announced for 2024. Before it launches on Android, Google might be dropping the “Assistant” moniker and rebrand to just “Bard.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages adds support for dual & multi SIM RCS
Since launch, Google Messages has not allowed RCS on more than one phone number, but the app is now adding support for dual (multi) SIM.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps ‘Driving Mode’ on Android might go away in 2024
In 2022, Google announced it was killing the Assistant Driving Mode that provided a “Dashboard” homescreen. This left another optimized UI in Google Maps for Android, which was also called “Driving Mode,” but that’s now also facing deprecation in February 2024.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Auto will have Google Assistant summarize your messages with AI
Google is working on having “Assistant summarize your busy conversations” and messages when you’re using Android Auto.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit app readies Pixel 8 Pro thermometer sync integration
The thermometer on the Pixel 8 Pro only works to “measure the surface temperature of everyday objects,” but Google did submit an FDA application to take body readings. As we wait for that, the Fitbit app is working on Pixel 8 Pro thermometer integration.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app readies new Sports widget for your Android homescreen [Gallery]
After introducing a Finance Watchlist for your homescreen earlier this year, the Google app on Android is getting ready to add a Sports widget.
Expand Expanding Close‘Messages by Google’ is now just ‘Google Messages’
In addition to getting seven new features yesterday, “Messages by Google” was quietly renamed to “Google Messages.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos reveals how Pixel 8 Pro ‘Video Boost’ feature will work including export and more
One of the big new features Google is preparing for the Pixel 8 Pro is “Video Boost,” which promises to greatly improve video quality through post-processing on Google’s servers. While there’s no firm release date for that just yet, the Google Photos app is setting the foundation.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app testing bottom Search bar again, cleans up settings
After initially testing in 2021, the Google app is again exploring a bottom Search bar on Android. Meanwhile, the in-app settings page has been reorganized.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps compose text field redesign and new contacts page [Gallery]
With the addition of Magic Compose, we noted how the Google Messages text field was getting too cluttered, but a redesign is now on the way, while each contact’s profile page is also getting overhauled.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages readying ‘Profiles’ to set your name and photo
For the past several months, Google Messages has been working on a Profiles feature, and we now have a better idea of what it’s for.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch app will soon notify you when the battery is full
A new feature coming soon to the Google Pixel Watch app will save you some time and effort when charging the watch by notifying you when the battery is full.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard for Android getting a ‘Scan Text’ OCR tool [Gallery]
Google is adding a new built-in tool to Gboard for Android that lets you “Scan Text” using optical character recognition (OCR).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Keep working on AI-powered ‘Magic Lists’
The latest example of generative AI inside Google apps is a “Magic Lists” feature for Keep that’s meant to be a “creative note-taking aid.”
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Auto may soon be able to use your phone’s wallpaper as version 10.7 rolls out
Google is currently rolling out a new update to Android Auto with version 10.7, but it only hints at a future where you’ll be able to have your car match your phone’s wallpaper.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail tweaks how you launch Help me write and might add ‘voice compose’
Gmail for Android and iOS is changing how you initiate Duet AI’s “Help me write” capability, while Google might be expanding it with “voice compose” in the future.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Tablet might get Look and Talk, Quick Gestures from Nest Hub Max
With the Pixel Tablet now a few months old, Google might soon add two features that debuted on the Nest Hub Max: Look and Talk and Quick Gestures.
Expand Expanding CloseAssistant with Bard may be limited to Tensor-powered Pixel, Galaxy S24 at first
Following the announcement of Assistant with Bard last week, development in the Google app is ramping up. In addition to Pixel 8 users, Google is getting ready to bring Assistant with Bard to Tensor-powered Pixel devices, as well as Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and S24.
Expand Expanding Close‘All-in-one subscription from Google’ with Nest Aware, Google One might be coming
Google announced at the start of this month that Nest Aware is getting a price increase. The Google Home app now reveals that an “All-in-one subscription from Google” could be in the works.
Expand Expanding CloseMessages preps Google Account pairing for tablets & web, likely replaces QR codes
Google Messages on the Pixel Tablet is unacceptable for relying on QR code sign-in and a web app, but the company might be working on a Google Account-based pairing alternative.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Chromecast with Google TV remote shows up in Android 14 Beta [Video]
The Chromecast with Google TV we know today has been available since 2020 and is due for an update. As we’ve reported, that might be on the way, and it seems the Android TV 14 Beta is revealing what might be a new Chromecast remote for Google TV.
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