Posts Tagged: Google
Android 12L and Wear OS 3 show Google still isn’t serious about tablets and smartwatches
Android 12L and Wear OS 3 are supposed to be Google’s big revolutions for tablets and smartwatches. But it sure doesn’t feel like it.
Android | Digital Trends
Lawmakers ask Google to stop steering people seeking abortion to anti-abortion sites
A group of Democratic lawmakers led by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin is urging Google to "crack down on manipulative search results" that lead people seeking abortions to anti-abortion clinics. In a letter addressed to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, the lawmakers reference a study conducted by US nonprofit group Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). The organization found that 1 in 10 Google search results for queries such as "abortion clinics near me" and "abortion pill" — specifically in states with trigger laws that would ban the procedure the moment Roe v. Wade is overturned — points to crisis pregnancy centers that oppose abortion instead.
"Directing women towards fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and don't provide comprehensive health services is dangerous to women's health and undermines the integrity of Google's search results," the lawmakers wrote. CCDH also found that 37 percent of results on Google Maps for the same search terms lead people to anti-abortion clinics. The lawmakers argue in the letter that Google should not be displaying those results for users searching for abortion and that if the company's search results must continue showing them, they should at least be properly labeled.
In addition, CCDH found that 28 percent of ads displayed at the top of Google search results are for crisis pregnancy centers. Google added a disclaimer for those ads, "albeit one that appears in small font and is easily missed," the lawmakers note, after getting flak for them a few years ago. "The prevalence of these misleading ads marks what appears to be a concerning reversal from Google’s pledge in 2014 to take down ads from crisis pregnancy centers that engage in overt deception of women seeking out abortion information online," the letter reads.
Warner, Slotkin and the letter's other signees are asking Google what it plans to do to limit the appearance of anti-abortion clinics when users are explicitly searching for abortion services. And, if Google chooses not to take action to prevent them from appearing in results, the group is asking whether Google would add user-friendly disclaimers clarifying whether the clinic is or isn't providing abortion services. You can read the whole letter below:
NEW: @RepSlotkin and I are leading a group of lawmakers to push on the Google CEO to crack down on manipulative search results that lead to scammy “crisis pregnancy centers.”
It’s time for them to limit or label results and ads that lead to fake abortion clinics. pic.twitter.com/LlkTueI2QP
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) June 17, 2022
A Supreme Court draft obtained by Politico in May showed that SCOTUS justices have voted to reverse Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that protected the federal rights to abortion across the country. Senator Ron Wyden and 41 other Democratic lawmakers also previously asked Google to stop collecting and keeping users' location data. They said the information could be used against people who've had or are seeking abortions in states with trigger laws.
Google Assistant to forget its location-based reminders
Google Assistant has been losing features over the last several months and now two ‘reminders’ features have been put on the chopping block.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Here’s everything you need to know about Google Stadia (Updated)
If you are just starting out with Google Stadia, we’ve compiled a list of essential facts and factoids to help you make the most of your cloud gaming experience. Whether it’s which devices are compatible with Stadia, how fast your internet connection needs to be, which gaming controller to use, or even which games are […]
Come comment on this article: Here’s everything you need to know about Google Stadia (Updated)
The Google Assistant could be to blame for the Galaxy Watch 4 suffering pairing issues and battery drain
Having been promised for months, the Google Assistant finally began rolling out to Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatches last week but it seems that the addition of the virtual assistant may be causing some issues. Galaxy Watch 4 owners are reporting that their units are experiencing battery drain and pairing issues since the Google Assistant was […]
Come comment on this article: The Google Assistant could be to blame for the Galaxy Watch 4 suffering pairing issues and battery drain
It looks like Google has postponed the Pixel foldable once again
Codenamed “Passport“, the Pixel foldable whose launch was delayed by Google in 2021 would appear to have once again been postponed. If you are feeling like this could be the Pixel Watch all over again, you are not alone. According to the Korean news outlet, TheElec, Google has decided to postpone the launch of the […]
Come comment on this article: It looks like Google has postponed the Pixel foldable once again
Google Nest Audio bundle offers two smart speakers for just $120
If you're looking to get a few smart speakers for your connected home, this may be your chance to grab a handful at a discount. You can get a pair of Google Nest Audio smart speakers right now from Adorama for $ 120. If you just want the one, you can also grab a singular speaker for $ 65.
The Google Nest Audio has always offered a robust music experience without a hefty price tag to go with it, but now it's even more affordable at $ 80 or 40 percent off the bundle's regular price. While we didn't find the Nest Audio to be quite on par with bigger music-focused speakers when it comes to audio quality when we tested it out, it still sounds a lot better than the Nest Mini.
Buy Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker 2-Pack at Adorama – $ 120Buy Google Nest Audio Speaker at Adorama – $ 65
It's loud enough for small- and medium-sized rooms, and pairing two of them can deliver stereo sound. Since it's a Google smart speaker, it supports Assistant voice commands, and you can tell it to play what you want after linking it to your account and your music streaming services. Like other Nest speakers, it's covered in cloth for a clean, minimalist aesthetic that will complement most home decor. And at 7 inches tall and only 3 inches thick, it will fit in most places you decide to put it.
If you'd rather get a smart display, the second-generation Google Nest Hub is also down to $ 65, which is $ 35 off the usual price and one of the best deals we've seen it dropped to an all-time low of $ 55 in March. Its bigger sibling, the Google Nest Hub Max is also on sale at Adorama for $ 179, or $ 50 off its retail price. With its 10-inch touchscreen, the Nest Hub Max is the biggest Google smart display available and also has the best sound quality. We gave it a score of 86 in our review, praising it not just for having a great display and sound quality, but also for its ability to double as a Nest Cam and to play and pause media with gestures.
Buy Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) at Adorama – $ 65Buy Google Nest Hub Max at Adorama – $ 179
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
Google says they’re finally optimizing Android tablet apps. Do you believe them?
At Google I/O this year, Google said they were working with developers and manufacturers to finally give Android apps the tablet-optimized versions they deserve. No more upscaled, wonky UI that leaves a ton of wasted space, blown up phone apps, or things that are just straight up broken and unpleasant to use on an Android […]
Come comment on this article: Google says they’re finally optimizing Android tablet apps. Do you believe them?
Google Wallet is back with support for storing your Driver’s License
Remember Google Wallet? You know, the one that was renamed Android Pay and then most recently, Google Pay? Well, Google Wallet has been resurrected and it’s going to take over from Google Pay, albeit with a couple of new tricks. Confused? If you know anything about Google you should have been expecting this news when […]
Come comment on this article: Google Wallet is back with support for storing your Driver’s License
Google Pixel 6a could fix the Pixel 6’s biggest pain point
The Google Pixel 6A seems like it’s going to have a new fingerprint scanner, possibly setting it apart from the rest of the Pixel 6 line’s sensor problems.
Mobile | Digital Trends
How Google plans to improve video capturing on Snapchat, Instagram
Google plans to improve the video recording-experience on third-party Android apps such as Instagram, Snapchat with enhancements to the CameraX Jetpack library.
Mobile | Digital Trends
[Guide] How to stop apps sharing data with Google on Android
Apps taking your data to push ads to you is a tale as old as time itself (or at least since the invention of the smartphone). However, with newer and more transparent pro-consumer policies as late, customers are now getting a say in reducing the ads pushed to them on their Android Smartphones. With this […]
Come comment on this article: [Guide] How to stop apps sharing data with Google on Android
Google faces lawsuit over controversial Play Store change
Google’s new Play Store billing policies aren’t very popular with developers, and some are taking their disagreement to the courts.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Google Pixel Watch: Everything we know so far
After years of being in the rumor mill, there’s a pretty big chance Google’s Pixel Watch is finally on its way. Here’s everything we know so far.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Google needs to convince us WearOS isn’t dead (again)
WearOS 3 still isn’t widely available, so at Google I/O 2022 we need to see strong evidence the platform really does have some life left in it.
Mobile | Digital Trends
10 years on, Google Glass is still a Google I/O high point
Google Glass remains the pinnacle of exciting hardware announcements at Google I/O, and 10 years on we look back at what made it so special.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Google Pixel 6a: Release date, price, leaks, and more
Google is working on its next cheap Pixel, the Pixel 6a. Here’s everything we know so far about the Pixel 6’s cheaper sibling.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Google Pixel Watch spotted in the wild, iPhone 4 style
A prototype unit of the Pixel Watch was allegedly left at a restaurant, giving us glimpse of Google’s first smartwatch and its dramatically curvy looks.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Unlimited Google Photos Storage is back for T-Mobile customers*
We all know that free Unlimited Storage for Google Photos is no longer an option thanks to the search giant squeezing every bit of blood out of that particular stone that it can. If you are a T-Mobile subscriber, though, you will soon have the option of signing up to the Uncarrier’s exclusive Google One […]
Come comment on this article: Unlimited Google Photos Storage is back for T-Mobile customers*
The Morning After: Google and iFixit collaborate on parts to help you repair Pixel phones
Google is the latest phone maker to join Apple and Samsung in giving you resources to fix phones yourself. It’s partnering with the tinkerer of all tinkerers, iFixit, to provide official parts for Pixel phones later this year. Notably, the initiative will cover models ranging from the Pixel 2 (from 2017) through to the Pixel 6 Pro and beyond. According to the announcement, you’ll get access to a "full range" of components, like batteries, cameras and displays, whether you buy them individually or with iFixit’s own Fix Kit tools.
It’s shaping up to be an interesting year for people willing to repair their own phones. We still haven’t had a chance to see how Apple’s iPhone repair proposal will fare in real life — how hard is it going to be? — but Google is being smart by pairing with, arguably, the go-to people for those willing to take their phone’s life into their own hands.
— Mat Smith
The biggest stories you might have missed
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Apple Watch Series 7 models drop to $ 330, plus the rest of the weekend's best tech deals
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'Dancing with the Stars' will be the first live TV show on Disney+
Hummer EV first drive
An enormous electric super truck
The Hummer has always been ostentatious. So it’s no surprise the Hummer EV is not only large but also heavy, and really not all that efficient as an EV. But what it lacks in miles per kilowatt, it makes up for in over-the-top fun.
Roberto Baldwin got to drive the larger-than-life SUV, and it proved to be a capable off-roader that showcases GM’s Ultium platform. It is still, at its core, a Hummer.
iOS 16 could include upgraded health tracking features
But don't expect an UI redesign.
The next major update of iOS could include “significant enhancements,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman anticipates iOS 16 will include an update to notifications and an assortment of new health-tracking features.
Gurman added that the Apple Watch’s watchOS 9 may include upgrades to its activity and health-tracking features, but stopped short of sharing specifics. Boo.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ has the best opening weekend for a video game movie
Breaking the record set by… the first Sonic movie.
With a $ 71 million debut at the domestic box office, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has set a new record for the US film debut of a video game adaptation, beating the previous high watermark set by its predecessor in 2020. The sequel made $ 57 million during its opening weekend, and Paramount now plans to expand this success into a cinematic universe. What have you done?
Police got confused trying to pull over an autonomous Cruise vehicle
‘Step outside the vehicle, please.’
Since February, GM’s Cruise self-driving unit has offered public taxi rides across San Francisco. And so far, the service hasn’t had many issues. A video from April 2nd showed San Francisco police attempting to pull over a driverless Cruise vehicle in the city’s Richmond District, only for the car to temporarily take off.
Watch the first trailer for ‘Kingdom Hearts IV’
Disney, Final Fantasy and a kinda-Tokyo.
During an event celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary, we got our first proper glimpse at the next Kingdom Hearts game. Kingdom Hearts IV marks the return of Sora after 2019’s Kingdom Hearts III seemingly concluded the story arc that began with the original game in 2002. The trailer showed Sora waking up in a city called Quadratum, a Tokyo-inspired city rendered in a semi-realistic way, marking a major artistic shift for the series. The city is soon attacked by a towering monster and the story-centric opening scenes seamlessly transition to gameplay… and fighting.
Google Docs now offers emoji reactions
Collaboration is a huge part of Google Docs, letting multiple users chip in edits, comments and more. Now, you can include not just text in your comments but emoji reactions, much as you can in messages or on social media. "The new emoji reactions feature provides a less formal alternative to comments to express your opinions about document content," Google said in a blog post announcing the feature.
The new option appears when you highlight text in a document while in "editing" mode. From there, you'll see a new "add reaction" icon smiley face icon that lets you place emojis in the editing comments section. Google notes that emojis used will be shared with Google chat, "so any preferences set in one app will be reflected in the other." Both apps can also be used to update emoji preferences via the picker.
Google recently feted the 15th anniversary of Docs (along with Sheets). It has gradually boosted the feature set over that time, with the last update allowing you to draft emails in Docs and then send them using Gmail.
Emoji reactions on a Google Doc could be an easy way to add feedback, but then again they may not fly in some business environments. Either way, the feature can't be disabled by the user and "there is no Admin control for the feature," according to Google. The feature started officially rolling out yesterday, but it may take some time to appear depending on your domain type and region.
The next Google System Update will begin rolling out on April 1st (really)
As April looms on the horizon with its silly tradition of pranks and outrageous stories, Google has released the details on its latest System Update which brings a bunch of fixes and new features for the Play Service and Google Play functions that perform a myriad of functions behind the scenes on your Android smartphone. […]
Come comment on this article: The next Google System Update will begin rolling out on April 1st (really)
Apple and Google close loophole that allowed Russians to use Mir cards for mobile payments
Apple has closed a loophole that had allowed some Russians to continue using its mobile payments service despite the ongoing economic sanctions against Russia. According to Reuters, the company told the country's largest lender on Thursday it would no longer support Russia's homegrown Mir payments system through Apple Pay.
"Apple has informed NSPK it is suspending support for Mir cards in the Apple Pay payment service," the National Card Payment System said Friday. "Starting from March 24th, users cannot add new Mir cards to the service. Apple will stop all operations of previously added cards over the next few days."
Google took similar action last week as well. According to a separate report from The Wall Street Journal, the company paused a pilot that had allowed Russians to connect their Mir cards to Google Pay. "Google Pay is pausing payments-related services in Russia as a result of payment services disruption out of our control," a Google spokesperson told the outlet.
As The Verge notes, the Central Bank of Russia established Mir after the US and other countries imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its annexation of Crimea in 2014. According to statistics shared by the Central Bank, Mir cards are involved in more than 25 percent of all card transactions within the country. Previously, cards from major Russian financial institutions like VTB Group and Sovcombank stopped working with Apple Pay and Google Pay shortly after the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24th.
Lawsuit accuses Google of fostering systemic bias against Black employees
A new lawsuit against Google accuses the company of fostering a "racially biased corporate culture" that offers Black employees lower pay and fewer opportunities to advance than their white counterparts, reports Reuters. Filed on Friday with a federal court in San Jose, California, the complaint alleges the company subjected former diversity recruiter April Curley and other current and former Black employees to a hostile work environment.
In 2014, Google hired Curley to design a program to connect the company with Black colleges. Shortly afterward, she claims she was subjected to denigrating comments from her managers, who allegedly stereotyped her as an "angry" black woman while passing her over for promotions.
"While Google claims that they were looking to increase diversity, they were actually undervaluing, underpaying and mistreating their Black employees," Curley's lawyer told Reuters. The complaint notes Black people make up only 4.4 percent of employees at Google and approximately 3 percent of its leadership.
We've reached out to Google for comment.
Curley is not the first person to accuse Google of fostering a work environment hostile to Black employees and other people of color. In the aftermath of Timnit Gebru's controversial exit from the company, Alex Hanna, a former employee with the tech giant's Ethical AI research group, said she decided to leave Google after becoming tired of its structural deficiencies. "In a word, tech has a whiteness problem," Hanna wrote on Medium at the time. "Google is not just a tech organization. Google is a white tech organization."
Google I/O takes place in-person and online on May 11-12th
Shortly after releasing its customary puzzle for users to decipher in order to find out when Google I/O will be held, its CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that it’s on May 11-12 and that it will happen in the Shoreline Amphitheater where it is usually held, Covid-19 notwithstanding. While there will be a limited in-person audience […]
Come comment on this article: Google I/O takes place in-person and online on May 11-12th
Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G
Apple’s iPhone SE (2022) is finally here. But is it good enough to take on the Google Pixel 5a 5G? Here’s how the two sub-$ 500 phones stack up.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Google has announced the Steam for Chrome OS alpha program for select Chromebooks
The 2022 Google for Games Developer Summit is underway and according to a rather brief announcement by the search giant, Steam for Chrome OS is an actual thing. Basically, it’s being released in ‘Alpha’ form which means that it’s not quite ready for prime-time but rather, as the name of the summit suggests, targeted towards […]
Come comment on this article: Google has announced the Steam for Chrome OS alpha program for select Chromebooks
The best Google Pixel 6 screen protectors
If you’re lucky enough to own a Google Pixel 6 phone, take a look at our pick of the best screen protectors to keep your handset safe from harm.
Android | Digital Trends
Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs. Apple AirPods 3
Thinking of buying a new set of earbuds? Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series and Apple’s AirPods 3 are two great choices, but which is the best? Here’s what we think.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Google is rolling out a rapid Air Raid Alerts System for all Android phones in Ukraine
By now you are probably aware of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which is resulting in a huge humanitarian crisis in the country and widespread devastation caused by Russia’s indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas. It’s shocking, shameful, and has resulted in millions of Ukrainians trying to cross the border into friendly nations such as Poland and […]
Come comment on this article: Google is rolling out a rapid Air Raid Alerts System for all Android phones in Ukraine
Google Play Store removes info on apps’ most recent update
The Google Play Store has gotten rid of a popular feature, resulting in a fan outcry and confusion.
Android | Digital Trends
Elden Ring is an enormous missed opportunity for Google Stadia
Unless you’ve been avoiding social media all weekend, you’ve probably heard about Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest game. Maybe seen a couple screenshots, a clip of a particularly intense boss battle, or just people on Twitter talking about item discoveries, secrets around the map, or anything else. It’s a huge game that’s garnering near perfect reviews […]
Come comment on this article: Elden Ring is an enormous missed opportunity for Google Stadia
Some Russian bank cards no longer work with Apple Pay and Google Pay
Following Western sanctions on Russia’s financial institutions in response to the invasion of Ukraine, customers of several of the country’s largest banks can no longer use their debit and credit cards in conjunction with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Among the affected organizations include VTB Group, Sovcombank, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, and Otkritie FC Bank, according to a press release from the Central Bank of Russia spotted by Business Insider.
Customers with those banks can still use their cards to make contactless payments, provided they support the feature. However, they won’t work overseas, and they can’t be used to make online purchases from retailers registered in countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia.
As The Verge notes, Apple Pay and Google Pay aren’t as popular in Russia as homegrown options like YooMoney. According to data from 2020, only 29 percent of Russians reported using Google Pay at the time, while 20 percent said they had used Apple Pay. As such, those restrictions aren’t likely to impact Russian consumers too much given they have access to alternatives. However, the possibility of excluding Russian banks from the SWIFT interbanking system could lead to things like currency volatility that would further hurt the country’s economy.
What Google Maps can tell us about the Russian invasion
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could very well be the first major military conflict that can be tracked live on Google Maps.
Mobile | Digital Trends
The first Google Pixel 7 Pro leaks show few design changes
Google’s Pixel 7 is going to look a lot like the Pixel 6 Pro if these first few renders are accurate.
Android | Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs. Google Pixel 6 camera shootout
The Pixel 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5g both offer great cameras on a budget. So we pitted them against each other.
Android | Digital Trends
Bixby vs. Google Assistant
Bixby vs. Google Assistant: Which virtual assistant is better?
Android | Digital Trends
Google releases its last Pixel 3 security update
Don't expect to receive more updates for your Pixel 3. Esper's Mishaal Rahman has learned Google is delivering one last security update to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. The company previously said the Pixel 3 would get one last update in the first quarter of 2022, and confirmed to Engadget this represents the device's last hurrah.
It's not certain what the patch fixes. However, DarkPlayer noted the build ID matches that for an October patch that targeted newer Pixel models on Verizon. This is a catch-up release rather than an up-to-the-moment patch.
You can expect more if you have a recent Pixel, at least. Google has posted a February 2022 update for the Pixel 3a and newer phones. The revision tackles several significant problems, including reboots during camera use, Bluetooth audio disconnection and quality problems, carrier-specific connection woes and keyboards that override input text in some cases.
This won't thrill you if you're fond of the Pixel 3 — you'll have to upgrade if you want up-to-the-minute security fixes. Don't fret if you have a Pixel 6, though. Google has promised five years of security updates for its latest phone line, so you might not have to worry about patches until 2026.
The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are getting what's presumably their final updatehttps://t.co/YkzqbwvrTE
Not sure what's included in the update. Has anyone gotten the update on their Pixel 3 or 3 XL yet?
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 7, 2022
A new Google Pixel 6 update is breaking Magic Eraser
A recent update appears to have broken the Magic Eraser, leaving many users frustrated and unable to use one of Google’s most marketed Pixel 6 features.
Android | Digital Trends
Google sold a boatload of Pixel phones in Q4 2021
The Pixel 6 series may have its share of software issues but there’s no denying that it’s captured the interest of smartphone buyers with its new modern hardware and intriguing design. We know that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have sold well since going on general sale, but it turns out that they’ve actually […]
Come comment on this article: Google sold a boatload of Pixel phones in Q4 2021
Google Pixel Notepad: Everything we know about the foldable
Google is likely launching its first foldable pretty soon. Here’s everything we know about the so-called Pixel Notepad (or Pixel Fold) before that happens.
Android | Digital Trends
New leak points to Google finally unveiling the Pixel Watch on May 26th
Every since Wear OS was a thing, there have been countless rumors that this could be the year that Google announces its own smartwatch to complement its range of Pixel smartphones, and every year the rumors are proved wrong. Well, it’s time to strap in once again because it seems that 2022 is the year […]
Come comment on this article: New leak points to Google finally unveiling the Pixel Watch on May 26th
Google Play Games for Windows is rolling out in beta – coming to the US “soon”
There’s big news afoot in the Android gaming world with the announcement that Google Play Games is coming to PCs, and is actually already rolling out in beta form in three countries. Google says that it aims to provide a seamless gaming experience whether you are gaming on a PC or mobile device. Google Play […]
Come comment on this article: Google Play Games for Windows is rolling out in beta – coming to the US “soon”
The Google Pixel 6 Pro doesn’t deserve its bad reputation
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is facing some bad press, as some phones are hit with software problems. But as we’ve discovered, it’s not entirely deserved.
Android | Digital Trends
‘Exploring fitness’ won’t get Google TV anywhere near Apple Fitness+
Google has to do more than just “explore fitness” if it wants to get Google TV anywhere close to the exercise experience of Apple Fitness+.
Android | Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs. Google Pixel 6: The battle of the affordable flagships
In this battle of affordable flagship phones, we pit the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE against the Google Pixel 6.
Android | Digital Trends
The most common Google Wear OS problems and how to fix them
Got a Wear OS smartwatch? We’ve rounded up some of the more common Google Wear OS problems, along with some workarounds and solutions for solving them.
Wearables | Digital Trends