Google acquires GIF search platform Tenor

Google with an aim to make it easier to find and share GIFs has announced that it is acquiring Tenor; a Gif sharing startup. Mobile web has evolved beyond just photos, and Google says that the way people use Google Images has changed too.  Continue reading “Google acquires GIF search platform Tenor”

Google announces the roll out of mobile-first indexing

Google

Google after a year and a half of experimentation and testing, today announced the rollout of mobile-first indexing for sites that follow the best practices. Earlier, Google used the desktop version of a page’s content for crawling, indexing, and ranking systems. Continue reading “Google announces the roll out of mobile-first indexing”

Google to block GApps on uncertified devices, but lets custom ROM users be whitelisted

Google Device certification

Google’s Android OS is an open source and gives developers a lot of freedom to customize the software as they please. Google apps and services mandate that device makers follow a specific set of rules under the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD). Device maker needs to follow the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) for them to pre-load their devices with Google apps and services. Continue reading “Google to block GApps on uncertified devices, but lets custom ROM users be whitelisted”

Google app v7.24 beta hints at ‘pinned’ floating sports scores, custom Assistant Routines and more

Google

Google app is receiving a new beta update features hinting at ‘pinned’ floating sports scores, custom Assistant Routines, and more. The new pinned floating features lets users pin summaries for sport and follow scores while using other apps like Maps or YouTube.  Continue reading “Google app v7.24 beta hints at ‘pinned’ floating sports scores, custom Assistant Routines and more”

Google Files Go finally gets smart search, Google Photos integration

Files Go search

Google is finally rolling out the much-needed update to its File Go app. The update brings the ability to search for files on your phone just like you search the internet. The search will have Google’s expertise in the search including instant results, search history, autocomplete and filters. Continue reading “Google Files Go finally gets smart search, Google Photos integration”

Google Assistant now lets you send or request money

With Google Assistant you can now send peer-to-peer payments or request payments from your contacts easily. Starting today, users in the U.S. will be able just to say commands like “send money to” both on Android or iPhone and Assistant will take you through the steps to send the money via Google Pay. Continue reading “Google Assistant now lets you send or request money”

Google said to be acquiring imaging startup Lytro for $40 million

Lytro

According to a latest report citing industry sources, Google is said to be acquiring innovative camera startup Lytro for $40 million. Lytro as a company has started off as a ground-breaking camera company for consumers and move onto VR using its depth-data, light-field technology.  Continue reading “Google said to be acquiring imaging startup Lytro for $40 million”

Google Maps for iOS gets restaurant wait times, improved transit directions and more

Google Maps

Google Maps for iOS is getting a new update that brings features like restaurant wait times, improved transit directions and More. The updated app brings the version number to 4.47. The new restaurant wait times will be available at more than a million restaurants around the world. Continue reading “Google Maps for iOS gets restaurant wait times, improved transit directions and more”

Google announces range of augmented reality apps and games developed with ARCore 1.0

The Walking Dead

At the MWC 2018, Google had introduced the ARCore 1.0 with some changes and additions that also includes support for more devices. While Google opened up the ARCore to developers, there aren’t many apps or games yet. Today the company has announced a host of apps and games that you can try considering you have a compatible device  Continue reading “Google announces range of augmented reality apps and games developed with ARCore 1.0”

Google introduces ‘News Initiative’ to fight fake news, will invest $300 million

Google

With an aim to fight fake news, misinformation and bolstering journalism, Google today introduced its new initiative ‘ Google News Initiative,’ along with the International Fact Check Network which will offer advanced training on tools to distinguish misinformation online to more than 20,000 students globally.  Continue reading “Google introduces ‘News Initiative’ to fight fake news, will invest $300 million”

Google’s new Shopping Actions program lets you purchase directly from search results

Google_Shopping_Actions_Program

Google has introduced new ‘Shopping Actions program’ as an answer to “where to buy” queries which grew over 85% in the past two years of which around 44% use voice-activated speaker at least weekly to purchase items like groceries and household items. Now the ‘Shopping Actions program’ is aimed at bringing users an easier way to get their shopping tasks done. Continue reading “Google’s new Shopping Actions program lets you purchase directly from search results”

Google Play Instant lets you tap and play games without installing them

Google Instant Play

Google today introduced ‘Google Play Instant’ that lets you play games without having to install them on your device. The company introduced Instant Apps back in 2016. You can just tap and try a game without having to download it first. Clash Royale, Words with Friends 2, and Bubble Witch 3 Saga, and other titles from Playtika, MZ, Jam City, and Hothead Games are first batch games that are available right away. Continue reading “Google Play Instant lets you tap and play games without installing them”

Google Chrome 66 beta for Android brings experimental ‘Modern Design UI,’ updated media player and more

Google is now rolling out  Chrome 66 beta for Android which brings some new and experimental features on the table like the ‘Modern Design’ interface, updated to the media player and a new Clipboard API. Continue reading “Google Chrome 66 beta for Android brings experimental ‘Modern Design UI,’ updated media player and more”

Google Lens coming to more Android and iOS devices [Update: Now rolling out to iOS devices in Google Photos]

Update 2: As promised, Google has started rolling out the Lens feature through Google Photos for iOS devices as well. You just need to update the app to version 3.15.0 via the App Store. It is rolling out in batches from today and will reach everyone by next week.

Continue reading “Google Lens coming to more Android and iOS devices [Update: Now rolling out to iOS devices in Google Photos]”

Google Play Protect took down over 39 million apps from Play Store in 2017

google play protect

Google today released 4th annual “Android security year in review,” and announced that its Play Protection technology has successfully taken down over 39 million from Play Store in 2017. Play protect was announced back in May 2017 at the I/O event. Continue reading “Google Play Protect took down over 39 million apps from Play Store in 2017”