Teams, Zoom, and Webex Coming to Android Auto
Google is working with the major video conferencing providers to enable audio-only versions of their apps for Android Auto. The apps would simply let you join a previously scheduled meeting.
Google Bringing More Functionality to Wear OS
Google has dropped an update on Wear OS, its smartwatch platform, including new and enhanced apps coming this year. The company also outlined several key features coming in Wear OS 4. A major update to the Google Home app (rolling out today) will let you "check who rang your Nest doorbell right in your notifications, remotely unlock your door and more." Google will also introduce Gmail and Google Calendar for Wear OS. Gmail will let you reply to emails. Calendar will let you "check your schedule, view and RSVP to events, and update task statuses". Google also highlighted what popular third-party apps are introducing. WhatsApp is coming to Wear OS. Spotify and Peloton are also introducing new Tile widgets that make it easier and quicker to interact with those services. Finally, Google announced several key features coming in Wear OS 4, like backup and restore support. "And if you’re setting up a watch from your phone, any permissions you've granted on your phone will automatically carry over."
Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold Popular with US Carriers, But Details Differ
The top three US carriers will all sell both the Google Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold. All three will sell the Pixel 7a starting this afternoon. T-Mobile will sell it for the same price as Google ($500), while AT&T will charge $520 and Verizon will charge $540. The 7a comes in both mmWave and non-mmWave versions. The addition of mmWave 5G accounts for the price difference with Verizon. Although T-Mobile's version does not support mmWave, it will support three-carrier aggregation on the company's unique 5G SA network. AT&T's version does not support mmWave either, but does support mid-band 5G: band 77-C today and band 77-A (3.45 GHz) "enabled in a future software update". T-Mobile and AT&T say they will offer the Pixel Fold "soon" or "this summer" (respectively). Verizon is being much more specific, saying Pixel Fold pre-orders start June 20th, with full availability on June 27th. Verizon will offer the phone with the option of either 256 or 512 GB of storage.
Google's Pixel Fold Goes After Samsung's Z Fold
Google today announced its first foldable phone, the Google Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold features a 7.6-inch flexible inner display for a tablet-like experience when open. The concept is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, as are the high-end specs. When closed, the 5.8-inch outer display offers OLED technology and FHD+ resolution. Both displays support up to 120 Hz refresh. Google claims that the Fold is the thinnest foldable on the market (when open), and has the best zoom camera (5x optical) of any foldable phone. Google also claims that its hinge mechanism is the most durable on the market, thanks to "multi-alloy steel construction" and a custom "dual-axis, quad-cam synchronized mechanism". Like Samsung's Z Flip series, the hinge is stable at any angle, allowing you to set the phone down and keep the camera pointed wherever you choose. A unique Dual Screen Interpreter Mode uses both displays to give two people real-time, two-way language translation. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the outside and the phone offers IPx8 water resistance. The Pixel Fold is powered by Google's own Tensor G2 processor, paired with 12 GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512 GB UFS 3.1 storage. The battery is rated 4,821 mAh and the phone supports wired fast charging up to 30W (no charger is included) as well as wireless charging. The main camera is 48 megapixel with OIS, while the tele and wide camera are both 10.8 megapixel. Although Google claims the inner selfie camera is the best in a foldable, it is just 9.8 megapixel and fixed focus. The phone also includes mmWave 5G, UWB, Wi-Fi 6E, and stereo speakers. It will be available for $1,799 in either Obsidian or Porcelain. It ships "next month". Pre-orders start today and include a free Pixel Watch.
Pixel 7a is a Pricey Pixel a
Google today announced the Pixel 7a, a more affordable model in the company's Pixel 7 series. At $499, it's $100 cheaper than the Pixel 7. However it's a big jump up from last year's Pixel 6a, which was only $349. The Pixel 7a is relatively compact with its 6.1-inch display, smaller than the Pixel 7. The display sports FHD+ resolution, OLED technology, and 90 Hz refresh. The 64-megapixel main camera is the best in an a-series phone yet thanks to a larger sensor. There's also a 13 megapixel wide-angle camera and 13 megapixel front camera. The 7a is powered by a Google Tensor G2 processor paired with 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage. It has a 4,385 mAh battery and an IP67 rating for dust and water. It will come in four colors: Sea (light blue), Charcoal, and Snow, plus Coral available exclusively from Google. Google promises 5 years of Pixel updates for the 7a. The Google Pixel 7a is available starting today.
Google Bringing Generative AI to Android Messages, Wallpaper
Google today announced several new features of Android's wallpaper options and the Google Messages app. The Messages app gains Magic Compose, a new feature that uses AI to enhance your messages by rewriting them for you in the style of your choice. In Android, the wallpaper tools will expand this fall to includes Generative AI Wallpaper. This feature will let users create a completely original wallpaper image based on a structured text prompt. Sooner — next month — Pixel owners will gain access to Emoji Wallpaper and and Cinematic Wallpaper. Emoji Wallpaper lets Android users create unique, personalized wallpaper based on a user-chosen combination of several emoji and one of several patterns or colors. The wallpaper are also slightly interactive, responding to touch. Cinematic Wallpaper takes an existing photo and uses AI to make it a 3D image with a subject that moves independently from the background as you move the phone.
WhatsApp Coming to WearOS Smartwatches
Google today revealed that WhatsApp will soon offer an app for the WearOS smartwatch platform. It will support both messaging and calls.
Google Photos Gaining Magic Editor
Google today announced Magic Editor, a new feature of Google Photos coming later this year that builds on Magic Eraser by letting users make more types of changes to photos. Users will be able to easily select subjects and move them around, with missing backgrounds and cut-off details automatically generated using AI. Lighting and skies can also be changed, using AI to make more dramatic changes than traditional editing could deliver.
Google Confirms, Teases Pixel Fold
Google has released the first official images of its new foldable phone and confirmed that it will be called the Pixel Fold. The company also promises to release more details about the device during the keynotes at its Google I/O event next week, starting May 10th. The new images show a device similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold series, with a large vertical outer display on one side and a larger, flexible landscape display on the inside. Also visible are three rear cameras, an inner camera, and a smooth metallic hinge. The long-rumored device was first confirmed via an FCC approval published on Monday. That confirmed several radio-related features, such as UWB, wireless charging, mmWave 5G, and Wi-Fi 6E.
Apple and Google Collaborate on Anti-Stalker Tech
Apple and Google have announced a new industry standard that will enable cross-platform alerts when people are potentially being tracked without their consent using any popular Bluetooth location-tracking device, regardless of manufacturer. For example, this would allow someone to receive an alert on their Android phone when an unknown Apple AirTag seems to be following them, or the same for an Apple iPhone and a Samsung SmartTag. Current anti-stalker features are either siloed in one company's ecosystem or require the manual download and use of a special app. This new standard will eventually come baked right into both iOS and Android. Besides Apple and Google, "Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, which offers best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products." Today marks the start of a three-month comment period on the draft standard. The companies plan to finalize the standard by the end of 2023 and implement it "in future versions" of iOS and Android.
Foldable Google Pixel Confirmed by FCC
A new device approval appearing on the FCC's web site appears to confirm the rumor that Google has its own foldable phone coming out soon. Among the information available are diagrams showing "open" and "closed" configurations. The crude drawings show a device that appears similar to the Samsung Z Fold series, as rumored. The approval also confirms that the device will be high-end and feature-rich, with features like UWB, wireless charging, mmWave 5G, and Wi-Fi 6E. The company is holding its annual Google I/O developer conference next week, starting May 10th. The day-one keynote event often includes major announcements. Given the timing of this FCC approval, it seems likely Google will announce this foldable device at that event next week.
Android Will Prompt You To Update a Crashy App After a Crash
Google is rolling out a new pop-up prompt in Android that will appear immediately after certain app crashes, prompting the user to update to a more stable version of that app. Google will use the analytics it collects through the Play Store to determine which versions of apps are more crash-prone and which are more stable. When a crash occurs and a more stable version is available, the prompt will appear.
Google Revamps Fi with Free Trial, Free Phones, Free Smartwatch Service
Google today announced a number of changes to its Google Fi wireless service, now known as Google Fi Wireless. All plans now "include, at no extra cost, full connectivity for compatible smartwatches like the Pixel Watch and Samsung watches". The company also now offers a free seven-day trial via eSIM. As with recent free trial offers from other carriers, its requires a phone that can activate a second line via eSIM, allowing the user to keep their existing line during the trial. By default, Google will automatically start paid service at the end of the trial, but users can cancel at any time. Google is also now offering new customers (or new lines on a family plan) a free phone worth up to $449 via 24 monthly bill credits. This covers the cost of a Google Pixel 6a, Samsung A14 5G, or moto g power (2022), for example. Google has also updated the Fi Android app to let parents control a list of contacts that their kids are allowed to communicate with. Finally, the pricing of the Simply Unlimited plans has been tweaked slightly, to now be a flat $80/month total for 2–4 users. This is effectively only a change for families of three, which previously paid $75/month.
Android 14 Public Beta Available
Google has released the first public beta version of Android 14. Previous beta versions were intended only for developers. This version of Android 14 only includes a handful of minor changes visible to users, compared to Android 13. One is a smarter share-sheet, with new, faster options to share content with other people and devices. The "back" gesture has also been tweaked with a new visual interface. Most other changes are "behind the scenes" changes for developers. Google sometimes keeps new Android features hidden until it can announce them at an event like its annual I/O conference. Users wishing to try out Android 14 Beta 1 (on a non-critical device) can now enroll a recent Pixel phone in the beta program to access the software.
Google Adds National Park Trails to Maps App
Google is updating its Maps app on iOS and Android to add better navigation within US national parks, particularly for hiking trails. Instead of just showing trailheads with pins, the entire path of a trail will now be shown. The app will also now "surface helpful details from the Maps community like what type of trail it is, its difficulty, and whether it's better for running, walking, or cycling." Google will also make it easier to download offline maps for specific parks, since cell service can be spotty within many. Other improvements include a visual overview of top attractions, and better directions to trails, including cycling directions. The updates are rolling out this month for the US, and Google will expand these features "around the world in the coming months."
Google Brings Nearby Share to Windows
Google has released a public beta version of Nearby Share for Windows computers. Installing the new Nearby Share app on a Windows device makes it easy to exchange files with nearby Android phones and tablets. Google promises to enable file sharing with other Google devices (such as Chromebooks) in the future. Nearby Share uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and therefore requires that both be enabled on both devices. When using Nearby Share with two devices signed into the same Google account, "file transfers are automatically accepted — even if your screen is off." When the other device belongs to someone else, they will be prompted to give permission. The app requires 64-bit Windows 10 or greater; Arm devices are not supported.
Google Sweetens Google One Plans with Major Security Features
Google has added VPN service and dark web monitoring to all Google One plans, including the Basic plan that starts at $2/month. The VPN service creates an encrypted "tunnel" to Google's servers for all internet traffic, keeping your web and app activity private even while using an untrusted connection, such as public Wi-Fi. The VPN service was previously only available on more expensive plans starting at $10/month. The new dark web monitoring service continuously scans the dark web for your personal information and will alert you if it is found. This might happen as the result of a corporate data breach. The alert would help you take timely steps to protect your money, identity, and credit.
Google Expands Access to Magic Eraser
Google is bringing its Magic Eraser feature of Google Photos to more users, including all Pixel phone owners and everyone that subscribed to Google One, even on iOS. Magic Eraser lets you "erase" unwanted people or objects in any photo, using AI to fill in the erased area.
Google Wants Android to Work on Non-Arm Chips
At the RISC-V Summit event, Android's director of engineering Lars Bergstrom announced that Google is working to get Android running on RISC-V chips as a "tier 1" platform. RISC-V is an open chip architecture that offers an alternative to the Arm chip designs that are dominant in mobile devices today. As western countries continue economic hostilities with China, some companies — particularly in China — are looking for alternatives to Arm, which is based in the UK. Bergstrom said the process will take years. However, once complete, most Android apps should run on RISC-V with no changes required by the developer; games could be the most common exception.
Google Adds Spatial Audio to Pixel Phones
The January software update for Pixel phones adds static Spatial Audio to the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. An update coming soon to the Pixel Buds Pro will add support for spatial audio with head tracking.
Android and Google Devices Now Support Matter
Google has updated its Google Home app and Google Home / Nest devices to fully support Matter, the new industry standard for smart home control. Existing Google home hardware can serve as a Matter hub, including the original Google Home speaker, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub (1st and 2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, and Nest Wifi Pro. Matter-enabled smart home devices can connect to your home's Matter network via Wi-Fi or Thread (a low-power standard). Thread devices require a Thread border router; the Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Hub Max and the Nest Hub (2nd gen) can act as a Thread border router. Matter is designed for "Multi-Admin", meaning you can use multiple devices and ecosystems simultaneously to control your home, including both the Google Home and Samsung SmartThings apps. Android's Fast Pair feature also now works for Matter devices, making it faster and easier to set up new smart home devices. Next year, Google will bring Google Home with Matter to iOS. A handful of Matter-enabled devices are already available, "with many more coming in early 2023".
New Pixel Features Drop Today
Google has released another "feature drop" software update for its Pixel phones. The update includes several major, previously-announced features, such as free VPN service, Clear Calling, and automatic multi-person transcription in the Recorder app. Clear Calling helps reduce background noise from the other end of a phone call. The updated Recorder automatically separates and labels different speakers when recording a conversation. "And once the recording is complete, you can easily re-label speakers with their names." The free VPN and Clear Calling are exclusive to the Pixel 7 series, while the new Recorder is available for Pixel 6 and up.
Google Starts Testing Encrypted RCS Group Chats in Messages
Google's open beta version of Messages will soon gain the ability to participate in group chats that are end-to-end (E2E) encrypted via RCS, the industry standard for enhanced messaging. E2E encryption is already available for one-on-one conversations.
Google Messages Will Let You React with Any Emoji
Google is quietly rolling out an update to Messages that lets users react to individual messages with any emoji, instead of just the usual seven. When long-pressing on a message, the usual seven reactions are still offered, along with a new "face plus" icon that leads to a full emoji picker.
Google Messages Gains 2-Way Reactions with iPhones
Google has announced a variety of new features for Messages, its messaging app for Android based on the RCS industry standard.
- In addition to correctly displaying certain emoji reactions from iPhone users over SMS, Messages will now let you send reactions to SMS messages sent by iPhone users, and display them correctly on the Android side.
- Another new feature will you reply to a specific message in an RCS thread, so it's clear what you're replying to in a busy conversation.
- Google will also bring Voice Message Transcription to more phones. Originally announced for the new Pixel 7 series, the feature can present an audio message as text, for situations where it might be difficult or inappropriate to listen to the audio. The feature is coming to the Pixel 6 series as well as the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Fold 4.
- The app will now make even more pro-active intelligent suggestions based on your activity. These include birthday and anniversary reminders; prompts to "star" messages that appear to contain important info like addresses, door codes, and phone numbers; and shortcuts to make calls or add things to your calendar when receiving relevant messages.
- You will now be able create your own reminders without leaving the app. "Remind yourself to call Mom on her birthday, or [to] schedule that appointment during regular business hours."
- The app can now play YouTube videos without leaving Messages.
Google Overhauls Android's Parental Controls
Google is revamping Family Link, the system-wide parental controls for a child's Android device. The biggest new feature is the ability to create temporary "Today Only" screen-time settings that override the usual daily settings. Another major new feature is a geofencing function that lets you "turn on notifications to be alerted when your child arrives at or leaves a specific destination like school or soccer practice." The new design is organized into three main tabs: "The Highlights tab shows a snapshot of your child's app usage, screen time and recently installed apps". The Controls tab lets parents "set screen time limits for each device or for specific apps, set content restrictions and manage app data permissions." "On the Location tab, you can see all of your children on the same map with their device location. You’ll also find other useful features like battery life and the ability to ring your child’s device to find it". Finally, a Notifications screen shows "important updates and ... requests from your children for app downloads, purchases and access to blocked websites." The update is rolling out over the next few weeks. The Family Link app for parents is available for both Android and iOS, as well as via the web.
Google Starts Rolling Out Passkey Support on Android
Google has started rolling out support for passkeys for web sites in Android and the Chrome browser. Passkeys are a more-secure and easier-to-use replacement for passwords. Passkeys are stored on your device and securely synced with the cloud. Creating and using them is a simple two-step process of tapping your username and authenticating (via fingerprint, for example). Passkeys can also be used cross-device and cross-platform. "For example, an Android user can now sign in to a passkey-enabled website using Safari on a Mac. Similarly, ... a Chrome user, for example on Windows, can do the same using a passkey stored on their iOS device." Google will enable passkeys for logging into Android apps later this year. The current implementation only works with Google's own password manager, but Google will also enable passkeys for third-party password managers next year.
Google's Pixel Watch is Here
Google has revealed its first own-brand smartwatch, which is partially a product of its acquisition of Fitbit. In today's launch event, Google emphasized the quality and accuracy of its all-day continuous heart rate tracking. The watch has a round design with a 3D domed glass front and 80% recycled stainless steel body. Interchangeable straps attach with a unique curved slide-in system. On the side is a rotating crown knob and a single button. The watch is water-resistant down to 50 meters. It has 32 GB of on-board storage, NFC for payments, and is available with or without 4G LTE cellular. The WearOS 3.5 software offers sleep tracking and and a remote viewfinder for the Pixel 7's camera. An array of fitness features are included. A purchase includes six months of FitBit Premium, which has more advanced fitness features such telling when you should focus on recovery or work out. Three months of YouTube Music Premium are also included. Google claims up to 24 hours of battery life, and fast charging can get you 50% charged in 30 minutes. Color options include black, silver, and gold, with a variety of straps available, including woven, stretch, active, and leather styles, with metal coming next spring. The Google Pixel Watch is available now for pre-order and ship October 13th. Google is charging $350 to start, or $400 with 4G LTE cellular.
Google Pixel 7 Series Tweaks Size, Adds Pro Cameras
Google has revealed the full details of its new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro flagship phones. The new Pixel 7 is smaller, while the larger Pixel 7 Pro has a much more advanced camera system than any previous Pixel phone. An evolved design features a 100% recycled aluminum frame — unified with the camera bar — with a zirconia-blasted matte finish. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus covers both sides. Both models are powered by a new Google Tensor G2 chip with machine learning that's 60% faster and 20% more efficient compared to the original Tensor chip (in the Pixel 6 series). A 50 megapixel main camera with laser auto-focus offers high-quality 2x zoom via multi-frame capture. Video capture is improved in several ways, including 4K video at 60 fps, 10-bit HDR that works with third-party apps, Cinematic Blur (portrait mode for video), and improved stabilization & auto-focus for video. The front camera is also improved, with a larger sensor and 4K video capture. The standard Pixel 7 is smaller than the Pixel 6, with a 6.3-inch display with FHD+ resolution, 90 Hz refresh, and 25% higher peak brightness. The larger Pixel 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch display with QHD+ resolution and variable refresh up to 120 Hz. The Pro also adds a telephoto camera and improves the wide camera. The 12 megapixel wide camera is 21% wider and has auto-focus, allowing it to take macro photos. The 5x 48 megapixel telephoto camera works with the other cameras and multi-frame capture to provide a total "Pro" zoom of 0.5x – 10x, or up to 30x for video. Both phones have fast wired and wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. They also both have Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and an in-display fingerprint reader. The bodies are rated IP68 for water. The Pixel 7 has 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM while the Pro has 12 GB. Both phones also have new software features, including emoji dictation, transcription of incoming audio messages, a voice recorder that separates different speakers, Guided Frame to help low-vision users take well-framed photos, and Photo Unblur to "fix" older photos taken with other phones. A feature drop coming later will add Clear Calling, which uses machine learning to clean up incoming audio on calls. Google is also introducing a free VPN service for Pixel phones to improve privacy. The Pixel 7 series will receive a guaranteed five years of security updates. Both models come in three colors. The Pixel 7 will be available in Obsidian, Snow, or Lemongrass. The Pro will be available in Obsidian, Snow, or Hazel. The new Pixels are available now for pre-order, and reach store shelves on October 13th. The smaller Pixel 7 will cost $599 (or $700 for the Verizon version with mmWave 5G), with the Pixel 7 Pro (with mmWave standard in the US) going for $899 for all US carriers. Both models start with 128 GB of storage, but have a 256 GB option. The Pro is also available with 512 GB.
Google Revamps Home App
Google is revamping its Home app for smart homes to focus on customization, and announcing future updates that will add even more customization as well as more powerful automation. The new app — available for preview in the coming weeks — opens to a Favorites tab, which can include shortcuts to control specific home devices, as well as tiles showing live camera views. New Spaces tabs group together devices types, such as lights, cameras, and thermostats. An update coming next year will let users create custom Spaces, such as Pets. Also coming next year is the ability to create much more powerful automations with scripting.
Google Frags Stadia
Google will shut down its Stadia cloud gaming service on January 18th, 2023. The service launched in 2019, offering high-quality gaming streamed over the internet to any Chrome-capable device, including Android phones. Google will offer full refunds for all Stadia games, add-on content, and even hardware purchased from the Google Store.
Google Maps Putting Search Results in AR Live View
Google has announced an update to the Google Maps app with several interesting new features. The augmented-reality Live View feature now works in a search mode to find and show you specific places nearby, instead of just overlaying walking directions during ongoing navigation. From the main screen, a camera icon will appear in the main search box. Tapping that icon opens the new mode, which starts by showing landmark info overlaid on the real-world view from the phone's camera. It gives a few default search options, such as finding restaurants or ATMs within a five-minute walk. Those search results appear overlaid on the real-world view, with options view more details, such as hours, how busy a place is, and services offered. The feature "starts rolling out in London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Paris and Tokyo in the coming months on Android and iOS." Google also announced a new "neighborhood vibe" feature that displays a visual guide to local highlights when searching for a neighborhood by name. That feature is also rolling out "in the coming months", but will be available globally.
Google Fi Beefs up International 5G Service
Google Fi has improved the international roaming offered with its plans, and improved overall iPhone compatibility. Google tripled its 5G coverage abroad, bumping the number of countries where users can roam on 5G from 26 to 39. (Full-speed 4G is available in over 200 countries.) Fi's Unlimited Plus plan has no extra roaming charges, so all your 50 GB of monthly full-speed data is available even overseas. Google also extended international 5G service to Samsung phones, instead of just its own Pixel phones. For iPhones, Google added international mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi calling, features that previously only worked with Android phones on Fi. Google Fi plan pricing remains unchanged.
Android 13 Exits Beta, Available for Pixel Devices Today
Google has announced that a final version of Android 13 is available starting today for recent Pixel devices (Pixel 4 and newer). Version 13 doesn't bring huge changes, but rather a long list of small improvements, primarily around privacy and visual personalization. Public beta versions have been available for a few months. The final release will roll out for newer third-party phones over the next few months.
Android's Back Function Will Show a Mid-Gesture Preview
Google has notified developers that they need to prepare their apps for a new way the "back" gesture will work in a future version of Android, possibly Android 14. Google calls it a "predictive back gesture", and it will display an animation as the user performs the swipe gesture that shows a preview of the screen that "back" will take them to. This will allow users to pause mid-gesture and decide whether to continue or cancel the action.
T-Mobile's New REVVL 6 Series Offers 5G Starting at $170
T-Mobile has announced it latest series of T-Mobile-branded affordable phones, the REVVL 6 5G and REVVL 6 Pro 5G. They will sell for $170 and $220, respectively.
- The REVVL 6 5G has a 6.52" HD+ display, 4,500 mAh battery, 13 megapixel main camera, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage.
- The REVVL 6 Pro 5G has a 6.82" HD+ display, 5,000 mAh battery, wireless charging, 50 megapixel main camera, NFC, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage.
Google Will Auto-Delete Sensitive Location Data, Including Abortion Clinics
Google is introducing a new feature of its opt-in Location History feature that will automatically remove certain entries that the company considers "particularly personal". The list of sensitive locations includes abortion clinics, and is designed to address concerns that Google's location data could be used by state governments to target women seeking abortions in states where abortion is now — or soon will be — illegal. Google's Location History feature is off by default, and already includes tools to delete some or all past data, and an option to auto-delete all data after 3, 18, or 36 months. The list of sensitive locations also includes counseling centers, domestic violence shelters, fertility centers, addiction treatment facilities, weight loss clinics, and cosmetic surgery clinics.
Switch to Android App now Supports all Android 12 Phones
Google's Switch to Android app for iOS now makes it easy for iPhone users to move data like contacts, calendars, and photos to any new Android 12 phone. The app initially supported only Pixel phones.
Android 13 Reaches Major Milestone Toward Release
Google has released Android 13 Beta 3, which brings the OS to a key milestone known as Platform Stability. This means that new APIs used by developers are now finalized and won't change, so devs can move full speed ahead with Android 13 versions of their apps.
Google Merging Duo with Meet
Google is merging its two video-calling platforms into one new service called Google Meet. On phones, the Google Duo app will be renamed Google Meet later this year, and will gain a variety of new features from the existing Meet platform. The existing Google Meet app will be renamed Meet Original, and eventually phased out. On the web, Meet will remain a Zoom competitor, but be interoperable with the new Meet app (formerly Duo), allowing people to be easily reached for a video or voice call by either email address or phone number.
