Apps & Services
Android Auto now supports Web conferencing apps, Prime Video, and more
Google’s automotive-focused applications, Android Auto and Google Built-in for Automobiles, have received a flood of new improvements. The improvements largely concentrate on productivity- and entertainment-focused features, with the goal of enhancing the driving and parking experience on all supported vehicles. Now, drivers who have Android Auto-equipped cars may join Zoom and WebEx via Cisco audio-only conference calls.
Users will soon be able to access new entertainment alternatives while parked and participate in meetings over the phone using a few different meeting applications while moving. It is crucial to note that the apps we are discussing have audio-only features, preventing visual interactions that can distract the driver. It also now offers Prime Video access on some car models. The Prime offers award-winning shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys,” as well as hits like “AIR.”
First, only parked vehicles are permitted to use the Prime Video app. The second is that just a limited number of models from Volvo, Renault, and Polestar are presently offered on the Google Play Store, and additional manufacturers are expected to join soon.
Android Auto 10.4 stable update available for everyone: What’s New
Weather updates and digital car features:
Vivaldi, a safe internet browser, is also included in the most recent release. It is presently accessible for download on Google Play, facilitating in-car surfing. Through the Weather Channel app, Android Auto also offers hourly predictions, radar data, and real-time weather updates. With the aid of this useful function, you can now remain current on weather changes while traveling. To name a few, Google Auto now offers real-time weather updates through the Weather Channel app and also supports web conferencing.
The aforementioned app boasts hourly updates, real-time warnings, and a handy “Trip View” radar, making it one of the world’s most accurate in terms of weather forecasts. To put it briefly, this software has the advantage of not getting caught off guard by unexpected downpours.
The digital auto key, which enables smartphone-based vehicle unlocking, locking, and starting, is the final feature that Google is increasing support for.
Support for digital vehicle keys is now being made available on a few Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia cars in the US, Canada, and Korea for users of compatible Pixel and Samsung smartphones, including the Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung S23+. This feature has already been made accessible in various European nations.
Apps & Services
Google to Expand Circle to Search Feature Over 200 Million Devices, Thanks to Samsung
Finally, we’re anticipating the start of Google’s annual I/O developer conference today, and our expectations have been met as a dedicated section of the event focuses on intelligent tools.
As we expected, Google’s AI will be the focus of its upcoming event, and finally, as expected, Google’s upcoming annual I/O developer conference will reveal more about the generative AI tools to make our daily lives more convenient. Among all the announcements, the expansion of the Circle to Search feature is one of them.
Google promised to expand the availability of the Circle to Search feature to 200 million devices by the end of 2024. Presently, this feature is running on over 100 million smartphones.
Initially, Samsung introduced this feature exclusively on its Galaxy S24 series under the Galaxy AI package. Later, Google expanded its availability and made it available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series. On Galaxy devices, users can easily use this Circle to Search with Google feature by pressing and holding the bottom navigation bar. users can circle to highlight text or images from the screen, and then it instantly triggers a Google search for related information.
After the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung, along with the One UI 6.1 update, expanded this Circle to Search feature under theGalaxy AI. It is expected that this feature will become a standard offering on next-generation Google and Samsung smartphones later this year. It is also revealed that Google is also looking forward to bringing Circle to Search into the classroom so that students can now use the Circle to Search feature to get step-by-step help with tricky physics and math problems right from their phones or tablets effortlessly.
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Circle to Search with Google has been the talk of the town since it came into existence. Flagship Galaxy owners get ready to experience new functionality in the Circle to Search feature, as Google is working on adding barcode support to Circle to Search for easy barcode scanning.
Initially, Samsung introduced the Circle to Search with Google feature on its current flagship Galaxy S24 series. Later, Google will make it available on its Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series. As per the requirement, Google has also upgraded the gesture of the feature by adding instant translation support, allowing you to translate on-screen content easily. Google is now setting up to enhance the feature further by adding barcode support.
Presently, Circle to Search just lets you search for text, images, or videos on your screen by just circling without even needing to switch between apps. Similarly, at the moment, if you use Circle to search on a barcode, then it will take you to the result that will show other similar barcodes; instead, it should be redirected to its content.
Now the reports are saying that a tipster spotted strings related to this feature in the Google app v5.19.45.29.arm64 beta. Currently, the feature is in the developing stage, but it is expected that the brand will roll out soon. Once available, it will let you use Circle to Search to read barcodes on web pages and from products in pictures you have taken.
However, there is no exact information known when this feature barcode reader feature will come into existence or when Circle to Search with Google will be available on other non-Samsung and non-Pixel devices, but it is expected that Google could announce more Circle to Search improvements alongside its wider availability at I/O 2024 later today.
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Meta is quite active in upgrading its messaging platform, ‘WhatsApp’, as per the convenience of the users to enhance their experience. The new beta updates bring two new features: new sticker creation shortcuts and channels for linked devices.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update for Android, available on the Google Play Beta Program with the beta version 2.24.10.23. This brings a shortcut for creating stickers, which is already seen on iOS. With this update, WhatsApp is separating the usual sticker creation tool from the AI-based sticker creation feature.
However, the sticker creation is getting an update on some applications, but currently, there’s one option to make both regular and AI-generated stickers. The other update reveals that the developers are building up another feature for connected devices, namely the ability to create, view, and follow channels. With this update, users get the power to access this feature even from their linked mobile devices, ensuring a cohesive experience. It does not even matter which mobile device they are using.
It is not yet confirmed exactly when these changes will be implemented for everyone. Since the features are still in the developing stage and yet to roll out stably, at the moment they are available only for beta users, but it is expected that soon the giant will make them available widely.
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