Apps & Services
ChatGPT aims to replace Google Assistant as the default app on Android smartphones
Several Android users must not like the presence of Google Assistant on their mobile devices. Apparently, Google’s voice assistant is losing ground to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, one of its main competitors in the premium phone market. As per Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority, the ChatGPT app is developing a system-wide overlay user interface in addition to supporting Android’s voice assistant APIs. Users might designate the ChatGPT app as the system-wide assistant app, enabling it to appear anywhere on Android and answer user inquiries, should the firm implement this functionality.
In September, ChatGPT, which had previously only supported text input, added the ability to accept voice and picture input. The same source of Android authority claims that OpenAI is developing an Android app for ChatGPT that would let users select it as their default assistant app. Certain sections of the program and continuously, no matter where you are, all credit to the robust assistant APIs. Having the assistant app set as the default allows users to open it with a gesture or the power button, and it can read text and photos on the screen to be processed.
Nevertheless, it appears like OpenAI plans to use the app for this purpose, given that the previously stated XML file even exists. Rahman discovered that as of this month, chat GPT version 1.2023.352 included a new activity called “com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity.” This is the standard semi-transparent spinning orb user interface used by voice assistants; however, Rahman was unable to get it to respond to voice commands at this time. However, firms often release feature-complete products even if they are still in development and half-broken, so it is possible that this semi-transparent spinning orb user interface may never see a final release.
Updates to the app include the addition of an assistant_interaction_service XML file, which defines the sessionService and recognitionService via a voice-interaction-service tag. Also, the service’s support for Assist is declared by the tag. In order for an app to function as the “default digital assistant app, it must have certain declarations. However, the ChatGPT app does not yet have the necessary declarations in its manifest that tell the system which “service” to bind to. As per some code in the update, the software will function as a digital assistant app even if the necessary functionality isn’t available yet. For Android users, this means that ChatGPT will become their default virtual assistant as soon as the update is published.
With the latest version revealing a planned Quick Settings tile for convenient access, OpenAI is committed to closing the gap. But users might need a ChatGPT Plus membership in order to use ChatGPT on Android in place of Google Assistant.
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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