Apps & Services
Microsoft Teams to be available on Android Auto from February 2024
Nearly a year after Google’s I/O 2023 announcement, Microsoft teams will finally be available for Android Auto, an app that connects Android phones to the car’s current infotainment system, next month. This is in line with a Microsoft 365 roadmap that describes upcoming updates. A number of new applications, including the Weather Channel, Prime Video, Vivaldi, Zoom, and Webex, were added to the Android Auto update. It may seem strange to see video streaming and conferencing applications integrated into a car, but Android Auto’s display is now closer to a fully working tablet than it is to a conventional automobile.
Microsoft has set a release timetable for Teams for Android Auto, which was first brought to light by TechRadar about ten months after the app’s first launch. With the Teams update, users can now join meetings quickly from a calendar view, and there’s a new shortcut to call all of your speed dial contacts, Microsoft stated. The team upgrade will roll out starting in February. The upgrade appears to be coming in better line with the version that Apple CarPlay customers have been using since 2021, although the brief announcement did not provide us with many specifics regarding features.
Recent months have seen a significant increase in the number of automakers announcing that they have chosen to use Google’s platform for Android Auto and Android Automotive. The upgrade is slated to go out in February 2024, despite being marked as in-development, so users won’t have to wait too long to test it out. Following an upgrade to the new calendar review that allowed users to join the Microsoft Teams call using their iPhone while driving, the firm initially revealed about a year ago that users of Apple’s Carplay platform could join more calls and meetings.
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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Your secure and private digital wallet, ‘Google Wallet’, is dropping support for old Android and Wear OS versions, starting next month.
Google Wallet is a digital wallet facility on Android that allows you to quickly access payment cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs that you choose to store on it. Google Pay plays an essential role in helping you manage your money and your finances. The new support document reveals that from June 10, Google Wallet will only support Android smartphones that at least run Android 9 or higher. It means you can use Google Wallet on Samsung devices released in or around 2014, including the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Tab E 9.6.
“Google Wallet will require Android 9 or higher on your phone and OS 2.x or higher on your smartwatch.”
While using Google Wallet on your smartwatch, your watch should be running on Wear OS 2.x or higher. The good news is that Samsung Galaxy Watches with Wear OS are all compatible with the latest Wear OS 4, so none will be impacted by this change.
Google Wallet says the reason behind this new change is that “security updates aren’t available for Android versions below 9.”
Another support page, which is yet to be updated, shows Android 7.0 as the basic requirement. When Google Walled debuted in 2022, Android 5.0 was listed. With this new change, users who are using Android Nougat (7.0, 7.1) and Oreo (8.0, 8.1) are impacted. As reported by Android Studio, Android 9 Pie has a cumulative distribution of 86.4%.
Whereas, at launch, Wear OS 2 was based on Android 8.0 Oreo but was later updated to Android 9.0 Pie. Previously, Google ended Play Services support back in August 2023 for Android KitKat.
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