#News
Google renames ‘My Business’ to ‘Business Profile,’ Search/Maps replacing dedicated app
Managing your business on Google Search and Maps will be easier soon.
“Google My Business” is now “Google Business Profile.” Google recommend business owners to manage their profiles on Search or Maps, replacing the legacy app. You can also claim and verify your profile with the two apps, which you can then edit the information shown on the two services.
Direct messaging for customers is also coming to Search with read receipts on both app and web, previously only available on the Google Maps mobile app. Lastly, call history feature will show total answer and missed call count, performance and history for US & Canada verified profiles. (9To5Google)
Google renames ‘My Business’ to ‘Business Profile,’ Search/Maps replacing dedicated app
Managing your business on Google Search and Maps will be easier soon.
“Google My Business” is now “Google Business Profile.” Google recommend business owners to manage their profiles on Search or Maps, replacing the legacy app. You can also claim and verify your profile with the two apps, which you can then edit the information shown on the two services.
Direct messaging for customers is also coming to Search with read receipts on both app and web, previously only available on the Google Maps mobile app. Lastly, call history feature will show total answer and missed call count, performance and history for US & Canada verified profiles. (9To5Google)
#Google
Desktop site on Google Search will be rank according to 'page experience' starting in February 2022
9To5Google
Google announced they will show search results according to page experience ranking, coming soon in February 2022.
Page experience and some other metrics, is usually how an end user interacted with a website, and Google is ranking search results with this method. "Loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability" of a site is how Google will be determined the ranking. Google will also continue to factor to “HTTPS Security” and “Absence of intrusive interstitials."
The mobile search results has been using this ranking method since August, and will be coming to desktop in February 2022. Google will also provide desktop tools before it start to rollout, with the update widely available by the end of March.
Desktop site on Google Search will be rank according to 'page experience' starting in February 2022
9To5Google
Google announced they will show search results according to page experience ranking, coming soon in February 2022.
Page experience and some other metrics, is usually how an end user interacted with a website, and Google is ranking search results with this method. "Loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability" of a site is how Google will be determined the ranking. Google will also continue to factor to “HTTPS Security” and “Absence of intrusive interstitials."
The mobile search results has been using this ranking method since August, and will be coming to desktop in February 2022. Google will also provide desktop tools before it start to rollout, with the update widely available by the end of March.
9to5Google
Google Search will rank desktop sites based on ‘page experience’ starting in February
Page experience ranking is now coming to the desktop version of Google Search from February 2022. Since August, Google has been...
#Auto #Pixel6
Android Auto removed from Pixel 6's launcher, but you still can find it in settings
9To5Google
If you are a Pixel 6 owner and frequently used Android Auto, you most likely probably has realised the Android Auto app icon is been removed from your launcher.
You can manually find through the settings or search for it in the system Settings app, tap on the result and it should redirect you to its App Info page. Next, tap “Additional settings in the app” from there. Another alternative way is to access it via Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto.
The removal of it could be something Google had been doing for Android 12. Anyway, most owners reported that it had been removed, with a few one still reporting they still have it appearing in the app launcher.
Android Auto removed from Pixel 6's launcher, but you still can find it in settings
9To5Google
If you are a Pixel 6 owner and frequently used Android Auto, you most likely probably has realised the Android Auto app icon is been removed from your launcher.
You can manually find through the settings or search for it in the system Settings app, tap on the result and it should redirect you to its App Info page. Next, tap “Additional settings in the app” from there. Another alternative way is to access it via Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto.
The removal of it could be something Google had been doing for Android 12. Anyway, most owners reported that it had been removed, with a few one still reporting they still have it appearing in the app launcher.
9to5Google
Android Auto does not appear in the Pixel 6’s app launcher, but settings can still be accessed
Android 12 replaces "Android Auto for Phone Screens" with the new, long-awaited Assistant Driving Mode, and on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro...
#Pixel6
Fingerprint scanner icon will be missing on AOD if you change the animation speed on your Pixel 6
9To5Google
Pixel 6 comes with on-screen fingerprint scanner. It shows where the fingerprint scanner located at with a fingerprint icon on top of it when your device is in always-on-display, but if change the animation speed on your device, the icon indicator could go missing.
Spotted by someone on Reddit, to fix the issue, just go to Developer settings in the device and switch back animation speed to 1x. With animation speed off, the icon indicator is still there though. It could be fix in a future software update by Google.
Fingerprint scanner icon will be missing on AOD if you change the animation speed on your Pixel 6
9To5Google
Pixel 6 comes with on-screen fingerprint scanner. It shows where the fingerprint scanner located at with a fingerprint icon on top of it when your device is in always-on-display, but if change the animation speed on your device, the icon indicator could go missing.
Spotted by someone on Reddit, to fix the issue, just go to Developer settings in the device and switch back animation speed to 1x. With animation speed off, the icon indicator is still there though. It could be fix in a future software update by Google.
9to5Google
Changing animation speed on Google’s Pixel 6 series can break the fingerprint scanner on AOD
If you change a specific, advanced setting on Pixel 6, it can have the side effect of breaking the fingerprint scanner in some places.
#Apps #Arts
'Art Selfie' add support to match your pets to famous portraits
Weird creation by Google but anyway, "Art Selfie" is a feature developed by Google which can compare your selfies with famous portraits. The feature now added support for pets too.
Tapping on the camera button in the bottom bar will bring you to "Pet Portraits." You can take a picture of your pets and Google will compare it to "artworks from museums around the world.” The results will show similarity percentage. You will also be able to retake, save and share.
Here are the modes which Pet Portraits offer:
• Art Projector: See how artworks look in real size
• Color Palette: Find art by using the colors of your photos
• Art Filter: Try filters based on artifacts from museums
• Art Transfer: Take a photo and transform it with classic artworks
• Pocket Gallery: Wander through immersive galleries and get up close to art
Available on the app version 9.0.27 of Google Arts & Culture. (9To5Google)
Download (9.0.27):
Play Store | APKMirror
'Art Selfie' add support to match your pets to famous portraits
Weird creation by Google but anyway, "Art Selfie" is a feature developed by Google which can compare your selfies with famous portraits. The feature now added support for pets too.
Tapping on the camera button in the bottom bar will bring you to "Pet Portraits." You can take a picture of your pets and Google will compare it to "artworks from museums around the world.” The results will show similarity percentage. You will also be able to retake, save and share.
Here are the modes which Pet Portraits offer:
• Art Projector: See how artworks look in real size
• Color Palette: Find art by using the colors of your photos
• Art Filter: Try filters based on artifacts from museums
• Art Transfer: Take a photo and transform it with classic artworks
• Pocket Gallery: Wander through immersive galleries and get up close to art
Available on the app version 9.0.27 of Google Arts & Culture. (9To5Google)
Download (9.0.27):
Play Store | APKMirror
#News #Pixel
Make use of your Pixel's hole-punch with 'Energy Ring'
Android Police (article) | Play Store (app link)
You probably had heard of "Energy Ring," the app which can make use of a device's hole-punch camera to display battery amount. Well, now it is available for use on all Pixel devices with a hole-punch design: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G.
You can customise the "battery ring" color when it reach a certain amount of percentage. When device is charging, you will also see a unique animation of it. Fully charge the device to see a complete circle, and as you use it, the circle will start to slowly shrink.
Not just limited to Pixel devices, you can use it on devices with a hole-punch. Do try it out if you like the idea of displaying battery amount in this way.
Make use of your Pixel's hole-punch with 'Energy Ring'
Android Police (article) | Play Store (app link)
You probably had heard of "Energy Ring," the app which can make use of a device's hole-punch camera to display battery amount. Well, now it is available for use on all Pixel devices with a hole-punch design: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G.
You can customise the "battery ring" color when it reach a certain amount of percentage. When device is charging, you will also see a unique animation of it. Fully charge the device to see a complete circle, and as you use it, the circle will start to slowly shrink.
Not just limited to Pixel devices, you can use it on devices with a hole-punch. Do try it out if you like the idea of displaying battery amount in this way.
Android Police
Keep tabs on your Pixel 6 battery with this handy app
Magic Ring now supports Google's newest phones
#Pixel #PixelFold
Google Pixel Fold coming in 2022, camera setup will be a downgrade from the Pixel 6
9To5Google
Google Pixel Fold will be arriving in 2022, with the camera sensor using the classic 12.2MP IMX363 sensor which is used on the past Pixel phones since Pixel 3.
In a Google Camera teardown, they found out that the device codename will be called "Pipit," with Google moving away from the previous codename "Passport." There also another camera which the foldable will featured, a 12MP IMX386 sensor, which is used on the Pixel 6 as an ultra-wide lens, so presumably this could be the ultra-wide lens for the Pixel foldable.
It also has two 8MP IMX355 sensors, one tagged as"inner" and another one tagged as "outer." Past Pixel phones since the first Pixel till Pixel 6 (excluding Pixel 6 Pro) all featured the same front camera, so no doubt this could be the front camera for the foldable too. What's not clear is whether the camera will be under-display or hole punch design.
Summary:
• Rear: IMX363 (12.2MP)
• Rear wide: IMX386 (12MP)
• Front x2: IMX355 (8MP) - Outer & Inner display both available
Google Pixel Fold coming in 2022, camera setup will be a downgrade from the Pixel 6
9To5Google
Google Pixel Fold will be arriving in 2022, with the camera sensor using the classic 12.2MP IMX363 sensor which is used on the past Pixel phones since Pixel 3.
In a Google Camera teardown, they found out that the device codename will be called "Pipit," with Google moving away from the previous codename "Passport." There also another camera which the foldable will featured, a 12MP IMX386 sensor, which is used on the Pixel 6 as an ultra-wide lens, so presumably this could be the ultra-wide lens for the Pixel foldable.
It also has two 8MP IMX355 sensors, one tagged as"inner" and another one tagged as "outer." Past Pixel phones since the first Pixel till Pixel 6 (excluding Pixel 6 Pro) all featured the same front camera, so no doubt this could be the front camera for the foldable too. What's not clear is whether the camera will be under-display or hole punch design.
Summary:
• Rear: IMX363 (12.2MP)
• Rear wide: IMX386 (12MP)
• Front x2: IMX355 (8MP) - Outer & Inner display both available
9to5Google
Google’s Pixel foldable coming in 2022, cameras will be a step down from Pixel 6
The first foldable Pixel phone is set to arrive in 2022, and it will not use the same high-end camera sensors found in the Pixel 6 Pro.
#News #Pixel6
It's not just you, Pixel 6 phones are randomly calling your contacts
Android Authority
Halloween has passed and Google still want to celebrate it till now, lol. If you own a Pixel 6, the device might randomly called someone from your contacts, creepy!
Someone on Reddit has posted a thread about the glitch which randomly call someone during the night, and a lot of people actually faced it on their Pixel 6. On the Pixel Phone support thread, it the same story, with many people reporting butt dial when their phone is in the pocket.
Some users also noted that it keeps calling the same number rather than a random contact, which some people suggests to delete the said number as a workaround to get rid of the issue.
It's not just you, Pixel 6 phones are randomly calling your contacts
Android Authority
Halloween has passed and Google still want to celebrate it till now, lol. If you own a Pixel 6, the device might randomly called someone from your contacts, creepy!
Someone on Reddit has posted a thread about the glitch which randomly call someone during the night, and a lot of people actually faced it on their Pixel 6. On the Pixel Phone support thread, it the same story, with many people reporting butt dial when their phone is in the pocket.
Some users also noted that it keeps calling the same number rather than a random contact, which some people suggests to delete the said number as a workaround to get rid of the issue.
Android Authority
Google pushes a fix for Pixel 6 phones' random calling bug (Update)
A new Google Pixel 6 series bug has emerged, with the phones randomly calling contacts. It seems like Google Assistant could be to blame.
#Pixel6
JerryRigEverything released Pixel 6 Pro durability test video, and the results are still acceptable
YouTube Video
The Pixel 6 Pro gone through a durability test by JerryRigEverything, and it passes the test, but there one catch.
First, he started with the display scratch test. The Pixel 6 Pro used a Gorilla Glass Victus display, the results are similar as other phones, scratches started showing at level 6, and deeper grooves at level 7 on the mohs hardness scale.
The phone sides and bottom are built with solid metal material, and on the top it is made of plastic. The back panel is made with glass, and all the cameras are also protected under the glass too. The side of the camera hump is made of plastic though.
Later, he gets to the display burn test, after burning it for around 15 seconds, the damage is made over there and didn't get remove afterwards, which is the catch over here. With the optical fingerprint scanner scratched, it still works well. Finally the highlights of the video, bend test. Bending from the back or front have a very slight bend, with no damages made.
In conclusion, Pixel 6 is still quite a solid phone, not easily breakable, but don't get your display burnt, or else you may need to get a display replacement and factory reset to use the fingerprint scanner.
JerryRigEverything released Pixel 6 Pro durability test video, and the results are still acceptable
YouTube Video
The Pixel 6 Pro gone through a durability test by JerryRigEverything, and it passes the test, but there one catch.
First, he started with the display scratch test. The Pixel 6 Pro used a Gorilla Glass Victus display, the results are similar as other phones, scratches started showing at level 6, and deeper grooves at level 7 on the mohs hardness scale.
The phone sides and bottom are built with solid metal material, and on the top it is made of plastic. The back panel is made with glass, and all the cameras are also protected under the glass too. The side of the camera hump is made of plastic though.
Later, he gets to the display burn test, after burning it for around 15 seconds, the damage is made over there and didn't get remove afterwards, which is the catch over here. With the optical fingerprint scanner scratched, it still works well. Finally the highlights of the video, bend test. Bending from the back or front have a very slight bend, with no damages made.
In conclusion, Pixel 6 is still quite a solid phone, not easily breakable, but don't get your display burnt, or else you may need to get a display replacement and factory reset to use the fingerprint scanner.
YouTube
Pixel 6 Pro Durability Test! - How much Plastic this time?
Its time to durability test Googles new Pixel 6 Pro. Grab a teardown skin for your phone here: https://www.dbrand.com/Teardown Google has made some pretty solid improvements on their cameras and software, for the Pixel 6 pro, but can their build quality and…
#Messages #Photos
Google might integrate Messages & Photos to send MMS video in better quality
9To5Google
Google wants to improve the video quality when you sent over MMS.
In Google Messages app version 10.4, there a new settings given the name "Google Photos," which allow users to share high quality video when having a SMS conversation. It unclear how will this works, it could upload the video to Google Photos and send a link to the other user, and probably allow user to play the video natively in the Messages app.
A lot of stuff are still a riddle here, Google Photos now count toward your account storage (if you don't have a eligible Pixel for unlimited uploads) which if you upload a lot of videos, it could be a downside of using this feature. Anyway when Google starts rolling out the feature, we will know how it works.
Google might integrate Messages & Photos to send MMS video in better quality
9To5Google
Google wants to improve the video quality when you sent over MMS.
In Google Messages app version 10.4, there a new settings given the name "Google Photos," which allow users to share high quality video when having a SMS conversation. It unclear how will this works, it could upload the video to Google Photos and send a link to the other user, and probably allow user to play the video natively in the Messages app.
A lot of stuff are still a riddle here, Google Photos now count toward your account storage (if you don't have a eligible Pixel for unlimited uploads) which if you upload a lot of videos, it could be a downside of using this feature. Anyway when Google starts rolling out the feature, we will know how it works.
#Pixel6
Pixel 6 fast charge seem to max out at 22W
If you thought that the Pixel 6 will charge at 30W, then you are wrong, because Android Authority did a test and it maxed out at 22W charging speed.
Despite testing with a faster charger, it just max out at 22W. With the official 30W USB-C charger by Google, it the same story. Pixel 6 Pro took 111 minutes to fully charge its 5,000mAh battery, with all the "Adaptive" settings turned off. And well, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with 25W, same battery capacity can do it in around one hour, big difference.
Next, they did a fast charging test with Google 30W USB-C charger. As advertised, the Pixel 6 Pro did 50% charge in 30 minutes time, which is charging at 22W speed. Later, it dropped to 15W in 40 minutes time or 62% charged, dropping further in 75% or 53 minutes time to 12W. It stay till 85% or at 63 minutes mark, the power gradually just dropped to 2.5W to full charge.
If you want to learn all the details, check out the article over here. (Android Authority)
Pixel 6 fast charge seem to max out at 22W
If you thought that the Pixel 6 will charge at 30W, then you are wrong, because Android Authority did a test and it maxed out at 22W charging speed.
Despite testing with a faster charger, it just max out at 22W. With the official 30W USB-C charger by Google, it the same story. Pixel 6 Pro took 111 minutes to fully charge its 5,000mAh battery, with all the "Adaptive" settings turned off. And well, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with 25W, same battery capacity can do it in around one hour, big difference.
Next, they did a fast charging test with Google 30W USB-C charger. As advertised, the Pixel 6 Pro did 50% charge in 30 minutes time, which is charging at 22W speed. Later, it dropped to 15W in 40 minutes time or 62% charged, dropping further in 75% or 53 minutes time to 12W. It stay till 85% or at 63 minutes mark, the power gradually just dropped to 2.5W to full charge.
If you want to learn all the details, check out the article over here. (Android Authority)
#Pixel6
Google listed out 'certified' screen protector for guaranteed working fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6
9To5Google
Pixel 6 comes with on-screen fingerprint scanner, and applying suitable screen protector is important so that the fingerprint scanner can work properly. Google just updated “Unlock your Pixel phone with your fingerprint” support page to add note about that.
As of last Thursday, Google linked to "Made for Google certified" site, showing you all the main list of brands which provide "accessories designed and tested to work seamlessly with your Pixel phone," requiring manual browsing to find the screen protector. Now, the section has been updated to show that Zagg, Otterbox, and Panzerglass are Made for Google Certified for the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6.
Screen protectors from these three brands for the Pixel 6 are mostly sold out, Google Store doesn't sell any for now. Anyway, here the link to buy the Pixel 6/Pro screen protector:
OtterBox
• Pixel 6: $19.95
• Pixel 6 Pro: $19.95
Panzerglass (not listed on company website, third-party retailers do though)
Pixel 6: $28.49
Pixel 6 Pro: $22.99
Zagg (not listed on Made for Google page, hmm...)
Pixel 6: $39.99
Pixel 6 Pro: $49.99
Google listed out 'certified' screen protector for guaranteed working fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6
9To5Google
Pixel 6 comes with on-screen fingerprint scanner, and applying suitable screen protector is important so that the fingerprint scanner can work properly. Google just updated “Unlock your Pixel phone with your fingerprint” support page to add note about that.
As of last Thursday, Google linked to "Made for Google certified" site, showing you all the main list of brands which provide "accessories designed and tested to work seamlessly with your Pixel phone," requiring manual browsing to find the screen protector. Now, the section has been updated to show that Zagg, Otterbox, and Panzerglass are Made for Google Certified for the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6.
Screen protectors from these three brands for the Pixel 6 are mostly sold out, Google Store doesn't sell any for now. Anyway, here the link to buy the Pixel 6/Pro screen protector:
OtterBox
• Pixel 6: $19.95
• Pixel 6 Pro: $19.95
Panzerglass (not listed on company website, third-party retailers do though)
Pixel 6: $28.49
Pixel 6 Pro: $22.99
Zagg (not listed on Made for Google page, hmm...)
Pixel 6: $39.99
Pixel 6 Pro: $49.99
9to5Google
Google lists screen protector brands ‘certified’ to work with the Pixel 6’s fingerprint sensor
Google now has a list of certified brands that make screen protectors certified for the Pixel 6 & 6 Pro's under-display fingerprint sensor...
#YouTube
YouTube adding more controls into full screen experience on Android
Android Police
Recently, YouTube has been experimenting to add more stuff into the full screen experience on Android, like you can access video description and chapters by pressing the video tittle. Soon you will be able to interact with the video in full screen mode too.
A screenshot shared by Android Police showed that there a new interface experiment which add interaction buttons into full screen view. There buttons to like and dislike the video, a shortcut to comments section, an option to add the video to a playlist, and a share button. You can access other suggested videos via the bottom right corner.
The interface won't be limited to big screen form factor like foldables and tablets, Android Police reported that they also got it on a Galaxy S21. It is a server side rollout, and it also disappeared after awhile, so this is just an early preview of what the developers are working on.
YouTube adding more controls into full screen experience on Android
Android Police
Recently, YouTube has been experimenting to add more stuff into the full screen experience on Android, like you can access video description and chapters by pressing the video tittle. Soon you will be able to interact with the video in full screen mode too.
A screenshot shared by Android Police showed that there a new interface experiment which add interaction buttons into full screen view. There buttons to like and dislike the video, a shortcut to comments section, an option to add the video to a playlist, and a share button. You can access other suggested videos via the bottom right corner.
The interface won't be limited to big screen form factor like foldables and tablets, Android Police reported that they also got it on a Galaxy S21. It is a server side rollout, and it also disappeared after awhile, so this is just an early preview of what the developers are working on.
#Chrome
Chrome 98 introduces new welcome screen, added 'Lightweight Reactions" for Android
Chrome 98 is currently testing out with new welcome screen and "Lightweight Reactions" to share webpage screenshot with emoji reactions.
The new welcome screen shifted the Chrome logo and "Welcome to Chrome" to the top part, with rest of the part shifting below. You can disable sending Chrome usage and crash data to Google by pressing the "Manage" wording below.
Another new feature is "Lightweight Reactions." You need to enable
You will be redirected to a page where you can add emotion you want in any place. After finish editing, you will see option to share in apps, copy image and save to device (result in last 2nd image).
Keep in mind Chrome 98 is still far away from stable release, you will experience crashes and bugs when using it.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Chrome 98 introduces new welcome screen, added 'Lightweight Reactions" for Android
Chrome 98 is currently testing out with new welcome screen and "Lightweight Reactions" to share webpage screenshot with emoji reactions.
The new welcome screen shifted the Chrome logo and "Welcome to Chrome" to the top part, with rest of the part shifting below. You can disable sending Chrome usage and crash data to Google by pressing the "Manage" wording below.
Another new feature is "Lightweight Reactions." You need to enable
chrome://flags/#lightweight-reactions-android flag in order to use it. Go to any webpage and use the "Share" feature, then press "Add emotion" option. You will be redirected to a page where you can add emotion you want in any place. After finish editing, you will see option to share in apps, copy image and save to device (result in last 2nd image).
Keep in mind Chrome 98 is still far away from stable release, you will experience crashes and bugs when using it.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates