#News
Speech Service by Google is the latest app to reach 10 billion installs milestone
Android Police
More and more Google apps are entering the 10 billion installs club on Play Store, with Google Maps just entering it last week. The latest app to cross the milestone, interestingly, is Speech Services by Google.
You may wonder what's this app have to do with your phone, it can be used for speech-to-text, for example it powered Google Recorder transcript function. It also can be used for text-to-speech which can be used as a screen reader.
Nothing interesting but it powered many apps behind the scene. This app come preinstalled compulsory for devices with Google Mobile Services in recent Android version, it not surprise that it can reach 10 billion installs this quick.
*By the way, just want to quickly mention that Google Wallpapers hit 500 million installs milestone too.
Speech Service by Google is the latest app to reach 10 billion installs milestone
Android Police
More and more Google apps are entering the 10 billion installs club on Play Store, with Google Maps just entering it last week. The latest app to cross the milestone, interestingly, is Speech Services by Google.
You may wonder what's this app have to do with your phone, it can be used for speech-to-text, for example it powered Google Recorder transcript function. It also can be used for text-to-speech which can be used as a screen reader.
Nothing interesting but it powered many apps behind the scene. This app come preinstalled compulsory for devices with Google Mobile Services in recent Android version, it not surprise that it can reach 10 billion installs this quick.
*By the way, just want to quickly mention that Google Wallpapers hit 500 million installs milestone too.
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#Workspace #Docs #Sheets #Slides
Google Docs file review & approval system will arrive for some Workspace tiers soon
Google Workspace Updates
Google Docs will be gaining file review and approval system. This is first tested back in 2019 and it will roll out publicly soon.
You can find the feature at File > Approvals, Making a request will require you to enter the list of approvers, custom message, and optional due date. Once requested, the approvers that you listed will be notified from email, browser or Google Chat notifications.
The document won't be locked until it is fully approved, but you still can manually lock it before sending out requests. If edits are made, the reviewers will be notified again and will need to re-approve the latest version of the document. Once fully approved, it will be locked to "securing the integrity of your document."
The feature will be rolling out for Google Docs, Sheets, Slides in the coming weeks starting from mid-November for several Google Workspace tier accounts.
Google Docs file review & approval system will arrive for some Workspace tiers soon
Google Workspace Updates
Google Docs will be gaining file review and approval system. This is first tested back in 2019 and it will roll out publicly soon.
You can find the feature at File > Approvals, Making a request will require you to enter the list of approvers, custom message, and optional due date. Once requested, the approvers that you listed will be notified from email, browser or Google Chat notifications.
The document won't be locked until it is fully approved, but you still can manually lock it before sending out requests. If edits are made, the reviewers will be notified again and will need to re-approve the latest version of the document. Once fully approved, it will be locked to "securing the integrity of your document."
The feature will be rolling out for Google Docs, Sheets, Slides in the coming weeks starting from mid-November for several Google Workspace tier accounts.
#Alphabet
Alphabet Inc. reach $2 trillion in market value
The Verge
Google parent company, Alphabet just briefly hit $2 trillion market cap. Currently, it is sitting around at 1.98 trillion, it pass over $2 trillion mark on Monday, but later dropped down and closed at $2,987.03 per share.
The company manage to double the value in just about 22 months time, which is insane. By the way, in Q3 2021, the company has earned $65,1 billion, with Google Search earning $37.9 billion and YouTube earning $7.2 billion at that quarter.
Alphabet is the third company in the world to ever join the $2 trillion club in company value. Apple hit it in April 2020, Microsoft did it in June this year. Next on the list will be Amazon, but it sitting around 1.7 trillion which is a far cry.
Alphabet Inc. reach $2 trillion in market value
The Verge
Google parent company, Alphabet just briefly hit $2 trillion market cap. Currently, it is sitting around at 1.98 trillion, it pass over $2 trillion mark on Monday, but later dropped down and closed at $2,987.03 per share.
The company manage to double the value in just about 22 months time, which is insane. By the way, in Q3 2021, the company has earned $65,1 billion, with Google Search earning $37.9 billion and YouTube earning $7.2 billion at that quarter.
Alphabet is the third company in the world to ever join the $2 trillion club in company value. Apple hit it in April 2020, Microsoft did it in June this year. Next on the list will be Amazon, but it sitting around 1.7 trillion which is a far cry.
The Verge
Google’s parent company briefly hits $2 trillion valuation
Alphabet has almost joined the ranks of Apple and Microsoft.
Google Pixel Hub
#Chrome Chrome 98 will be adding “Privacy Guide” feature for Android XDA Developers UPDATE: Safe Browsing and block third-party cookies page now live. Spotted by Techdows, Google is preparing to add Privacy Guide in Chrome for Android, which will let you…
#Chrome
Chrome 98 will be adding “Privacy Guide” feature for Android (Update: Safe Browsing and block third-party cookies added)
Previous post
An update regarding Privacy Guide feature in Chrome. Google has updated it to include wording for Safe Browsing protection and block third-party cookies page which is previously blank.
For now, Safe Browsing can be found in Privacy & Security in Chrome settings. In the future, it could be integrated into the Privacy Guide section. The last page shows you whether to block third-party cookies in incognito mode or all the time. These two pages show you options instead of a toggle.
The Privacy Guide is not fully finish developed yet, the page is simply just a dummy now. As mentioned, it is in development in Chrome 98 and if it goes well, it will get release, else it may get removed.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Chrome 98 will be adding “Privacy Guide” feature for Android (Update: Safe Browsing and block third-party cookies added)
Previous post
An update regarding Privacy Guide feature in Chrome. Google has updated it to include wording for Safe Browsing protection and block third-party cookies page which is previously blank.
For now, Safe Browsing can be found in Privacy & Security in Chrome settings. In the future, it could be integrated into the Privacy Guide section. The last page shows you whether to block third-party cookies in incognito mode or all the time. These two pages show you options instead of a toggle.
The Privacy Guide is not fully finish developed yet, the page is simply just a dummy now. As mentioned, it is in development in Chrome 98 and if it goes well, it will get release, else it may get removed.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#Apps #Maps #MY
Google Maps redesigned bottom bar widely rolling out
Google Maps just crossed 10 billion installs in Play Store, also has started to gain Material You redesign, with the widget first rolling out last month. Now, Google has enabled server side rollout for redesigned bottom bar to the majority of people.
For now, there no Dynamic Colors support at the meantime, it is currently only showing default blue even on Android 12. There pill shaped indicator on the icon, showing which section you are currently opening in the bottom bar. In dark mode, the wording will also follow the colors too in the section that you are currently opening.
That's all for Google Maps Material You redesign inside the app. It is not spotted anywhere else like the search, settings, saved and other pages, not sure Google will bring it to other part of the app or not. If you haven't got it, probably try your luck by installing the latest app version down below.
Download:
Play Store | APKMirror
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Google Maps redesigned bottom bar widely rolling out
Google Maps just crossed 10 billion installs in Play Store, also has started to gain Material You redesign, with the widget first rolling out last month. Now, Google has enabled server side rollout for redesigned bottom bar to the majority of people.
For now, there no Dynamic Colors support at the meantime, it is currently only showing default blue even on Android 12. There pill shaped indicator on the icon, showing which section you are currently opening in the bottom bar. In dark mode, the wording will also follow the colors too in the section that you are currently opening.
That's all for Google Maps Material You redesign inside the app. It is not spotted anywhere else like the search, settings, saved and other pages, not sure Google will bring it to other part of the app or not. If you haven't got it, probably try your luck by installing the latest app version down below.
Download:
Play Store | APKMirror
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#News #A12
You can use a fixed size of Android 12 AOD clock with Tasker
XDA Developers
The new Android 12 clock on the lockscreen and AOD can show you in huge size when there no notifications, and will shrink down when your phone receive a notification. But what if you just want to use one fixed size of it? Tasker creator João Dias has created simple projects that let you choose your preferred showing on the AOD.
As demonstrated in the YouTube video, you can use one fixed size of the AOD clock at all times, ignoring the default settings. By the way, Google default's implementation is turning the clock font from thin to bold seamlessly, I am not sure how will the transition of turning on the screen works with this modification though.
To get the feature, you will need to install Tasker app, then download the project to never show the large clock, or the project to always show the large clock. Lastly, import it and you can pick your choice. Also not to mention that it is tested on a Pixel software, which other OEMs could use their own implementations, your mileage may vary.
You can use a fixed size of Android 12 AOD clock with Tasker
XDA Developers
The new Android 12 clock on the lockscreen and AOD can show you in huge size when there no notifications, and will shrink down when your phone receive a notification. But what if you just want to use one fixed size of it? Tasker creator João Dias has created simple projects that let you choose your preferred showing on the AOD.
As demonstrated in the YouTube video, you can use one fixed size of the AOD clock at all times, ignoring the default settings. By the way, Google default's implementation is turning the clock font from thin to bold seamlessly, I am not sure how will the transition of turning on the screen works with this modification though.
To get the feature, you will need to install Tasker app, then download the project to never show the large clock, or the project to always show the large clock. Lastly, import it and you can pick your choice. Also not to mention that it is tested on a Pixel software, which other OEMs could use their own implementations, your mileage may vary.
XDA Developers
Tasker can help you change the size of Android 12’s AOD clock
A new Tasker project allows you to choose between the small and large clock designs on Android 12's Always-On Display.
#Pixel6
Pixel 6 is gaining Adaptive Sound feature
Mishaal Rahman
The Pixel 6 seems to be gaining what the Pixel 5 & 4a 5G have got last year with Pixel Feature Drop, Adaptive Sound.
Spotted by Mishaal Rahman, Google has quietly rolled out the feature to Pixel 6 devices. You could access it in Sounds & Vibration settings page, first accessing it you will see it disabled by default.
If you don't know yet, Adaptive Sound uses your phone's microphone to adjust the audio output around your area. The feature doesn't send any information to Google, it stays and processes locally on your device.
Pixel 6 is gaining Adaptive Sound feature
Mishaal Rahman
The Pixel 6 seems to be gaining what the Pixel 5 & 4a 5G have got last year with Pixel Feature Drop, Adaptive Sound.
Spotted by Mishaal Rahman, Google has quietly rolled out the feature to Pixel 6 devices. You could access it in Sounds & Vibration settings page, first accessing it you will see it disabled by default.
If you don't know yet, Adaptive Sound uses your phone's microphone to adjust the audio output around your area. The feature doesn't send any information to Google, it stays and processes locally on your device.
#Google
Google app is preparing a Search bubble to access quick text & voice queries for Android
9To5Google
UPDATE: It is starting to roll out for some users on Google app version 12.45.15.23.
Google is working on "Search bubble" chat bubble which provides you quick access to search with text or voice on Android.
In Google app version 12.44, Google is working on a “bubble to access Google Search anytime.” You can dock it on the left or right edge, dragging it will reshape itself into pill-shaped. The magnificent glass icon is for text input, while the latter one will redirected you to normal voice search page.
Google probably might detail its availability with a prompt: “Yes, keep it” or “Remove.” Dragging the search bubble will also show present two options at the bottom of the screen, "Hide bubble temporarily" and "Turn off this feature."
Google app is preparing a Search bubble to access quick text & voice queries for Android
9To5Google
UPDATE: It is starting to roll out for some users on Google app version 12.45.15.23.
Google is working on "Search bubble" chat bubble which provides you quick access to search with text or voice on Android.
In Google app version 12.44, Google is working on a “bubble to access Google Search anytime.” You can dock it on the left or right edge, dragging it will reshape itself into pill-shaped. The magnificent glass icon is for text input, while the latter one will redirected you to normal voice search page.
Google probably might detail its availability with a prompt: “Yes, keep it” or “Remove.” Dragging the search bubble will also show present two options at the bottom of the screen, "Hide bubble temporarily" and "Turn off this feature."
#Pixel6
Google Pixel 6 Tensor GPU perfomance score is higher than you expected
Chrome Unboxed
Spotted by @SomeGadgetGuy on Twitter, Geekbench recently just updated their app to fix random crashes for Android 12 and now the Pixel 6 is able to run GPU benchmark. Surprisingly, it shows insanely high score for the device.
As shown in the images attached, the Pixel 6 Tensor chip scored around 7.8k, to compare how crazy the score is, the OnePlus 9 Pro with Snapdragon 888 only scored 4.6k.
Just to mention that benchmark score doesn't reflect to daily life usage. Also, Geekbench may not be optimised to run on the Google Tensor yet so take the result as a grain of salt.
Google Pixel 6 Tensor GPU perfomance score is higher than you expected
Chrome Unboxed
Spotted by @SomeGadgetGuy on Twitter, Geekbench recently just updated their app to fix random crashes for Android 12 and now the Pixel 6 is able to run GPU benchmark. Surprisingly, it shows insanely high score for the device.
As shown in the images attached, the Pixel 6 Tensor chip scored around 7.8k, to compare how crazy the score is, the OnePlus 9 Pro with Snapdragon 888 only scored 4.6k.
Just to mention that benchmark score doesn't reflect to daily life usage. Also, Geekbench may not be optimised to run on the Google Tensor yet so take the result as a grain of salt.
#Apps #Home #AndroidTV #GoogleTV
Google Home 2.46 added Android/Google TV remote
9To5Google
Google Home app is bringing built-in Android/Google TV remote control, first on Android. You no longer need to use the Google TV app or the physical remote.
With this changes, it make much sense as the place you control your smart device. Go to the devices page, select "Open remote" and enter the pairing code, then you are all set to use it. There no option for “D-pad” control though, just “Swipe” is available. Power and keyboard input is on the top-right, while back, home and Asisstant (on Chromecast with Google TV) appears below. Other devices offer volume up/down and a quick mute button.
The changes is appearing in Google Home 2.46 for Android. The introduction of the feature is part of Google announcement of new Android features in September.
Download (v2.46):
Play Store | APKMirror
Google Home 2.46 added Android/Google TV remote
9To5Google
Google Home app is bringing built-in Android/Google TV remote control, first on Android. You no longer need to use the Google TV app or the physical remote.
With this changes, it make much sense as the place you control your smart device. Go to the devices page, select "Open remote" and enter the pairing code, then you are all set to use it. There no option for “D-pad” control though, just “Swipe” is available. Power and keyboard input is on the top-right, while back, home and Asisstant (on Chromecast with Google TV) appears below. Other devices offer volume up/down and a quick mute button.
The changes is appearing in Google Home 2.46 for Android. The introduction of the feature is part of Google announcement of new Android features in September.
Download (v2.46):
Play Store | APKMirror
#Pixel6
Your Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor may break if it runs out of battery
Android Authority
Don't know how much issue Pixel 6 is going to face, but recently out there it reported that the phone can be unlocked with unregistered fingerprints. And another new report emerged saying that when the Pixel 6 run out of battery, it will disable the fingerprint sensor.
Someone on Reddit posted a thread regarding the issue, and many people also seems to face it too. Their Pixel 6 drain to 0%, then after charging the phone and reboot, they find the fingerprint sensor to be not functioning anymore. Factory reset the device appears to be the only way to fix it, which is also confirmed.
Though there a person reported that they faced the issue without draining all the battery yet still facing the issue, suggesting it could be some other reasons causing it (according to the article). Anyway, it is reported on Google Issue Tracker and hopefully Google can be aware of the issue and fix it as soon as possible.
*By the way, you shouldn't fully drain your phone battery if possible, as it degrade the battery much faster, resulting in shorter battery life.
Your Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor may break if it runs out of battery
Android Authority
Don't know how much issue Pixel 6 is going to face, but recently out there it reported that the phone can be unlocked with unregistered fingerprints. And another new report emerged saying that when the Pixel 6 run out of battery, it will disable the fingerprint sensor.
Someone on Reddit posted a thread regarding the issue, and many people also seems to face it too. Their Pixel 6 drain to 0%, then after charging the phone and reboot, they find the fingerprint sensor to be not functioning anymore. Factory reset the device appears to be the only way to fix it, which is also confirmed.
Though there a person reported that they faced the issue without draining all the battery yet still facing the issue, suggesting it could be some other reasons causing it (according to the article). Anyway, it is reported on Google Issue Tracker and hopefully Google can be aware of the issue and fix it as soon as possible.
*By the way, you shouldn't fully drain your phone battery if possible, as it degrade the battery much faster, resulting in shorter battery life.
Android Authority
Apparently if a Pixel 6 runs out of battery, it breaks the fingerprint sensor
According to multiple users on Reddit, a fully empty battery can permanently break the Google Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor.
#News #Pixel2
There are much more Android 12 ROMs for the Pixel 2
Last Updated: 12 Dec 2021, 11:51 UTC. No longer updating anymore.
Reminder:
Join @Pixel2Updates to get latest development update for the Pixel 2, operated by the same team of this channel. All the info are updated at the time of writing.
Remember the Pixel 2? One of the best made phone by Google, and many people are still using it as their daily driver. Our Pixel 2 community @Pixel2Updates have already released quite an amount of Android 12 ROM besides than ProtonAOSP 12 which get featured on articles. Here are the list of Android 12 ROM that are available for the device:
ArrowOS v12 (Pixel 2)
Pixel 2 build kicked in, maintained by the same developer @reallysnow. For now, you can get unofficial build but technically it should be enough to be daily driver.
ArrowOS v12 (Pixel 2 XL)
First Android 12 ROM for Pixel 2 XL, big thanks to @reallysnow else other Android 12 ROM won't exist. The first official build has gone live and it quite stable as reported by many users.
Bliss v15.0 (Pixel 2 XL)
Bliss come with tons of customisation, but in exchange for a not really stable experience. Anyway if you are the guys who like many customisations in a ROM, this ROM will suit you, made possible by Blackjubel.
CrDroid 8.0 (Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread
You can say that CrDroid is a fork of LineageOS, with more customisation which makes the ROM interesting. It is also quite stable overall, made possible by Blackjubel.
LineageOS 19.0 (Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread
The classic and most well-known ROMs by the majority, LineageOS is one of the most stable ROM out there you can try. Most features should just work out of the box, with minor bugs hidden here and there for the Pixel 2. It is also built by the official maintainer for the device too, @Eamo5.
Pixel Experience 12 (Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread
Stock like experience but Android 12, built by @PixelBoot which is the official maintainer for the ROM too. First Android 12 ROM for the smaller Pixel 2, also come with Google services by default, dynamic color theming engine is included too. Currently official build is entering beta stage.
ProtonAOSP 12 (Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread | Android Authority | Android Police | 9To5Google | XDA Developers
First Android 12 ROM to get posted on XDA, hence getting media attention and posted on articles. @kdrag0n, the creator of ProtonAOSP, once maintained both Pixel 2 devices officially on Android 11, but later he released a post stating that he won't be building it anymore due to vulnerabilities in proprietary code. Anyway @Dollscythe & @RealOkabe work together and released an unofficial build of ProtonAOSP 12, it is available in Vanilla & Gapps build, and also support dynamic color theme engine in both builds.
Summary:
• ArrowOS v12.0 for Pixel 2, by @reallysnow
• ArrowOS v12.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by @reallysnow
• Bliss v15.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by Blackjubel
• CrDroid 8.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by Blackjubel
• LineageOS 19.0 for Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL, by @Eamo5
• Pixel Experience 12 for Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL, by @PixelBoot
• ProtonAOSP 12.0.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by @Dollscythe & @RealOkabe
Credits:
• @TheOGLunarixus
• @ReallySnow
• @Eamo5
• @PixelBoot
• @Dollscythe
• @RealOkabe
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
There are much more Android 12 ROMs for the Pixel 2
Last Updated: 12 Dec 2021, 11:51 UTC. No longer updating anymore.
Reminder:
Join @Pixel2Updates to get latest development update for the Pixel 2, operated by the same team of this channel. All the info are updated at the time of writing.
Remember the Pixel 2? One of the best made phone by Google, and many people are still using it as their daily driver. Our Pixel 2 community @Pixel2Updates have already released quite an amount of Android 12 ROM besides than ProtonAOSP 12 which get featured on articles. Here are the list of Android 12 ROM that are available for the device:
ArrowOS v12 (Pixel 2)
Pixel 2 build kicked in, maintained by the same developer @reallysnow. For now, you can get unofficial build but technically it should be enough to be daily driver.
ArrowOS v12 (Pixel 2 XL)
First Android 12 ROM for Pixel 2 XL, big thanks to @reallysnow else other Android 12 ROM won't exist. The first official build has gone live and it quite stable as reported by many users.
Bliss v15.0 (Pixel 2 XL)
Bliss come with tons of customisation, but in exchange for a not really stable experience. Anyway if you are the guys who like many customisations in a ROM, this ROM will suit you, made possible by Blackjubel.
CrDroid 8.0 (Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread
You can say that CrDroid is a fork of LineageOS, with more customisation which makes the ROM interesting. It is also quite stable overall, made possible by Blackjubel.
LineageOS 19.0 (Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread
The classic and most well-known ROMs by the majority, LineageOS is one of the most stable ROM out there you can try. Most features should just work out of the box, with minor bugs hidden here and there for the Pixel 2. It is also built by the official maintainer for the device too, @Eamo5.
Pixel Experience 12 (Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread
Stock like experience but Android 12, built by @PixelBoot which is the official maintainer for the ROM too. First Android 12 ROM for the smaller Pixel 2, also come with Google services by default, dynamic color theming engine is included too. Currently official build is entering beta stage.
ProtonAOSP 12 (Pixel 2 XL)
XDA Thread | Android Authority | Android Police | 9To5Google | XDA Developers
First Android 12 ROM to get posted on XDA, hence getting media attention and posted on articles. @kdrag0n, the creator of ProtonAOSP, once maintained both Pixel 2 devices officially on Android 11, but later he released a post stating that he won't be building it anymore due to vulnerabilities in proprietary code. Anyway @Dollscythe & @RealOkabe work together and released an unofficial build of ProtonAOSP 12, it is available in Vanilla & Gapps build, and also support dynamic color theme engine in both builds.
Summary:
• ArrowOS v12.0 for Pixel 2, by @reallysnow
• ArrowOS v12.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by @reallysnow
• Bliss v15.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by Blackjubel
• CrDroid 8.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by Blackjubel
• LineageOS 19.0 for Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL, by @Eamo5
• Pixel Experience 12 for Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL, by @PixelBoot
• ProtonAOSP 12.0.0 for Pixel 2 XL, by @Dollscythe & @RealOkabe
Credits:
• @TheOGLunarixus
• @ReallySnow
• @Eamo5
• @PixelBoot
• @Dollscythe
• @RealOkabe
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Telegram
Google Pixel 2/XL | Updates
ℹ️ All about Google Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL. | @Pixel2Chat
👥 Our Community
• Google Internal: @GoogleInternal
• MY Theme: @MaterialYouTheme
• Pixel Hub: @PixelHubUpdates
• Pixel 1: @Pixel1Updates
• Pixel 5: @Pixel5Channel
• Pixel 6: @Pixel6Updates
👥 Our Community
• Google Internal: @GoogleInternal
• MY Theme: @MaterialYouTheme
• Pixel Hub: @PixelHubUpdates
• Pixel 1: @Pixel1Updates
• Pixel 5: @Pixel5Channel
• Pixel 6: @Pixel6Updates