#Pixel #Pixel6a
Here's your first look of the dummy Pixel 6a model
Android Police
Just a few weeks ago, someone out there has already started to leak how the Pixel 6a will look like, and it is likely to run Google Tensor and also using Pixel's classic camera module that has been used since Pixel 2. Today's leak featured an aluminum dummy Pixel 6a model, giving an idea how big the phone and design will be in real life.
Coming from an unusual source, @xleaks7 (David Kowalski) collaborates with Fathom Bracelets to release the leak, definitely weird but anyway. As we can see from the dummy model (video link), there won't be any appearance of 3.5mm headphone jack on the phone. Pixel 5a could be the last Pixel to ever featured it.
On the front of the phone, we can see there a centered punch-hole cutout for the front camera. On the back there is housing for two rear cameras and one flash module. Overall the design is very similar to the Pixel 6.
Here's your first look of the dummy Pixel 6a model
Android Police
Just a few weeks ago, someone out there has already started to leak how the Pixel 6a will look like, and it is likely to run Google Tensor and also using Pixel's classic camera module that has been used since Pixel 2. Today's leak featured an aluminum dummy Pixel 6a model, giving an idea how big the phone and design will be in real life.
Coming from an unusual source, @xleaks7 (David Kowalski) collaborates with Fathom Bracelets to release the leak, definitely weird but anyway. As we can see from the dummy model (video link), there won't be any appearance of 3.5mm headphone jack on the phone. Pixel 5a could be the last Pixel to ever featured it.
On the front of the phone, we can see there a centered punch-hole cutout for the front camera. On the back there is housing for two rear cameras and one flash module. Overall the design is very similar to the Pixel 6.
#Pixel
Boot animation on your Pixel is getting much more interesting with Material You
Android Police
Your Pixel's boot animation can now follow your device wallpaper color with the December 2021 update.
First, it will show the Google logo with the original color, when transiting into the "G" logo, the color will follow the color section that you choose earlier in the system.
Available for Pixel 3a and later, it a nice addition to see that the boot animation will no longer be boring for awhile, as it can change color according to the color section that you select. Video taken from here.
Boot animation on your Pixel is getting much more interesting with Material You
Android Police
Your Pixel's boot animation can now follow your device wallpaper color with the December 2021 update.
First, it will show the Google logo with the original color, when transiting into the "G" logo, the color will follow the color section that you choose earlier in the system.
Available for Pixel 3a and later, it a nice addition to see that the boot animation will no longer be boring for awhile, as it can change color according to the color section that you select. Video taken from here.
#Pixel #PixelBudsA
Pixel Buds A-Series new firmware update brings Bass slider, 'Loudness compensation' and improved device switching
XDA Developers
This December, Google sends out monthly update with Feature Drop to Pixel owner. Besides gaining new Bass slider with the Pixel Buds A-Series, the new firmware update brings “Loudness compensation” and improved device switching for the earbud too.
In the Pixel Buds companion app, there a new bass slider which let you adjust from -1 to +4. Available for any devices running Android 6.0 and later. "Loudness compensation” toggle will improve bass and treble at lower volume levels. Device switching capability has also been improved, letting users to “search and connect to the second to last connected device when undocked from the charging case, if the last connected host device is unavailable.”
Last but not least, the update also come with general bug fixes & minor improvements. The latest firmware update version 3.223.0 is rolling out and reaching everyone in the coming days. There is no mention of update for the 2nd-gen Pixel Buds.
Pixel Buds A-Series new firmware update brings Bass slider, 'Loudness compensation' and improved device switching
XDA Developers
This December, Google sends out monthly update with Feature Drop to Pixel owner. Besides gaining new Bass slider with the Pixel Buds A-Series, the new firmware update brings “Loudness compensation” and improved device switching for the earbud too.
In the Pixel Buds companion app, there a new bass slider which let you adjust from -1 to +4. Available for any devices running Android 6.0 and later. "Loudness compensation” toggle will improve bass and treble at lower volume levels. Device switching capability has also been improved, letting users to “search and connect to the second to last connected device when undocked from the charging case, if the last connected host device is unavailable.”
Last but not least, the update also come with general bug fixes & minor improvements. The latest firmware update version 3.223.0 is rolling out and reaching everyone in the coming days. There is no mention of update for the 2nd-gen Pixel Buds.
XDA Developers
Latest Pixel Buds A-Series update brings a few new features
Google is rolling out a new firmware update for the affordable Pixel Buds A-Series, bringing a couple of new features to the earbuds.
#News #GoogleTV
Google TV gets 300 free channels, courtesy of Pluto TV
Android Authority
Soon you can watch more than 300 free live TV channels with Google TV. thanks to Pluto TV.
You can check out all those channels in the "Live" tab of the Google TV home screen. The Pluto TV integration will be available on all Google TV devices in the coming weeks, as Google noted in their blog post.
Google TV gets 300 free channels, courtesy of Pluto TV
Android Authority
Soon you can watch more than 300 free live TV channels with Google TV. thanks to Pluto TV.
You can check out all those channels in the "Live" tab of the Google TV home screen. The Pluto TV integration will be available on all Google TV devices in the coming weeks, as Google noted in their blog post.
Android Authority
Google partners with Pluto TV to bring 300 free channels to Google TV
Google has teamed up with Pluto TV to bring over 300 online channels to the Google TV platform. Here's what you should know.
#YouTube
YouTube video chapters is making its way to TVs and consoles
Android Police
YouTube is about to get much more easier to use on your smart TVs and gaming consoles. Both of these platforms are gaining video chapters feature and it is rolling out starting today.
Video chapters can show viewers what specific part of the video is talking about. When someone is searching for videos on Google or YouTube, they can see chapters of the video if available. YouTube has also add automatic chapters so that creators don't need to add chapters themselves to the video, but the feature won't work for all videos. You can learn more how it works in this support page.
Talking about video chapters, @TeamYouTube on Twitter said they are rolling out to newer devices on both TV and console platforms. There is no complete list whether which devices are gaining the feature, but I had say as long as your devices can run the latest YouTube app, then the feature will be available for you.
YouTube video chapters is making its way to TVs and consoles
Android Police
YouTube is about to get much more easier to use on your smart TVs and gaming consoles. Both of these platforms are gaining video chapters feature and it is rolling out starting today.
Video chapters can show viewers what specific part of the video is talking about. When someone is searching for videos on Google or YouTube, they can see chapters of the video if available. YouTube has also add automatic chapters so that creators don't need to add chapters themselves to the video, but the feature won't work for all videos. You can learn more how it works in this support page.
Talking about video chapters, @TeamYouTube on Twitter said they are rolling out to newer devices on both TV and console platforms. There is no complete list whether which devices are gaining the feature, but I had say as long as your devices can run the latest YouTube app, then the feature will be available for you.
Android Police
YouTube is making its handy video chapters available on more devices
Smart TVs and game consoles are getting one of the app's best recent features
#AndroidTV
Android TV will soon start receiving security bulletins update from Google
9To5Google
Google seems to be planning releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices.
A Google representative told 9To5Google that they will "soon" start releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices. There no other information on how frequently will the update be issued. Android TV and Google TV devices will be receiving the security bulletin update.
There is two security patches of moderate severity which is fixed in December patch. The bulletin was first spotted on the Pixel's December bulletin page but later taken down as it is an error.
Android TV will soon start receiving security bulletins update from Google
9To5Google
Google seems to be planning releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices.
A Google representative told 9To5Google that they will "soon" start releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices. There no other information on how frequently will the update be issued. Android TV and Google TV devices will be receiving the security bulletin update.
There is two security patches of moderate severity which is fixed in December patch. The bulletin was first spotted on the Pixel's December bulletin page but later taken down as it is an error.
9to5Google
Google will soon start releasing security bulletins for Android TV OS
Soon, Google will start posting security bulletins for its Android TV OS, giving us a better look at what's happening on the platform.
#Pixel #PixelBudsA
Manual update feature is rolling out for Pixel Buds A-Series
Android Police
Besides receiving new features, now you can manually update the firmware of the Pixel Buds A-Series, no more waiting.
According to Google's support page, to update the earbud firmware without waiting, just put the two earbuds into the case. Next open the Pixel Buds companion app or settings, scroll down till you find Firmware update option. Lastly, tap on Update available and follow on-screen instructions, you will be able to successfully update your Pixel Buds in 15 minutes time.
Android Police shared a screenshot which shows the "Firmware update available" option on the very top of the menu. Tapping on it will also bring you to a new page and you will be asked to follow the on-screen instructions.
The feature is rolling out via server side, as reported by Android Police. The manual update also seems to be a Pixel Buds A-Series exclusive, said Google in their support page.
Manual update feature is rolling out for Pixel Buds A-Series
Android Police
Besides receiving new features, now you can manually update the firmware of the Pixel Buds A-Series, no more waiting.
According to Google's support page, to update the earbud firmware without waiting, just put the two earbuds into the case. Next open the Pixel Buds companion app or settings, scroll down till you find Firmware update option. Lastly, tap on Update available and follow on-screen instructions, you will be able to successfully update your Pixel Buds in 15 minutes time.
Android Police shared a screenshot which shows the "Firmware update available" option on the very top of the menu. Tapping on it will also bring you to a new page and you will be asked to follow the on-screen instructions.
The feature is rolling out via server side, as reported by Android Police. The manual update also seems to be a Pixel Buds A-Series exclusive, said Google in their support page.
#WearOS #Pay
Wear OS Google Pay support expand availability to three more countries
Android Central
Google just announced that Google Pay on Wear OS is expanding to more countries.
Now you can pay anything with just your wrist in these three countries: Israel, Kazakhstan, and the Netherlands. This bring the total supported countries to a total of 40. You can check for the full list of supported countries over here.
Wear OS Google Pay support expand availability to three more countries
Android Central
Google just announced that Google Pay on Wear OS is expanding to more countries.
Now you can pay anything with just your wrist in these three countries: Israel, Kazakhstan, and the Netherlands. This bring the total supported countries to a total of 40. You can check for the full list of supported countries over here.
Android Central
Wear OS brings Google Pay support to even more countries for contactless payments
Google Pay support is expanding to three additional countries to allow contactless payments from Wear OS smartwatches.
#Chrome
Google announced best Chrome extensions of 2021
Google Blog
In 2021, most people still continue to work or study from home as the pandemic isn't going away anytime soon. As we are stuck in our house, we mostly just relies on Internet service. Chrome extensions can enhance your Internet browsing experience, and here are the best extensions of 2021 according to Google.
Communication and collaboration
• Loom: Makes it easier to capture and share videos with others.
• Mote: Allows you to give quick feedback through voice commenting and transcripts.
• WordTune: Helps you clearly communicate by rephrasing sentences and catching typos in emails and documents.
Productivity
• Forest: Gamifies productivity through virtual tree planting and rewards.
• Dark Reader: Protects your eyes with a reading dark mode.
• Tab Manager Plus: Helps manage your tabs.
• Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder: A screenshot manager.
Virtual learning
• Kami: Creates an interactive online learning space for students and teachers.
• InsertLearning: Helps you easily take notes (integrates with Google Classroom, too).
• Toucan: Makes learning a new language fun.
• Rememberry: Organizes vocabulary words into flashcard decks for quick studying throughout the day.
Miscellaneous
• Stylus: Helps you build and install custom themes and skins for your favorite sites.
• Rakuten: Puts cash in your pocket by automatically finding coupons and deals across the web.
Google announced best Chrome extensions of 2021
Google Blog
In 2021, most people still continue to work or study from home as the pandemic isn't going away anytime soon. As we are stuck in our house, we mostly just relies on Internet service. Chrome extensions can enhance your Internet browsing experience, and here are the best extensions of 2021 according to Google.
Communication and collaboration
• Loom: Makes it easier to capture and share videos with others.
• Mote: Allows you to give quick feedback through voice commenting and transcripts.
• WordTune: Helps you clearly communicate by rephrasing sentences and catching typos in emails and documents.
Productivity
• Forest: Gamifies productivity through virtual tree planting and rewards.
• Dark Reader: Protects your eyes with a reading dark mode.
• Tab Manager Plus: Helps manage your tabs.
• Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder: A screenshot manager.
Virtual learning
• Kami: Creates an interactive online learning space for students and teachers.
• InsertLearning: Helps you easily take notes (integrates with Google Classroom, too).
• Toucan: Makes learning a new language fun.
• Rememberry: Organizes vocabulary words into flashcard decks for quick studying throughout the day.
Miscellaneous
• Stylus: Helps you build and install custom themes and skins for your favorite sites.
• Rakuten: Puts cash in your pocket by automatically finding coupons and deals across the web.
Google
Our favorite Chrome extensions of 2021
Check out Chrome’s favorite extensions of 2021.
#Google
Google Search on desktop web gains new grid design and organization for 'Top Stories'
9To5Google
Google Search mobile site has been experimenting with some new features for awhile. The latest experiment for Google Search on the desktop web is giving the "Top stories" carousel with a new grid-based organization structure.
For now, most people are still seeing list or carousel in the "Top stories" section. The latest experiment is testing out a 2x2 grid layout for most articles, important news or big headlines can show up to seven stories in a single page, and one of the articles will be highlighted with a much larger images and cards.
Anyone can check out the new experiment when you are searching for coronavirus related term. It is slowly going live for everyone when they are searching for other term too.
Google Search on desktop web gains new grid design and organization for 'Top Stories'
9To5Google
Google Search mobile site has been experimenting with some new features for awhile. The latest experiment for Google Search on the desktop web is giving the "Top stories" carousel with a new grid-based organization structure.
For now, most people are still seeing list or carousel in the "Top stories" section. The latest experiment is testing out a 2x2 grid layout for most articles, important news or big headlines can show up to seven stories in a single page, and one of the articles will be highlighted with a much larger images and cards.
Anyone can check out the new experiment when you are searching for coronavirus related term. It is slowly going live for everyone when they are searching for other term too.
#Workspace #Docs
Google Docs let you edit and customise tables much easier
Google Workspace Updates
Soon you can create and customise tables in Google Docs easier with all these neat upgrades.
Pin a table header row
Pin one or more rows in a table so they appear on each page.
Designate a row should not be split across pages
Designate a table row to not split across a page break, ensuring content in tables isn't missed on another page. Provides more control over formatting and layouts.
Quickly add & arrange columns and rows
Drag a row or column to a different location easily. There also a new, button for creating new rows or columns.
Sorting tables to better organize data
Pinned table headers will remain at the top of your table. Sorting table rows will group by type of content.
Manage table properties
Table properties appear over at the sidebar, allowing users to see edits reflected in document in real time.
These features are rolling out for Workspace and personal accounts in the coming weeks.
Google Docs let you edit and customise tables much easier
Google Workspace Updates
Soon you can create and customise tables in Google Docs easier with all these neat upgrades.
Pin a table header row
Pin one or more rows in a table so they appear on each page.
Designate a row should not be split across pages
Designate a table row to not split across a page break, ensuring content in tables isn't missed on another page. Provides more control over formatting and layouts.
Quickly add & arrange columns and rows
Drag a row or column to a different location easily. There also a new, button for creating new rows or columns.
Sorting tables to better organize data
Pinned table headers will remain at the top of your table. Sorting table rows will group by type of content.
Manage table properties
Table properties appear over at the sidebar, allowing users to see edits reflected in document in real time.
These features are rolling out for Workspace and personal accounts in the coming weeks.
#Pixel
Pixel's December update fixed widget preview issue when customising Dynamic Colors, improved 'Device search' feature
9To5Google
Supported Pixel devices have received December update yesterday, and it brings in a ton of fixes and features.
With the December update, Google apparently has fixed issue of previewing widgets in the Wallpaper & Style app. Now you can finally view how the widget will look like in different colors without going to the home screen back and forward.
Another small improvement is in Pixel Launcher "Device Search" feature. There a direct search button which will take your search query and search inside the supported apps. The features so far seems to only work with the Settings app, it unclear whether Google will be expanding the feature to other apps or not.
Pixel's December update fixed widget preview issue when customising Dynamic Colors, improved 'Device search' feature
9To5Google
Supported Pixel devices have received December update yesterday, and it brings in a ton of fixes and features.
With the December update, Google apparently has fixed issue of previewing widgets in the Wallpaper & Style app. Now you can finally view how the widget will look like in different colors without going to the home screen back and forward.
Another small improvement is in Pixel Launcher "Device Search" feature. There a direct search button which will take your search query and search inside the supported apps. The features so far seems to only work with the Settings app, it unclear whether Google will be expanding the feature to other apps or not.