Security researchers at Lookout recently tied a previously unattributed Android mobile spyware, dubbed Hermit, to Italian software house RCS Lab. Now, Google threat researchers have confirmed much of Lookout’s findings, and are notifying Android users whose devices were compromised by the spyware. Hermit is a commercial spyware known to be used by governments, with victims in Kazakhstan and Italy, according to Lookout and Google. Lookout says it’s also seen the spyware deployed in… Source link
Read More »Google’s new Chromebook features make it easier to connect to Android phones
Google has been working on new Android and Chromebook features that better bridge the gap between phones and laptops over the past year. Today, ChromeOS version 103 arrives with some features to improve how Chromebooks connect to Android phones. The Phone Hub feature of ChromeOS, announced last year, is getting a new recent photos addition. With the 103 ChromeOS update, you’ll be able to quickly access the latest photos you’ve taken on your phone inside the Phone Hub. It’s an easy… Source link
Read More »Google might be shaking up its approach to reminders on Android, starting with Calendar
Could the company finally streamline Keep, Tasks, and Assistant Reminders? If you want to save a reminder on your phone, there’s no shortage of options. Google Keep remains as popular as ever, with specific dates and times attached to each note. Tasks offers a streamlined interface and an easy way to check off items as you go, but it’s hidden behind Gmail on desktop. Assistant Reminders, meanwhile, creates an entry just from a simple voice command, but it’s annoying to… Source link
Read More »12 handy hidden tricks for Google Calendar on Android
Google Calendar is a core part of the Android productivity package — but if all you’re using is what you see on the app’s surface, you’re missing out on some pretty powerful possibilities. Yes, oh yes: Just like so many of our modern digital tools, there’s more to Google Calendar than meets the eye. And while the majority of the service’s advanced options revolve around the Calendar website, the Calendar Android app has its share of handy out-of-sight options… Source link
Read More »Google Maps has a new Android widget to show live traffic around you – TechCrunch
Google Maps is introducing a new widget for Android that will be another use for the functionality that helped make a name for Waze, the other driving and mapping app that Google acquired nearly a decade ago: It will now show live traffic around you not just in the app but in a widget you can access on your lock screen. Google Maps already provides estimated arrival and travel times, and indicates when there is less or more congestion on your route with… Source link
Read More »YouTube TV begins rolling out 5.1 surround sound across Google TV, Android TV and Roku devices – TechCrunch
YouTube TV is expanding the availability of 5.1 surround sound across Google TV, Android TV and Roku devices this week. Prior to the expansion, 5.1 surround sound was only available across Samsung, LG and Vizio devices running Cobalt version 20 or higher. To take advantage of 5.1 audio, you need a compatible device with the YouTube TV app installed, along with a compatible speaker system. “We know you’ve been waiting, and it’s finally ready. 5.1 Audio is… Source link
Read More »YouTube TV finally adds 5.1 audio on Google TV, Android TV, and Roku
Nearly a year ago, YouTube TV announced plans to add 5.1 surround sound support for its streaming TV package. When we spoke to YouTube chief product officer Neal Mohan earlier this year on The Vergecast about new features rolling out for the platform, he told us it would arrive soon. Now, it’s here for more devices, including the most recent Chromecast with Google TV. The company announced that, in addition to previously existing surround sound support on traditional Chromecasts and… Source link
Read More »Google is bringing Gboard’s custom text stickers to more Android users
Google is expanding its custom text stickers to Android users who use the US-English version of its Gboard keyboard. Previously, only Google Pixel users had access to the feature, which lets you create and send personalized stickers by typing in your own text and choosing a premade design. In addition to expanding custom stickers, Google is also introducing over 1,600 new Pride Month and summer-themed mashups to Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen. You can use the feature by simply typing in an… Source link
Read More »The Android Auto for Phone Screens app is getting shut down soon on all devices
Google is telling users of the Android Auto for Phone Screens app that it’ll no longer work soon via an in-app pop-up message (via 9to5Google). The app enables a simplified in-car interface of Android that is safer to use while mounting the phone on a car dashboard, a great feature for those who don’t own newer cars with the version of Android Auto that runs on the infotainment screen. This is actually not Google’s first warning that it was putting Android Auto for Phone Screens in… Source link
Read More »Google TV app to add casting as Android TV ecosystem grows to 110M monthly active devices – TechCrunch
Following last year’s makeover of the Google TV app, which added features like movie and TV recommendations, critics’ scores and more, the company today announced at its Google I/O developer conference that, later this year, users will be able to cast TV shows and movies directly from their Android phone or tablet to their TV. The company additionally offered updated metrics related to its Android OS’ growing footprint and introduced new Android OS developer tools. Google has been… Source link
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