Android could soon let you convert physical SIM cards and import eSIM profiles Google just began distributing its Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 release, giving Pixel fans a glimpse of things to come in the March Feature Drop. In addition to 31 new emoji and a feature that lets you force-theme icons on your home screen, this latest version contains code that hints at major quality of life improvements for Android’s eSIM experience. According to Mishaal Rahman of… Source link
Read More »Google’s Extension SDK aims to bring latest features to older Android versions • TechCrunch
Fragmentation has been a longstanding complaint about the Android ecosystem. Often users miss out on features of the latest Android version because they are using older devices that are no longer updated. To reduce the gap, Google has released the first public version of the Extension SDK, which aims to bring features of the latest Android version to older iterations. As a part of this announcement, Google is opening up Photo Picker API support to Android 11 and… Source link
Read More »Advertisers React To Google’s ‘Remove Redundant Keywords’ Update
What way to ring in the new year with a fresh Google Ads update? On January 4, Google emailed advertisers who currently have the auto-applied suggestion “remove redundant keywords” enabled on their accounts. The email stated starting January 19, Google will begin removing redundant keywords across different match types. First reported by Robert Brady via Twitter, advertisers quickly took to numerous social media outlets to share their concerns over the new update. What’s… Source link
Read More »Google’s bringing new features to older versions of Android
Google is taking another shot at bringing new features to phones that haven’t gotten OS updates in years. It’s releasing something called the “Extension Software Developer Kit,” which should let developers use features like Android 13’s new photo picker in apps running on some versions of Android 11 and 12. In a blog post announcing the change, the company says the feature lets it “extend the support of certain platform functionality to existing Android versions.” While more… Source link
Read More »Google’s Pixel 7 phones are up to $150 off right now
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing. Don’t worry if you missed some of the holiday deals for Google phones — you’re getting a second chance. Amazon is selling the 128GB Pixel 7 Pro for $749, or $150 off, while the standard Pixel 7 is available… Source link
Read More »Samsung makes pairing Matter devices as easy as Google’s Fast Pair
After numerous delays, Matter officially launched in November 2022, with support from almost all major tech giants, including Apple, Google, and Amazon. The new standard was the star of CES 2023, with the best smart home products from the tech show being compatible with Matter. Samsung has also gone all in on the new smart home connectivity standard— it added Matter integration to the SmartThings Hub last year and launched the SmartThings Station at this year’s CES. With… Source link
Read More »Here’s your up-close and personal look at Google’s Android experience at CES
CES is happening right now in Las Vegas. The entire show is a spectacle, with participating companies showing off the latest tech of all kinds — from everyday products like phones and tablets to slightly stranger fare like a connected urinalysis device and battery-powered TVs. Google didn’t have all that much new to show this year, but it set up an Android showroom outside the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center where most of the action has been this week to highlight what’s been… Source link
Read More »Google’s split-screen Android Auto revamp is rolling out now
The new Android Auto is super flexible. Here’s a big-screen mode. Google … Source link
Read More »Google’s higher-resolution driving maps will premiere in the Polestar 3
Google could soon give Polestar owners an edge when they’re navigating around town. The search giant is debuting “HD” driving maps that will come first to the Polestar 3 SUV. The upgrade will provide current, extra-detailed road info ranging from lanes to road signs. The content will not only help with existing driver aids like Pilot Assist, but should prove vital for eventual self-driving features using the 3’s optional, LiDAR-based Pilot Pack. The Polestar 3 is expected to arrive in late… Source link
Read More »Google’s revamped Android Auto experience is now available
It took several months, but the Android Auto overhaul is here. Google is now rolling out its redesigned in-car experience for Android users. As mentioned at I/O, the redesigned interface streamlines navigation, communication and media playback. Maps is in a more driver-friendly position, while the split-screen view offers quick access to music and texts regardless of your car’s screen orientation. There’s finally a media progress bar, and conversation shortcuts (shown below) help you make… Source link
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