Google’s ‘Find My Device’ feature has room for improvement, with anticipated updates including support for UWB trackers and a new “compass” option.
The newest release of ‘Find My Device’ includes updates.
Files from the most recent version of the ‘Find My Device’ app have been examined by 9to5Google, revealing potential upcoming features in the code. However, it is uncertain whether Google will actually introduce these features, so their release cannot be confirmed.
Google introduced a new “compass” feature in the most recent update of the “Find My Device” app for Android v3.1.148. The app will provide directions to help users locate their devices with prompts like “Turn left,” “Turn right,” and “The device is behind you.”
Imagem: Peggychoucair/FreeImages
If you expect this feature to be utilized in conjunction with UWB trackers, it should be integrated with the augmented reality feature that was under development a few months back. The following code snippets demonstrate the incorporation of a compass into the app.
The device is positioned at your back.
Use the compass to locate the device.
Go left
Turn to the right
This might be an enhancement to the current tracker location feature, with the potential to provide a more advanced experience for trackers utilizing UWB technology.
iOS 18, released last Monday, has been causing issues for Apple users due to a critical bug found in the iMessage app. This bug can crash the device and lead to data loss in a particular scenario.
A critical issue in iMessage is creating a problem on iOS 18.
When an individual shares an Apple Watch watch face during an iMessage chat, it initiates a sequence of events. For users on iOS 18, it is crucial not to reply when they receive a message containing this watch face.
If the message is replied to, the iMessage application will crash each time the user attempts to access that chat. The crashes may happen so often that it becomes challenging to engage in other conversations. iMessage is also unreliable on beta editions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1.
The bug impacts both the sender and the recipient of the message, showing similar symptoms for both parties.
Imagem: JonPauling/Pexels
Resolving the iMessage bug on iOS 18.
The sole option available then is for both users to erase the phone conversation, which will also remove all message history and any attachments like photos and videos not saved elsewhere in iMessage.
If the conversation is deleted by the user and then attempted to be recovered from the deleted items section, the bug will resurface, rendering this approach ineffective. It is anticipated that Apple will tackle this issue in the upcoming iOS 18 update (likely to be named iOS 18.0.1), which is eagerly awaited. Apple is expected to provide a fix for this issue on iOS, macOS, and watchOS platforms soon. Users are advised to refrain from responding to messages on threads if someone shares an Apple Watch watch face until an update is rolled out.
YouTube is introducing a new feature for Android users that will enhance their user experience beyond just changing the appearance. The update will include a transparent status bar, replacing the previous solid one that appeared when scrolling through Home feeds and applications.
YouTube’s new see-through status bar.
The status bar on YouTube for Android used to be solid, making it opaque while scrolling through the Home and Subscription feeds, thus visually separating the content from system icons like the clock, notifications, and battery status.
This method, while practical, resulted in a minor gap between the interface components, particularly when contrasted with other parts of the application like the ambient mode of the video player, which already offered a more engaging and seamless look.
The new update makes the status bar transparent, enabling video thumbnails to show beneath the bar icons. This creates visual continuity, enhancing the interface’s cohesion and fluidity for a more immersive experience with videos having more visual presence without a solid bar interruption.
Imagem: stephmcblack/Flickr
Several devices have already acquired new features.
The new see-through status bar started appearing on various devices starting with YouTube version 19.37.35 for Android. However, not all users have access to it yet as the rollout is happening slowly, and some may not see the change right away based on their Android version and device.
While the update may not be available to everyone yet, it is expected that more individuals will begin noticing this change on their devices in the upcoming weeks. This gradual release strategy is commonly used for updates of major applications to enable the company to assess new features with a limited user group before a full rollout.
WhatsApp is developing new customization options that will enable users to personalize each chat with different themes, such as wallpapers and colors, as reported by WABetaInfo and Android Authority.
WhatsApp is getting ready to introduce a new feature.
According to information from the beta v2.24.20.12 version of WhatsApp for Android, the company is working on a feature that will enable users to apply various themes to their conversations. These themes can be customized for each conversation with individual contacts, offering options like specific color schemes and the ability to add custom wallpapers. Users will have access to 11 preset themes, with the option to choose custom colors for further customization. Additionally, a brightness slider will be available for adjusting the theme’s intensity based on user preference. While themes can be applied to all conversations by default, users can also choose to customize specific conversations with different themes. Notably, the selected theme will be visible to the other participant in the conversation, creating a shared customization experience.
WhatsApp is investing heavily in developing a new feature, which may soon be available to all users in a future update, although there is no set release date yet.
Google Photos has recently unveiled a significant overhaul of its mobile video editing tool, providing more user-friendly and intuitive features for editing videos within the app. The aim is to streamline the process and enable users to quickly create impressive video clips for sharing on various platforms.
Editing tools are currently showcased.
The main editing options are prominently displayed in the “Video” tab beneath the timeline in the new design.
Silence the video audio promptly.
Adjust the colors and stabilize your videos easily with just one tap.
New tool called Speed that enables you to speed up or slow down videos, producing fast-paced effects or striking slow-motion sequences.
To stabilize means to make shaky videos steady.
The export table has been relocated to the end of the carousel for easier access to capture a particular video image.
Imagem: stephmcblack/StockVault
The cutting tool has been improved to provide better precision in choosing particular footage.
AI-powered intelligent settings
The update also includes a new “Presets” section that provides a range of filters powered by AI. These presets enable users to easily and swiftly enhance their videos. Key choices comprise:
Adjust video, lighting, and speed easily with a basic cut feature.
Applies a slow motion effect.
Zoom: Concentrates on and enlarges the primary activity shown in the video.
Dynamic tracking called Range that follows the main subject’s movement.
Imagem: Peggychoucair/PixaBay
These features enable you to produce videos with cinematic effects effortlessly, even if you lack advanced editing skills.
Interface that is both clean and functional
The redesign of the application streamlined the interface for smoother navigation. The lower guides for Cutting and Tools offer swift access to key functions, enhancing user workflow.
This update for Google Photos will be rolled out gradually starting today (24).
The Disney+ streaming service, like Netflix, recently implemented a fee for sharing accounts in several countries. Brazilian users are currently not affected, but this may change in the near future.
How will the subscription fee for Disney+ be implemented?
The Disney+ subscription is meant for use within the subscriber’s household, including devices used by the residents. Additional fees apply if sharing the account with friends or relatives outside this residence.
The additional person will need to cover an extra expense in the US, with costs of $6.99 monthly for basic Disney+ subscriptions and $9.99 monthly for Disney+ Premium subscriptions. Only one additional member is allowed per account.
Can Disney+ be accessed from locations other than home?
You can access Disney+ on compatible devices even when the subscriber is away by selecting the “I am Out of House” or “Update Residence” options if needed. These choices will prompt a unique code to be sent to the linked email address for verification.
Microsoft has introduced an exciting new feature for WhatsApp users: Copilot+, its AI assistant, can now be accessed within the messaging app at no cost. This announcement was made on October 1 and includes intelligent functions like creating images and summarizing texts.
How does Copilot+ function on WhatsApp?
Imagem: GernotBra/DepositPhotos
Any WhatsApp user can now utilize the Microsoft AI generative within the app by clicking on an access link and sending a “Hi Copilot” in the conversation window. Upon acceptance, users can explore a range of AI features.
Ask questions and receive responses in a natural manner.
Summarize lengthy texts.
Modify the tone of a message to appear either more formal or informal.
Develop narratives from simple concepts.
Create pictures using written descriptions.
This virtual assistance is free and available in Portuguese for Brazilians, making Copilot+ convenient for those looking to streamline their daily tasks on WhatsApp.
Additional aspects of Copilot+
Microsoft has introduced additional features to Copilot, including Copilot Voice for voice conversations with the AI and Copilot Daily for news summaries and weather forecasts in audio format.
Copilot Discover, another notable feature, utilizes past user interactions to recommend activities like improving social skills or engaging in meditation.
While certain functions are currently limited to English-speaking nations like the US and UK, Microsoft intends to introduce Copilot+ to additional languages and regions in the future.
Epic Games won a legal battle against Google, leading to a court decision by Judge James Donato on October 7. The ruling requires Google to make substantial changes to the Google Play Store, promoting competition within the Android ecosystem by allowing third-party app stores like the Epic Games Store.
What modifications are required by Google?
Google is required to provide access to alternative app stores on Google Play, enabling Android users to download apps from different stores through the Play Store.
The new regulations enable third-party stores to provide all the apps currently found on Google Play, giving developers the opportunity to distribute their apps across various platforms without reducing their visibility or audience reach.
The ruling placed limitations on Google to prevent behaviors viewed as anticompetitive. The company will no longer have the ability to:
Share the profits made from Google Play with other parties that distribute Android applications.
Pay developers to release their apps solely or primarily on Google Play.
Pay device makers or operators to include Google Play on devices, making it harder for competitors to secure space.
Developers must use only the Google Play billing system within their apps.
Prevent developers from notifying users about different payment options or prices outside of Google Play, or sharing links to download apps from other platforms.
Changes begin in November.
Imagem: timmossholder/Pexels
The ruling will take effect starting on November 1, 2024, with the majority of the updated regulations being enforced by 2027, a timeframe shorter than the six years requested by Epic Games. Google has a maximum of eight months to incorporate the necessary technology for third-party app stores to securely integrate into the Play Store.
Google stated it would challenge the decision despite losing. Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s vice president of regulatory matters, expressed concerns that the judge’s mandated changes could have negative effects on consumers, developers, and device manufacturers.
How does that affect you?
Android device users can anticipate increased options and flexibility in obtaining apps with the upcoming changes. The ability to access alternative stores through the Play Store may lead to new services and promotions that benefit users. Nonetheless, Google’s reservations about potential unintended outcomes suggest that the transition may be complex.
Consumers and developers are eager to see how the new situation of app stores on Android will develop, with the implementation of changes being closely monitored.
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If you don’t subscribe to YouTube Premium at the monthly cost of R$ 24.90, you will likely have to endure multiple ads while watching videos on the platform. Previously, the ‘Skip’ button provided relief by allowing users to bypass ads and watch videos more quickly. However, YouTube recently made a slight adjustment, making it somewhat more challenging to locate the skip button.
YouTube modifies the ‘Skip’ button on its platform.
Previously, a timer displayed at the bottom right corner showed the time left until the skip option became available. Now, a yellow line moves across the bottom of the video, adjusting its speed based on the ad’s length. If the ad is lengthy, the yellow line progresses rapidly until the skip button is shown. In cases where skipping is not possible, the yellow line represents the entire ad duration.
Imagem: TomasHa73/UnPlash
Some Reddit users have reported that YouTube is experimenting with black overlays to conceal the skip button, making it harder to ignore ads. This tactic is part of a larger series of tests the platform is conducting to determine the most effective way to increase ad viewing time.
YouTube has not issued an official statement regarding these adjustments. However, these slight modifications are intended to boost ad revenue, which totaled $31.51 billion in 2023, marking an almost 8% increase from the previous year. Even small changes can have a significant financial effect.
Microsoft has confirmed that starting in November, the Xbox app will enable users to purchase and play games directly through the app, potentially allowing for game streaming through the cloud instead of playing directly on Android devices. Further details have not been disclosed by Microsoft.
Xbox President shares updates on Social Network X.
The Xbox app on Android is set to receive an update allowing users to purchase and play platform games directly within the app, following a legal ruling against Google that required an expansion of mobile app store functionalities on Android.
Sarah Bond discussed it and revealed the new development.
The court ruling allowing Google’s mobile app market in the US to expand provides increased choices and adaptability. As part of our goal to enable a wider range of users to access games on various devices, we are pleased to share that starting in November, users can purchase and play Xbox games directly through the Xbox app on Android.
Microsoft intended to introduce a gaming store for Android through the web, but this concept never materialized. Google is currently challenging a court ruling that mandates the company to make these alterations, which must be completed by November 1 of this year.
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