Google Apps Updates EP. 101 - 33 New Features!

Summary

In this Google Apps Roundup, episode #101, 33 new features across 15 Google apps are highlighted. Notable updates include improved video editing in Google Photos, enhanced UI for YouTube Shorts, and dynamic theming for Gboard. Gemini introduces AI-driven recommendations for Google TV, while the Google Play Store adds streamlined app installation options. New features in Google Home, Google Messages, and the Chromecast with Google TV improve user experience with added functionalities like profile locks, calendar event integration, and faster device pairing. Pixel-exclusive updates bring customization enhancements, solidifying Google's push for smarter, more efficient app integration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Google Photos introduces improved video editing with a new access method for the audio Magic Eraser and added haptic feedback for trimming videos.
• 😀 YouTube Shorts now offers more filters and content in the 'Explore more topics' section for a better browsing experience.
• 😀 Gboard adds an undo/redo button in the suggestions strip, along with improved dynamic theming for the keyboard.
• 😀 Gemini's updated dark theme now makes the camera and mic buttons blend seamlessly with the background, while new lock screen features allow calls and messages without unlocking.
• 😀 Google TV now includes AI-powered summaries for movies and shows, offering season recaps and reviews to aid decision-making.
• 😀 The Files app now includes a built-in PDF viewer and annotation tools, plus integration with Gemini to interact with PDF content more effectively.
• 😀 Google Home app enhances smart device control, including automatic lighting adjustments via Chromecast and a new control panel for smart devices.
• 😀 Google Play Store's new changes include a disappearing navigation bar, the ability to install apps directly from search, and easy access to free trials for subscriptions.
• 😀 Google app introduces a revamped saved tab with better search for saved items, and improved collection management with reorder and share options.
• 😀 Chromecast with Google TV adds features like fast payer support, profile lock with a PIN code, personalized Google Photos screensavers, and a more straightforward app carousel reorder process.

Q & A

What are the key updates in the Google Photos app mentioned in the script?

The key updates in Google Photos include a new video editor feature with easier access to the audio Magic Eraser for Pixel phones, haptic feedback while trimming videos for better precision, and improved search results, like better identification of objects such as yellow cars.

How has the YouTube app improved according to the script?

The YouTube app has introduced several changes, such as a redesigned Explore More Topics section in Shorts with multiple filters and a carousel, improved video playback that keeps the orientation in fullscreen when locking and unlocking the phone, and easier navigation between videos.

What changes have been made to the Gboard app?

Gboard now features an undo/redo button in the suggestions strip and the menu, allowing users to reverse or redo actions. Additionally, it has dynamic theming improvements, where the color palette is consistent across the app, even when switching to fancy color schemes.

What are the new features in the Gemini app as outlined in the transcript?

The Gemini app has received three new changes: an updated dark theme with uniform button colors, a toggle in settings to make calls and send messages without unlocking the phone, and the introduction of AI summaries in Google TV for better movie and show recommendations.

How does the new PDF viewer in the Files app enhance user experience?

The Files app now has an integrated PDF viewer, eliminating the need to use external apps like Google Drive. Users can annotate, highlight, erase, or hide edits, and there’s also a new Gemini integration allowing users to ask questions or summarize the PDF content directly from the viewer.

What updates were made to the Google Home app in this round of updates?

Google Home has introduced a presence-sensing feature that triggers home or away routines when connected to compatible devices, as well as the ability to access a home control panel directly from the settings menu on Chromecast with Google TV.

What changes were made to the Google Play Store?

In the Google Play Store, there are new visual changes to the navigation bar, a new button for apps with free trials and subscription plans, and the ability to install apps directly from the home screen by tapping and holding the app, which brings up a card with the install button.

What improvements were made to the Google app's saved tab?

The Google app’s saved tab now includes a better search option, allowing users to search through saved items like locations and TV shows. Additionally, users can now reorder collections more easily, share results via links, and customize collections with new descriptions or names.

What changes have been introduced to the Chromecast with Google TV?

Chromecast with Google TV has seen multiple updates, including support for Fast Pair, which enables quick device connection, a new PIN code lock for profiles to prevent unauthorized access, and the ability to set Google Photos as the screen saver, displaying memories and albums.

What new feature was added to the Google Messages app?

The Google Messages app now includes a new calendar button that allows users to schedule a calendar event directly from a message containing date and time information.