I speak a ton about how Google is largely a company that's in perpetual beta, and how frustrating that can be for me as an avid user of its services and hardware. It has a vision of reaching the next billion users and with millions of new people coming online for the first time in their lives each … [Read more...] about Opinion: Google’s vision of reaching the next billion users conflicts with its beta approach
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Google apparently did ask for special treatment from Roku according to a leaked email
I've gone to bat for Google when necessary. The company receives lots of unwarranted hate in addition to its very warranted criticisms, but I'm always willing to step up to the plate for them when I realize that things turn unnecessarily toxic. Yesterday, I published an article that discussed the … [Read more...] about Google apparently did ask for special treatment from Roku according to a leaked email
Google’s smart home platform and tools are now fittingly named “Google Home”
During Google's Smart Home Developer Summit yesterday, the company made several big announcements, but none were as important as the newly minted and unified platform renaming. Beginning its journey five years ago with Google Assistant and the Google Home, smart home tech has come an incredibly long … [Read more...] about Google’s smart home platform and tools are now fittingly named “Google Home”
New Audio and Video Locks help Google Meet hosts keep disruptive participants at bay
Having the capability to forcefully mute any meeting participant in Google Meet was rolled out nearly a year ago, but after being muted, call attendees could just unmute themselves and carry on. The problem with this functionality is that oftentimes as people attempt to adjust to the digital … [Read more...] about New Audio and Video Locks help Google Meet hosts keep disruptive participants at bay
Stadia white label’s its cloud streaming tech to AT&T, and what it means for the future
A new partnership between AT&T, Warner Bros, and Google brings Batman: Arkham Knight to the web via Stadia, but not on the Stadia website. I know, that's weird to hear, right? Earlier this year, Gabe wrote up a piece on how Google was beginning to consider white labeling its streaming tech to … [Read more...] about Stadia white label’s its cloud streaming tech to AT&T, and what it means for the future
Chrome 95 lets you save tab groups, improves security payments, and more
Chrome 94 introduced the official Sharing Hub, HTTPS-First Mode, a "What's New" page so you can see new features and details the moment they're available, a Settings page redesign, and more. Now, we're seeing Chrome 95 begin its rollout, and with it, the ability to save tab groups for later, … [Read more...] about Chrome 95 lets you save tab groups, improves security payments, and more
Youtube Music’s “Video” capabilities will soon be for Premium subscribers only
During an "Ask Me Anything (AMA)" session on the Youtube Music Help site recently, a Community Manager for Team Youtube took time to answer some questions directly. In addition to Canada getting free background listening soon, the Youtube Music app will soon restrict non-paying members to audio-only … [Read more...] about Youtube Music’s “Video” capabilities will soon be for Premium subscribers only
In just a few weeks, new Roku devices will no longer be able to install Youtube either
Back in April, Ruku called out Google in an abrasive email, threatening to no longer carry Youtube TV on its devices. Shortly afterward, it followed up on those threats, and did exactly that, stating that Google had basically become a monopolistic bully for imposing its marketing presence over its … [Read more...] about In just a few weeks, new Roku devices will no longer be able to install Youtube either
Chrome OS Beta Community will allow Google to directly inform testers of new features
The Chrome OS development team is looking for more impactful ways to get feedback from its beta testers and to share new updates with them. To do this, it's launching the Chrome OS Beta Community, which is appropriately named. Tomorrow, on October 21, 2021, it will host a Youtube live event to break … [Read more...] about Chrome OS Beta Community will allow Google to directly inform testers of new features
Google Calendar adds Focus Time entries so you can rest and reflect between events
With the overwhelming amount of digital meetings and collaboration that has become the new normal thanks to the global pandemic, it can be very easy to become overwhelmed. Google has previously baked Time Insights into Calendar to help you see where you're spending your time and how often you're … [Read more...] about Google Calendar adds Focus Time entries so you can rest and reflect between events
New universal @ menu in Google Docs lets you add people, content, and events inline
Google Workspace has been built out over the past year to become the future of work, and Google itself is putting in overtime to add useful features and tools for increased productivity and collaboration. Now, a new universal @ menu will let you mention and insert people, content, and events … [Read more...] about New universal @ menu in Google Docs lets you add people, content, and events inline
Google Pixel Pass: videos, music, games, storage, a device, and protection in one subscription
Google just finished revealing its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones, and with it, a new subscription. Don't worry, this one isn't exactly new. Pixel Pass actually combines many of your existing Google subscriptions into one bundle so that you can manage it all in one place and with one payment each … [Read more...] about Google Pixel Pass: videos, music, games, storage, a device, and protection in one subscription
