Google Maps' Timeline tool has always been a bit of a controversial feature, sparking reactions and making users uneasy. Some find it downright creepy to discover a detailed map of their whereabouts, tracking their every move with a GPS-enabled handset. Fortunately, disabling the Timeline is a … [Read more...] about This new location-based Android timeline setting may one day replace the one in Google Maps
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
Chrome makes a big change to the new tab page layout, now testing single-row shortcuts
Chrome is shaking things up again and testing a redesigned layout for the browser's New Tab Page (thanks Android Police). The familiar two-row layout that greets you upon hitting the plus button to call up a new tab is being swapped out for a single-row instead. This change is currently being tested … [Read more...] about Chrome makes a big change to the new tab page layout, now testing single-row shortcuts
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides receiving search bar for menu options to reduce overwhelm
Google is rolling out an "enhanced tool finder" for Docs, Sheets, and Slides, designed to streamline your experience and improve accessibility. Positioned at the top left of the toolbar, this feature serves as a contextual menu. When you select a specific element, such as a paragraph or a cell, the … [Read more...] about Google Docs, Sheets and Slides receiving search bar for menu options to reduce overwhelm
Chrome wants to turn the web app install process into a Google Play Store-style experience
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) aren't just simple websites. They're more like web-based applications, offering offline functionality, touch and swipe controls, and more. However, installing a PWA until now has felt more like creating a web shortcut rather than, well, installing something. That's all … [Read more...] about Chrome wants to turn the web app install process into a Google Play Store-style experience
How to use Bing AI on your Chromebook while Google figures out what it’s doing with Assistant
Google's Bard AI may or may not be the future of AI chatbots, but right now, it's really not looking like that's the case. Competitors like ChatGPT and Bing AI are already miles ahead of it in pretty much every area. With that being said, I'm going to go beyond showing you how to install and use … [Read more...] about How to use Bing AI on your Chromebook while Google figures out what it’s doing with Assistant
Your Google Messages group chats will soon be end-to-end encrypted for increased security
According to a discovery by Android Police and a handful of avid Google Messages users, RCS group chats may finally be getting end-to-end encryption in the tech giant's messaging application for Android. For those unfamiliar, end-to-end encryption, or E2E for short, is basically a fancy way of … [Read more...] about Your Google Messages group chats will soon be end-to-end encrypted for increased security
Google’s Nest thermostat is now Matter compatible, also works with Apple Home
Recently on the Nest Community website, it was announced that the new smart home connectivity standard, Matter, will now be supported on Google Nest Thermostat. Over the next few weeks, you'll be able to change the temperature of your device and home as well as adjust other controls with smart home … [Read more...] about Google’s Nest thermostat is now Matter compatible, also works with Apple Home
Google’s Bard AI can now help you code that project idea you’ve been putting off for years
Google's Bard AI is finally capable of tackling programming tasks for software and development - something it's completely foregone until now. While initially considered a more fledgling AI compared to ChatGPT and Bing AI, Google's slow and steady approach to artificial intelligence development has … [Read more...] about Google’s Bard AI can now help you code that project idea you’ve been putting off for years
Google Assistant will finally shut up and do what it’s told instead of excessively narrating itself
Besides being dumber than a box of rocks lately, Google Assistant is pretty alright with the basics - turning your smart devices on and off, and answering basic questions (sometimes). Recently, the team responsible for developing and maintaining it was sent to work on Bard AI, the company's new … [Read more...] about Google Assistant will finally shut up and do what it’s told instead of excessively narrating itself
Google Fi is now ‘Google Fi Wireless’, gets a new app, logo, and free smartwatch plan connectivity
Google Fi has officially rebranded to "Google Fi Wireless," and with this new name comes some exciting new features, a new app design and layout, and a brand new logo. When Google first launched its phone subscription service, it was called "Project Fi." However, it didn't take long for it to drop … [Read more...] about Google Fi is now ‘Google Fi Wireless’, gets a new app, logo, and free smartwatch plan connectivity
Android Smart Lock to become ‘Extend Unlock’, will differentiate wearables from other methods
Android's Smart Lock, a feature that automatically unlocks your device under certain trusted conditions, is undergoing a significant change. For some strange reason, the long-standing feature is not only being renamed but also seems to be splitting into two distinct parts! I have some thoughts on … [Read more...] about Android Smart Lock to become ‘Extend Unlock’, will differentiate wearables from other methods
You can now use your Google Play Points toward merchandise, DoorDash, Instacart, and more
Exciting news for anyone who collects their weekly Google Play Points! In addition to being able to spend your points as a direct payment option in the Play Store, Google just announced in a Keyword Blog post that it's adding new ways to gain value once you've accumulated enough and hope to try … [Read more...] about You can now use your Google Play Points toward merchandise, DoorDash, Instacart, and more
