Google is expanding capabilities for digital wallets into the kids realm. With new supervised accounts capabilities in Google Wallet coming soon, you'll now be able to authorize your children's accounts to use tap-to-pay on their devices in physical locations. After a preview period that began … [Read more...] about Kids accounts will soon have tap-to-pay via Google Wallet
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Google makes the Pixel 9a official with impressive specs in 4 colors
After an absolute torrent of very accurate leaks, the Pixel 9a is now official; and, as expected, it brings a ton of impressive hardware and software inclusions to Google's A-Series lineup. Google has packed some great features into this more-affordable Pixel that starts at $499, so let’s take a … [Read more...] about Google makes the Pixel 9a official with impressive specs in 4 colors
Upcoming MediaTek MT8196 Chromebook ‘Navi’ will have a 16-inch 4K screen
There's a lot we already know about the upcoming Chromebook code named 'Navi'. But there's a ton we don't yet know as well, and a bit of that mystery is getting decoded today with some pretty clear evidence that this ARM-powered beast of a Chromebook is set to be on a much larger scale than we … [Read more...] about Upcoming MediaTek MT8196 Chromebook ‘Navi’ will have a 16-inch 4K screen
Google and Apple will both support the new end-to-end encryption for RCS
Recently, the GSMA has announced the latest iteration of RCS (Rich Communication Services), Universal Profile 3.0, which integrates end-to-end encryption (E2EE) through the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. This development addresses a long-standing concern regarding RCS, and both Google and … [Read more...] about Google and Apple will both support the new end-to-end encryption for RCS
Gemini is replacing Google Assistant as ChromeOS 134 begins rolling out
Google's making a significant-yet-expected shift on Chromebooks a bit earlier than I would have expected, replacing Google Assistant with Gemini. As we've heard across the board of late, Google Assistant is on the way out over the coming weeks and months and will be completely replaced by Gemini. I … [Read more...] about Gemini is replacing Google Assistant as ChromeOS 134 begins rolling out
Acer is prepping a new Chromebook Plus 516 for imminent release
Thanks to a bit of digging and a keen eye from a reader, we now know Acer is prepping the imminent release of a new device line we've not seen from them before: the Chromebook Plus 516. Now, that name may sound quite familiar, and I hope the connection is legit. You see, there have been two … [Read more...] about Acer is prepping a new Chromebook Plus 516 for imminent release
You can now get Google’s popular podcast-like Audio Overviews right in Gemini
Google has just rolled out Audio Overview to Gemini, bringing a crowd-favorite feature over from NotebookLM to help users better digest large swaths of information. One of AI's most useful capabilities right now for general users is the ability to synthesize and present complex data sets in an … [Read more...] about You can now get Google’s popular podcast-like Audio Overviews right in Gemini
Google Assistant is losing 7 key features on Android and Nest devices
Late last week, amidst the buzz of Gemini's impending takeover of Google Assistant on Android, Google quietly slipped in another announcement: the discontinuation of seven more Assistant features. This comes after the 18 feature removals announced at the start of 2024, signaling the clear shift in … [Read more...] about Google Assistant is losing 7 key features on Android and Nest devices
The discounted Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus returns
Well, well, well; this was a happy surprise to wake up to today. After spending a very long time at a discounted price, the ongoing deal on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus was destined to end at some point. Early in March, after being on sale for nearly the entirety of February, the Galaxy … [Read more...] about The discounted Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus returns
It’s the end of the line for Google Assistant as Gemini ascends to fully replace it
The time has finally come to start saying your goodbyes to the Google Assistant. The past couple years have radically transformed things in the digital assistant and AI space, and it is clear that Google is all-in on Gemini moving forward. And that means Google is set to finally get down to one … [Read more...] about It’s the end of the line for Google Assistant as Gemini ascends to fully replace it
The Google Phone app is getting a UI change I absolutely cannot wait for
Google's stock Phone app, a standard inclusion on Pixel devices and increasingly common on other Android handsets, is getting a really significant UI update soon. While its minimalist approach has always been a point of focus, Google is now experimenting with a new incoming call UI that could … [Read more...] about The Google Phone app is getting a UI change I absolutely cannot wait for
‘Felino’, the first Intel Panther Lake Chromebook device emerges from Acer
At the absolute tail-end of 2024 - quite literally December 31st - I wrote a post about the first rumblings of Intel's latest processors (code-named Panther Lake) being utilized in a new Chromebook baseboard. That board's name is 'Fatcat', and development has been obviously continuing ever since. … [Read more...] about ‘Felino’, the first Intel Panther Lake Chromebook device emerges from Acer
