Samsung quietly announced a significant advancement in wireless charging technology during CES 2025: the S2MIW06 power management integrated circuit (PMIC). This new chip is designed to optimize wireless charging capabilities in smartphones and other devices, boasting support for impressive 50W … [Read more...] about Samsung is prepping hardware to support 50W wireless charging
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Google Messages will now let you override a contact’s photo on your device
Late last year, Google rolled out "profile sharing" in Messages. This well-meaning feature was supposed to make things easier for everyone by automatically using people's Google Account pictures in the app instead of using the contact photo you may have chosen for that contact prior. Instead, for … [Read more...] about Google Messages will now let you override a contact’s photo on your device
Google’s ‘Daily Listen’ merges your Discover feed with NotebookLM’s podcast style
As promised, Google is once again trying out what looks to be a useful and aspirational new feature that heavily utilizes AI. This time around, the new feature is called 'Daily Listen' and it has the potential to be a massively-used feature that I think I could see myself taking advantage of … [Read more...] about Google’s ‘Daily Listen’ merges your Discover feed with NotebookLM’s podcast style
Google CEO Sundar Pichai teases new AI products and features coming soon
2024 was a groundbreaking one for Google in the realm of artificial intelligence, with advancements like Gemini 2.0, NotebookLM, Willow, Veo 2, and various innovative strides across Search, YouTube, Cloud, Android, Pixel, and more. This momentum shows no signs of slowing down, either, as Google CEO … [Read more...] about Google CEO Sundar Pichai teases new AI products and features coming soon
Android Quick Share is adding QR codes as an option to share files
Google is rolling out a really handy new feature for Android users after announcing it back in December: QR code-based sharing in Quick Share. First announced back in December, this update is set to simplify file sharing across Android devices. Here's how it works: when you're ready to share a … [Read more...] about Android Quick Share is adding QR codes as an option to share files
It looks like the first Pixel update of the year is rolling out today
The first Pixel update of the new year is fashionably late, but still here within a realistic time frame for an update delivered on the heels of a few holidays. Verizon has officially announced that the January 2025 security patch is beginning its rollout today, January 7th, and as usual, the update … [Read more...] about It looks like the first Pixel update of the year is rolling out today
Qi2 wireless charging with MagSafe is officially coming to Samsung phones
It's been two years since the Qi2 standard was first announced, and we're finally starting to see some movement on the hardware front. At CES 2025, the Wireless Power Consortium revealed that Qi2 is officially coming to Samsung Galaxy devices this year. But that's not all – Google is also leading … [Read more...] about Qi2 wireless charging with MagSafe is officially coming to Samsung phones
ChromeOS 133 Developer finally introduces rounded window corners
One of the more modern design looks you see in most operating systems is the inclusion of rounded corners on open windows. It's subtle, sure, but there's just something a bit more polished about the entire OS when the corner edges of all the windows have a bit of radius to them. It's been … [Read more...] about ChromeOS 133 Developer finally introduces rounded window corners
A new Search Overview animation arrives, hints at Gemini 2.0
Google appears to be testing a new loading animation for AI Overviews in Search, and it's clear that Gemini is the driving force behind the redesign. This updated animation is considerably more dynamic than the current approach, and it may also be hinting at the arrival of Gemini 2.0 in … [Read more...] about A new Search Overview animation arrives, hints at Gemini 2.0
Take a listen to the new Gemini-powered Google Assistant voices
Google's been busy weaving Gemini into more and more products, and the one of the latest to get a bit of help from Gemini is Google Assistant on smart speakers. Earlier this month, the company started testing Gemini in Google Assistant on the Nest Mini and Nest Audio, bringing with it a nice new … [Read more...] about Take a listen to the new Gemini-powered Google Assistant voices
Google Keep is forcing users to “reload” their notes for some reason
if you're a Google Keep user, you might have noticed a little prompt nudging you to "Reload Keep" this week. I had it pop up a few days ago and didn't think too much of it, but it seems it's happening to most users across the board. It looks to be a simple update of some sort, but the front-facing … [Read more...] about Google Keep is forcing users to “reload” their notes for some reason
Pixel’s “Enhance Now Playing” feature is now rolling out to users
Google's December 2024 Feature Drop brought a promised update to the Pixel's Now Playing experience, introducing an "Enhance Now Playing" setting. While the concept is promising, the rollout had yet to actually happen: until now. Rolling out now to Pixel 6 and newer, "Enhance Now Playing" … [Read more...] about Pixel’s “Enhance Now Playing” feature is now rolling out to users
