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
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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
Canvas in Gemini is Google’s new interactive space for creators and developers
Google has once again expanded Gemini's capabilities with the introduction of "Canvas," a new interactive workspace designed to streamline content creation and coding. This development allows users to leverage Gemini's powerful AI directly within a dedicated environment, simplifying tasks ranging … [Read more...] about Canvas in Gemini is Google’s new interactive space for creators and developers
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 Pixel 9a unboxing videos leak just before the anticipated launch
The anticipation surrounding Google's Pixel 9a has reached a fever pitch, with unboxing and hands-on videos now hitting YouTube ahead of the rumored March 19th release. These leaks provide an in-depth look at Google's upcoming mid-range device, giving us a closer look at the design shifts and a … [Read more...] about Google Pixel 9a unboxing videos leak just before the anticipated launch
Why it’s time to replace your busted Chromecast with this $20 Google TV streamer
If you've been battling "untrusted errors" on your 2nd-Gen Chromecast, you're not alone. For over a week now, these frustrating issues have rendered many of these devices completely unusable. While Google has acknowledged the problem and is rolling out a fix, the timeline and potential for lingering … [Read more...] about Why it’s time to replace your busted Chromecast with this $20 Google TV streamer
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
Move over Gemini: You can now set ChatGPT as the default assistant on Android
The landscape of AI assistants is evolving by the day, giving users more choice than ever before. While Google's Gemini holds a prominent position on Android, it's no longer the only option for those seeking quick access to AI. The ability to change your default assistant (triggered by a long-press … [Read more...] about Move over Gemini: You can now set ChatGPT as the default assistant on Android
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
