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Qualcomm is working on new chipsets for Wear OS smartwatches

Alexandra Arici
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Google didn’t share any new info about Wear OS, formerly known as Android Wear, during its I/O 2018 keynote.

To say Wear OS has stagnated for the past few years is an understatement, with very few, new decent smartwatch hitting the market. To make matters even worse, Google itself blatantly ignored the platform during one of its most important events.

But don’t worry. It’s not all lost. In a recent interview with Wearable, Qualcomm’s senior wearable director Pankaj Kedia revealed the company will launch new chips for Wear OS this fall, alongside a flagship device. Several partners will also be launching new Wear OS watches based on the new chips in time for the holidays.

The refresh is long overdue. Most Wear OS watches launching today take advantage of a Snapdragon Wear 2100, a chipset which dates back to February 2016.

Qualcomm set to breath new life into Wear OS

But finally, it seems that Qualcomm is gearing up to offer a revamp. Kedia says the new chips will be designed from the ground up. It will also enable manufacturers to build smaller watches with better battery life.

The chipmaker also aims to make the platform work more effectively with always-on displays. This was apparently prompted by fitness brands which are not happy with the current black and white ambient displays, as they do not look good.

Kedia claims the new processor is bound to significantly change the Wear OS ecosystem, and we certainly hope that’s the case. Google’s wearable platform definitely needs a shake-up and hopefully, Qualcomm’s new chipset will help with that.

But even with a new chip is in the making, some companies are apparently still working on products based on the old platform. Prior to Google’s I/O 2018, a new LG smartwatch codenamed ZNFW315 was spotted at the FCC.

The wearable might be the recently rumored LG hybrid smartwatch featuring analog hands and a traditional quartz movement.

Yet the supposed specs show the device runs a Snapdragon 2100. Bearing in mind that a new chipset is in the pipeline, you might want to abstain from buying the upcoming LG smartwatch, should it launch before autumn.

Google I/O 2018: What’s new with Android TV

Alexandra Arici
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During its I/O 2018 conference, Google announced the new ADT-2, a reference Android TV device about the size of a Chromecast Ultra.

The Google-branded dongle passed through the FCC last month, so its launch was imminent. The device runs Android TV and includes an HDMI plug and power port. It comes with 8GB of storage and 2GB of RAM.

Additionally, the dongle supports 4K video streaming and works in concert with a Bluetooth LE remote that can summon the Google Assistant.

Since it’s meant to be a reference device, the ADT-2 will be only available for developers and not for general public. The device will run Android P when it will start shipping out to devs later this summer.

Google said that only a limited number of developers will get the dongle, and that priority will be given to those who have a Google Play account. You can sign up here to get one. If you get chosen, Google will reach out to you.

On top of announcing the ADT-2, Google also details several changes that are coming to the Android TV platform.

The improvements fall into three main categories:

  • Better performance
  • Easier setup
  • Improved access to settings

Starting off with performance, Google has tweaked requirements to enable Android TV to run on lower-end devices with Android P. This should also translate into an improved experience on better hardware.

The search giant also says it has simplified setup. If you are using an Android device, the system’s “Nearby” notification will now help you to easily set up Android TV. For iOS users, Google has worked to improve the browser sign-up process.

The setup will also be able to suggest which apps should be auto-downloaded and installed thanks to the Play Auto Installs step.

What’s more, it will also help you log into accounts like Netflix by using Google’s Autofill function.

Last but not least, setup will let you know if there are any settings that you might have missed giving you quick access to what you need for a full experience.

As part of Android P, Google also has plans to introduce new hardware form factors for Android TV. Among the first will be the JBL Link Bar, which will feature an always-on Google Assistant. This is a typical-looking home theatre soundbar, but when plugged into a TV it can offer a complete Android TV experience. The product will become available to consumers later this year.

Huawei offers steep discounts on the Mate 10 Pro for Mother’s Day

Andrew Myrick
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We’re just a few days away from Mother’s Day, and if you haven’t picked up a gift yet, Huawei has your back. The manufacturer is offering some great discounts on various devices, including the Mate 10 Pro.

Mate 10 Pro

In our review of the Mate 10 Pro, we rated the device with a score of 4 out of 5 stars. The handset sports incredible specs, a great camera system, and a wonderful build quality

READ MORE: Huawei Mate 10 Pro Review

To celebrate Mother’s Day, you can pick up the Mate 10 Pro for just $649.99. This is down from the retail price of $799.99, so you’ll be saving $150. The best part is that you can pick this up from Amazon and have it ready in time for Sunday.

Buy the Huawei Mate 10 Pro!

Huawei Band 2 Pro

Huawei Band 2 Pro Wristband

If you aren’t looking for a fully-featured smartwatch, but don’t want to spend a boatload on a fitness tracker, then the Band 2 Pro may be for you. In our review, we gave the Band 2 Pro a resounding recommendation with many included hardware features.

READ MORE: Huawei Band 2 Pro Review

For a limited time, you can pick up the Band 2 Pro for just $49.99 with free Prime shipping. This is a savings of $20 and could definitely be a great replacement for those who don’t want to jump into the Fitbit world.

Buy the Huawei Band 2 Pro!

More savings

For those who are looking for some different gift ideas, Huawei has some more great sales going on. Here are some of the best:

These deals are available now, and last until May 19th. So if you have been putting off the idea of getting a gift for your Mom, you don’t have to wait any longer.

Sound off in the comments below if you have any other suggestions for a great Mother’s Day gift!

Seven of the best announcements from the Google I/O 2018 Keynote

Andrew Myrick
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Earlier today, Google I/O 2018 started off with quite a bang. The company shared some extremely exciting projects that have been in the works for some time.

If you’re like us and want to stay updated, you might be worried about missing something in today’s flurry of news. Well, you’re in luck, as we have condensed a lot of the major announcements.

Google News

Ever since Google Reader was laid to rest, we have been looking for a proper replacement. Sure, Feedly is a great replacement, but Google obviously knows how to give us the news we want.

Google News gets an AI-focused redesign

To the surprise of many, a new Google News application was announced at I/O. Not only will you get headlines from many of your favorite sources, but there is also Youtube integration and more.

What makes this even better is the fact that you don’t have to wait for News to be released. Instead, Google started rolling out the new app to 127 countries on iOS and Android today.

Photos

Google Photos is becoming the best option to keep all of your photos stored digitally. During the keynote, Google shared that a few impressive updates will be coming to the Photos app.

These include the ability to take a picture of a document, convert the image into a PDF, and then be able to share that later. Additionally, if you use Photos to store your “old-timey” pictures, a new feature is coming to help add some color to the black-and-white originals.

Unfortunately, Google stopped short of sharing a specific timeline. Instead, we will have to wait a “couple of months” before these features are rolled out.

Gmail

Just a few weeks ago, Google released a much-needed interface overhaul for the Gmail web app. This updated included a Confidential Mode, Smart Reply, and security warnings.

It seems that Google wasn’t done just yet, as Gmail stole some of the show during the I/O Keynote. Over the next few weeks, an update will be coming called “Smart Compose”.

When composing an email, the built-in AI capabilities will use contextual clues to auto-suggest words and phrases. Then, as you begin typing the email, Gmail will show prompts that you can select by pressing the “tab” button.

Assistant

As we expected, Google Assistant was going to play a major role in this year’s I/O conference. The company revealed a new technology called ‘WaveNet’ which relies on datasets of audio waveforms, versus full words and fragments.

The introduction and development of WaveNet has opened the door for some new voices. This means that you can now change the default voice response that you receive when interacting with Assistant.

What’s new in Photos, Gmail, and Assistant

The fun didn’t stop there as Assistant now features “Multiple Actions” and “Continued Conversation”. You will now be able to ask Assistant to perform multiple tasks at once, while also keeping up a conversation without constantly using the “Hey Google” keyphrase.

Perhaps the most surprising new feature coming someday to Assistant is Complex Calls. On the stage, there were a couple of phone calls demonstrated. These calls were performed by Assistant when trying to schedule a hair appointment and make dinner reservations.

Maps

Google Maps is already arguably the best navigation service around. However, Google is not letting this just sit around and collect dust. During the I/O Keynote, the company showed off a few new AR and machine learning features that are on the way.

New features coming to Google Maps

On the AR front, Maps will be able to use your camera to identify exactly where you are. The directions will be projected on your display, while also showing you information about local businesses.

When it comes to the included machine learning features, a new “For You” section will give you various recommendations. These recommendations will be provided based on your history and interests.

We’ll have to wait until this Summer, as Google is not yet ready to roll these features out just yet.

Android P

Android P was likely the most-anticipated featurette of the I/O Keynote. If you thought that Google would finally share the name of the next version of Android, you were a bit disappointed. However, this should not come as any surprise given Google’s recent track record.

New features coming to Android P

Instead, Google got everyone excited about quite a few new features that were not previously included. This includes a few an emphasis on machine learning with the help of the following:

  • Adaptive Battery
  • Adaptive Brightness
  • App Actions
  • Slices

However, Google shocked everyone by showing off a new way to use gestures with your Android P device. Instead of having three navigation buttons, Android P will use just one.

A swipe up will show you the most-recently-used apps, while swiping up again will open your app drawer. When swiping up for the first time, you can use the new gestures to quickly switch between apps.

How to get the Android P beta today!

In an effort to help keep you connected to the outside world, Google is also focusing on your wellbeing. This will be done with the help of Dashboard, App Timer, and Wind Down.

The Dashboard will show you the amount of time each app has been used. App Timer will let you set time limits on various apps, and then the app will be greyed out when the limit is met. Finally, Wind Down is a new way to help save your eyes when looking at your phone in bed by fading into grayscale until it’s bedtime.

Finally, for the first time ever, Google is bringing the Android P beta to non-Pixel devices. These include handsets from OnePlus, Sony, Nokia, and others.

Odds & Ends

These were just some of the major announcements made during today’s I/O Keynote. Here’s a list of some of the smaller tidbits provided by Google:

  • A new ‘morse code’ mode is coming to Gboard
  • There are over 500 million devices with Google Assistant
  • Android users total in the billions across the globe
  • Assistant speakers with displays are launching this July
  • More than 5 billion photos are viewed daily with Google Photos
  • Google is opening AI centers across the globe

Want Android P? Here’s how to get it on your device today!

Andrew Myrick
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Unless you have been living under a rock, you may have noticed that Google I/O 2018 kicked off today. The keynote mentioned quite a few different updates, including new features coming to Android P.

These include an even-bigger focus on machine learning, along with an all-new navigation method. In addition to showing off these new features, Google actually opened the Android P beta program.

This means that you can now join the program and get it on your smartphone. In previous years, the Android beta software was only available on Pixel and Nexus devices. This is no longer the case, as a few OEM’s have partnered with Google.

READ MORE: What’s new in Android P

Eligible Devices

How to get Android P Developer Preview

Each specific OEM has detailed instructions on you can get the Android P beta on your device now. However, the following instructions are for those who are rocking either the Pixel or Pixel 2.

The quick-and-easy method

If you have a compatible device, the easiest way to join the beta program is to head over to Google’s landing page. From here, you will need to sign into your Google account, and confirm that you are okay with using pre-release software.

Once you have registered, a notification will appear on your handset. By opening this, the Android P software will download and your device will update like normal.

Join the Android P Beta Program!

The Old-fashioned method

The main method of installing the Developer Previews is to manually flash the software image to your device. Manually flashing is useful if you need more exact control over your test environment or expect to reinstall frequently. If you’re considering dabbling in various ROMs or bouncing around from one build to another, this might be the way to go.

Caution: Installing a system image on your phone removes all data from the handset. Back up your data first and proceed carefully. Worth noting, the manual route does not allow for automatic software updates.

The factory image downloaded from this page includes a script that flashes the device, typically named flash-all.sh (On Windows systems, use flash-all.bat instead).

To flash a device you also need the latest fastboot tool. You can get it from one of the following sources:

Once you have the fastboot tool, add it to your PATH environment variable (the flash-all script below must be able to find it). Also be certain that you’ve set up USB access for your device.

Flash System Image

  • Download the appropriate system image for your device from, then unzip it to a safe directory.
  • Connect your device to your computer over USB.
  • Start the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:
    • Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute: adb reboot bootloader
    • Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device.
  • If necessary, unlock the device’s bootloader run this command: fastboot flashing unlock
  • The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)
  • Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
  • Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.
  • Once the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:
    • Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
    • Execute: fastboot flashing lock

    Locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.

What’s next?

After the software has been downloaded to your device, there’s something important to remember. This is very early software, and it should not be used with your “daily driver”.

With each beta software update, there are likely to be bugs that could affect your day-to-day usage. If you are willing to take the risk, then flash or download away and get Android P today.

If you run into any issues, be sure to sound off in the comments and let us know!

Google Maps to get updated with new Assistant, AR, and recommendation features

AndroidGuys
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The mission for Google Maps for the past several years has been to help people get around in their environments. That mission hasn’t changed and in fact should get stronger with the addition of Assistant, AR, and machine learning in Maps.

For the first addition in Maps, we will be seeing Assistant coming this summer. While having a minimal and less intrusive experience, Assistant will allow you to navigate throughout your world verbally. Assistant will also be able to build upon all of its new features within Maps as well.

Google Maps is adding a “For you” section as well. Using machine learning, For You will offer up better recommendations of places to go. The feature was ultimately made so that users can make “better decision on the go and experience the world in new ways.”

“Your Match” is a new fourth tab coming in Google Maps this summer. It will off personalization recommendation based on your location habits. Using a few different factors, such as general business knowledge and your personal preferences, will allow “Your Match” to generate a score. The score, out of 100, shows why a place is recommended and how likely you are to enjoy it.

There’s also a new shortlist feature coming to allow users the ability to offer up multiple locations with their friends. The “Explore” tab will also now show “everything new and interesting nearby”. You’ll be able to see dining, event, and activity options in any area that you’re looking.

Lastly, Google is also adding a few augmented reality (AR) features. In the new camera interface, users will be able to tell precisely where they are and where they need to go. They will also be able to get help with directions from a nifty fox.

All these changes should be coming this summer. They will likely come with a new app update along with many background changes.

Baikoh review: An intense word game for the modern era

Alexandra Arici
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Word games provide an unrivaled style of entertainment that presents an educational challenge which enriches word power.

Everyone loves a good word game and that’s why games like crosswords and Scrabble have been around for ages, providing children and adults alike with countless hours of fun.

But if you’re looking for the next evolution in word games and not your classic grandma kind, then you might want to give Baikoh a chance. Developed by the indie studio Mum Not Pride, the game shows you word games can get a lot more creative and…ironic.

How do you play Baikoh?

Simple, download the app from the Google Play Store, it’s free. Then install it on your Android (it’s also available on iOS). Launch the application and check out the short tutorial before diving in.

Impressions

Created with Unity, Baikoh boasts a minimalist, yet beautiful interface that will instantly draw you in. The matte colors are very pleasing and the subtle backgrounds ensure your eyes won’t get tired as you immerse yourself in gameplay.

Like the majority of word games out there, Baikoh has a few different ways for you to play. There’s Solo Campaign which is divided into Solo and Zen, and Versus. Versus is just like Solo although you will use weapons against other humans. Basically, it’s the game’s multiplayer mode.

Solo and Zen are almost identical too, but the former mode does not allow players to use badges, traps, or bet baikoins.

But regardless of the mode you choose, gameplay is similar. You have to spell out words using the tiles on the screen. And you have to do it fast. Because tiles keep falling down from the top of the screen and creating stacks. Think of it as Tetris meets Scrabble.

The end goal? Don’t let the tiles reach the top of the screen. Keep spelling words as fast as you can. While shorter words are best for being quick, you will get more points if you create larger ones. Ah, and you need to be careful not to misspell words. Three misspells and you’re out.

If that’s not enough, the game is riddled with various obstacles or traps. There are giant face stones which take up the space of several letters, frozen tiles, bombs and much more. More traps are unlocked as you level up.

The game adjusts its difficulty based on your level, so the better you get, the harder the game will be.

As you progress, you will start earning baikoins, in-game currency, which can be traded for badges. These power-ups, if used wisely, can greatly prolong your game by doing things like destroying the tallest stack of letters.

Baikoh also includes a series of challenge rounds like Dictation, Word List or No Repeat. For example, in the former, you have to type the words that are dictated to you, as fast as you can.

Baikoh comes with some in-app purchases, in case you feel you need more baikoins or badges. But luckily, the game can be thoroughly enjoyed without having to spend money.

Like most mobile games, Baikoh does contain some ads. Watch an ad and you can get an extra life which allows you to jump back in the game after you’ve been eliminated. Ads also pop up at the end of the game, but fortunately, they don’t interfere with gameplay. So that’s a good thing.

For me, the game proved very challenging to play and I loved that. I did get frustrated a lot, but at myself, not the game. I often found myself in a situation where I just couldn’t zero in on the letter I needed to complete the word. And it drove me nuts. I definitely need to improve my observation skills.

The developers say Baikoh is a game about love and suffering, and I guess that sums it up right.  It can get intense and hard pretty quick, but nevertheless and the end of your gaming session you’ll be left craving more.

Machine learning for the win: Google shows off Android P’s main features

AndroidGuys
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Google today showed off some of the upcoming features for its Android P software platform. Taking the stage at its annual Google IO conference, Google pulled the curtain back on a number of details for the next release of its mobile operating system.

Keeping with this year’s overall emphasis on machine learning, Android P is nothing if not smarter and more helpful. Given that smartphone features and capabilities have somewhat plateaued over the years, we might not have expected so much out of the next build of Android. Indeed, Android P will be a significant step forward in mobile.

Focusing on the three key areas intelligence, simplicity, and digital wellbeing, Android P will get to know users like no version before. Below are a few of the features shown off today. These will be what make devices like the presumed Pixel 3, and others so awesome in late 2018.

Adaptive Battery

Your phone can learn what apps and services you use based on time and day and prioritize battery for what’s important. Gone are constant CPU wakeups and overall battery drains for things that don’t matter in the moment.

Adaptive Brightness

You know how you can manually adjust your screen’s display to brighter and darker? Wouldn’t it be cool if your phone would learn how to do that for you based on surroundings? With Android P your phone will look at your lighting and preferences to deliver a better screen experience.

App Actions

If you’ve owned a Google Pixel, you know already that the phone can anticipate which apps you are going to use at different times of the day. Android P takes things further and makes suggestions for apps and actions based on machine learning. This means that in addition to offering up apps and games, the phone could also suggest starting a playlist or making a phone call. Plug in headphones, for instance, it will probably bring up Spotify or Google Play Music.

These actions will show up in the main launcher as well as other places. Say you tap and highlight a word in Chrome browser; Smart Actions might offer to play a YouTube video or play a song based on the word. Look for this feature in Google Play Store, Google Assistant, and Google Search.

Slices

To help aid these new actions, Google is giving developers the ability to create interactive snippets. Called Slices, it cuts down the time in opening and app and starting a set task.

An example shown today included searching “Lyft” and results pulling up the option to immediately book a ride home with the price and time already known. Under the old way you would have to open Lyft, search for the ride, set the destination, etc. In Android P your phone knows what you’re up to and cuts to the chase.

Navigation

Perhaps the biggest, and our personal favorite, change in Android P comes in the navigation. Say goodbye to the old menu of three buttons. The next release of Android adopts gestures and (wait for it) machine learning to get around your device.

The navigation system relies on one, single, clean button. Swipe up on the home screen button and you’ll be presented with a card-like look at the apps running, and five suggested apps at the bottom. Slide left or right on the home button and you’ll be able to hop between the open apps and games.

Dashboard

As part of Google’s effort to help users better balance their real-world lives with the time spent on a phone, it has introduced Dashboard. This feature lets you see where you are spending your time, what apps are using it the most, how many notifications you receive, how often you wake a phone, how much video you watch, etc.

Google is also building this focus on digital wellbeing in apps, too. YouTube, for example, will track how much time you spend watching videos and make gentle reminders to take a break or go outside. In other words, it’s like having an assistant keep an eye on your habits. It’s up to you to learn from your usage.

App Timer

In a related note, the App Timer lets you set time limits on apps and nudge you when you’re getting close to hitting the threshold. Once you reach the goal time limit the app will be grayed out to help remind you of where you are for the day. Now you can force yourself to stop refreshing Reddit and get back to living.

Do Not Disturb

Google has punched up the DND feature in Android P, not only making it smarter, but tying it into another, new setting. Now when you flip your phone over your device will automatically go into do not disturb. And, it’s not just going silent, but it also removes the popup notifications and visual stuff, too.

Wind Down

This is the aforementioned new option; it lets users pick a time they’d like to go to bed at night and helps ensure they meet the goal. When it gets dark outside your phone can go into DND and the screen will gradually fade into grayscale until it’s time for chosen bedtime.

That’s Not All

There are a few other cool features in store for Android P, including a whole slew of things under the hood and aimed at developers. That’s not to suggest you won’t see them as a general user, though. Half the fun in getting a new software build is the discovery and wow factor.

Available as Beta Immediately

Google today announced that the Android P Beta release is available immediately for not only its own Pixel line, but phones from other manufacturers, too. Among those who can install the beta release are people who own a Sony Xperia XZ2, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Nokia 7 Plus, Oppo R15 Pro, Vivo X21, OnePlus 6, and Essential PH‑1.

Google I/O 2018: What’s new in Google Photos, Gmail, and Assistant

Alexandra Arici
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0

Google has numerous events throughout the year, but I/O is by far the biggest. It’s a three-day affair of keynote presentations, developer workshops, and product announcements. It’s also where Google announces new features which are headed to some of its main services.

And this year’s keynote started out with CEO Sundar Pichai and other Google executives talking about new options headed for Google Photos, Gmail and the Assistant. In case you missed it, here’s what to expect.

Google Photos

A massive AI-infused update is headed towards Google Photos. In the coming months, the app will get what Google calls “Suggested Actions”. These are smart actions that the AI algorithms powering the app will suggest on a per-photo basis.

Automatically share photos with the people that appear in them

Google Photos will be able to recognize the people in your photos and provided you have their contacts, will offer to send those snaps to your friend(s).

Document scanning

The second new feature coming to Google Photos is the ability to scan documents with OCR (optical character recognition). Soon the app will be able to recognize if you’ve taken a photo of a document and automatically convert it into a PDF.

Image enhancements

In the upcoming months, Google Photos will gain the ability to detect whether a photo is overexposed and will automatically suggest to fix it. At the moment, the app can automatically enhance a photo that is overly bright or dark.

But wait there’s more. The app will also add the ability to colorize old black and white photos.

On top of that, it will allow users to take advantage of the so-called “color splash” effect. The tool harnesses the power of AI to detect the subject in the photo and leave them in color, while the background is set to black and white.

Gmail

The desktop version of Google’s mail client was recently given a design makeover. Well, now Google is throwing in some AI-powered capabilities too, in the form of Smart Compose.

The new feature will be able to pick up contextual clues from your email (like the subject line) and auto-suggest words and phrases including addresses as you type your email.

Smart Compose silently operates in the background, so you will be able to type emails as you normally would and suggestions will appear. When you see a suggestion you like, just click on the “tab” button to use it.

The new feature will start showing up in the new Gmail over the next few weeks.

Google Assistant

Obviously, the Google Assistant took up a big part of today’s presentation, as the virtual helper is getting a bevvy of new features in the near future.

6 new (more natural) voices

Google wants you to feel like you’re talking to a friend when conversing with your Assistant. As CEO Sundar Pichai firmly stated, one of the biggest goals for the company is to make the Assistant more matural and comfortable to talk to.

So this year Google is taking the Assistant to the next level by implementing 6 new voices with different accents and tonalities. They will be joining the original voice which was codenamed Holly and was actually a real person sitting in a studio recording answers to various questions.

Speaking of real persons, one of the 6 new voices is actually John Legend’s (famed singer/songwriter). Although he did not sit in a studio and record all day long but benefited from Google’s work with WaveNet technology. The text-to-speech solution relies on large datasets of raw audio waveforms, rather than full words and speech fragments.

The new voices will become available for mobile, as well as the Google Home users starting later today.

You’ll no longer have to say “Hey, Google” all the time

Tired of saying “Hey, Google” each time you have a request? Well, you no longer have to thanks to the newly introduced “Continued Conversation” feature.

This way you will be able to speak to your Assistant more naturally, without repeating the hot word all the time. Continued Conversation will become available in the coming weeks.

String multiple requests together

Google also introduced “Multiple Actions” in Assistant today. The AI helper will soon be able to distinguish between an “and” that links two commands together and an “and” that simply connects two terms such as the names of two restaurants. Basically, it will know when to separate a request in two and when not to.

Enforces polite behavior

Parents will be able to use the Assistant to cultivate politeness in their kids. Google’s virtual helper now recognizes when a child asks something politely and will reward the good behavior with praise. The new feature is called “Pretty, Please” and will be available later this year.

A more immersive experience

The new and improved Google Assistant is set to take full advantage of the screen for a more immersive and interactive experience. Swiping up on your Assistant page shows more info about your day including notes, lists and more.

Alternatively, in certain scenarios, the Assistant will be more minimal and less intrusive. Like when you’re driving. Speaking of which, the Assistant will come to Navigation in Google Maps this summer.

Complex calls

Google Assistant will soon become your secretary. The AI helper will be able to carry out complete conversations with business. For example, it is able to call your favorite hair salon and book you a haircut appointment. A feature which introverts will surely love to use.

 

Google News gets an AI focused redesign

AndroidGuys
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The news is a massive part of my day as I’m sure it’s a big part in a lot of people’s days — especially in today’s era. I’d be remiss to say that Google News is the primary way I look at my daily news. Google must have known this as they are giving Google News (which is merging with Play Newsstand) a significant redesign.

During this years I/O, Google dropped that they will be overhauling the Google News (News) app with a focus on new AI features along with an entirely new app. The overhaul will also give the web version a new UI interface as well.

With AI being the primary focus of this overhaul brings about some nifty features. Firstly, Google News will be able to know what information is interesting to you automatically. News will, of course, be using data from other aspects of your Google account to learn about you.

The new app and web redesign are designed to showcase photos and videos at the forefront. The app will integrate those photos from various websites and videos from several sources including Youtube. The stories that News gathers are categorized by topics and will list the top stories at the top of the app. It will also include a “Newscasts” feature which will pull information from other platforms, even social networks like Twitter.

The Google News redesign is starting to roll out today for everyone. Unfortunately the Android and iOS app will be available “in the coming weeks.”

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