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

Alexandra Arici
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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.”

How to take a screenshot using Google Assistant

AndroidGuys
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Artificial intelligence is a rising trend, with many smartphone manufacturers joining the effort to make devices more intuitive and user-friendly. With Google Assistant integrated into its Android operating system, it is the virtual assistant available to the most smartphone users. 

There are a lot of things one can do with voice command assistants, such as set music alarms and look up TV schedules or send money to your friends. Internet radio lovers can use voice commands to control Spotify music playback. And AI is not only on smartphones but also tablets, smart watches, smart home speakers, smart TVs, and even in vehicles.

One of the first things you can do with Google’s AI is take a screenshot.

How to Take a Screenshot using Google Assistant

  • To take a screenshot using Google Assistant, ensure that the Assistant is enabled. If you hold the home button, you should see the setup menu appear. Follow the instructions on-screen to train the Assistant to recognize your voice. Once you’re all set, you can begin to use Google Assistant.
  • Say “Ok, Google,” or long press the home button.
  • Once the Assistant appears, give a simple command such as “Take a screenshot.”
  • You can edit the screenshot before sending it to someone or saving it in your own files. You can share it to social media apps such as Google+, upload it to Google Photos, or send it via text messaging, among other things.

Are you having trouble learning how to take a screenshot using Google Assistant?

Motorola slashes up to $220 off its phones for Mother’s Day promotion

AndroidGuys
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Motorola has dropped the prices of three of it smartphones as part of a limited-time Mother’s Day promotion. Starting now, and running for a few weeks, the unlocked Moto X4, Moto Z2 Play, and Moto Z2 Force Edition are receiving major discounts.

The unlocked Moto X4 is currently $100 off, selling for just $299.99, or as low as $16.67/month. We really like this device as it’s a value-packed unit that provides stock Android with just the right touch of enhancement. Moreover, it’s about as inexpensive as it gets for a phone that works with any of the big four wireless carriers. Oh, and it has Amazon Alexa built right in!

The unlocked Moto Z2 Play runs $349.99, meaning it’s on sale to the tune of $150 off its normal price. That’s a hell of a deal and gets you into the world of Moto Mods. Not only do we love the phone itself, but the peace of mind that comes with the portfolio of add-on pieces cannot be overstated. This means you can add a bigger, better speaker, a much more capable camera, projector, external battery, or something else just by snapping it onto your handset.

At the higher end of the spectrum is the Moto Z2 Force Edition which has seen its price dropped $220 all the way down to just $500. Featuring a shatterproof design, the phone also offers up support for Moto Mods. The general consensus is that this device is one tough cookie and built to last all day. Moreover, it boasts an excellent camera experience with laser autofocus and dual autofocus pixels.

The Motorola promotions will run through May 26th or while supplies last. Don’t wait if you’re thinking about these as they’re bound to go pretty quick.

Watch the Google I/O 2018 Keynote here!

Matt Adams
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Where a few short hours away from the keynote address from Google I/O 2018. While I/O has moved to focus on Developers in recent years, it still holds big news for all Android fans. We’ve seen major announcements in the past that shape the future of Android.

We expect the same this year. At 1 PM Eastern/10 AM local, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and a host of other Google executives will take the stage. What will they have in store for us? Well, we don’t know for sure, but some leaks have pointed to new details about Android P, new details about Wear OS and possibly new a new watch from LG, Android Auto, Android and more.

Watch the Google I/O 2018 Keynote

So, where can you watch the keynote? Right here of course! The Google Developer YouTube channel is live-streaming the event and we’ve embedded the stream below. Enjoy and tell us in the comments what you’re looking forward to most this year!

Four must-follow tips for keeping your cell phone safe (Promoted)

AndroidGuys
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It’s more important than ever to keep your personal information safe. Businesses know this, which is why they hire companies like Reciprocity to manage regulatory burdens and digital security.

But, it isn’t just businesses that are at risk. We all are, especially since we carry so much of our personal information in our pockets.

You should spend plenty of time protecting your computer, but the time has come for us all to spend just as much time protecting our cell phones. After all, cell phones today really are computers in their own right.

Protect your phone and the information it contains by following these tips that are a must for all cell phone users.

Lock Your Phone

It should go without saying, and yet, so many people don’t lock their phones! It’s a quick and easy way to secure your information, and it only takes a second to enable.

By locking your phone so a passcode must be entered, you can ensure your personal information isn’t compromised if someone steals your phone or you accidentally leave it behind at the bar.

If you don’t like the idea of wasting your time manually unlocking your phone all the time, try:

  • A fingerprint reader
  • Unlocking your handset with your face
  • Keeping your phone unlocked when you’re at home

Make Sure You Know How to Wipe Your Phone Remotely

If your phone is picked up, having a lock screen will keep identity thieves at bay for a while, but a good hacker can still access your information. That’s why you should learn how to wipe your phone remotely.

There are different steps depending on whether you have an Android device or an Apple device, so make sure you look up the steps for your particular phone. In most cases, it can be done without the need for a third-party app, which means you can wipe your phone at any time.

Block Harmful Third-Party Apps

Dependable app stores, like the Google Play store, have protections that ensure you won’t accidentally download a malicious app. Even some third-party app stores, like Amazon, do a good job with this, but not all do. Not to mention, harmful websites may try and start an automatic download on your phone.

Make sure you don’t end up downloading an app that compromises your security by disabling the Unknown Sources setting on your Android phone. This option is also available on iPhones.

Install Antimalware Software

Antimalware on phones wasn’t a big deal just a few years ago, but it’s increasingly becoming more important. It is recommended that you download a program today because Android and iOS programs are increasingly becoming targets for malicious software. This tip is even more important if you’re using a mobile device for work.

Gone are the days when cell phones were only used to make phone calls and send text messages. Today, they function like mini computers, which means you have to treat them that way. These tips will help ensure your phone stays safe in today’s digitally connected world.

Google Play Awards 2018 winners get announced: check out the best apps and games

Alexandra Arici
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Hours before the start of Google’s I/O opening keynote, the company has taken the time to announce the Google Play Awards 2018.

These are top Android apps and games as selected by teams of Googlers. Nominees for the Play Awards 2018 were announced late last month. Apps are scored based on quality, design and technical performance and more. Furthermore, these apps either launched or received a major update since April 2017.

The nine categories and their respective winners are the following:

The Google Play Awards are a great way for app and game developers to make a name for themselves. But also for users to discover new stuff.

Some names in the list like Khan Academy and Flipkart are probably familiar to the majority, but games like Old Man’s Journey or Empires & Puzzles are not so widely known.

Compared to last year, Google has changed things a bit. The company removed some categories like Best Android Wear experience, Best TV Experience, Best Multiplayer game, Best App. It also merged the VR and AR categories.

Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference, is set to kick off today at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Things start with a keynote from CEO Sundar Pichai, followed by talks from other executives.

We expect Google to make tons of announcements including giving us a glimpse of the features coming to Android P. We’re also probably going to hear news about the Google Assistant, AI and the company’s plan to revamp Android messaging.

Stay tuned for more info, coming soon.

How to set Amazon Alexa as the default assistant on the Galaxy S9

Andrew Myrick
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We’re just a day away from Google dominating the headlines at I/O 2018. However, a surprising move happened, as Amazon updated its Alexa app on Android devices.

READ MORE: Amazon Echo tips and tricks

The update now allows you to use Alexa as your default voice assistant on just about any device. This includes support for the Galaxy S9, S9 Plus, and even the Huawei Mate SE.

How to set up Alexa

If you want to stop using Bixby or Google Assistant, in favor of Alexa, we have a guide for you. Follow these steps on your Galaxy S9 in order to use Alexa.

Before getting started, you’ll need to download the Amazon Alexa app from the Play Store. After the app is installed, you will need to log into your Amazon account to get everything working.

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to set Alexa as the default:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and select Apps
  3. Tap the three-dot overflow button in the top right-hand corner
  4. Select Default Apps
  5. Tap Phone assistant app
  6. Select Alexa

As expected, this will enable Amazon Alexa as your personal assistant.

What’s next?

Now that Alexa is in charge, you can activate her by pressing and holding on the home button. This will show a screen asking if you want to give Alexa permission to “access your microphone and location”.

By performing these steps, you will then be able to use Alexa to ask all of your pertinent questions. However, there is a bit of a catch here.

Samsung has included a hardware button for its Bixby services. However, you won’t be able to properly activate Alexa using the Bixby button.

READ MORE: How to remove Bixby

Additionally, you won’t be able to use the “Alexa” keyword phrase to activate the assistant. All of this means that you will only be able to activate Alexa by long-pressing the home button.

At the time of this writing, the popular bxActions application does not work with Alexa. So you will be stuck with only one method to activate Amazon’s assistant.

If you run into any issues in, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We’ll be sure to get back to you with any possible fixes!

 

Female health tracking and quick replies come to the Fitbit Versa and Ionic

Andrew Myrick
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While the Fitbit Ionic may not be the most attractive smartwatch on the market, the Versa sure seems to be a sure bet. Fitbit launched its second dedicated smartwatch in the first half of March.

Female Health Tracking

One of the highly-touted features was Fitbit’s plans to bring Female Health Tracking and more. It was unknown when Fitbit would actually launch these features, but the wait is now over.

When it comes to the Female Health tracking, your Fitbit can now track menstrual cycles and symptoms. This will help the ladies keep track of their monthly visitors to ensure everything is in working order.

While the information is collected on the watch, the Fitbit app will actually be able to provide predictions and more. This will obviously come the more frequently you take advantage of these new features on your Versa.

READ MORE: Fitbit Ionic Review

However, the fun doesn’t stop there as Quick Replies are now available. This functionality is coming to both the Versa and Ionic and works as advertised.

Whenever a message comes into your Versa or Ionic, then you can use a default or custom reply. You can even use your favorite emoji’s when using the quick reply feature on your smartwatch.

If you want to pick up the Versa for yourself or for your Mom, now is a great time. The smartwatch is available from Amazon for just $199.99. Hit the button below to learn more and let us know if you have any questions!

Buy the Fitbit Versa!

LG’s next smartwatch passes through the FCC

Matt Adams
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We’ve been hearing rumblings about a new smartwatch coming from LG for a while. Now, Droid-Life spotted the watch passing through the FCC certification process ahead of its launch. While Android wearables might be in a bit of a stale place right now, the new LG has us intrigued.

READ MORE: Here are the five best smartwatches

The intrigue comes down mostly to the rumor that it’ll be a hybrid Wear OS device. What exactly does a hybrid device mean? Well, we don’t know for sure right now but rumors point to the device having physical hands for telling the time while still utilizing Wear OS for apps.

via Droid-Life

LG may have a unique layout on the device as well. In the FCC filing, we see an app layout that’s different from the standard Wear OS layout. Normally you’d see apps in a vertical list, but the LG watch has apps arranged in a half circle with a label up top for the app you’re highlighting. Pretty interesting.

The FCC listing details a couple other interesting facts like the watch is indeed a circular device. It also will come with no cellular connectivity but does have Bluetooth and WiFi on board. It has a Snapdragon 2100 processor, 768 MB of RAM, and 4 GB of storage, all pretty standard for watches in 2018.

There’s no official announcement yet, but we expect to hear something about the device tomorrow as Google I/O kicks off. Be sure to let us know in the comments whether you’re interested to see what LG has been working on.

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