As AR heads to Google search, Lens learns to translate, add tips, and more
Google Lens can soon help you decide what to eat by scanning the menu, then calculate the tip with one look at the receipt. Translation options are also expanding for Lens, while 3D objects and augmented reality tools will be built directly into Google search results, the company announced during I/O.
Next-generation Google Assistant runs in real time on your phone
Google has shown off an impressive raft of new features coming to the next-generation Google Assistant. By compressing models onto local phones, the Assistant can now run in real time without the need for a network connection. There's also Driving Mode, Duplex on the web, and more.
Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3a XL: What’s the difference and which best suits you?
If the Pixel 3 was a bit expensive for you, but you love the idea of a Google phone, then perhaps the affordable Pixel 3a, or the slightly bigger Pixel 3a XL, will tempt you. But just how do these Android smartphones differ apart from the price? We've got all the answers you need right here.
The Google Pixel 3a is a slap in the face for people who bought the Pixel 3
Google’s Pixel phones are known for their strong software experiences and smart cameras, but the price of the most recent Pixel 3 flagship smartphone was hard to stomach. Enter the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, phones that give you the best of the Pixel 3 at just half the price. So why should you pay more? Google needs to step up its hardware game.
The 2019 Google Play Awards honor self-care apps and alien-blasting games
Google has announced the winners of its annual Google Play Awards, and it's honoring some of the best of the best out there, from self-care apps, to gorgeous games that reward you for blowing up aliens. Here are all the winners of the 2019 Play Awards for the very best Android apps and games.
Google I/O 2019: What to expect, from Android Q to Pixel 3a and more
Google I/O is almost here, which means it's almost time for Google to show us its most highly-anticipated releases of the early part of the year. But what can you expect at Google I/O 2019? More details of the new Android version are certain, but Google seems to have a few more surprises coming.
Google I/O 2019: How to watch and keep up with the biggest developments
2019's Google I/O is almost here, and we're excited to find out what Google has planned. But what if you're not happy to receive your news second-hand? You want to see it all as it occurs. Well you can. Here's how to watch the Google I/O keynote and stay up-to-date with the Google I/O app.
Digital Trends Live: Google I/O preview, Blue Origin rocket test, and more
On today’s Digital Trends Live, we look at the Pixel 3 phone leak, give a Google I/O conference preview, and discuss Blue Origin’s successful launch of a space tourism rocket, new contact lenses with augmented reality capabilities, the art of Dungeons and Dragons, Bethesda’s Rage 2 release, and more.
As Google I/O looms, here are 5 features we’d love to see in Android Q
What would improve the Android platform? We’ve been thinking about the new features we’d love to see in Android Q and musing on the changes we think Google should make to improve the software. Here are the five things that top our wish list, that we hope to see at Google I/O.
What is Google Duplex? The smartest chatbot ever, explained
People were shocked earlier this year when Google debuted Google Duplex, an artificial intelligence feature for Google Assistant that will make phones calls on your behalf using an extremely life-like voice. Here's more detail on what Duplex is.
Android Q beta will roll out to more smartphones than Android Pie beta
The Android Q beta will involve more smartphones compared to the Android Pie beta last year, which included seven devices beyond Google's Pixel. The development is due to Project Treble, which makes it easier, faster, and less costly for manufacturers to update devices to the latest Android version.
Google I/O 2019 will take place at a familiar time and at a predictable locale
Google has taken the wraps off of the dates and location for Google I/O 2019. The event is set to take place from May 7 to 9 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California -- which is pretty much when and where we would expect the event to take place. At I/O, Google is expected to unveil Android Q.
Wear OS for smartwatches: Everything you need to know
Google has officially rebranded its Android Wear operating system to Wear OS. Removing the Android name may help people better understand Google-powered smartwatches. How does Wear OS differ from Android Wear? Outside of the name change and the new logo, Google is also gradually rolling out new features.
Android 9.0 Pie: Everything you need to know
It's time to dig in, as the new version of Android is here. After months of a beta program, Google has released the newest version of the Android operating system, and revealed its new name: Android 9.0 Pie. Is it worth getting excited about? You bet! Here's what you need to know about Android 9.0 Pie.
Google enables virtual tour creation via Street View or a smartphone
Google wants anyone to be able to create a virtual tour -- Google Tour Creator is an online program for creating virtual tours with multiple scenes. Anyone can use the program, using new images (like images from the Ricoh Theta V), Street View photos or, now, images shot in the Cardboard Camera app.
Here’s how to download and install Android 9.0 Pie
Want to take the next version of Android for a spin? Here's how to install the Android 9.0 Pie on your compatible device, and what you need to know before testing the new OS. If you have a Pixel or another eligible phone you can get all the new features early, but you can also expect some bugs.
Google Assistant-enabled smart displays to start shipping this week
Google has partnered with Lenovo, JBL, and LG to bring Google Assistant technology to smart displays. The speakers will compete against Amazon's Echo devices with a screen -- the Show and the Spot. The first of those devices - the Lenovo Smart Display - is available this week.
Google Home will stamp its passport in at least seven new countries this year
Google is slated to double the number of national markets in which the Google Home and Google Home Mini can be found this year. With the addition of Spain, Austria, and Ireland, the Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers are now available in 11 countries around the world.
Updates to Google Assistant could make it the most natural digital helper yet
Google is launching a number of awesome new updates to Google Assistant that could help make it the most natural digital helper so far. The updates include visual changes to Assistant on your phone, as well as the ability to actually call businesses to book appointments.
Augmented reality’s latest trick? Simplifying directions on Google Maps
At Google I/O, the company gave us a sneak peek at what's yet to come from Google Maps, and no matter how nonexistent your sense of direction might be, Google can help. Plus, there are a slew of new features for discovering new local restaurants, as well as party planning tools newly at your disposal.
Meet Google Duplex, AI that sounds human when it calls to book appointments
Calling a doctor's office, hair salon, or plumber for an appointment is often necessary when no online booking system is available. Google Assistant, using Google Duplex technology, may soon be able to do it for you and still sound like a human on the phone.
Google Photos now using A.I. to simplify editing and sharing images
At Google I/O, Google announced new A.I.-based features that will be rolling out across its products and services, including Google Photos. The new “suggested actions" will provide image-specific corrections and more in order to help speed up the editing and sharing process for users.
Microsoft Build and Google I/O are over. Which came out on top?
Both Microsoft and Google offer competing visions on how computing can shape the future. Both companies used AI in their demos, but Google took a consumer approach while Microsoft is directing its efforts at developers and the enterprise market.
The Google News App fuels your interests, provides a balanced perspective
At Google I/O 2018, the company announced a variety of new features to come for its Android P operating system, Google Assistant, Wear OS, and more. Google also introduced its all-new Google News app, which uses artificial intelligence to bring you news from all different perspectives.
A.I. and Google News: The push to broaden perspectives
Google has redesigned its Google News app, not just to refresh the design, but to also look for a way to broaden perspectives in an increasingly polarized world. While a lot of content is tailored towards you, there’s a new feature that forces you to see articles from all kinds of credible sources.
Behind the wheel with Volvo’s Android infotainment system
Volvo is injecting Android into its upcoming cars. You don't need a phone to power it like Android Auto or Apple's CarPlay, but you can still get the same great apps, music services, and even the Google Assistant to control your car. At Google I/O 2018, we took a look at a prototype.
You may be able to step foot into this massive Google Home Max
At Google I/O 2018, we stepped inside a larger than life-size Google Home Max to experience a wave of sound and immersive visuals. This big structure, which first popped up at Coachella, showcases the audio capabilities of the Google Home Max smart speaker, and it may be toured around the country.
Here’s what Google Lens’ Style Match, Smart Text Selection features look like
Google announced four new improvements to Google Lens, but what's key is that the technology is going to be built into the camera apps on phones from several other manufacturers such as LG, Sony, and OnePlus. We tried it out here at Google I/O 2018.
Google News receives a major overhaul, replaces Google Play Newsstand
At this year's Google I/O, Google announced its all-new Google News app -- replacing Google Play Newsstand on mobile and desktop, along with the Google News & Weather app on mobile. The new app uses Artificial Intelligence for the purpose of bringing you more customized news feeds.
Can Google really save us from wasting time, or are we on our own?
Google’s Digital Wellbeing suite includes features like Wind Down, Shush and an App Timer, designed to help users take control of their phone usage. But will it help us realize how much time we’re wasting and divert our attention, or is self control the only real solution? DT Debates.
Google’s ARCore 1.2 brings social AR experiences to your phone
Google has launched an update to ARCore that should help make augmented reality on Android a little more social. On top of that, Google also announced "Vertical Plane Detection," which will help AR apps detect real-world objects like walls, which in turn will allow users to place objects in the real world.
Chromebooks will start to feel more like Windows, but in a good way
Google adds more productivity features, improved app support, and better multitasking to Chrome OS to make Chromebooks a better alternative against systems running Windows 10 or MacOS. These new Chrome OS features make Chrome OS feel just as natural in notebook or tablet form factors.
Google wants to let you vote from your Android phone
Would you feel happy casting your vote for your next government leader on your smartphone? Google wants to make it so you don't even think twice about it, and has revealed some new security features that might make the Android operating system the go-to choice for all sorts of secure transactions.
Like the internet? Google wants to attach it to your face
Google announced the new WebXR APIs to help developers create augmented and virtual reality experiences for the browser. The move will create a more immersive web experience, allowing VR and AR content to be viewed on mobile VR headsets, desktop VR devices, and on the mobile web through Magic Window.