Tag: Google

  • Google Messages Adds 9 New Features: A Complete Guide for Android Users

    Google Messages Adds 9 New Features: A Complete Guide for Android Users

    Google Messages is getting a major update packed with quality-of-life improvements. From richer personalization options to smarter RCS controls, Android users will soon see a more flexible and connected messaging experience. Here are the nine new features rolling out to Google Messages.

    1. Personalized Chat Themes

    Users can now customize individual conversations with custom colors and wallpapers. Google Messages also supports personal photos and curated background collections, making it easy to give every chat its own look and feel.

    2. Google Keep Integration

    Google Keep notes can now be created, edited, and shared directly inside conversations. This integration helps users manage collaborative lists and planning tasks without switching between apps.

    3. Precise Copying

    The redesigned long-press menu allows users to select and copy specific portions of a message. Instead of copying an entire text, you can now grab just the part you need.

    4. Swipe for Timestamps

    Swiping left anywhere within a conversation now reveals message timestamps and RCS encryption information. The new gesture makes it quicker and more convenient to check message details.

    5. Updated Reply Gesture

    Google Messages has changed the reply interaction: a right swipe on a message bubble now opens direct replies. This replaces the previous left-swipe gesture and makes responding more intuitive.

    6. Official Feature Chat

    Google is introducing an official RCS chat where users can learn about new Google Messages features and receive in-app updates. This dedicated channel keeps users informed directly within their conversations.

    7. Android-iPhone RCS Replies

    RCS conversations between Android and iPhone users now support inline quoted replies and actual emoji reactions to photos, starting with iOS 27. Cross-platform chats will feel more expressive and responsive.

    8. Read Receipt Redesign

    Google Messages is testing a refreshed read receipt design with easier access to timestamps and encryption details. The new swipe-based conversation controls put key message information just a gesture away.

    9. Messages for Web

    Messages for web is moving toward Google Account sign-in as the primary login method. QR-code pairing is being phased out as the newer, more streamlined authentication approach rolls out to users.

    These updates reflect Google’s focus on making Messages more personal, efficient, and secure for Android users. Keep an eye on the app for these features as they become available.

  • Android Dev Summit 2026 Returns: Google Confirms Dates, AI Focus, and London Edition

    Android Dev Summit 2026 Returns: Google Confirms Dates, AI Focus, and London Edition

    Google has officially announced the Android Dev Summit 2026, scheduled for October 28–29 at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. The event marks the return of the dedicated Android developer conference after a four-year hiatus, with an additional extended edition taking place in London on the same day.

    Summit Schedule and Format

    The two-day summit kicks off on October 28 at 8:30 AM PDT (9:00 PM IST) and concludes on October 29 at 4:00 PM PDT (4:30 AM IST). Hosted at Google’s Event Center at Bay View, attendance is invitation-only for select professional Android developers. Attendees can expect product demonstrations, announcements about Android, and opportunities to connect with Google engineers and industry experts.

    London Extended Edition

    On October 28, Google will also host an extended edition of the summit at its UK office at 6 Pancras Square, London. Running from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM to 12:30 AM IST), the London event caters to developers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Like the Mountain View event, attendance is by invitation only.

    Key Topics and Expectations

    Android 18 is expected to be a major focus, with Google likely sharing more details about its next operating system. Other anticipated highlights include new graphics features in Jetpack Compose, sessions on artificial intelligence capabilities for Android apps, and updates on Android XR—Google’s extended reality platform. Development tools and app tools are also on the agenda. Developers interested in attending the Mountain View event must register in advance.

    The return of the Android Dev Summit provides Google with a dedicated platform to outline the future of Android development and unveil upcoming tools and features.

  • Google Trials ‘Call for Me’ AI Feature for Pixel 11 Users: Gemini Now Handles Phone Calls

    Google Trials ‘Call for Me’ AI Feature for Pixel 11 Users: Gemini Now Handles Phone Calls

    Google is testing a new Gemini AI feature that can make phone calls to businesses on behalf of users, marking a significant step in AI-powered task automation. Dubbed “Call for Me,” the feature is initially rolling out to Pixel 11 owners in the United States who have a Gemini subscription. Users also need the beta version of Google’s Phone app for Android, as the feature is currently in an experimental phase.

    Unlike previous AI-assisted calling tools from Google, Gemini can now share personal information that users approve for a call. This allows the AI to handle a wider range of tasks while keeping users involved in the process. With “Call for Me,” Gemini can contact a business, introduce itself, navigate automated phone menus, wait on hold, and then speak with an employee. Users can follow the conversation through a live transcript and take over the call whenever they want. All calls are made using the user’s own phone number directly from their device.

    Google says the feature can handle tasks such as checking whether a product is available at a store, making a restaurant reservation, changing an appointment to another date, or placing an item on hold. The company has also noted that Gemini can handle phone conversations after getting through automated systems, rather than simply waiting for a human representative to answer.

    This development builds on several years of Google’s work on AI-assisted phone calls. The company previously demonstrated Google Assistant calling a salon to make a reservation, and later introduced “Ask for Me,” which allowed Gemini to call businesses to ask about prices and services. Pixel users have also had access to “Hold for Me,” which waits on the line until a person answers, and “Talk to a Live Rep,” which can navigate phone systems.

    Google said it is starting “Call for Me” on a small scale because “real-world conversations are nuanced” and the company needs time to improve the feature before making it available more broadly.

  • How Meta, Google, and Qualcomm Are Driving the Next Wave of AI Smart Glasses

    How Meta, Google, and Qualcomm Are Driving the Next Wave of AI Smart Glasses

    Meta, Google, and Qualcomm are pushing smart glasses into a new phase, moving beyond basic audio features to integrate AI, cameras, displays, and phone-like capabilities. On September 23, Meta unveiled its advanced VR device in the form of smart glasses, while also launching a camera-free VR glasses model. That same evening, Google partnered with Qualcomm to announce its first Gemini glasses at a Qualcomm event. These moves signal a clear trend: the wearable industry is shifting toward smart glasses that listen, talk, and even provide a screen when needed.

    New Models and Pricing

    Meta’s VR Glasses are priced at approximately ₹1.24 lakh in India and weigh around 100 grams. They rely on a separate pocket device for key hardware and are expected to arrive in spring 2027. Meanwhile, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 will be available for roughly ₹44,300 in India and will feature a 12MP camera, longer battery life, and a dedicated button for Meta AI.

    Market Shift Toward Glasses

    According to the latest statistics, glasses accounted for 84.6% of total XR device shipments in 2026, with headsets making up only 15.4%. The bigger change is not merely making VR hardware lighter; it is about giving people a new way to use AI without reaching for a phone. Current smart glasses already handle calls, music, and voice queries, but newer models are expected to go further—providing directions, translating conversations, or answering questions about objects in the user’s field of view.

    A New AI Interface Takes Shape

    The core idea is simple: instead of pulling out a phone, users can ask their glasses for help, making AI feel more natural in daily tasks. Meta has announced that its Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta glasses range will exceed 100 styles by the end of 2026, demonstrating the company’s rapid expansion in the wearable lineup. Meta, Google, and Qualcomm are building toward a future where glasses become a regular AI tool. While phones may still handle the heavy lifting, glasses could become the easier, more intuitive way to access AI.

  • Google Unveils Gemini 3.8 Live with Interactive AI Avatar for Businesses

    Google Unveils Gemini 3.8 Live with Interactive AI Avatar for Businesses

    Google has announced the release of Gemini 3.8 Live with a new Live Avatar feature, bringing a digital face to its AI assistant. The avatar can see, listen, and speak during conversations, using real-time facial expressions and synchronized lip movements to create a more natural interaction.

    The update, detailed in Google’s official blog post, builds on the momentum of the previous Gemini 3.8 Live launch. According to the company, the Live Avatar delivers “near real-time visual presence” to native live dialogue models. It can simultaneously process voice and visual input while running background tools, all while maintaining a conversation with the user.

    Businesses are the primary target for this feature. Through Gemini Enterprise, organizations can deploy the avatar for customer support, virtual assistance, and interactive product or service walkthroughs. Google supports 97 languages and allows switching between languages mid-conversation. Companies can choose from pre-made avatars or create custom ones, though custom creation is currently limited to approved organizations. All AI-generated content includes Google’s SynthID watermark for authenticity.

    Beyond the Avatar: Practical Impact

    While the avatar itself adds a visual element, it does not inherently improve the quality of AI responses. The more significant advancement is Gemini’s ability to see, listen, and use tools concurrently during ongoing conversations. If these capabilities help solve real-world problems—such as streamlining customer service or enabling hands-free assistance—the avatar gains a clear purpose. Otherwise, it may simply serve as a more engaging interface for the same underlying AI.

    Gemini 3.8 Live reflects Google’s broader strategy to make AI feel less like a text-based tool and more like a conversational partner. The feature’s success will ultimately depend on whether it makes everyday tasks easier for users and businesses alike.

  • Google’s Project Suncatcher: AI Chips Bound for Low Earth Orbit on October 1

    Google’s Project Suncatcher: AI Chips Bound for Low Earth Orbit on October 1

    Google is preparing to launch its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into low Earth orbit on October 1, 2026, as part of Project Suncatcher. The prototype satellite will be carried by SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission, launching from California. Planet Labs is collaborating with Google on the spacecraft effort.

    The primary goal of Project Suncatcher is to test how AI hardware performs in the harsh environment of space. The TPUs will be subjected to radiation, extreme temperatures, and the intense vibrations of a rocket launch. Cosmic rays and solar activity can disrupt electronics and create errors known as bit flips. Google has already conducted ground tests, including proton beam radiation testing at UC Davis, where AI workloads were run while researchers monitored radiation-related errors. Vibration tests across all three satellite axes were also performed, and the hardware reportedly held up during these stress tests.

    One of the biggest challenges for space-based AI computing is cooling. In the vacuum of space, conventional fans cannot dissipate heat. Google plans to use heat pipes and radiators to transfer heat away from the TPUs, a method already tested in thermal vacuum chambers.

    Another advantage of orbital computing is access to near-constant solar power. Satellites in low Earth orbit can receive up to eight times more solar energy than ground-based installations, making space an attractive location for energy-intensive AI workloads.

    Looking ahead, Google envisions multiple satellites working together as orbital computing clusters, connected by high-bandwidth laser links. The company plans to launch two satellites in 2027 to test these laser communication systems.

    The upcoming launch is not a full-scale AI data center in space but a testbed to gather real-world data on hardware reliability and operational limits. The findings will inform the design of future space-based AI systems, with commercial deployment still a long-term possibility.

  • Googlebook 2026: Google’s AI-Powered Laptop Lineup, Pricing, and Features

    Googlebook 2026: Google’s AI-Powered Laptop Lineup, Pricing, and Features

    Google is taking a significant step into the premium laptop market with the introduction of Googlebook, a new device category designed to put AI at the center of everyday computing. The first generation of Googlebook laptops combines conventional laptop hardware with Google’s software ecosystem, including ChromeOS, Android app support, and deep integration with the company’s Gemini AI assistant.

    The lineup includes five models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, with prices starting at USD 899. Each device offers a distinct design and feature set, giving buyers a range of choices across portability, screen size, and security.

    Five Googlebook Models, Five Different Approaches

    Unlike a single flagship design, Google is letting its partners take different approaches to the first Googlebook lineup:

    • Acer Googlebook 14 – The only convertible model, featuring a display that folds into tablet mode for flexible work.
    • ASUS Googlebook 14 – A lightweight, portable option weighing just 2.2 pounds, with HDMI and multiple ports.
    • Dell Googlebook 14 – Borrows Dell’s popular XPS design language, adding a fingerprint reader and a slim profile.
    • HP Googlebook 14 – Supports both facial recognition and fingerprint authentication, with storage options up to 1TB.
    • Lenovo Googlebook – Offers a larger 15.3-inch display, aimed at users who need more screen real estate.

    Premium Hardware and Everyday Practicality

    Googlebooks are built with a mix of aluminum, magnesium alloy, and carbon fiber. The displays are touchscreens with resolutions up to 2.8K, and Google highlights features like haptic glass trackpads and backlit keyboards.

    Audio is a strong focus across the lineup. Some models include up to six speakers with Dolby Atmos support, and noise-canceling microphones are designed to make voice calls and recordings clearer. Battery life varies by configuration, but Google promises up to 14 hours of video playback and up to 16 hours of web browsing on supported models.

    Gemini Is the Core of the Experience

    The biggest differentiator for Googlebook is how deeply Gemini is integrated into the system. One feature, Magic Pointer, brings Gemini contextually to whatever appears on screen. Users can highlight content and ask the AI to organize information, translate text, or analyze suspicious messages.

    Another tool, Rambler, is built around voice-based writing. You can speak naturally while Rambler turns your thoughts into structured notes. There is also Create My Widget, which lets users describe a widget in plain language and have it generated without writing code.

    Closer Android Phone Integration

    Googlebook is designed to work seamlessly with Android smartphones. Files can be accessed directly from the computer, and tasks can be moved between devices without constant file transfers. The Files feature can display photos and documents stored on a connected phone, while Cast My Apps can bring selected phone applications onto the Googlebook screen.

    This tight Android connection makes the laptop feel like an extension of your phone rather than a separate device, a strategy that could appeal to people already in the Google ecosystem.

    Software, Apps, and Developer Tools

    The software experience combines a desktop version of Chrome with Android applications. Users can run a range of tools, including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and CapCut. Streaming apps and Android games are also supported, and every purchase includes a complimentary year of GeForce NOW.

    Developers get access to Google Antigravity and a full terminal environment, allowing them to use development tools and AI coding agents directly on the device. Security features include Titan hardware security, on-device malware detection, and an isolated Linux environment powered by pKVM technology.

    Pricing, Availability, and What to Expect

    The Googlebook lineup starts at USD 899, with higher-end configurations going up to USD 1,299. Every device includes 12 months of Google AI Pro and 5TB of cloud storage. Buyers also receive promotional access to YouTube Premium and select creative software. Google says the devices will receive updates for up to 10 years.

    The first Googlebooks will be available in the United States starting October 4, followed by the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Ireland.

    By bringing Gemini, Android integration, and premium hardware together, Google is positioning Googlebook as a serious entry into the AI laptop space. The variety across the five models also gives users the flexibility to choose a laptop that fits their particular workflow.

  • Gmail’s ‘Copy Code’ Button Eliminates a Step in Two-Factor Authentication

    Gmail’s ‘Copy Code’ Button Eliminates a Step in Two-Factor Authentication

    Gmail is rolling out a new ‘Copy code’ option for two-factor authentication (2FA) emails. This feature allows users to copy verification codes directly from the inbox without opening the email. Instead of manually selecting numbers, users can tap a button below the subject line to copy the code to their clipboard.

    The change is designed for people who regularly use email-based 2FA when signing into banking, shopping, work, social media, and other online accounts. While it does not alter the security of two-factor authentication, it significantly improves convenience by reducing the number of steps required.

    How Gmail’s 2FA Code Copy Feature Works

    When a user attempts to log into a third-party application using a Gmail ID with 2FA enabled, Google detects the verification email. It then displays a ‘Copy code’ button below the subject line. Users do not need to open the message to find the number. They can tap the button and copy the code to their phone’s clipboard, then paste it into the sign-in page.

    Currently, this feature is available on Android and iOS devices; the web version of Gmail will not receive it during this rollout phase. The whole process takes only a few seconds, saving time compared to the previous method of opening the email, searching for the code, selecting it, copying it, and switching back to the other app.

    What Gmail’s New Feature Means for Users

    The biggest benefit is convenience. For users who perform 2FA tasks multiple times a day, the single extra tap can reduce frustration. This change also demonstrates how email apps are becoming more action-oriented, adding quick actions based on email content. A verification email is a perfect example: most people only need the code, so giving them a direct copy option makes sense.

    The feature may also reduce small mistakes, such as copying an extra space or missing a digit when manually selecting a code. However, security remains important. Users should never share verification codes with anyone, even with the new shortcut. Scammers can still trick users into giving away codes. The feature does not replace stronger login methods like passkeys or security keys, which Google recommends for better phishing protection.

    A Small Change That Makes 2FA Easier

    Gmail’s ‘Copy code’ option is not a major security change; its value comes from streamlining a familiar, repetitive task. Users no longer need to open every 2FA email just to find a number. A single tap copies the code and gets them back to the sign-in screen. This fits into a larger trend of making account protection easier while reducing friction. Until passkeys become more widespread, verification codes remain common, and this shortcut can make them a little less annoying.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is Gmail’s new 2FA Code Copy feature?

    It is a new Gmail option that lets users copy a verification code directly from the inbox without opening the email.

    2. How does Gmail’s Copy code button work?

    Gmail shows a ‘Copy code’ button below eligible verification emails. Users tap it to copy the code and paste it into the required sign-in field.

    3. Is Gmail’s Copy code feature available on iPhone?

    Yes, it is rolling out on both Android and iPhone, depending on the Gmail app version and account.

    4. Does the feature make 2FA more secure?

    It mainly makes 2FA easier to use. It does not change how verification codes protect an account. Google recommends passkeys and security keys for stronger protection.

    5. Should users share their Gmail verification codes?

    No. Users should never share verification codes with other people, as a scammer could use them to bypass account security.

  • Gmail’s New ‘Copy Code’ Button Speeds Up Two-Factor Authentication on Mobile

    Gmail’s New ‘Copy Code’ Button Speeds Up Two-Factor Authentication on Mobile

    Google is making two-factor authentication (2FA) codes easier to handle in Gmail. The mobile versions of the Gmail app on Android and iOS are rolling out a new feature called Copy Code. This button appears in the email preview, allowing users to tap and copy verification codes directly to their clipboard without opening the full message.

    The Copy Code option is designed specifically for 2FA emails. It appears below the subject line and next to the preview snippet. Once tapped, the code is copied, and users can return to the website or app they are signing into and paste the code. This eliminates the need to open every verification email individually.

    The feature is currently available on Gmail for Android version 2026.09.07.x and iOS version 6.0.260907. It is not yet available on the web version of Gmail.

    Getting a 2FA code from email has traditionally required opening Gmail, locating the right message, copying the numbers, and then switching back. The new shortcut removes several steps, making the login process faster. Google Messages already offers a similar convenience for SMS-based verification codes.

    While the change is small, it has a noticeable impact on daily user experience. The security of two-factor authentication remains unchanged; only the copying process is streamlined. As more services rely on email for verification codes, features like this reduce friction without compromising security.

  • Tech Giants Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Commit $80.5 Billion to India’s AI Infrastructure

    Tech Giants Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Commit $80.5 Billion to India’s AI Infrastructure

    Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have announced a combined investment of $80.5 billion in India’s AI and cloud infrastructure through 2030, signaling the country’s growing importance as a global technology hub. Meta and Nvidia are also expanding their presence through strategic partnerships and hardware supply deals.

    Amazon leads with a $48 billion commitment through 2030, including $13 billion specifically for AI and cloud infrastructure. The company plans to expand AWS capacity in Mumbai and Hyderabad, and support over 20 fulfillment centers and 100 delivery stations. Amazon also aims to provide AI tools for millions of small businesses in India.

    Microsoft has pledged $17.5 billion between 2026 and 2029 for cloud and AI infrastructure, including a fourth cloud region in Hyderabad. The company also launched a nationwide AI skilling program targeting 20 million people by 2030.

    Google is investing approximately $15 billion from 2026 to 2030 to build its first Indian AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The project includes gigawatt-scale computing, data centers, and new subsea connectivity, developed in partnership with AdaniConneX and Airtel.

    Meta is leasing capacity at Reliance’s 168 MW AI-enabled data center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and has contracted nearly one gigawatt of renewable energy. While Meta did not disclose a specific financial commitment, the projects mark a significant step in its Indian infrastructure expansion.

    Nvidia is supplying advanced GPUs for India’s AI computing ecosystem. L&T is building an AI factory in Chennai with 10,000 Nvidia B300 GPUs to support Together AI workloads, demonstrating Nvidia’s role in powering India’s AI growth without a direct investment figure.

    The combined $80.5 billion from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google excludes Meta’s undisclosed deals and Nvidia’s hardware partnerships, reflecting different investment models. India’s growing AI demand, developer talent, and infrastructure plans continue to attract major technology investments, marking a shift toward building AI compute capacity inside the country.