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Mobile Syrup

Google updates its iOS apps with support for Focus mode

With iOS 15 rolling out to Apple devices, apps are starting to get updates and support new features from the upgrade. That includes Google’s apps — the search giant detailed some of the changes heading to its software for iOS 15.

First up, Google updated its apps to work with the new ‘Focus mode’ in iOS 15. The company shared a few examples of how this works in practice. For one, Google Maps will still push through important notifications, such as navigation. Similarly, Google’s Home app will still send essential notifications, such as if someone’s at the door. Google Tasks will also ignore Focus mode for notifications tied to a specific time.

However, notifications that aren’t urgent will head to the iOS Notification Center when users are in Focus mode.

Another significant (and welcome) change is better Spotlight support for YouTube Music. Users can now search for songs or artists in Spotlight and jump straight into the YouTube Music app to listen to the music. Google says that Drive will also get better with Spotlight but didn’t detail any specific improvement.

And for iPadOS 15, Google confirmed that it’s bringing larger versions of its widgets for Apple tablets that should play nice on big screens.

That’s all Google outlined in its blog post. Overall, no massive changes, but definitely some welcome quality of life improvements for those who use the iPhone or iPad but rely on Google’s services.

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

The Pokémon Card Game is heading to mobile and desktop

The Pokémon Company International has unveiled its new Pokémon Trading Card game app. Officially named Pokémon TCG Live, this free-to-play game will be available on Android, iOS, PC, and Macs.

The launch comes as part of The Pokémon Company’s 25th Pokémon anniversary celebrations. Oddly, though, Pokémon cards didn’t actually come for two years after the initial launch of the game and a year after the anime and manga.

Despite launching later, that hasn’t stopped the card game’s popularity or how much people spend on a single card. In February 2021, a near-mint holographic Pikachu card sold for $375,000. 

This new online experience is designed for beginners to learn to play the game, and existing players can improve and test their skills. Trainers will be able to build decks and battle each other around the world. There will also be daily quests and the ability to customize your avatar.

According to The Pokémon Company, Pokémon TCG Live releases soon on iOS and Android and on PC and Macs later this year, with an initial soft launch in Canada.

Source: The Pokémon Company 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Google Keep’s Material You makeover will start rolling out on September 21

Probably one of my favourite apps, Google Keep, is getting its Material You makeover on September 21st.

From the looks of it, the search bar will be rounded out. Additionally, the notes will offer colours that are not as bright and vibrant and will be a bit more muted.

The new create note button will be square-shaped now, instead of circular. The bottom bar is also more obvious this time around. With ‘Dynamic Color’ on, the app’s background will match the wallpaper on your device.

According to Google’s Workspace blog, the update will start rolling out on September 21st with app version 5.21.361.

This is ahead of the final release of Android 12, which is rumoured to go online starting early October.

Source: Google Workspace Blog