Tag: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Android 13 to make it more difficult for sideloaded apps to use Accessibility API

Android 13 will bring new restrictions on sideloaded apps to make it more difficult for hackers to inject malware into devices. This means that sideloading will still be available, but that the process will be slightly different.

According to Mishaal Rahman, the senior technical editor at Esper, Google won’t allow sideloaded apps to use the Accessibility API starting with Android 13. This API can be misused because it gives an app complete control of your Android device.

Android 13 won’t target apps downloaded from Google Play Store and is focused on user-acquired APK files from third-party sources that aren’t considered trustworthy.

Google told Esper that Android 13 might block users from giving accessibility permissions to sideloaded apps. The service will be grayed out, and tapping it prompts the message, “for your security, this setting is currently unavailable.”

Google’s system will figure out whether an app has come from the Play Store or another source during installation.

Source: Esper 

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Mobile Syrup

Google is sunsetting YouTube Go this August

Google is getting rid of its YouTube Go app in August.

Those who are still using the lightweight YouTube app, designed for viewers who live in locations where connectivity is difficult, and data prices are high, will need to install the main YouTube app or visit YouTube.com in their browsers.

YouTube says that it has invested in improvements to the main app experience and making it inclusive for the entire community. Additionally, it has improved performance for entry-level devices for those using a slower network and with user controls to decrease mobile data usage for those with limited data.

Due to this YouTube Go is no longer necessary.

Additionally, the YouTube app will let users create and give them an overall improved user experience.

Source: YouTube

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Mobile Syrup

Google releases Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 for Pixel handsets

Google has released Android 12 QPR3 Beta for Pixel smartphones. This update is available for Google Pixel 4 and newer devices, and includes the May 2022 security patch that was recently rolled out.

This update comes with several new updates.

  • Fixed an issue on Pixel 6 Pro devices where a white line sometimes flashed on the screen after waking up a device that was not configured to always display time and other info on the lock screen.
  • Fixed various issues to improve call quality and connectivity.
  • Fixed a keystore issue that caused the NHS COVID-19 app to crash when launching

The beta also comes with two bugs; therefore, if you enroll in this beta, you will have to deal with the following issues:

  • In some cases, on Pixel 6 and 6 Pro devices, the system crashes when the user tries to take a picture using the camera.
  • In some cases, the Google Camera app icon in a device’s personal profile erroneously displays a work profile indicator.

It’s worth noting that once you download this update, you will not be able to install the Android 13 Beta 1 and will have to wait for Android 13 Beta 2.

For those who don’t know, the Android 12 QPR3 is Google’s Quarterly Platform Release beta, which allows users to try out Pixel features ahead of time. You can head to the official Android Beta website if you want to download the update.

Source: XDA Developers 

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Mobile Syrup

What to expect from Google I/O 2022

Google I/O 2022 kicks off on Wednesday, May 11th, and the developer-focused event might be more interesting than it’s been for the past past few years. Similar to the last few years, Google has decided to take I/O online and is inviting anyone to join and watch the keynote.

The conference will run from May 11th to 12th, but most of the big news will likely drop at 10am PT/1pm ET on the 11th during the event’s opening keynote.

While Google I/O will always focus on the developer side of things, Pichai said during Alphabet’s most recent earnings call that there will be new hardware and Android announcements during this year’s event.

Android 13

Like always, we’ll learn more details about the newest version of Android. Unlike last year, Google has already released the Android 13 beta. According to the Android 13 beta release cycle, the second beta will release in May. This means that we’ll likely see beta 2 at the event.

So far, Android 13 isn’t much to write home about. We’ve seen updates like more Material You colour options, app suggestions in all apps list, brand new clipboard help, spatial audio and Bluetooth LE, etc.

However, during the investor’s call, Pichai said that Google will unveil new Android features and services, so I’m hoping to see more exciting things at the event.

For what it’s worth, Android 13’s first Beta brought a new ‘Face Unlock’ UI to the Pixel 6 Pro. While the feature isn’t functional yet, Google might dive into it at the event.

Other Android announcements

According to Google I/O’s official program, there will be updates to ARCore, AI and machine learning, Google Cloud and Workspace, Google Home, Chrome OS and more.

Additionally, we’re likely going to see new Assistant features. Since the company announced Assistant six years ago, Google has always emphasized Assistant functionalities that it typically adds to its Pixel smartphones. Previously, we’ve seen announcements like Duplex, a service that places calls and makes reservations on the user’s behalf.

Other Google projects like Lens will likely see announcements alongside Google’s core services like News, Search, Gmail, Workspace, and more.

And with the potential launch of the Pixel Watch (more on the long-rumoured smartwatch later), we might see a substantial update to Wear OS.

Google Pixel 6a

Hardware is poised to be a pretty big part of I/O 2022 as we’re expecting the reveal of the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch. Starting with the Pixel 6a, we anticipate that the phone will sport a 6.2-inch OLED display, a 5,000mAh battery and will continue to feature Nexus 6P-like visor with a glossy back.

Additionally, the phone is rumoured to feature the older ‘IMX 363’ camera sensor used in the Pixel 5 and prior models. The Pixel 5 features wide and ultrawide lenses, which means the Pixel 6a  also might lack a telephoto shooter.

This year, the Pixel 6a will lose its 3.5mm headphone jack, a first for the company’s ‘a’ series.  Further, the Pixel 6a is expected to launch in Canada this year. Canada’s Radio Equipment List approved the upcoming mid-range phone on April 11th and indicated that the phone will launch here, unlike last year’s Pixel 5a.

Pixel Watch

Finally, it looks like we’ll see the Pixel Watch finally get revealed at this year’s I/O. According to several leaks, the device, codenamed ‘Rohan,’ will sport minimal bezels and an Apple Watch-like ‘Digital Crown.’ Further, the watch will feature a heart rate sensor and fitness-focused Fitbit implementations.

A Reddit user recently showcased the 20mm variant with a black soft silicone watch band, and described the Pixel Watch as the most comfortable watch they’ve ever worn.

Google filed a trademark for “Pixel Watch” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. That said, Canada’s Radio Equipment list has yet to include a listing for the Pixel Watch, so it’s possible the wearable won’t make its way here — at least not immediately.

Google Pixel Buds Pro

The Pixel Buds Pro could also reportedly be revealed at this year’s I/O, according to sometimes reliable source of leaks, Jon Prosser. The earbuds will reportedly come in ‘Real Red,’ ‘Carbon,’ ‘Limoncello’ and ‘Fog.’ However, beyond this, nothing else is known about the Pixel Buds. Given the lack of rumours about these buds, it’s likely that we won’t actually see them at the event, but it’s possible.

All of this is based on speculation and rumours. We could see all the above-mentioned devices and updates, or none of them — we won’t know for sure until I/O 2022. To follow along with the announcements as they happen, make sure to follow MobileSyrup on Twitter and Facebook, or visit our website during I/O’s keynote.

Image Credit: Techxine, Tagtech

Source: Reddit (Tagtech), @jon_prosser

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel Buds Pro are reportedly coming soon

Google’s Pixel Buds might get a successor in the near future.

According to leaker Jon Prosser, the Pixel Buds Pro are coming soon. The leaker says that the earbuds will launch in ‘Real Red,’ ‘Carbon,’ ‘Limoncello,’ and ‘Fog’ colours.

It’s possible that we might see the buds at Google I/O or sometime soon afterwards.

However, it’s worth noting that Prosser’s track record isn’t exactly the most sound. That said, he leaked the Pixel 6 series months before its official unveiling, so this latest rumour could be accurate.

Only time will tell, but until the official unveiling, it’s probably best to approach this rumour with an air of skepticism.

Source: @jon_prosser

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Mobile Syrup

Google will release another Pixel 3a and 3a XL update by July: report

While Google only guaranteed that the Pixel 3a and 3a XL would see updates until May 2022, it seems like the duo of handsets will get one more update after all.

In a statement to 9to5Google, Google had the following to say:

In May 2019 at the launch of the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, we announced that the devices would receive three years of software updates and three years of security updates from when our devices first became available on the Google Store. The final update for Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will rollout to users by July 2022.  

It doesn’t seem like the Pixel 3a or 3a XL will get an update alongside the QPR3 or be a part of the Android 13 beta (we already knew this) but thankfully, they will receive a new update in either June or July.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

May security update is now rolling out on supported Pixel devices

Google’s May update is now rolling out on supported Pixel devices (Pixel 3a-Pixel 6 Pro).

This month there are only three fixes. The Pixel 6 will receive improved haptic feedback under certain conditions and use cases. Additionally, all the devices will get a fix for an issue that causes to display to wake up without any interactions and a fix for an issue causing the launcher to crash after restarting the device.

The patch resolves 14 security issues, and the vulnerabilities range from moderate to critical. The exploit,  known as ‘Dirty Pipe,’ is now getting a fix on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The exploit allows an attacker to gain full control of a Linux-based device, including Chromebooks and Android devices. The exploit hit the Pixel 6 and S22 series. Samsung reportedly solved issue with the S22 series with its latest patch.    

If you’re running Android 12, you will receive a notification when the over-the-air (OTA) update becomes available to you. The OTA files and factory images are now available if you can’t wait for the over-the-air update.

This should be the last update for the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.

Source: Google (2) Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google Nest Hub to receive expanded Google Fit and Fitbit integration

Google is expanding its health integrations from Google Fit and Fitbit on the Nest Hub. Moving forward, the Nest Hub can display the number of steps taken, calories burned, and other useful metrics regarding the user.

Google has published a new support page. The article covers the new integrations and what to do to enable them on the user’s end. “Activity metrics like number of steps and calories burned from Google Fit or Fitbit can be shown on your Nest display,” are amongst the latest integrations, says Google.

In order to enable the integrations, users must access certain Google Assistant settings. To link your Fitness account, users must navigate to the Google Home app and go to the ‘Assistant settings’ tab and to ‘Wellness.’ From there, navigating to ‘Activity’ and selecting either ‘Google Fit or Fitbit’ pulls up the ‘Connect’ option.

Currently, Google Next Hub displays sleep analytics on the second-generation Nest Hub. The devices show these stats as part of the ‘Wellness’ tab with Soli-powered Sleep Sensing. The assumption is that users can also verbally ask Google Assistant for these analytics as well.

Google lists the support page as a sub-category under the Google Nest Hub (2nd gen.) This gives us a pretty clear indication as to what hardware will have access to this integration. However, given that other devices have access to ‘Personal results’ and ‘Proactive health & fitness results’ permissions, other Smart Display devices may be compatible.

There’s currently no word on when Google plans for a wide rollout of these integrations for its Nest Hub.

Source: Google Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google expands options to remove personal information from search results

On request, Google will now remove personal information, including addresses and phone numbers, that show up in search results.

According to a blog post, the tech giant is expanding its existing request process that features removing identifiable information used in cases of doxxing and fraud. That information included banking details, credit card numbers, and social security numbers.

The expanded policy also allows other personal information to be removed, such as email addresses and log-in credentials.

Google will evaluate all requests to ensure it doesn’t limit widely helpful information, such as details available in news articles. The tech giant also won’t remove information if it’s a part of the public record on government websites or other official sources.

But Google removing the information doesn’t mean it’ll be erased from the internet. Users will have to contact the hosting website directly to request removal.

“Maximizing access to information while empowering people to be in control of their sensitive, personally identifiable information is a critical balance to strike,” Michelle Chang, Google’s global policy lead for search, wrote in the blog post.

More information on the requirements to have information removed and how to start the process is available on Google’s support page.

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google released security report stating it blocked over 1 million malicious apps

Google has released a report outlining the ways it fought against malicious apps and developers throughout 2021. In the report, the company states that 1.2 million apps were blocked for policy violations.

“We continue to enhance our machine learning systems and review processes,” team members state in the report. The team continues and states that “We also continued in our efforts to combat malicious and spammy developers.”Google also shut down 190,000 “bad accounts” and 500,000 inactive developer accounts.

Google is adding its new Data safety section for Google Play. Developers now must give users insight into the privacy and security practices within their apps. This also provides transparency into the data the app collects. Google requires developers to complete these sections for their respective apps by July 20th.

Additionally, Google continues to partner with SDK developers to improve app safety. “Last year we introduced multiple privacy focused features, enhanced our protections against bad apps and developers, and improved SDK data safety,” the report states.

Google also confirms that Google Play Protect “continues to scan billions of installed apps each day.” This security measure helps protect users around the world from potentially harmful and otherwise malicious software.

As a result of protecting its platform and users, Google is safeguarding against developers releasing harmful apps. “As a result of new platform protections and policies, developer collaboration and education, 98% of apps migrating to Android 11 or higher have reduced their access to sensitive APIs and user data,” the report notes.

Google Pixels now utilize machine learning models to improve the detection of malware in Google Play Protect. The privacy-preserving technology runs on Google Pixel devices called “federated analytics” to discover malicious apps.

The company closes out by stating to look forward to more “exciting announcements in 2022.”

Source: Google Via: TechRadar