Tag: Google

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Pixel feature drops will now roll out early to beta users

Pixel feature drops aren’t monthly releases, but they still appear pretty regularly. Google is currently rolling out another Pixel feature drop, but this is one is for June 2022.

Google recently confirmed that you can get the beta versions of these quarterly drops as part of the Pixel beta program. So any device from Pixel 4 to Pixel 6 can receive feature drops before they release for anyone else.

Oddly, the March 2022 Pixel drop was delayed for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, but if you’re part of the Android 12 QPR beta program, you’ll get the June Pixel feature drop. This means Pixel 6 users can access the June feature drop before the March one.

Google hasn’t said exactly what’s available on the new drop, but it’s likely an official blog post will appear soon. You can sign up for the Android 12 QPR beta, here. 

Source: Google Via: Android Police

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Google may have a solution for running Windows games on Stadia

While debate rages about whether or not Stadia will land in the ‘Google Graveyard,’ it appears the search giant may have prepped something that could save its struggling game streaming service: a solution for running Windows games.

According to The Verge, Reddit users spotted a session at Google’s upcoming Games Developer Summit titled “how to write a Windows emulator for Linux from scratch.” Google Stadia’s porting platform lead, Marchin Undak, will head the session. It promises a “detailed overview of the technology behind Google’s solution for running unmodified Windows games on Stadia.”

In other words, it appears Google may have made its own Windows “emulator” for Linux.

It’s worth noting that Google’s Stadia is based on Linux, which means this could open the door for easily porting games designed to run on Windows over to Stadia. Although Google has worked with companies like Unreal, Unity, and Havok to improve the porting process, game developers still had to do some heavy lifting to get titles running on Linux.

If Google’s solution works well, it could remove some of the biggest hurdles for getting games running on Stadia. That could lead to an influx of new titles on the platform.

As The Verge points out, Google calls the solution an emulator, but it’s likely the solution is more of a compatibility layer. Emulating apps can cause performance issues, which aren’t ideal in things like games. Compatibility layers, on the other hand, can translate apps to run on different platforms without as significant an impact on performance.

Valve’s Proton compatibility layer is a great example of this. Proton, for those unfamiliar, uses a modified version of ‘Wine’ and maps Microsoft’s Direct3D graphics APIs to Vulkan, allowing Windows games to run on Linux. Proton is key to the Steam Deck, which runs a custom Linux distribution called ‘Steam OS.’

Of course, Google and Valve aren’t the only companies looking into ways to get Windows games running on Linux-based systems. Amazon has been trying to hire developers with experience in Proton for its Luna gaming service (which isn’t available in Canada yet). Luna is powered by Windows, but Amazon’s hiring attempts suggest it could shift to Linux.

Whether Google’s Windows-games-on-Stadia solution is an emulator or compatibility layer remains to be seen. Whatever the case, it could be a great way to expand the content available on Stadia. We’ll likely learn all the details at the Games Developer Summit on March 15th.

Source: The Verge

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Google releases open-source tool to protect journalists from harassment

Bangkok, Thailand – October 14, 2015 Man Using Laptop Browsing Google Website

Journalists will soon be able to filter through abusive comments on Twitter, thanks to a new code by Google Jigsaw.

The Verge reports the anti-harassment tool, called Harassment Manager, is released as a code to be further built on. It will be available for journalists at Thomson Reuters Foundation first, starting in June.

Harassment Manager currently works on Twitter. According to a post by Google Jigsaw on Medium, the feature uses Perspective API to isolate comments that are likely to be harmful. The tool helps journalists identify and record posts, block posters, and hide replies on their tweets.

The Verge says journalists can also download standalone reports detailing abusive messages to create a paper trail.

Google Jigsaw worked with journalists and activists to develop the tool and identify their immediate needs. They released the tool on International Women’s Day, citing the uptake of female journalists’ online abuse.

“Our hope is that this technology provides a resource for people who are facing harassment online, especially female journalists, activists, politicians and other public figures, who deal with disproportionately high toxicity online,” the company says.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Google Jigsaw

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Mobile Syrup

Google launches Android 12L, coming to Samsung, Microsoft smartphones later this year

Alongside the March Pixel drop and security patch, Google has launched Android 12L on Pixel handsets (Pixel 3a-Pixel 5a).

Additionally, the company released a blog post outlining the update’s features. If you don’t own a Pixel device, don’t worry, as starting this year, Android 12L will also launch on tablets and foldables from Samsung, Lenovo and Microsoft.

Android 12L is designed with larger screens in mind, like foldables and tablets. 12L optimizes the display for the home screen, lock screen, notification shade, device set-up screens, settings and more.

One of the changes, on Android 12L notifications and quick tiles, have been moved and now have their own dedicated columns and more space to view and swipe away notifications.

There’s also a taskbar to help multitaskers launch and switch between apps. You can drag-and-drop from the taskbar to enter split-screen mode, so you can look at two things at once. Additionally, when you’re in Settings you don’t have to go in and out of each menu option and you’ll be able to see the options in the settings on the right side. Both of these features pull from Samsung’s Galaxy Z series’ One UI 4.0, which also offers this functionality.

If you have one of the above-mentioned Pixel devices, head over to Settings to download the latest update. Android 12L will hit the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro later this month.

Source: Google

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Google releases Pixel Feature drop and Android 12L

Google has just released its 10th Pixel Feature Drop, the newest security update and Android 12L.

This feature drop is available on the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a. Unfortunately, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users are out of luck. Google says that the drop will hit Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Po users later this month.

Here are the new features:

  • Live Caption during phone calls no longer requires you to talk. Instead, you can read what the other person says and type back a response. Google Assistant will read out your typed responses to the other person(s) on the call.
  • You can host YouTube watch parties all on your phone.
  • You can share apps with live sharing for Google Duo using only your phone.
  • English speakers using Messages can now convert typed words into colorful stickers.
  • The At A Glance widget will now tell you battery levels for Bluetooth-connected devices, reminders to turn off alarms the day before a holiday, and earthquake alerts.
  • There is also a new standalone battery widget that gives you battery information for your phone and connected devices.
  • Three new wallpapers are available in the Curated Culture collection, this time celebrating International Women’s Day.

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users will get some exclusive features, including:

  • Night Sight now works right within the Snapchat app.
  • Interpreter Mode within Live Translate can translate face-to-face conversations in Spanish, Italian, and French right on your phone. All translations stay on-device. Try it by saying, “Hey Google, be my [Spanish/French/Italian] interpreter.”
  • Your phone can now identify Spanish in videos and translate it automatically into English, French, Italian, German, and Japanese (but it’s still in beta).
  • The Recorder app can now transcribe Italian and Spanish.
  • Assistant Quick Phrases are available in Spanish, Italian, and French

The March Google Pixel update is also rolling out today for those above-mentioned devices. Again, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro updates aren’t getting the update until later this month.

Google says this is Android version 12.1 and is apparently a stable version of Android 12L. Android 12L mainly focuses on foldables and other large-screen devices but is currently only available on Pixel handsets.

The latest security patch fixes a variety of issues for Bluetooth, battery, sensors and more.

Source: Google (2), (3)

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the big tech companies taking action against Russia

The recent illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia has left the general population on both sides appalled. And while the West can’t do much when it comes to taking action on foreign soil, several big tech and social media companies have joined forces and decided to limit, or completely cut off Russia from their services.

Note: This story doesn’t mention any financial sanctions against Russia, and instead focuses solely on social media and big tech restrictions/limitations. This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

Apple

Apple announced on Tuesday, March 1st that it has halted all product sales through its web store in Russia.

Heading to the Russian Apple website shows that all items, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, AirPods and accessories are marked with “в настоящее время недоступно,” which translates to “currently unavailable.”

Further, Apple has disabled live traffic and live incident data from Apple Maps in Ukraine in a bid to safeguard the local population’s locations, in addition to removing Russian state-led news outlets RT News and Sputnik News from its App Store globally, except for those accessing the store in Russia.

Russians are also currently unable to use Apple Pay as the bank that facilitates the transactions in the nation — VTB has been hit with strict economic sanctions.

Reddit

Reddit initially decided to “quarantine” (shadowban) its r/Russia and r/RussiaPolitics subreddits on Tuesday, March 1st in an effort to curb misinformation originating from threads posted by bad actors. Visiting the quarantined subreddit shows a message, stating “This community contains a high volume of information not supported by credible sources.”

Said subreddits were host to posts defending the invasion, and cherry-picking reasons to justify it, including discussions about Ukrainian soldiers being Nazis, the Ukrainian population spreading misinformation and using past war/training drill photos as current and other types of false propaganda.

Since then, Reddit has doubled down on its approach and decided to outright ban any and all links that direct to Russian state-supported media outlets, including RT and Sputnik and said that it will not allow any advertisements that “target Russia or originate from any Russia-based entity, government or private” on its platform.

Netflix

Netflix announced on Wednesday, March 2nd that it has decided to put all future projects it had undertaken in Russia on hold.

The Los Gatos, California-based streaming service had four Russian originals planned, including a Dasha Zhuk-directed crime thriller series that was in the works but has since been put on hold.

Further, Netflix was recently added to Russia’s list of ‘audiovisual services,’ and was due to oblige to new obligations starting March 1st. One of the new obligations was for Netflix to stream 20 Russian federal television stations. Since then, Netflix has responded and said that it won’t comply with the new rules.

Microsoft

In a blog post published on Friday, March 4th, Microsoft president Brad Smith announced that the company will “suspend all new sales” in Russia.

“We are coordinating closely and working in lockstep with the governments of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and we are stopping many aspects of our business in Russia in compliance with governmental sanctions decisions,” Smith wrote.

Microsoft specifies that its decision will only affect “new sales.” It’s currently unclear what that could mean for current Windows, Office, Microsoft 365, Azure, and Xbox users in Russia.

EA

EA, undoubtedly one of the biggest game developers and publishers out there announced that it is removing all Russian club and international teams from its FIFA and NHL titles.

The company announced its decision in simultaneous Tweets posted its FIFA and NHL accounts:

The move from EA further’s the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and Union of European Football Associations’s (UEFA) decision to kick out Russian international and club teams from real-world sports.

In addition, EA is ceasing all operations in Russia and will stop selling its games and content, including virtual currency bundles, in Russia and its ally Belarus. “our games and content will no longer be available for purchase in our Russian region storefront on Origin or the EA app, including through in-game stores. We are also working with our platform partners to remove our titles from their stores and stop the sale of new in-game content in the region,” reads EA’s statement.

Google and YouTube

Google condemns the unjust violence in Ukraine, and as a result, the Mountain View, California-based company has disabled the Live traffic layer, in addition to information on how busy restaurants and stores are from its for Google Maps. The move should deter Russian forces from spotting concentrations of the Ukrainian population, and the ones trying to leave the country but are stuck in long roadblocks on the location and navigation service.

Additionally, on Friday, March 4th Google suspended all of its ad sales in Russia. “In light of the extraordinary circumstances, we’re pausing Google ads in Russia,” the company said in a statement given to Reuters. “The situation is evolving quickly, and we will continue to share updates when appropriate.”

This applies to all of Google’s offerings, including Google Display Advertising, Google Search, Google News and YouTube.

YouTube previously blocked Russian state-backed media outlets like RT and Sputnik from earning ad revenue, but the new rule suspends said channels from running ads completely.

Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram

In response to the ongoing conflict, Meta has blocked state-run media accounts like Russia Today on both Facebook and Instagram in the EU, UK and Ukraine. While the ban only applies to those three regions, the media outlets have been shadowbanned globally. What this means is that the state-run accounts are still live and posting, their content will be severely demoted and not recommended to anyone.

Additionally, state-run media outlets can no longer run earn-through ads on all Meta-owned platforms globally.

As a form of retaliation, the Russian government banned Facebook on Friday, March 4th, stating that the social media company had infringed the country’s rules by limiting, and in some cases, outright abolishing access to state-backed media.

Twitter

Along with Meta and its subsidiaries, Twitter has also taken down Russian state-run media accounts in EU and Ukraine, and paused ads in both Ukraine and Russia “to ensure critical public safety information is elevated and ads don’t detract from it.”

Snapchat

While Snapchat’s private format helps it avoid the spread of misinformation, and its Discover and Spotlight sections are pre-moderated, the Santa Monica, California-based company said that it will be swift to remove instances of misinformation regarding Ukraine or Russia on the platform if and when it finds any.

The company has stopped all advertising in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and says it will stop advertising sales to all Russian and Belarusian entities. “We do not accept revenue from Russian state-owned entities,” reads its release.

Russia Today, or similar Russian state-backed media outlets were never allowed to distribute content through Snapchat.

Snapchat is still available to users in Russia.

TikTok

TikTok announced on Monday, February 28th that it has geographically blocked access to Russian-state-run media outlets like Sputnik on its platform in the EU. The channels remain available and visible on TikTok for users outside the EU.

Nintendo

On Friday, March 4th, Nintendo announced that it has suspended payments via the Russian Nintendo eShop, which means users in Russia would no longer be able to purchase video games, DLC, or download free demos.

Visiting the website currently shows a message in Russian, which roughly translates to “Due to the fact that the payment service used in Nintendo eShop has suspended the processing of payments in rubles, Nintendo eShop in Russia is temporarily placed into maintenance mode.”

CDProjekt Red

Warsaw, Poland-based CD Projekt Red announced in a Tweet on Thursday, March 3rd that it has decided to pause selling its games in Russia and Belarus. The developer states that it is working with its partners to suspend all digital sales and cease physical stock deliveries, along with halting its game sales through GOG.

“We know that players in Russia and Belarus, individuals who have nothing to do with the invasion of Ukraine, will be impacted by this decision,” reads CDProjekt Red’s statement. “With this action we wish to further galvanize the global community to speak bout what is going on in the heart of Europe.”

Poland, home of CDProjekt Red shares its border with Ukraine and Belarus.

Disney

Disney announced on Tuesday, March 1st that it will stop releasing its theatrical films in Russia.

“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming ‘Turning Red’ from Pixar,” a Disney spokesperson said in statement given to CNN. “We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation.”

Canadian service providers

Several Canadian TV service providers, including Bell, Rogers, Telus, Shaw, Access Communication and VMedia have pulled the state-backed RT channel from their respective lineups.

Image credit: Shutterstock

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Google pauses ad sales in Russia

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada – September 30, 2019: Google sign in the Google Canada Kitchener-Waterloo office.

Google has put its ad sales in Russia on hold as its war on Ukraine continues.

A Google spokesperson told The Verge, “the situation is evolving quickly,” and it will provide more information “when appropriate.”

The company did not provide details on potential financial losses. Google also blocked RT, an English-language news channel funded by the state government, from earning ad dollars on its associated websites.

Google was previously criticized by Roskomnadzor, a Russian agency responsible for monitoring media, for displaying ads about the conflict, a report from The Wall Street Journal states. The agency said the ads were “false political information” about Ukraine.

The move comes after several tech companies pulled their services from Russia. Microsoft and Apple paused sales in Russia, and Netflix halted future projects connected to the country.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: The Verge

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Canada will soon require digital platforms to pay news outlets and broadcasters revenue

June 11, 2019, Brazil. In this photo illustration the Google News logo is displayed on a smartphone.

Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez’s mandate letter calls on him to introduce drastic legislation to equal the news revenue playing field.

The legislation will likely require digital platforms (like Google and Facebook) financially benefiting from Canadian news content to share revenue with news outlets. The mandate letter states Rodriguez will present legislation in early 2022.

But according to recent reporting from Cartt, a timeline to when exactly the legislation will be introduced has not been made public.

The publication does confirm news broadcasters are going to be a part of the new legislation, according to an announcement Rodriguez made at a Canada 2020 event discussing the future of news.

“Minister Rodriguez confirmed last week that broadcasters will benefit from the framework, given the important role they play in producing and providing Canadians access to news,” the spokesperson told Cartt.

The mandate letter also details the legislation will take after Australia’s approach.

Named the “news media bargaining code,” the legislation allows Australia’s Treasury to designate certain digital platforms to share revenues with news platforms they financially benefit from.

But what exactly that will look like in Canada is not clear at this time.

“Further details on the legislative approach will be available in due course,” the spokesperson told Cartt.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Cartt.ca

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Bell adds Google Distributed Cloud Edge to its network

POZNAN, POL – JAN 30, 2020: Laptop computer displaying logo of Google Cloud Platform (GCP), offered by Google

Bell will deploy Google’s Distributed Cloud Edge in its network.

Google’s application brings its cloud infrastructure to the area where data is shared and consumed.

“Bell is building a network of the future that will scale up to embrace the demands of 5G-enabled applications, and additionally enable us to offer these capabilities to innovative 3rd party application providers who want to tap into 5G network,” Petri Lyytikainen, Bell’s VP of Network, said in a statement.

The partnership will allow Bell to efficiently run at a higher capacity, innovate new business opportunities, and deploy networks, such as 5G, in a variety of ways.

“By successfully deploying Google Distributed Cloud Edge in their networks, Bell is able to reimagine its infrastructure management while serving differentiated network experiences to both public and enterprise customers,” Amol Phadke, managing director of telecom industry solutions at Google Cloud, said.

Bell and Google originally launched their partnership in 2021 to incorporate Bell’s 5G network with Google’s multiple areas of expertise, including data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Bell

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What do you want to see from Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro?

This past week, we caught a glimpse of what are likely the first renders of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. According to the renders based on leaked information, not much has changed regarding the smartphones’ overall design.

If you’re like me, you might be a bit disappointed by the leaked images. I would have liked to see a cleaner design that ditches the protruding camera lenses, completely removing the controversial visor. However, the dual-tone colour is a nice touch, but if this section of the phone was completely flesh to the rear, that’d be a lot more appealing.

Additionally, an under-display front-facing camera would be welcome as well. Specs-wise, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro reportedly feature a Tensor 2 chip, 12GB of RAM, 10x optical zoom and more. Some sort of cinematic video mode would be useful new functionality, and I personally would like ‘Active Edge’ back, the feature that allows users to squeeze the sides of the smartphone’s frame to activate Google Assistant and more.

There’s a lot more I want from the Pixel 7 series, but above are just a few features that instantly come to mind. We want to know in the comments below: what do you want to see from Google’s upcoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro?

Image credit: @XLeaks7