Tag: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Teams update partially fixes Android emergency calling bug, OS patch to come

Earlier this week, Google confirmed it was aware of a nasty Android bug that, when mixed with Microsoft’s Teams app, could break emergency calls.

Since then, a partial fix has been rolled out via an update to Microsoft Teams. However, a larger Android update is still expected in January to resolve OS-side of this particular puzzle.

In case you missed it, the explanation shared by Google said that an “unintended interaction” between Teams and Android was behind the bug. Specifically, trying to place an emergency call would freeze the smartphone if the Microsoft Teams app was installed but the user hadn’t logged in.

Google didn’t provide much more information about the cause, beyond noting that it believed the issue was “only present on a small number of devices” with Teams installed. However, Mishaal Rahman, former editor-in-chief at XDA Developers, wrote a detailed blog post analyzing the bug and what caused it.

Rahman’s post is well worth the read if you care about these types of things, although it’s pretty technical. Still, it’s fascinating to learn more about how complex something as seemingly basic as a phone call is.

Two small bugs, one big problem

In short, Rahman’s analysis identified two main issues, one with Teams and the other with Android. The Teams app creates a ‘PhoneAccount’ instance whenever it’s cold-launched when the user isn’t signed in. Apps with calling capabilities create PhoneAccount instances so that Android has a list of apps that can handle phone calls. An important part of these instances is that they list other details about what the app can handle — for example, whether it’s capable of emergency calls.

The second part of the issue revolves around what Android does when it checks the PhoneAccounts ahead of placing an emergency call. A very simplified explanation of this is that the check can create an error if there are too many PhoneAccount instances (such as all the instances Team creates with its bug).

Microsoft’s new Teams update resolves the PhoneAccount creation part of the problem. According to Rahman, Teams will now clear PhoneAccounts it created at first launch, which should prevent it from amassing multiple PhoneAccount instances over time. However, that still leaves the Android bug open — it requires very specific circumstances to trigger, so most users probably won’t need to worry about it. Regardless, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed, and Rahman spotted at least two potential fixes submitted to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). A patch sporting one of the fixes should ship in January as part of the monthly Android security update.

For now, if you have Teams installed on your Android phone, you should make sure to update it to the latest version (1416/1.0.0.2021194504) right away — you can download the update for free from the Play Store.

Source: 9to5Google, Mishaal Rahman

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Mobile Syrup

Google Play Games coming to Windows 10 and 11

Not to be overshadowed by Amazon, Google has stepped up to make more Android games available on Windows PCs.

The tech giant shared this at the Game Awards in 2021 with the intention of bringing Android games to Windows at some point in 2022.

There’s no word on how involved Microsoft is in this project, but it looks like Google will be bringing over a version of the Google Play Games app for computers that will sync cloud saves across Windows and Android. This is much different from Amazon, which loaded its Android apps into the new Microsoft Store app.

Reports on the Google app do suggest that it may run emulated Android games and native windows games as well.

What’s also strange is that Google is just focusing on bringing its gaming hub to Windows instead of more apps. While I’m sure millions of people play games on Android, I don’t know how many people actually care about the Play Games network. Perhaps Google bringing it to Windows will help with that, but this gaming expansion seems a little misplaced to me.

Source: 9to5Google 

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Mobile Syrup

Fix coming for Android bug that broke 9-1-1 calls with Microsoft Teams installed

Google is aware of a strange issue with Android and Microsoft Teams that can prevent emergency service calls, such as dialling 9-1-1.

The company posted a detailed response following an investigation into a report about a Pixel device preventing someone from calling 9-1-1. A Reddit user detailed what happened with their Pixel 3 running Android 11 on U.S. carrier Verizon:

“I got off a phone call with my mom, and proceeded to dial 911 just by typing and calling on my pixel. My phone got stuck immediately after one ring and I was unable to do anything other than click through apps with an emergency phone call running in the background. This is all while the phone informed me that it had sent my location to emergency services.”

In its response, Google said it was able to “reproduce the issue under a limited set of circumstances,” and shared the following:

“We believe the issue is only present on a small number of devices with the Microsoft Teams app installed when the user is not logged in, and we are currently only aware of one user report related to the occurrence of this bug. We determined that the issue was being caused by unintended interaction between the Microsoft Teams app and the underlying Android operating system.”

The key here is that the issue only seems to impact people who have Microsoft Teams installed on their phone but haven’t signed into the app. Google also notes that the issue only impacts Android 10 and up. If you fall into that group, Google advises that you uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Teams — that should fix the problem in the interim.

Moreover, Google said that it and Microsoft had prioritized the issue due to the impact on emergency calling and it expects an update to Microsoft Teams to roll out soon. Additionally, Google will push an Android platform update to the Android ecosystem in January.

Finally, Google thanked Reddit user ‘KitchenPicture5849’ for bringing the problem to the company’s attention. Although the issue is quite concerning, it’s good to see Google and Microsoft taking fast action to resolve the problem.

You can check out the Reddit post for yourself here.

Source: Reddit Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Here are 2021’s top trending Google search terms in Canada

Google has released its annual ‘Search Trends’ report that highlights what Canadians searched for this year. With the pandemic still lingering late into 2021, you better believe that some of the top search trends are related to COVID-19, vaccines and even Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

Last year’s search trends highlighted that Canadians were learning about COVID-19, number of cases and worst affected areas, whereas this year’s trends show that we have moved forward and are now chasing recovery by searching for information regarding vaccines and how we can leave the pandemic behind.

The resumption of sporting leagues around the world was prominently reflected in the search trends and so was the increasing popularity and curiosity of the Cryptocurrency market.

Below are some of the top search trends in Canada:

Top Searches

  1. NBA
  2. NHL
  3. COVID vaccine near me
  4. Euro 2021
  5. AMC Stock
  6. GME Stock
  7. Bitcoin price
  8. Gabby Petito
  9. DMX
  10. Squid Game

Top Canadian News Searches

  1. COVID vaccine near me
  2. Federal Election
  3. Severe thunderstorm warning
  4. Afghanistan
  5. Lockdown
  6. Vaccine passport
  7. BC Wildfires
  8. Tokyo Olympics
  9. Lytton fire
  10. Residential Schools

Top ‘Why’ Searches

  1. Why did Prime Minister Trudeau call an election?
  2. Why were Residential Schools created?
  3. Why is it so hot in British Columbia?
  4. Why is lumber so expensive?
  5. Why did Simone Biles withdraw?
  6. Why did Taylor Swift re-record her music?
  7. Why was Prince Philip not king?
  8. Why is Bernie Sanders a meme?
  9. Why did Daft Punk break up?
  10. Why is Squid Game so popular?

Top ‘How to’ Searches

  1. How to get a vaccine passport
  2. How to buy Dogecoin
  3. How to make money from home
  4. How to book a COVID vaccine
  5. How to register to vote in Canada
  6. How to watch the Oprah interview
  7. How to get a QR code for COVID vaccination
  8. How to make hot chocolate bombs
  9. How to apply for CERB
  10. How to get rid of a stuffy nose

Top Movie Searches

  1. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
  2. Black Widow
  3. Eternals
  4. Dune
  5. Red Notice
  6. Army of the Dead
  7. Halloween Kills
  8. Godzilla vs. Kong
  9. The Suicide Squad
  10. Free Guy

Top TV Show Searches

  1. Squid Game
  2. Bridgerton
  3. Ginny and Georgia
  4. Yellowstone
  5. Manifest
  6. Outer Banks
  7. Cecil Hotel
  8. Loki
  9. Maid
  10. Lupin

Top Musician Searches

  1. Travis Scott
  2. Adele
  3. Morgan Wallen
  4. Daft Punk
  5. Marilyn Manson
  6. Dr. Dre
  7. Olivia Rodrigo
  8. Britney Spears
  9. Lil Nas X
  10. Travis Barker

Top Song Searches

  1. Drivers License – Olivia Rodrigo
  2. All Too Well – Taylor Swift
  3. Deja Vu – Olivia Rodrigo
  4. Easy on Me – Adele
  5. Montero – Lil Nax X
  6. Good 4 U – Olivia Rodrigo
  7. Wants and Needs – Drake ft. Lil Baby
  8. Peaches – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
  9. Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish
  10. Industry Baby – Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow

Top Canadian Athlete Searches

  1. Leylah Fernandez
  2. Andre De Grasse
  3. John Tavares
  4. Carey Price
  5. Penny Oleksiak
  6. Jake Evans
  7. Bianca Andreescu
  8. Felix Auger-Aliassime
  9. Denis Shapovalov
  10. Damian Warner

Top Athlete Searches

  1. Tiger Woods
  2. Leylah Fernandez
  3. Andre De Grasse
  4. Simone Biles
  5. John Tavares
  6. Kyle Beach
  7. Emma Raducanu
  8. Carey Price
  9. Aaron Rodgers
  10. Penny Oleksiak

Source: @googlecanada

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Mobile Syrup

First Android 12L beta arrives for Pixel phones, here’s how to get it

Android 12L Beta 1 officially went live for Google’s Pixel phones, although there’s not a whole lot for phone users to try out. 12L is aimed squarely at large-screen devices and so far, most of the major changes only apply to screens that are 600dp wide.

Device-independent pixels (dp) is a way of measuring resolution to maintain how software looks on devices with different screen resolutions (a 1-pixel x 1-pixel dot will look much smaller on a 600ppi screen than it would on a 100ppi screen).

Android 12L notifications for large screens | Image credit: XDA Developers

Some of the major new features that XDA Developers spotted in Android 12L currently only show up on wider screens (and are generally intended to benefit people using devices like tablets or foldables with large displays). For example, Android 12L has a new two-column layout for the notification shade that puts quick settings on one side and notifications on the other. For people using tablets, this new layout makes better use of the display.

Android 12L taskbar in action | Image credit: XDA Developers

Another new feature is the ‘taskbar,’ which is exactly as it sounds. Large-screen devices running 12L can display a Windows-like taskbar with app shortcuts at the bottom of the screen. Users can easily open apps, or drag apps up from the taskbar to initiate a side-by-side multitasking view.

Other Android 12L changes will likely show up as people start messing around with the beta.

How to install the Android 12L Beta

If you want to go hands-on with the Android 12L Beta, here’s how to do it. First, you’ll need a compatible Pixel phone. The beta is on Pixels ranging from the 3a and 3a XL up to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, although 9to5Google notes that the 6 and 6 Pro will get the beta “soon.”

The easiest way to get Android 12L is through Google’s Android Beta Program. I’m going to focus on that since it’s ultimately the best way to do it unless you really, really want to get into the nitty-gritty of flashing it manually. There are plenty of guides on how to do that out there from people much smarter than me.

Finally, keep in mind that once you install the beta, you will need to wipe your phone to revert back to stable Android 12. The only way off the beta without wiping your phone is to ride it out until Android 12L leaves beta. If you’re not comfortable with that, don’t install Android 12L Beta 1. That said, it’s also a good idea to install Android 12L Beta 1 on a different device than the one you use as a daily driver. Beta software tends to have bugs, and it’s a good idea to avoid running the beta on the only smartphone you have just in case something goes wrong.

Okay, with all that out of the way, here’s how to do it. First, head to Google’s Android Beta Program website. You’ll need to sign in with the same Google account tied to your Pixel phone. Once you’re signed in, scroll down to ‘Your eligible devices’ and click ‘Opt in’ on the one you want to enroll in the beta. It’s worth noting that the site still details Android 12, not 12L. However, you’ll still get the 12L beta when you enroll a device.

Then, grab that phone and head to Settings > System > System Update and tap ‘Check for update.’ Your phone should show that Android 12L is available, although it may take a few minutes to show up. Once it shows up, you can download and install it like any other update.

On my Pixel 4, the download clocked in at 237MB and it will likely be around the same size for most people. While not the biggest update I’ve seen, it’s still on the large side so you may want to wait until you’re on Wi-Fi before you install it.

And with that, you should be on Android 12L Beta 1. Again, there likely won’t be much that’s different on your smartphone since 12L is aimed at tablets. Still, keep an eye out for new features and enjoy the beta.

Source: XDA Developers, 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Download the YouTube app on Roku ASAP

If you have a Roku streaming device without YouTube’s app on it, you should download it before December 9th. The two giant companies are fighting, and Roku’s deal to host YouTube in its store is set to expire very shortly.

That said, anyone who already has the app downloaded will be fine. However, the app likely won’t get more updates until the two media giants broker a deal.

This wouldn’t be the first time that a corporate fight resulted in YouTube being pulled from a service. Back in 2017, Google removed YouTube from Fire TV as the two companies feuded over Chromecast sales in Amazon’s store.

While the public has been aware of this Roku vs YouTube (Google) feud since April 2021, at least one of the companies is lying about what’s causing it. Roku says that Google is trying to muscle its way to the top of search ranking on the platform and some other perks that other apps aren’t privy to on Roku’s platform. On the other hand, Google says that it’s just trying to renew its existing deal with Roku.

Source: The Verge 

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Mobile Syrup

Download the YouTube app on Roku ASAP

If you have a Roku streaming device without YouTube’s app on it, you should download it before December 9th. The two giant companies are fighting, and Roku’s deal to host YouTube in its store is set to expire very shortly.

That said, anyone who already has the app downloaded will be fine. However, the app likely won’t get more updates until the two media giants broker a deal.

This wouldn’t be the first time that a corporate fight resulted in YouTube being pulled from a service. Back in 2017, Google removed YouTube from Fire TV as the two companies feuded over Chromecast sales in Amazon’s store.

While the public has been aware of this Roku vs YouTube (Google) feud since April 2021, at least one of the companies is lying about what’s causing it. Roku says that Google is trying to muscle its way to the top of search ranking on the platform and some other perks that other apps aren’t privy to on Roku’s platform. On the other hand, Google says that it’s just trying to renew its existing deal with Roku.

Source: The Verge 

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Mobile Syrup

Leaked images suggest Google’s Pixel Watch will feature minimalist design.

A new slate of leaked images are driving up the hype for what many expect to be Google’s next foray into smartwatches

Based on the leaked images (seen below), the smartwatch will run Google’s Wear OS 3 and sport a relatively slim and circular watch face. It’s also expected that the company will call the device the Pixel Watch as current rumours indicate.

The leaked images also show off a single crown on the side of the watch and what appears to be a few varieties of a proprietary watch band.

The photos also reveal few watch faces and apps. Overall, the device seems to match Google’s distinct Android 12 aesthetic pretty well.

While these photos courtesy of Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser, appear to be from some sort of video or slideshow, they’re still just leaks. with this in mind, it’s important to point out that Google still hasn’t officially revealed the Pixel Watch. It’s also with noting that Prosser has a spotty history when it comes to leak accuracy.

Source: Front Page Tech 

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Mobile Syrup

December’s Pixel feature drop offers ‘Now Playing’ enhancements and more

Google’s latest Pixel feature drop brings more functionality to the tech giant’s smartphone.

For instance, Google has added new wallpapers created by Vancouver, B.C. artist Dana Kearly to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

My favourite part of the update is what the tech giant has done with ‘Now Playing.’ Now Playing, an on-device feature that automatically recognizes songs playing in your environment, now lets you save the current song playing as your favourite. There’s also a Favourites category where you can find the tunes you liked the most. Further, Now Playing now lets you manually search for a song playing nearby. You can also now turn on the new search button and Google will connect to the internet to find the song.

If you’re an owner of the Pixel Buds A-Series, you can open the Pixel Buds app and use a slider to manually adjust the bass from -1 to +4, giving you far more control. The Recorder app can also now transcribe in Japanese, French and German on Pixel 3 phones and newer.

On your Pixel 4a with 5G or newer, you can now use ‘Quick Tap’ to access Snapchat, and you’ll soon be able to add a new Pixel exclusive lens to the platform.

Ultra-wideband is now available on the Pixel 6 Pro, which improves ‘Nearby Share,’ allowing you to quickly share files, videos, map locations and more. Additionally, the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6 can work with digital car keys on select 2020-2022 BMW models.

Another new feature is ‘Conversation mode,’ an early-stage accessibility feature in the Sound Amplifier app. The feature uses on-device machine learning and connects to their conversation partner to better hear conversations in loud environments and tune out competing noise.

Lastly, Google has added a new ‘Car crash detection’ mode, but this feature isn’t available in Canada.

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Pixel mail-in repair service in the U.S. reportedly compromised accounts, photos

It looks like Pixel’s mail-in service might be a bit sketchy in the U.S.

The Verge‘s Jane McGonigal says her internet accounts were compromised after she mailed in her Pixel 5a to Google for service. McGonigal says the intruders accessed her Google services, Dropbox and another email account, while activity logs indicated that they accessed photos in an attempt to “find nudes.”

“The photos they opened were of me in bathing suits, sports bras, form-fitting dresses, and of stitches after surgery,” McGonigal writes. “They deleted Google security notifications in my backup email accounts.”

McGonigal sent her broken phone to a Pixel repair centre in Texas in June, and Google later told her that it never received the phone. Following that, she was charged for a replacement device. However, McGonigal said that FedEx tracking details indicated that the phone had arrived at the facility. Afterwards, the “missing” phone was used for two-factor authentication checks to access her accounts.

McGonigal says this has happened to others as well. McGonigal offers the full story on her Twitter page. 

In a statement to The Verge, a Google spokesperson said, “we are investigating this claim.” At this moment, it’s unclear who exactly has the phone or whether it was intercepted during transit or in the repair facility.

In the U.S., Google offers mail-in repair services in and out of warranty. If you don’t want to mail in your device, you can head to a uBreakiFix instead. Canada works a little differently; Google Support pages state that mail-in services here are handled exclusively by uBreakiFix.

Either way, whether you’re mailing it in or bringing your device to a repair service yourself, you always have to be careful of something like this happening.

Source: Jane McGonigal (@avantgame), The Verge