Tag: Pixel

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Google Duo gets SharePlay-like ‘live sharing’ feature on Samsung, Pixel phones

As usual, Wednesday’s Samsung Unpacked event was chock-full of hardware announcements. However, there were several interesting software announcements alongside the S22 series reveal, including a Google announcement about Duo live sharing.

Live sharing is a new feature coming to Google’s video chat app Duo. It’s similar to Apple’s SharePlay for FaceTime and allows Duo users to via notes, photos, videos, and more simultaneously when in a video call. Like FaceTime, Duo live sharing will only work with a limited number of apps, including YouTube, Google Maps, Samsung Notes and Gallery, and Jamboard, Google’s interactive whiteboard app.

Another catch: Duo live sharing will only be fully supported for Galaxy smartphones and tablets, and Pixel smartphones. Engadget explains that only people with supported Samsung or Pixel devices will be able to host live sharing Duo calls, while people with other Android devices will be able to join live sharing calls but not host them.

GIF credit: Google

It’s a bummer that the feature is restricted like this, especially considering Duo’s wide availability. Although FaceTime can be used on Android, it’s extremely limited; Duo, however, has a full app experience on both iOS and Android. If Google fully supported live sharing on multiple devices and platforms, it could potentially go toe-to-toe with FaceTime and SharePlay. Plus, Duo live sharing supports YouTube and SharePlay does not — another advantage Duo could leverage if it didn’t restrict live sharing.

Beyond the Duo feature, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 line will also get access to some other new Android features, like YouTube link previews in Messages and the ability to watch full YouTube videos in Messages without leaving the app. Unlike live sharing, however, the YouTube x Messages features will eventually roll out to all Android devices (except Android Go).

Source: Google Via: Engadget

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What smartphone tech are you excited for in 2022?

In 2022, we’re expected to see a variety of smartphones from notable players in the industry like Samsung, Apple, Google and more. For example, next week Samsung will almost certainly show off its anticipated Galaxy S22 series.

In 2021, several pretty cool smartphones appeared on the scene. I’m a big fan of foldables, so getting my hands on devices like the Z Fold 3 and the Z Flip 3 was pretty exciting. I was also thrilled by the Oppo Find N’s unique form factor that offered a more traditional aspect ratio on its cover display.

This year, Google is expected to release a Pixel-branded foldable smartphone, we’ll see the iPhone 14 series, the aforementioned S22 line and maybe even a few surprises from Samsung based on the South Korean tech giant’s Flex G and Flex S foldable form factors (seen below).

With all of this in mind, what smartphone technology are you excited to see this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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App downloads suggest roughly 10 million modern Pixel devices run Android 12

We may finally have an idea of roughly how many ‘modern’ Pixel devices running Android 12 are out there — about 10 million, according to app details on the Play Store.

As spotted by 9to5Google, a recently-added app called ‘Security Hub’ currently lists over 10 million downloads on the Play Store. As explained by 9to5, the Security Hub app shipped with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and later became available for Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, and 5a devices running Android 12. Devices older than the Pixel 4 don’t support the Security Hub app, even if they’re on Android 12.

In November, the Play Store listed the download count for Security Hub as 5 million, but 9to5 reports the number jumped up to 10 million a few days ago.

Considering the limits around which Pixel devices have the Security Hub app, it gives us a very, very rough estimate of the number of recent Pixel devices running Android 12. It’s especially interesting given that Google just reported an all-time quarterly sales record for Pixel (likely off the back of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro). The search giant did not share specific sales numbers, however.

Needless to say, 10 million isn’t a lot when it comes to smartphones. Samsung shipped an estimated 76.5 million smartphones and Apple shipped an estimated 52.4 million units in just one quarter of 2021. Heck, estimates for the arguably incredibly niche foldable segment point to some 9 million units shipped for all of 2021.

Granted, it’s entirely possible that not all of the Pixels ranging from the 4 series to the 6 series are running Android 12. But, I find that unlikely — one of the main benefits of getting a Pixel over another Android device is the frequency of updates and first access to new versions of Android. Roughly 10 million devices across three years of products isn’t a great look.

Source: 9to5Google

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How Android 12 blocks group speaker volume control for Pixels, but not Android

Earlier this year, the International Trade Commission (ITC) handed down a ruling in the patent dispute between Sonos and Google. The ITC sided with Sonos, leading Google to make several changes to Nest and Home speakers.

One such change involved removing the ability for people to adjust the volume of a group of Google speakers using the physical volume buttons or rocker on their smartphone. An in-depth analysis of the code behind this change from Esper’s Senior Technical Editor Mishaal Rahman showcases how Google made the adjustment and, interestingly, how the impacts will be worse for Pixel users.

The post is well worth the read, but it is also quite technical. I’ll do my best to simplify below, but if you want to full details, check out the blog post here.

Changing the logic behind volume adjustments

To start, Google began changing how the volume rocker on your smartphone interacts with its smart home speakers when developing Android 12 — developers first discovered the change in September with the release of Android 12 Beta 5. Before the change, Android would check whether media playback was local (on-device) or remote (happening on an external device, such as a Cast-enabled speaker). Depending on the result of that check, Android would automatically adjust volume accordingly when users pressed the buttons on their phone.

Android 12 broke that check, effectively disabling the ability to adjust media volume for remote devices. Shortly after the Beta 5 release, a Google developer hinted that the change was related to an unspecified “legal issue.” Although it wasn’t clarified, that likely referred to the Sonos patent dispute.

According to Rahman, Android 12 release 26 (a.k.a. the January 2022 patch that started hitting Pixel devices this month) introduced new logic to handle local/remote volume control. Devices on this version of Android will check three conditions to decide whether to allow volume adjustments for remote settings:

  1. Whether the active media session uses local playback.
  2. If the flag ‘ config_volumeAdjustmentForRemoteGroupSessions’ is set to true.
  3. If the list of routing sessions for the app contains a single route (apart from the system routing session).

The way it’s set up, if the first or second condition is met, then Android doesn’t check condition three. If both of those conditions fail, then Android checks condition three. This is where things get really interesting.

Android can still change group speaker volume — Pixels can’t

Rahman found that the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) defines the second condition as true. (AOSP, for those not familiar, is the open-source foundation of the mobile OS — most Android smartphones use AOSP plus an assortment of other software like Google Play Services and changes from manufacturers to deliver the user experience you’re used to.) That means Android allows users to adjust the volume of remote media session on a group of speakers by default.

However, Pixel phones with the latest Android update still don’t let users adjust the volume of speaker groups using the physical volume keys. Rahman discovered that on Pixel phones, that second condition is set to false, effectively blocking volume control for remote sessions on groups of speakers. Plus, that means other Android phone makers could allow group speaker management if they want to:

“While the first patch appears to have been more of a “band aid,” the second patch seems tailored to allow Google to ship Pixel phones without the ability to control the volume of remote speaker group sessions. But it also leaves an easy way for OEMs to ship their own devices with the feature enabled.”

Finally, Rahman notes that the new volume behaviour is also present in the Android 12L beta. He outlines a way for users to override that setting, manually enabling group speaker volume control on Pixel phones, but it’s a technical process that requires superuser access.

Despite the complexity of the code, it seems like a simple way for Google to side-step legal ramifications by disabling group speaker volume control for Pixel phones while simultaneously keeping the feature available for Android manufacturers. That said, it sucks for Pixel users who, for now, won’t be able to change the volume on groups of speakers using their smartphone’s volume rocker.

Source: Esper Via: Android Police

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Android 12L Beta 2 animations reveal more about upcoming foldable Pixel

While previous leaks indicated that Google was cancelling its foldable project, it looks like that isn’t the case after all.

That’s because 9to5Google looked into some animations found in Android 12L Beta 2 update, and some showcased a SIM card going into the device. It looks to have its volume rocker on the handset’s right side, even when unfolded. This is similar to the Z Fold 3 that also features a volume rocker on its right side.

The SIM card tray is placed on the bottom left side of the device when unfolded. This is similar to Oppo’s newly unveiled Find N.

It looks like the Pixel Fold animation shows that the phone will have more of an 8.4:9 aspect ratio that’s more square-like and similar to the Oppo Find N. Previous device leaks made the phone look more 22.5:18 aspect ratio similar to the Z Fold 3.

9to5Google did some measurements and says it believes that the Pixel Fold will sport a 7:8 aspect ratio if the phone still has the rumoured 7.6-inch display.

A previous rumour indicated that Google cancelled its foldable phone due to competition with the Z Fold 3. However, with a different form factor that’s reportedly more suitable for multitasking and app usage, Google might have an edge over the South Korean phone makers.

Source: 9to5Google

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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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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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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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New Pixel wallpapers celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Google has been killing it with some stellar wallpapers for Pixel phones recently. Not only do the wallpapers look great, but they’re often socially aware and meant to highlight things like Hispanic Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Day and National Native American Heritage Month.

The most recent set of wallpapers celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities and are illustrated by B.C.-based First Nations artist Dana Kearley.

The new wallpapers look absolutely fantastic, and the wealth of colour play well with Android 12’s Material You theme system.

You can find the new wallpapers (along with others, like those celebrating International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) in the ‘Curated Cultures’ section of the Pixel wallpapers app on the Pixel 3 and newer.

Source: Google (Twitter) Via: Android Police

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Canada’s own Simu Liu is now an official Google Pixel 6 ambassador

Canadian actor Simu Liu is now the spokesperson for the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

The Mississauga, Ontario-raised Liu will be featured in a series of digital ads and social media spots that emphasize both the phones’ features and his personality.

Liu, of course, made waves earlier this year for his leading role in September’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Marvel’s first Asian-led film. He’s also known for his role in CBC’s acclaimed Kim’s Convenience sitcom, which ran for five seasons and ended in April.

Liu will shoot the Pixel 6 ads later this month, with Google stating that they’ll air sometime this holiday season. The Pixel 6 series was released in Canada in late October. One of the Pixel 6 family’s key features is the inclusion of Google’s first System on a Chip (SoC), Tensor, which offers Real Tone technology to better capture skin colour, Live Translate for improved speech recognition and more.

Given that Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is also a noted Pixel fan, perhaps a crossover between the two is in order.

In any case, Liu is the latest famous Canadian actor (and Marvel movie star) to dive into the business of smartphones. Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) owns his own U.S.-based carrier, Mint Mobile, which he’s been trying to bring to Canada for many months now.

Source: Google