Daily Archives: January 10, 2024

The focus of CES 2024 revolves around the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of technology. One area that stands out is the role of Android in revolutionizing the automotive industry, making cars smarter and more user-friendly. Prepare yourself for an enhanced, well-informed, and enjoyable driving experience as Android Auto and cars with Google built-in receive exciting updates and form new partnerships. Master the art of navigation Electric vehicle owners can now celebrate the fact that Android Auto eliminates the concern of running out of battery power while driving. Google Maps will soon receive real-time battery information from EVs, starting with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. This means that you will be able to view the approximate amount of battery remaining when you reach your destination, recommended locations to charge your battery along the journey, and the duration required for charging. Got a trip coming up? Send your Google Maps itinerary from your mobile device directly to your vehicle's entertainment system for a smooth and uninterrupted journey. These updates begin to roll out today. Stay connected and entertained There's something new for everyone, whether you want to check the weather before you leave or keep the kids busy while you're stopped. Chrome is being integrated into some Polestar and Volvo cars in beta, so you can use it to browse the web or get to your bookmarks while you're stopped.

You can now get PBS KIDS and Crunchyroll on some cars that have Google built in. This will keep the kids (and maybe even you) busy on long trips. Also, if you like to know about the weather, you can now get The Weather Channel app, which puts hourly forecasts, follow-me alerts, and "Trip View" radar right on your screen.

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Cars get smarter with Android: Here are all the Google navigation app updates announced at CES - PhoneArena

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

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Google introduced Nearby Share in 2020 as an answer to Apples AirDrop. Most Android users might already be very familiar with the feature by now. For those whore not, Nearby Share essentially allows you to share images, videos, files, links, and Wi-Fi passwords between Android, Chromebooks, and Windows devices. As we first reported prior to the official confirmation, the feature is now getting a new name thanks to Googles close ties with Samsung.

Nearby Share will now be called Quick Share. Those who use a Samsung phone will know that Quick Share is the companys proprietary file transfer tool. Its very similar to Nearby Share. Both solutions use Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi Direct to find devices close by and transfer files. However, unlike Nearby Share, Samsungs Quick Share is only targeted at Galaxy users and doesnt work with non-Samsung devices. Theres a workaround, but that involves additional steps.

Another point of difference between Google and Samsungs file sharing solutions is that Quick Share allows users to share files with up to five devices simultaneously, but Nearby Share limits transfers to just one device at a time. The file transfer limits of both solutions also vary, with Nearby Share allowing 500 files/day of unlimited size and Quick Share allowing files of up to 1GB for a single transfer and a total of 5GB per day.

These differences should now fade away with Nearby Share and Quick Share merging into one and becoming just Quick Share. However, its unclear if the merged solution will be based on Googles version of Nearby Share or Samsungs existing version of Quick Share.

Weve integrated the experiences and created the best default, built-in option for peer-to-peer content sharing across all types of devices in the Android ecosystem, including Chromebooks, Google writes in its blog post.

The companies are also in talks with PC manufacturers like LG to expand Quick Share to Windows PCs as a pre-installed app.

Google says Quick Share will start rolling out to current Nearby Share-enabled devices next month.

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Google and Samsung join forces: Android's Nearby Share is now Quick Share - Android Authority

Google has teamed up with more automakers to offer vehicles that come pre-installed with Google apps, the company revealed today at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Nissan, Ford and Lincoln are rolling out select models with built-in Google Maps, Assistant and Play Store among other applications this year, while Porsche is expected to follow suit in 2025. They're the upcoming addition to the growing list of auto brands embracing tighter Google integration, which includes Honda, Volvo, Polestar, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Renault.

The company has also announced new features for cars with built-in Google apps. One of those features rolling out today is the ability to send trips users have planned on their Android or iOS Google Maps app to their cars. That way, they'll no longer need to plug in multi-stop trips on their car's Google Maps again after they've already plotted it meticulously on their phones. In addition, Chrome is making its way to select Polestar and Volvo cars today as part of a beta release, allowing users to browse websites and even access their bookmarks while they're parked. The browser will be available for more cars later this year.

Google is also adding PBS KIDS and Crunchyroll to its list of apps for vehicles to give users and their kids access to more entertainment content. And to give drivers a quick way to keep an eye on changing weather conditions, Google's built-in apps for cars now includes The Weather Channel's. It will provide users with hourly forecasts, as well as alerts and a "Trip View" radar on their dashboard, so they no longer have to check their phones. Finally, Google has announced that it's expanding its digital car keys' availability to select Volvo cars soon, allowing owners to unlock, lock and even start their cars with their Android phone.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

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Google apps are coming to select Ford, Nissan and Lincoln vehicles in 2024 - Engadget

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

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Google may be planning to roll out a major kernel upgrade for all Tensor-powered Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, and the Pixel 8 series.

Think of Android as a complex machine, like a car. The Linux kernel in Android is like the engine of that car. Just the way the engine controls how a car runs and operates, the kernel handles how the software (apps, user interface, etc.) interacts with the hardware (screen, buttons, speakers, etc.) of your Android phone. The kernel is responsible for deciding when and how long a particular app can use a piece of hardware, like the processor, similar to how an engine decides when and how much fuel to send to the cars parts. It also manages the devices memory. In simple terms, the kernel is the heart of your Android device.

Android insider Mishaal Rahman explains that major Kernel upgrades are rare on Android phones. However, it looks like Google is preparing to jump from Linux kernel 5.15 to Linux kernel 6.1 on all existing Pixel phones that house a Tensor processor.

Theres also evidence to suggest that the Google Pixel 9 would launch with Linux kernel 5.15 but will also be upgraded to Kernel 6.1 later.

Wow Google may be planning to ship a major kernel upgrade to all its (Tensor-powered) Pixel phones!

That said, theres no timeline to suggest when the upgrade will come along. An image tagged in Rahmans post on X (formerly Twitter) suggests the upgrade could come along sometime in 2026.

Benefits of the upgrade could include performance improvements on Tensor-powered Pixels. Sometimes, a kernel upgrade can make your phone run faster or smoother. It can also address heating issues or introduce some minor user-facing features. Rahman notes it could make long-term support better in the future. However, that doesnt necessarily mean older Tensor-powered Pixels like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 will get extended software support. It could simply mean better, more sustainable performance over time.

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Google may be planning to ship a rare upgrade to Tensor-powered Pixel phones - Android Authority

In addition to updates for phones, tablets, and TVs, Google has a number of Android Auto and Automotive announcements at CES 2024, including a Chrome app.

Android Auto is getting deeper integration wherein electric vehicles can share real-time battery information with Google Maps. This will let the navigation app show estimated battery level upon arrival at your destination.

It can also be used to suggest charging stops and estimate how long charging will take for your car. This is coming first to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning over the coming months.

On the Android Automotive front, a notable feature will let you send trips planned on your phone to the Google Maps app available on the car display. When looking at directions on Android or iOS, there will be a Send to car option next to the usual Start button. In your vehicle, this route will be marked as Sent from phone. This is rolling out starting today.

Google is bringing a Chrome app to Android Automotive that will be available when your vehicle is parked. Its basically the browsers Android tablet UI with a tap strip at the top and a familiar New Tab Page, as well as synced bookmarks. This is rolling out in beta to select Polestar and Volvo cars starting today. It will see wider availability later this year.

Other new apps include PBS Kids and Crunchyroll.

This year, expect to see Cars with Google built-in from Nissan, Ford, and Lincoln, with Google also touting Porsche in the future.

Meanwhile, Androids digital car key support is rolling out to select Volvo cars soon and to even more phone and car brands in the future. Google showed off being able to unlock, lock and start your car.

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Google Chrome app coming to Android Automotive - 9to5Google

From transparent micro OLED displays from Samsung to a 10,000 nits brightness TV from Hisense, CES 2024 has been eventful so far. Google is now joining the party as the search engine giant has announced a number of new, useful features it is adding to Android. The new features ensure more and more devices connect and work seamlessly together, regardless of what brand they are. Here are the top 5 new Android features Google has announced at CES 2024:

Nearby Share is one of the best features of Android. It makes sharing pictures, files and text between devices much easier. If you're a Samsung user, you might have already come across a similar built-in sharing feature called Quick Share. Google and Samsung have now partnered to rename Nearby Share and offer this cross-Android solution under the Quick Share name.

The functionality remains the same, with Quick Share allowing for peer-to-peer content sharing across all types of Android devices and Chromebooks. Google also says it is working with top laptop brands, such as LG, to include Quick Share as a pre-installed app on Windows devices. Quick Share will be available starting next month.

Fast Pair makes it very easy for Android users to find and connect to nearby Bluetooth accessories. Starting February 2024, this feature will be available on Chromecast with Google TV and expand to more Google TV devices later in the year. You will be able to see the fast pairing prompt on your screen once your accessory enters the pairing mode. And thanks to audio output controls, you will be able to switch to default TV audio whenever needed. It's a handy feature when you want to enjoy content on the big screen while someone next to you is reading or sleeping.

Speaking of watching content on big screens, Google and TikTok have finally partnered up to bring Chromecast functionality to the app. Starting today, you will be able to cast your favorite TikTok content from your phone to TikTok Chromecast built-in devices from the popular social media app. Google says the ability to cast live videos isn't available just yet, but it is coming soon.

Apple offers a neat feature for its ecosystem, called Handoff, wherein you can tap your iPhone on your HomePod and the music will start playing on the smart speaker. At CES 2024, Google is bringing this feature to its own ecosystem. The company is rolling out a casting feature that lets you easily move what's playing on Spotify and YouTube Music from your Pixel phone to your docked Pixel Tablet when it's nearby.

Android Auto is also getting way smarter with the new features. If you have a compatible EV like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning, Android Auto can now share real-time battery info with Google Maps. This helps by giving you an estimated battery level upon reaching your destination, suggesting charging stops, and estimating charging duration based on your vehicle. Google says this feature will soon extend to other car brands like Nissan and Lincoln.

Moreover, Google is adding one most-requested feature to Android Auto. Now, when your car is in parked mode, Android Auto offers the ability to access content on apps optimized for cars, such as content browsing on Chrome and watching shows on PBS KIDS and Crunchyroll.

These are some of the features coming to your Android devices. In addition to these features, Google has also announced a new feature wherein LG TVs and select Google TV and other Android TV OS devices will be able to serve as hubs for Google Home. So, if you own a Nest Hub, Nest Mini, or a compatible TV, you can effortlessly add Matter devices to your home network and control them locally using the Google Home app.

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The Pixel 7a is the new affordable smartphone from Google, featuring much-awaited features such as a 90Hz responsive display, a more powerful camera setup, and support for wireless charging. The Pixel 7a is powered by the Tensor G2 chipset, and it's the best device in the A series yet.

$549 $699 Save $150

The Google Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch display with adaptive refresh rate (up to 120Hz). It also ships with the improved Google Tensor G3 and a 4,575 mAh cell that will allow for all-day use. And if you enjoy capturing images on your smartphone, its cameras, enhanced by AI will help capture the best moment in your life.

The Pixel Fold is Google's first foldable smartphone offering some of the finest hardware and software on the market. The device features a 5.8-inch cover display and a big 7.6-inch foldable display. It is powered by the Tensor G2 chipset and is backed by a 4,821 mAh battery.

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Google Announces 5 New Android Features at CES 2024 - Pocketnow

Adam Birney / Android Authority

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Google is no stranger to CES, and the company is using the 2024 event to make a raft of announcements. These announcements include plenty of automotive-related news.

Perhaps the most noteworthy news is that the Chrome browser is now coming to Google-powered cars. Google says this will come to Volvo and Polestar cars first as part of a beta program, with support for more cars later this year.

This isnt the first time weve seen a web browser in a car with Google built-in. The Chromium-powered Vivaldi browser was released on cars with Google built-in back in September 2023. Nevertheless, were still glad to see Chromes availability, giving you an easy way to access web content tied to your Google account. And a browser is also a handy fallback option for services that might not have a dedicated automotive app.

Chrome isnt the only app coming to cars with Google built-in, as the search giant said The Weather Channel, PBS Kids, and Crunchyroll are all coming to these cars.

Electric vehicles with Android Auto can also now share their real-time battery details with Google Maps. This integration will allow Maps to provide your estimated battery level upon arriving at your destination, suggest charging stops, and provide charging time estimates for your predicted battery level. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning will be the first cars to get this functionality, albeit in the coming months.

Google is also making trip-sharing easier, as you can now share your trip from your Android smartphone or iPhone to a car with Google built-in. This feature is being pushed out today.

Finally, the Mountain View company said that Google built-in was coming to select Ford, Lincoln, and Nissan cars later this year.

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You can now use the Chrome browser in your Google-powered car - Android Authority

Much of the auto news out of CES 2024 has focused on EVs, and Google is no exception. The company has announced that Android Auto will share real-time battery updates with Google Maps. The update should initially roll out to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning in the coming months before expanding to other Android Auto-compatible EVs in the future.

With this new feature, Google Maps will give you suggestions of charging stations along the route without you having to pull over and search. It should also update you on the car's battery level once you arrive at a destination (something your EV should already do) and provide an estimate of how long it will take to charge. The latter is more novel and could help when you're in a rush.

Google also announced the expansion of Google built-in to additional car brands, such as Honda, Nissan and Ford, after first launching in a Polestar. The Chrome browser is now rolling out in beta to select models from Volvo and Polestar (of which Volvo is a part-owner) and should be more widely available later this year. Plus, Google built-in now has The Weather Channel app to track the forecast as you travel.

Update, January 09 2024, 6:42PM ET: This story was updated to clarify an error about the first car that launched with Google built-in.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

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Android Auto will soon let Google Maps see EV battery levels and tell you where to charge your vehicle - Engadget

Its not often that a young startup takes on a 25-year-old, $1.8 trillion tech behemoth. But for Aravind Srinivas, cofounder and CEO at Perplexity AI, thats just an average Tuesday.

Perplexity is hoping to create the next Google Search, infused with generative AI. The one-year-old startup has raised $100 million to fund that mission, most recently from IVP at a $520 million valuation. (We previously scooped the round here, and featured the company in our 50 Most Promising Startups list.)

Ive been testing out Perplexitys search engine for the past few months, and it has many of the features that Ive found missing in alternatives like OpenAIs ChatGPT, Googles Bard and Microsofts Bing. Its answers are concise and to the point, it includes citations to articles to back up its statements, and it doesnt have an overly cutesy, distracting personality.

Despite all its strengths and investor hype, though, the odds are stacked against itmost notably that its competing against the Silicon Valley powerhouse Google. Other companies have tried to take on the search engine giant and failed; last year, AI-powered search engine Neeva axed its consumer business after struggling to attract new users. In May, Neeva sold itself to Snowflake for $150 million, Supervised reportedjust half of what it was valued in its last fundraising.

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This One-Year-Old Startup Is Hoping to be the Next GoogleCan It Succeed? - The Information

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

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CES 2024 is in full swing, and companies are using the event to showcase their hardware and software innovations. Google has announced a bunch of new upgrades to the Chromecast ecosystem, such as expanding Fast Pair support to Chromecast with Google TV, expanding casting abilities to more apps and devices, and more.

Fast Pair comes in clutch when you have a new Bluetooth accessory to pair with your devices, making it a one-click and rather seamless process. The feature is available on Android phones and Chromebooks, and in the next month, Google will be expanding Fast Pair to Chromecast with Google TV. Later in the year, the feature will be expanded to more Google TV devices.

With Fast Pair, you only need to put your accessory in pairing mode, and your accessory will show up as a prompt on your Chromecast with Google TV. For Fast Pair to work, your accessory needs to support Bluetooth Low Energy, and your host device (Chromecast with Google TV, in this case) needs to have Android location services turned on.

Chromecast built-in is the consumer-facing branding that is often used to refer to Googles proprietary Google Cast protocol. Google Cast supports both mirroring content from your host device to your receiver device, as well as running the casted app locally on the receiver device (which leaves you free to do other things on your host device), so it is better than standard screen mirroring, albeit proprietary.

You can now cast TikTok content from your phone to your Chromecast built-in devices. In the near future, you will also be able to cast live videos from TikTok to your TV and other Chromecast built-in devices. Look out for the Cast icon within TikTok on your phone to know when you can cast content to other devices.

Coming later this year, Pixel users will be able to cast playing content from Spotify and YouTube Music to a docked Pixel Tablet simply when the devices are close to each other. This would remove the friction in the casting process and make casting as simple as gently tapping your Pixel phone to your docked Pixel Tablet.

The feature is referred to as Cast to devices nearby and it aims to provide a seamless media transfer between Pixel phones and docked Pixel Tablet. It works in both directions too.

Chromecast built-in is coming to the 2024 LG TV series. LG Hospitality and Healthcare devices will also get Chromecast built-in support later in 2024, letting users cast content on LG TVs in their hotel rooms without having to log in and log out of apps on the TV.

Further, Chromecast built-in is also available on Google TV devices launching in 2024, such as the 2024 Hisense ULED and ULED X series, the TCL Q Class and QM7 line, and more.

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Google announces new features for the Chromecast ecosystem - Android Authority