Category Archives: Google

The share of Google searches about Black Lives Matter spikedshortly after Axios launched its Hard Truths series but those have been overtaken by searches about critical race theory in recent months.

Why it matters: The search trends provide a window into how the national conversation about racial justice has shifted over the course of this series.

The share of Google searches about Black Lives Matter spikedshortly after Axios launched its Hard Truths series but those have been overtaken by searches about critical race theory in recent months.

Why it matters: The search trends provide a window into how the national conversation about racial justice has shifted over the course of this series.

By the numbers: Over the past year, Google searches related to BLM peaked around the time of the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol, then slowly declined.

Interest in critical race theory started rising in March, as news outlets (especially conservative-leaning ones) began drawing attention to the issue.

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Critical race theory overtakes Black Lives Matter on Google searches - Axios

Last week, a Reddit user reported that they werent able to call 911 using their Pixel 3 and later said they were working with Google support to figure out the issue. Yesterday, Google announced what was causing the issue in a reply to the post: an unintended interaction between the Microsoft Teams app and the underlying Android operating system (via 9to5Google).

In its comment, Google says that the bug happens when someone is using Android 10 or later and has Teams installed but isnt logged into the app. The company says that Microsoft will be releasing an update to Teams soon to prevent the issue and that theres an update to Android coming January 4th.

Needless to say, you should uninstall Teams until the update is available if youre not planning on logging into the app. If you have logged into it at one point but dont use it frequently, you should also go ahead and double-check that youre still logged in as well. Even though the bug was reported on the Pixel subreddit, Google recommends that you should keep an eye out for the Teams update if you have any Android device running Android 10 or up.

As many commenters pointed out, its a bit concerning that any app can make it so you cant contact emergency services. Google does say its only received one report about this bug, but its a pretty niche set of circumstances that cause the bug (theres really no reason to have Teams installed if youre not logged into it). If it had been a more common interaction, it couldve really caused problems.

Google says itll update its Reddit comment when the Teams update is rolled out.

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Google says bug with Teams and Android can cause 911 calls to fail - The Verge

Back in late summer, TCL announced an upgraded version of its high-end 6-Series TV. Aside from some technical improvements the newer set fully supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K gaming at 120Hz the biggest change had to do with software, with the latest 6-Series running Google TV instead of the Roku OS that has shipped on many of TCLs most popular sets in the United States. The company has already released TVs powered by Android TV internationally and on a few budget models in North America, but the 2021 6-Series was meant to be a combined showcase for TCL hardware and Google software.

So far, its not working out that way, and things arent going quite as well as TCL mightve hoped. Best Buy the exclusive US retailer of the TCL Google TVs has abruptly removed both models from its store listings, and TCL confirms to The Verge that there are issues being ironed out.

Some early buyers of the 6-Series with Google TV (model R646) have complained about what they describe as a buggy, sluggish user interface. I myself have been reviewing a 65-inch model over the past couple weeks, and while the Google TV home screen seems to work relatively well, it didnt take long for me to notice some general slowness when pulling up and going through the settings menu. There can also be a lag before the TV reacts to remote control commands. My roommates have observed crashing apps and a few instances where the TV itself froze and became unresponsive. Some online reviews cite more annoying problems that require unplugging the TV altogether.

Similar early criticisms have also been leveled at the 5-Series with Google TV; Caleb at Digital Trends found his review unit to be on the slow side and ran into several bugs.

TCL has already rolled out several software updates meant to improve performance and stability. Our priority is to deliver an optimized user experience with Google TV and have a cadence of planned software updates for TCL devices, TCL spokesperson Rachelle Parks told The Verge in late November. Some of those updates do seem to have made a positive difference, and Parks told us in a statement on Thursday that customers will see marked improvements in the weeks to come.

But as of this week, Best Buy removed both of those models from its store listings. TCLs own website has a link to Best Buy that no longer works. Prior to the removal, the 65-inch 6-Series Im testing had an average review rating of 3.5 stars. Many reviews praise the panel and Mini LED picture quality but go on to list issues encountered with the software.

TCL confirmed to The Verge that its aware some are facing challenges with the stability of the user interface and yet, that the company expects these TVs to be available again in the coming weeks.

While TCL is familiar with Android TV, the Google TV software experience is new territory for the company, and clearly, its having a rough go at this early stage. I hope a lot of the performance issues can be ironed out with more updates; this really is a fantastic TV, with terrific peak brightness and excellent contrast thanks to that Mini LED backlighting. But its not where it needs to be right now.

In fact, Ive already gone ahead and plugged an Apple TV 4K into one of the HDMI ports just to avoid the sluggishness and jank. Streaming devices are a great way to speed up budget TVs, but they shouldnt be a necessary bandaid for a TV with an MSRP of over $1,000.

The Verge has reached out to Best Buy for more details. This could be a supply shortage situation (though itd be odd for the pages to completely vanish in that case), or maybe TCL is taking a beat to assess next steps for its new Google TVs to turn around their buggy early reputation.

Update December 9th, 8:28PM ET: Added information from TCL about software updates and availability.

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Best Buy pulls TCL Google TVs amid complaints of slow, buggy software - The Verge

As we near the end of this year, Google has shared its list of hand-picked Chrome extensions which are said to allow users to virtually stay connected, get things done, and have some fun along the way. Google has categorised the extensions into four different categories, on the basis of what they offer. These include; Communicate and collaborate, Stay productive, Learn virtually, and Make (and save) some change.

Here is everything you should know about Googles list of favourite extensions for Chrome in 2021.

As part of this category, Google has chosen three Chrome extensions. Loom which is aimed at making the process of capturing and sharing videos with others, easier. The extension will allow users to record their screen, voice, and face in videos that can be shared.

Mote which will allow users to give quick feedback via voice. Users can use the extension to add voice comments and audio to shared documents, assignments, emails, and forms.

The company also listed Wordtune as one of its favorite picks of 2021. The extension can be used to communicate with ease, as it rephrases sentences and typo errors in emails and documents.

Google has stated that as part of this category, it has chosen extensions that will offer new ways to stay focused and efficient. Forest, which is an extension that can be used to motivate users and enhance productivity, using virtual tree planting and rewards.

The company has also listed Dark Reader to be one of its favorite Chrome extensions. Dark Reader is meant to protect your eyes and reduce strain, by applying a dark theme to the websites you visit on Chrome. Users can also tweak settings such as brightness, contrast, sepia filter, dark mode, and more.

Theres also Tab Manager Plus extension which will allow users to view all active tabs in one view.

Users who are interested in getting a tool for clicking screenshots and recording their screen can have a look at Nimbus Screenshot and Screen Video Recorder. The extension will allow you to capture screenshots and record on-screen content.

As part of the Learn Virtually category, Google has mentioned extensions that will provide users with access to helpful virtual classroom tools. The top picks include Kami, which aids users in creating an interactive online learning space. The tool will allow teachers and students to collaborate in real-time.

Users can also make use of the InsertLearning extension on Chrome, to easily take notes. The tool can even be integrated with Google Classroom. Toucan is saidto make the process of the same fun and immersive.

The last extension as part of this category includes Rememberry. The extension can be used to organise vocabulary words into flashcard decks for quick studying.

If you wish to ad a personal touch to your browsing experience, you can download Stylus. Using the extension, you will be able to build and install custom themes and skins for the websites you love to visit often.

Google has also listed the Rakuten extension as part of this category. The tool can be used to automatically search for deals and find coupons across the Web while shopping online.

Excerpt from:

Google releases its list of favourite Chrome Extensions of 2021 - The Indian Express

Kim Komando| Special to USA TODAY

How often do you turn to Google? Every day? Multiple times a day?

If youre focused on privacy, there are better options. Tap or click for alternatives to Google that work well without gathering so much of your data.

You shouldn't turn to Google, or any other search site, to diagnose symptoms. Tap or click for reasons you should ditch Dr. Google.

When it comes to finding what you want, some tricks make the job easy. Here are 10 Google tips to try:

1. Filter search results by date

Lets say youre researching, and you only want to find results from the past five years. If you filter by date, you can make sure old links arent clogging your search results.

Heres what to do. First, type in your phrase. Then, tap on Tools, click on Any Time and click on Custom range.

Then, a little box called Custom date range will pop up, along with a calendar. You can insert the start and end dates. This way, you're filtering results to ensure you don't get a single search result outside these time boundaries. From there, just hit Go.

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2. Exclude keywords you dont need

It's annoying when you're looking for one thing, and results for another keep coming up. With this trick, you can exclude keywords you don't need.

Do you need to exclude a word? Place a minus sign (-) in front of the word you don't want.

Throw a plus sign (+) in front of any word you want to stress as important.

3. Search for files

Heres another secret that could save you time. Type filetype: at the beginning of your search if you're looking for a spreadsheet, PDF, or another document. For example, if you want PDFs, write filetype:pdf in the search, along with your keyword.

This tip is helpful if you're looking for other file types, too. Need an Excel spreadsheet? Just type filetype:xlsx along with your keyword into the search engine. Now, anything publicly available is just a few clicks away.

Join over 50,000 people. Get tech news straight to your inbox and be up to date in five minutes or less. Tap or click here to try The Current, my new ad-free newsletter.

4. Try Advanced Search

Everybody knows how to do a regular search on Google. But skilled researchers prefer the advanced search function, which helps you refine your results. You can find websites with specific words, precise phrases, numbers, languages, and regions, among other parameters.

During your first search attempt, click Settings just below and to the right of the main text field and look for Advanced Search. Youll see multiple search fields. There, you can filter your searches in any number of ways.

If you cant find something on a specific website because their search function is lacking, theres a field in Googles Advanced Search where you can search by site or domain. For media, you can search by image size or aspect ratio, color, search by site, or even filter results by usage rights.

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5. Quick and easy search methods

If you don't need all the filters with Advanced Search, you can use several shortcuts for regular searches. For example, if you're looking for something exact, add quotation marks to the word or phrase (e.g., "The Last Dance").

You can also search a site directly by placing site: directly in front of the URL, then follow it with your search term. So it would look like this: site:komando.com google You can use the same method to search for related content (related:).

Put @ in front of a word to search social media, or add # in front to search hashtags. Use * in place of an unknown word or as a placeholder. You can even search within a range of numbers like this: 2002..2018.

While were talking social media, youre the only one who can control what others learn about you via the web. Tap or click for 10 Facebook settings you really should double-check.

6. Stay up to date, the easy way

Do you want a quick look at todays weather? Presuming your device knows where you are, Google the word weather and youll get a detailed daily forecast along with outlooks for the coming days. You can also type weather in Atlanta, or any other point on the map, and youll receive a detailed meteorological update.

Sure, Google can tell you the forecast, but I rely on a site the pros use to predict storms, plan flights and more. Tap or click to try Windy.

7. The final countdown

This skill is shockingly useful, especially in the kitchen. Just Google timer and itll bring up a default countdown clock of five minutes; you can quickly change it to your needed duration. Click or tap the upper tab, and it becomes a stopwatch.

8. Find the origins of a word

Many people use Google as a dictionary, typing a word and then "definition" into the search engine. But more than a simple entry, Google also serves up synonyms, antonyms, and (often) the word's etymology that is, the word's origins.

So, if you love to know that night comes from Old English neaht, you could play this lingual game all day.

9. A handy translator

Select the language you need to translate, then search for any word or phrase. Google Translate works for more than 100 languages across the globe. While you can convert the search engine to Klingon, though, theres still no translation support.

Want to learn another language? Todays smart AI-powered apps can help. Tap or click for the best options out there.

10. Run two searches at the same time

Most of us have only ever thought to look for one search term at a time; first, we look for Paris, then we look for History of Aviation.

If youre not quite sure what youre looking for, Google can combine searches. All you need to do is add your search terms and separate them by and or or.

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Bonus Tip: Self-driving cars: Are they actually safe to drive?

Self-driving cars arent some crazy future tech … Theyre here now. That raises some questions. Does it actually work? Is it safe? Is it work shelling out $8,000 for Teslas full self-driving option? To find out, I sat down with Consumer Reports Head of Connected and Automated Vehicle Testing. Hop in and buckle up.

Check out my podcast Kim Komando Explains on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, Komando.

Learn about all the latest technology on theKim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website atKomando.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

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10 Google search tricks to help you find what youre looking for - USA TODAY

Have a gamepad handy and a recent LG TV? You can likely now try Googles Stadia cloud gaming platform as of today, its an app you can download for your television running webOS 5.0 or webOS 6.0 (read: likely 2020 models or later) in any of the 22 countries that Google covers. Youll find it in the LG app store on your TV.

LG promised that both Google Stadia and Nvidias rival GeForce Now cloud gaming service would arrive on its TVs in 2021, and the companys made it under the wire GeForce Now arrived in beta in mid-November. Previously, most Stadia-supported TVs ran some version of Android TV.

Both Stadia and GeForce Now are free to try with a basic account though theyre not necessarily equal. We were blown away by GeForce Nows new $200-a-year RTX 3080 tier; I wrote that it leapfrogged Google Stadia. But Nvidia only streams in 4K resolution to its own Shield TV set-top box not these LG TVs while Google Stadia will be offering its full Stadia Pro tier with 4K streaming resolution, HDR, and 5.1 surround sound to LG TVs as of today. Assuming you pay $10 a month for Stadia Pro, that is.

We havent yet compared Stadias 4K vs. Nvidias 1080p on the same screen, but Im eager to give that a spin some evening.

One possible advantage for Stadia: while GeForce Now requires you to bring your own games (it uses your PC library), Google is currently running free timed trials of games like Control.

Even if you dont have a gamepad, you can technically play Stadia on some platforms using your phones touchscreen a spokesperson confirms that Stadias bridge mode has made it to LG TVs.

Update, 7:20PM ET: Confirmed that Bridge Mode should work with your phone as a touchscreen controller for Stadia.

Original post:

Your LG TV can now play Google Stadia if its running webOS 5.0 or later - The Verge

Google TV is adding yet another cord-cutting option to its live TV tab. With the addition of Pluto TV, Google TV users now have even more live TV channels to choose from.

Beginning today, Google TV will now support Pluto TV within the live TV tab, meaning users can easily access more than 300 free channels from the platforms primary live TV hub. Pluto TV is the fourth streaming service to grab a spot on Google TVs tab. Previously, Google TV supported YouTube TV, Philo, and Sling all of which require paid subscriptions.

Technically Google TV already offers plenty of free live TV services through its apps, but baking an ad-supported service directly into the live tab is a much easier way to find live and linear coverage. Plus, rival streamer Roku already supports free live TV through its Roku Channel experience.

In addition to adding Pluto TV to its live tab, new Google TV users can also claim six months of Peacock Premium for free (after which time, itll cost $5 a month). Peacock Premium gives users access to originals, live sports, on-demand movies, and series, as well as WWE programming.

Google said in a blog post that the new Pluto TV integration will be supported on all Google TV devices within the coming weeks, with more free streaming options on the way in 2022.

Excerpt from:

Google TV adds Pluto TV to its live TV tab - The Verge

Manifest V3, Google Chromes soon-to-be definitive basket of changes to the world of web browser extensions, has been framed by its authors as a step in the direction of privacy, security, and performance. But we think these changes are a raw deal for users. Weve said that since Manifest V3 was announced, and continue to say so as its implementation is now imminent. Like FLoC and Privacy Sandbox before it, Manifest V3 is another example of the inherent conflict of interest that comes from Google controlling both the dominant web browser and one of the largest internet advertising networks.

Manifest V3, or Mv3 for short, is outright harmful to privacy efforts. It will restrict the capabilities of web extensionsespecially those that are designed to monitor, modify, and compute alongside the conversation your browser has with the websites you visit. Under the new specifications, extensions like these like some privacy-protective tracker blockers will have greatly reduced capabilities. Googles efforts to limit that access is concerning, especially considering that Google has trackers installed on 75% of the top one million websites.

Its also doubtful Mv3 will do much for security. Firefox maintains the largest extension market thats not based on Chrome, and the company has said it will adopt Mv3 in the interest of cross-browser compatibility. Yet, at the 2020 AdBlocker Dev Summit, Firefoxs Add-On Operations Manager said about the extensions security review process: For malicious add-ons, we feel that for Firefox it has been at a manageable level....since the add-ons are mostly interested in grabbing bad data, they can still do that with the current webRequest API that is not blocking. In plain English, this means that when a malicious extension sneaks through the security review process, it is usually interested in simply observing the conversation between your browser and whatever websites you visit. The malicious activity happens elsewhere, after the data has already been read. A more thorough review process could improve security, but Chrome hasnt said theyll do that. Instead, their solution is to restrict capabilities for all extensions.

As for Chromes other justification for Mv3 performance a 2020 study by researchers at Princeton and the University of Chicago revealed that privacy extensions, the very ones that will be hindered by Mv3, actually improve browser performance.

The development specifications of web browser extensions may seem in the weeds, but the broader implications should matter to all internet citizens: its another step towards Google defining how we get to live online. Considering that Google has been the worlds largest advertising company for years now, these new limitations are paternalistic and downright creepy.

But dont just take our words for it. Here are some thoughts from technologists, privacy advocates, and extension developers who share our concern over Manifest V3:

"A web browser is supposed to act on behalf of the user and respect the user's interests. Unfortunately, Chrome now has a track record as a Google agent, not a user agent. It is the only major web browser that lacks meaningful privacy protections by default, shoves users toward linking activity with a Google Account, and implements invasive new advertising capabilities. Google's latest changes will break Chrome privacy extensions, despite academic research demonstrating that no change is necessary. These user-hostile decisions are all directly attributable to Google's surveillance business model and enabled by its dominance of the desktop browser market."

Manifest V3 positions Chrome as the all-powerful arbiter of what software lives and what dies, shattering the ideal of a diverse array of extensions serving the legitimate preferences and values of equally diverse users. In 2017, when Google banned AdNauseam from the Chrome store, it summarily cut off tens of thousands of users from data they had accumulated, and deprived them of a free and open-source extension to counter online profiling and manipulation. In hindsight, AdNauseam was the canary in the coal mine, as Mv3 is now poised to cut off users from a range of invaluable privacy tools (including ad blockers) that thousands if not millions rely on. A browser that plays favorites to advance its owners interests effectively chokes out innovative, independent developers, while shrinking the options for individuals to shape their online experiences.

Manifest V3 is a detrimental step back for internet privacy.

Manifest V3 is an opinionated specification; it enforces limitations to improve user experience. That looks good on paper, but the reality is quite different. We at Ghostery believe that Google's Manifest V3 harms privacy protecting extensions.

Instead of requiring service workers and removing blocking webRequest, Google should make service workers and declarativeNetRequest optional, providing solutions fit for different use cases. Ultimately, this is about user choice and innovation.

Instead of having to reinvent the wheel, we at Ghostery would like to focus on finding new ways to prevent tracking. This is after all what browser extensions are and should be, a playing field for innovation and the express lane for browser enhancement.

Nearly all browser extensions as you know them today will be affected in some way: the more lucky ones will only experience problems, some will get crippled, and some will literally cease to exist.

Of all the browser extension API revolutions I've seen in 16 years of NoScript development, Manifest V3 is the worst offender by a long shot: a huge step backwards, and a poorly justified one. Manifest V3 shrinks extension capabilities and Web users' freedom to customize their browsing experience.

While there are many reasons to doubt the claimed privacy improvements and the theoretical performance gains, the disruption for existing extensions is painfully real: non-trivial extensions will need to be rewritten, in cases forced to abandon fundamental features.

But even worse is the severe crunch on browser extensions developers' ability to innovate, and, in the case of privacy and security extensions, to respond to emerging threats promptly and creatively. The net loss is huge, for developers but most importantly for web users' online safety and freedom of choice.

For SingleFile, I consider the migration to Manifest V3 to be a major regression from a functional and technical point of view. It also undermines some of the work done. Unfortunately, it doesn't bring any gains in return for the users. It is the very example of the collateral damage the Manifest V3 can cause.

Originally posted here:

Chrome Users Beware: Manifest V3 is Deceitful and Threatening - EFF

Google is releasing an update for its Pixel Buds A-Series wireless headphones, which will add a bass slider, a loudness compensation setting for better bass and treble response at low volumes, and a nice connectivity improvement (via Droid-Life). Given that the buds are only $99 (or free, if you got them with a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro preorder), its nice to see Google adding new features through software updates.

As we learned earlier today, the Pixel Buds will be getting more control over the bass response. The buds had a bass boost option before, but now youll be able to turn up the bass using a four-step slider and you can even turn it down a notch if thats what you prefer.

Google also says that if the Pixel Buds A-Series cant connect to the last device you used them with, theyll try to fall back to the device they were connected to before that. For example, if you were using the buds with your laptop thats currently off, they could connect to your phone automatically when you take them out of the case if you had them connected to your phone before using them with your computer.

Google says that the update, version 282, should be rolling out over the coming days and will install automatically if youre using a Pixel running Android 10 or higher or if youre using any phone with Android 6 or above that has the Pixel Buds app installed (as long as it has permission to see nearby devices). If you dont like waiting for automatic updates, Google does provide instructions on how to manually check for an update as well.

See more here:

Google Pixel Buds A-Series getting more options with firmware update - The Verge

Boston sports fans are used to their teams dominating on the field/court/rink. In 2021 though, one local team dominated the internet.

According to Mark J. Burns of Sports Business Journal, the Boston Red Sox are at the top of the list of the most popular trending searches of pro sports teams on Google in the U.S. in 2021. They are the only Boston team to make the list, and one of four MLB teams along with the World Series champion Braves (5th), defending champion Dodgers (7th), and AL champion Astros (8th).

The Red Sox were one of the most fascinating teams in sports in 2021. After a dismal 2020 season, they rebounded to win 92 games despite minimal offseason additions. Sparked by the return of manager Alex Cora, they went through the first half of the season at a historic pace, and despite cooling off a bit in August and September, they ended up with a spot in the AL Wild Card Game.

After beating the Yankees at Fenway in the first win-or-go-home game between the two teams since the 2004 ALCS, the Red Sox beat the AL East-winning Tampa Bay Rays in four games in the ALDS. Theyd go on to lose the ALCS to the Astros in six games.

This is the second year in a row a Boston team has topped the annual list. The Celtics were the most-Googled team in 2020, with the Bruins also appearing on the list in 9th. The Bruins also came in 2nd in 2019. The Patriots last appeared in 2017, coming in 7th. With the list coming out in the middle of the NFL season, it skews slightly away from NFL teams.

No local players were in the top 10 most Googled athletes this year. The last time Boston was represented on that list was 2019, when Antonio Brown was the most searched pro athlete and person in the country. David Ortiz was the third-most searched athlete that year.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter@RealAlexBarthor via email atabarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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Which Boston team was the most popular pro sports franchise on Google in 2021? - 98.5 The Sports Hub