Phone & OS

Google is set to expand its Circle to Search feature, officially known as "Drag to Search," to desktop Chrome and Chromebooks. This integration will introduce a prominent Google Lens icon in the address bar, enhancing the visual search capabilities for users. Functionality and Activation: On Chromebooks, users can initiate Circle to Search by tapping the new Google Lens icon located next to the bookmark star in the address bar. Upon activation, users will be prompted to "Select anything to search with Google Lens," accompanied by the distinctive shimmer effect familiar to Android users. User Interface: The cursor transforms into a crosshairs with a "Drag to Search" loupe featuring the Lens icon. Users can select areas by double-tapping, with the option to adjust the selection box subsequently. Search results will be displayed in a dedicated Google Lens side panel. Development and Release: This feature is currently live in the ChromeOS 127 beta and Chro...

Pic: Amazon Prime Video, an integral service within the Amazon ecosystem, has recently introduced a series of updates aimed at enhancing the streaming experience for its users. These improvements, which span across user interface design, content discovery, and playback features, are designed to provide a more intuitive and enjoyable experience for subscribers. Pic: Amazon Refined User Interface One of the most notable enhancements is the redesign of the user interface. The updated design focuses on simplicity and ease of navigation, enabling users to find their desired content more efficiently. This includes a streamlined menu structure and improved search functionality, ensuring that users can quickly access movies, TV shows, and other content without unnecessary complexity. Enhanced Content Discovery In an effort to facilitate better content discovery, Prime Video has implemented advanced algorithms that offer personalized recommendations based on viewing history and preferences. Thi...

Google is set to unveil the much-anticipated Pixel 9 series of devices at the upcoming “Made by Google” event slated for August 13, marking a departure from the traditional October product launch timeline. The event is expected to introduce four new Pixel phones this year, encompassing the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Amid an array of leaks, the potential design of the forthcoming Pixel phones has been extensively revealed. Notably, a recent hands-on comparison video has juxtaposed the Pixel 9 Pro XL with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, shedding light on the key design differentiators between the two devices. The video showcases the Pixel 9 Pro XL featuring flat sides and rounded corners, closely resembling the design language of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, a notable distinguishing factor is the positioning of the rear camera housing. While the iPhone 14 Pro Max sports a prominent large square camera module located in the top-left corner, the Pixel 9 Pro X...

Google Wallet appears to be developing a feature that will allow users to digitize their physical identification documents for convenient storage within the platform. This feature was initially revealed in mid-May during Google's recent Google I/O event and is now seemingly nearing its official release, though its practicality may have some limitations. Recent findings by Android Authority suggest that the functionality within Google Wallet to convert physical ID documents and passes into digital card formats is on the brink of becoming available. While the feature has not yet been fully integrated into the standard app for all users, traces of its code are present in the latest Google Wallet app update, potentially accessible by those with specific knowledge to enable it. The new capability aims to streamline access to a user's various passes and ID documents by consolidating them in a single location. It is tailored for items that are not inherently supported by the applicati...

Image: Motorola The Moto G85 5G, a new addition to Motorola's G-series, was officially launched in India on July 10, 2024. This device is positioned as a mid-range smartphone with robust features and competitive pricing, aimed at providing a high-value option for consumers. Pricing and Availability The Moto G85 5G is priced at INR 17,999 for the base model, which includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A higher-end variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is available at INR 19,999. The smartphone is set to go on sale starting July 16, 2024, and will be available through Flipkart, Motorola.in, and select retail outlets across India. Specifications and Features Display and Design:  The Moto G85 5G features a 6.67-inch pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels (FHD+). The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and boasts a pixel density of 395 pixels per inch (ppi) with an aspect ratio of 20:9.  The device is available in three col...

Microsoft has finally introduced spellcheck and autocorrect functionality to its Notepad application in Windows 11, more than 40 years after the text editor's initial launch in 1983. The company began testing these features in March and has now gradually enabled them for all Windows 11 users. The spellcheck feature in Notepad operates similarly to the spellcheck in Word or Edge, highlighting misspelled words with a red underline. However, there is a slight difference; when you right-click on a misspelled word in Notepad, the spelling submenu does not automatically expand as it does in Word, requiring an additional click to view the list of suggested corrections. It is curious that Microsoft has not fully aligned Notepad’s spellcheck functionality with that of Word, particularly since the beta phase demonstrated the ability to right-click and instantly select corrections. Microsoft Word first incorporated spellcheck in 1985, under its original name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix and MS-D...

Google is set to elevate the user experience within its Messages app with significant updates to its Rich Communication Services (RCS) functionality. Image Enhancements: A key focus of these updates is enhancing the way images are shared and viewed within RCS conversations. Google is introducing a redesigned image viewer that offers a more immersive and visually appealing experience. Users will benefit from: Larger image previews:  This allows for a better initial assessment of the image content without needing to open it fully. Improved image quality:  Google is implementing optimizations to ensure images are displayed at their highest possible resolution, enhancing visual clarity. Enhanced image navigation:  A streamlined interface will facilitate easier browsing through multiple images within a conversation. Interface Redesign: Beyond image enhancements, Google is also refreshing the overall interface of the Messages app. While specific details remain under wraps, the ...

In a significant development, Google has announced that its upcoming Pixel 9 series will feature enhanced Google AI capabilities, further solidifying the brand's position as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. The latest iteration of the Pixel series is expected to take mobile intelligence to new heights, offering users a more personalized and intuitive experience. According to sources, the Pixel 9 will be equipped with a more advanced AI-powered camera system, capable of recognizing and responding to user behavior in real-time. This technology will enable the device to automatically adjust settings, such as camera modes and settings, based on the user's preferences and habits. Furthermore, the Pixel 9 is rumored to feature an enhanced Google Assistant, which will be able to learn and adapt to user behavior over time. This will enable the device to provide more accurate and relevant responses to user queries, as well as offer personalized recommendations and sugge...

Industry reports suggest Google's upcoming Pixel 9 flagship smartphone may feature a display sourced from Samsung, marking a potential shift in supply chain strategy. This development, if confirmed, could signify a strategic move by Google to enhance the Pixel 9's display technology and potentially rival Apple's iPhone in display quality. Traditionally, Google has partnered with various display manufacturers for its Pixel lineup, including BOE and LG. However, recent reports originating from South Korea indicate a potential shift towards Samsung Display as a key supplier for the Pixel 9's OLED panels. This potential collaboration holds significant implications for Google's smartphone strategy. Samsung is widely recognized for its expertise in OLED display technology, consistently delivering high-quality panels known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. By incorporating Samsung displays, Google could elevate the Pixel 9's visual ex...