Tag: android

WhatsApp Could Soon Get a ‘Recently Online’ List to Recommend Contacts to Users: Report

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will reportedly recommend contacts you can reach out to. The feature is a list dubbed Recently Online which shows the names of contacts who were recently logged into the app. The report speculates that the purpose of the feature is to help users determine people who are more likely to respond if texted or called. However, it will not show the currently online people, and instead only give an approximate understanding of those who have used the app recently.

According to a report by WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform is testing a new feature that was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.8.10.70 update via the TestFlight app. The report also highlighted that some beta testers might have access to the new feature, although it is not rolled out widely in the beta app. Interestingly, the same feature was also introduced in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.14 build, highlighting that both of the platforms could soon get this feature in their respective apps.

WhatsApp’s Recently Online list
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

Based on the screenshot shared by the publication, the Recently Online list only appears on the new chat and new call screen where the user selects the contact to write a text or make a call. Here, underneath the basic menu options, a new section highlighting the contacts that were recently online will be shown. It is unclear what exactly constitutes “recently online”, and what is the time limit after which a name is removed from the list.

The feature will, however, not show the list of people who are online currently, or the time when they were last online, as per the report. This is likely done to protect the privacy of the users. Further, those users who have set their Last seen to nobody will not appear on this list. It is unclear whether they will be able to see the Recently Online list or not.

This feature is currently in beta, but the report claims that it is likely to be rolled out to users globally in the coming weeks.

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Circle to Search Could Soon Support Split Screen Mode on Pixel Phones: Report

Circle to Search reportedly suffers from a unique issue on the Google Pixel smartphones. It appears that the feature does not work when a user has enabled split screen mode that opens two different apps or windows at the same time. A report claims that Google is testing the issue and might soon fix it and allow users to access the feature even while working in split-screen mode. Notably, a recent report highlighted that the tech giant is also working on a feature that will allow users to capture partial screenshots of the selected screen.

According to a report by Android Authority (via Mishaal Rahman), this issue only exists on Pixel phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series apparently does show the Circle to Search feature even while on split-screen. The tipster, during his investigation, initially believed the problem emerged from Android’s Assist API on top of which the feature is built. However, he found that this was not the case.

This is how the Circle to Search appears on a Pixel phone’s split-screen mode
Photo Credit: Android Authority/Mishaal Rahman

 

Later, while examining Pixel’s Launcher app in the latest Android 15 Beta 1.2, Rahman came across a flag, enabling which gave him access to activate Circle to Search even in split-screen mode. Based on this, the tipster claims that it is likely that Google is working on a fix for the issue that restricted Circle to Search from appearing. While a release date for the fix is not known, it is believed that it could be shipped with the next update for Pixel smartphones.

Google’s Circle to Search is a visual lookup tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to process the content displayed on the screen. It then runs it through Google Search to show results. It can be used to explain a particular word or phrase, find out the price of a dress, know more about a famous building, and more. The feature can also be used to copy a block of text displayed on the screen.

The tech giant is also planning to add more functionality to the feature. A report highlights that Google is working on adding partial screenshot capability to the feature. Two new options, Copy and Share, are said to pop up when selecting and highlighting a part of the screen. Reportedly, tapping on Copy takes it to the clipboard, which can then be edited via any photo editor app. Share allows users to directly share it with others through supported third-party apps.

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Google Gemini Reportedly Expands to Android 10 to Support Older Smartphones

Google’s Gemini app is expanding its compatibility with older Android operating systems, as per a report. Some users have recently highlighted that the Gemini app became available on devices running Android 10. This is a new development as the older versions of the app only supported Android 12 and newer. The users have also said that the app is running without any lag and glitches. Notably, the tech giant is said to be working on new features for its Gemini for Android platform. Some of the new features include a floating window over background apps, real-time generation, and prompt scheduling.

The development was spotted by a couple of tipsters on X (formerly known as Twitter) and was reported by 9to5Google. User Sumanta Das found that the Gemini app was “functioning flawlessly” on his Android 10 device. This was later corroborated by tipster and APK Mirror founder Artem Russakovskii who said in a post, “Sumanta is right. The latest Gemini release is the first version that supports Android 10 and 11. All previous versions (except somehow the very first one which was Android 6+) were Android 12+.”

It was further confirmed by the publication which tested the Gemini app on an Android 10-powered Pixel phone and found that the functionality of the app was exactly the same as its Android 14 counterpart. Interestingly, Google did not make any announcement about an expansion to older devices, but it appears that the tech giant wants to bring more devices under its AI umbrella.

Notably, since the Gemini app’s functionality has not been impacted, it should be able to be used as the on-device assistant as well, replacing Google Assistant. However, it is unclear whether the AI Assistant features are also the same as newer Android versions.

The current Gemini AI Assistant is not very capable. While it can handle all the generative AI tasks and can manage basic on-device functionalities, it does not have access to third-party apps. So, if you want to send a message via WhatsApp using Gemini, it will revert to Google Assistant to complete this feature. An earlier report highlighted that the company was working on improving the AI Assistant. In particular, Gemini might soon be able to play music on devices from third-party apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music.

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Google and Samsung Confirm Collaboration for ‘Exciting’ AI-Powered Experiences

Google and Samsung are collaborating to develop and deploy new artificial intelligence (AI) experiences for Android and Galaxy smartphones. The two tech giants first joined hands for AI with Circle to Search. The visual lookup feature allows users to draw on the screen to run a Google search. While it was developed by Google, it launched on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series ahead of the Pixel 8 series. Now, the two companies have confirmed that they will be working together to build new AI features for the ecosystem.

Rick Osterloh, the Senior Vice President, Platforms & Devices at Google shared an image on X (formerly known as Twitter) with TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. In the caption, he said, “Had a terrific conversation with TM and @SamsungMobile leadership. Our partnership has never been stronger. I’m thrilled about our collaboration on AI and the many opportunities ahead for both companies.”

Later, the official X handle of Samsung Mobile also reposted the image, highlighting that both companies are aligned over the vision of AI for the Android and Galaxy ecosystems. The smartphone maker also teased that they were building exciting AI features. Some of these could be revealed at the Google I/O event which will be held on May 14. During this event, the tech giant will also unveil Android 15 and the new features in the operating system.

Besides collaboration, both companies are also working on their AI-focused products and services. Samsung launched its Galaxy AI suite of features earlier this year for the Galaxy S24 series, which has now been expanded to more devices. Apart from Circle to Search, it added features such as Live Translate which allows two-way, real-time voice and live caption translations of phone calls. Samsung’s AI-based photo editing tool Generative Edit and Chat Assist in Samsung Keyboard were also added through Galaxy AI.

Google has also been busy building AI features for the Android ecosystem. Recently, a report claimed that the company is working on improving its Gemini AI Assistant. As per the report, the Gemini for Android could get a floating window, a Live Prompt feature that allows prompt scheduling, and more.

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WhatsApp Reportedly Adding Improvements to Its Under-Development Nearby File Sharing Feature for Android

WhatsApp is said to be working on a nearby file-sharing feature for Android users that uses Bluetooth to transfer files for quite some time now. The feature was first reported in January 2024, but it has not even appeared on the beta version of the app. A new report now claims that the instant messaging platform is adding more improvements to the feature and that it could soon be rolled out in beta. Notably, the company is also reported to be working on a Favourites tab.

The new feature was spotted by the WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22 build. However, the feature is currently not visible and beta testers will not be able to use it. As per the report, the People nearby feature now comes with a screen citing detailed permissions required for it to work. A separate screen also has an animation for finding nearby people and shows the list of discoverable users.

WhatsApp nearby file-sharing feature
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

As per the screenshots, the People Nearby feature, which is located directly within the Settings menu, now informs users about the permissions WhatsApp requires to be turned on. These include access to photos, media and files, access to Bluetooth, and access to location. While access to files is required to show and send them to users, Bluetooth and location services are likely required to maintain the local network with users in proximity.

Once permissions are granted, users are taken to another page where other users who have activated nearby file-sharing can become discoverable and transfer files among each other without requiring internet connectivity. In the screenshot, WhatsApp claims sharing is end-to-end encrypted and the user’s phone number will remain hidden.

The feature can be a good alternative to sharing large files over the internet which can consume large amounts of data or sharing them through cloud services, especially in situations where the network is unstable or the user has limited data available. As per the report, the feature is near completion and could be available to beta testers via a future update. 

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WhatsApp for Android Could Reportedly Get a New Favourites Tab to Add Contacts to Speed Dial

WhatsApp is working on a new feature which will allow users to add, reorder, or remove contacts in a specific order, as per a new report. The feature, dubbed Favourites, was spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android and is expected to allow users to set up a speed dial of contacts for easier accessibility. The feature is currently not visible so beta testers will not be able to use it, but it is expected to be available in one of the upcoming updates.

The new feature was reported by the WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo, which claimed that the instant messaging platform is working on integrating a Favourites tab within the Settings menu. The feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.18 update. Despite being present within the codes of the app, it is not visible and users who have joined the Beta Programme will not be able to see it. The report highlighted that currently the feature could not be explored due to the same restrictions.

WhatsApp Favourites tab
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

Based on a screenshot shared by the publication, the new setting option was located between Account and Privacy options. A new option of Favourites is now visible with the description “Add, reorder, remove”. Opening the setting, a new screen mentions, “Make it easy to find the people and groups that matter most across WhatsApp”. While not much is explained about the feature, it appears that users will be able to add their favourite contacts to create a speed-dial-like interface from where they can quickly message those they value the most.

However, if this is the intended use case of the feature, it might be redundant to many users. Based on the screenshot, the feature is buried under two different screens (home screen > Settings > Favourites), which would make using it cumbersome. The current interface of the instant messaging app automatically pushes the chats up where messages were shared most recently.

Further, users also have an option to pin chats to the top for easier access. The existing mechanisms and features are geared towards keeping both favourite contacts and contacts that are interacted with most frequently. This might also be useful to those users who want to keep a separate list of those contacts that they don’t reach out to frequently but would want to be easily accessible for some specific situations. WhatsApp might shed more light on the feature if it rolls out publicly.

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Google’s Gemini Assistant Could Soon Play Music From Third-Party Apps: Report

Google added its native artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to the Android operating system as an on-device voice assistant earlier this year. This feature gave users the option to replace Google Assistant with Gemini as the default assistant for the smartphone. However, there were certain drawbacks to using the AI chatbot as it cannot set alarms, add reminders or launch apps like its counterpart. A new report has now found that the tech giant might soon add the capability for it to play music with a simple voice command.

The new feature was spotted within the settings options of the Gemini app for Android by a PiunikaWeb report (via AssembleDebug). Based on screenshots shared, a new option was seen within Gemini Settings. The second option from the bottom now has a Music option which features the description “Select preferred services to play music”. Another screenshot shows that within the option, another title says “Choose your default media provider”.

Based on the screenshot, the second setting page is currently empty. The report did not mention whether the new setting was spotted within the codes in the latest version of the app or the beta build, but it highlighted that the functionality is currently not available to use. The feature does not show any third-party apps that can be connected with the Gemini Assistant. However, the report added that the feature could be launched in a future update.

It is unclear how the feature might work, but taking the reference of Google Assistant, it should be able to play music from Spotify or YouTube Music based on voice commands. Gemini could also offer a song identification feature where a user asks the AI to listen to music playing somewhere or someone humming to identify its name and to play it through the music streaming app. It is unlikely to feature any playlist creation features, however.

Earlier this year, a report highlighted that Google is working on adding Gemini to Google Assistant-powered headphones. This would allow the wearable devices to use Gemini as the voice assistant and connect with smartphones which are running the AI chatbot as the assistant. Currently, despite having Gemini on the smartphone, these devices use Google Assistant when prompted.

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Android 15 Could Include App Quarantine Feature to Protect Users From Malicious Apps: Report

Android 15 is expected to arrive on Pixel smartphones later this year and several features from Google’s upcoming operating system (OS) update have surfaced thanks to the developer previews and the first public beta release. Google is reportedly working on a handy new feature that could help users isolate a malicious app on their smartphone after it is detected. If the feature is added to the final Android 15 release, the operating system might be able to ‘quarantine’ apps, just like antivirus programs on Windows.

Spotted by Android Authority on the latest Android 15 beta, Google is working on the ability to allow a system app — like Google Play Services or the Play Store — to isolate apps and apply some restrictions on them. Once an app has been quarantined, its capabilities will be severely limited, which might prevent it from taking adverse action on the user’s device. 

The code for the app quarantine feature exists on Android 15, but it is yet to be enabled, according to the publication. Based on the current code, the feature will reportedly prevent a quarantined app from showing notifications, hide its windows and stop activities, prevent it from ringing the device and prevent other apps from interacting with some its services.

The purported Quarantined Apps interface on Android 15
Photo Credit: Android Authority/ Mishaal Rahman

 

Google is reportedly working on a “QUARANTINE_APPS” permission that can only be granted to apps signed by the same certificate that Google uses to sign the Android operating system — effectively limiting the ability to quarantine apps to the Play Store (or Google Play Services).

It’s worth noting that while anti-malware software for Windows computers is also capable of quarantining apps, Android is much more secure than Windows and apps do not have access to several parts of the phone without first getting permission from the user. As a result, quarantined apps will still be visible in the app drawer on Android 15, but tapping the greyed-out icon will inform users that the app isn’t available, while displaying two buttons — OK and Unquarantine app, according to the publication.

There’s no word on whether the feature will be available with Android 15, as it was first spotted in a developer build of Android 14 back in 2022. If Google decides to enable the functionality on Android 15, it appears likely that only the Play Store or Google Play Services will be able to perform the app quarantining functions. It could, however, come in handy when Google’s Play Protect malware scanner detects an app that is exhibiting suspicious behaviour but isn’t a known threat. 

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Android 15 Beta 1 Released With New Security and Privacy Features for Eligible Google Pixel Phones

Android 15 Beta 1 is now available to download on eligible Google Pixel smartphones for users and developers who want to try out the upcoming version of Android. Google’s next mobile operating system (OS) update is expected to bring new features and functionality, when it is released later this year. While the search giant is expected to unveil new Android 15 features at Google I/O in May, the first beta version gives us a look at new privacy and security features coming to the OS later this year.

According to details shared by Google on the Android Beta subreddit on Thursday, the first beta release of Android 15 is now available to download on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Users who installed the developer preview will automatically get an update to Android 15 Beta 1, just like users who have Android 14 QPR3 beta on their devices.

 

In its post on Reddit, the company said that it would have more details to share at its annual developer conference next month, but 9to5Google has already unearthed new features that were added since the last Android 15 developer preview. After installing Android 15 Beta 1, users will see a new section called Cellular network security under Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy called that allows users to require encryption when connecting to cellular networks, or receive notifications when connecting to insecure networks.

Meanwhile, a new Send device name toggle has appeared under the Privacy menu found in each Wi-Fi network details section. It appears under the MAC address randomisation setting and the description suggests that disabling the feature will stop sharing the phone’s name with the Wi-Fi network.

Two more additions appear to have been made on Android 15 Beta 1. Users can set a default wallet app (eg. Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet) under the Default apps section. Meanwhile, Pixel phone users who update to Android 15 Beta 1 will also gain access to new Pixel Weather widgets that can be added to the home screen.

While Android 15 Beta 1 is likely to be more stable than the developer previews that were previously released by the company, it is advisable to install pre-release software on secondary devices and not your ‘daily driver’ phone. It’s also worth checking Google’s official Android 15 Beta 1 release notes to see what bugs have been fixed and all known issues before installing the latest beta version on your Pixel phone.

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Google Messages Could Show a New Pop-Up Warning When Users Click on Links From Unknown Senders: Report

Google is reportedly working on a new warning message for Google Messages that can prevent users from falling for a phishing scam or unknowingly installing malware on their devices. This feature will be triggered whenever the user clicks on a link sent by a number not saved in the Contacts. The new warning message is said to require users to take an extra step to tick a box containing a warning message before continuing to the website. Notably, a recent report revealed that Google Messages’ under-development satellite messaging feature could offer two-way communication.

According to a report by PiunikaWeb (via tipster AssembleDebug), the feature was spotted with the Google Messages app in RCS chats. While Google Messages does already show a warning text when clicking on URLs sent by unknown numbers, it is a simple “Do you trust the Sender” warning where users can click on continue and open the link. The new pop-up warning comes with a two-step process which could be designed to help users pause before they decide whether they want to continue or not.

Based on the screenshots shared by the tipster, the new warning is labelled more explicitly and says, “Caution: this sender isn’t one of your contacts”, and adds the message, “Links from people that you don’t know may open unwanted and harmful content”. In case the user still wants to continue, they will have to tick a box which states “I understand this link may be harmful”. If the user decides not to open the link, they can tap on the ‘Cancel’ button.

As the feature itself was found in RCS mode, it likely works for standard SMS as well. A comment posted on AssembleDebug’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter) confirmed that warning appeared even when clicked on a link sent by the user’s bank. The feature is expected to soon roll out to Android users globally.

This warning could potentially save a lot of people from falling for phishing scams. For the unversed, a phishing scam is a type of online scam where the attacker impersonates as a familiar person to the victim or as a representative of an institution and asks the user to click on a link. The website corresponding to the link often resembles a legitimate website and asks the user to sign in. But once the account id and password are entered, it is delivered to the scammers, who can then use it to access the accounts themselves.

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