Tag: google

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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Lava Prowatch India Launch Date Set for April 23; Features Teased Ahead of Debut



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Google Pixel 8a Spotted on Bluetooth SIG Website; Launch Appears Imminent

Google is believed to unveil the Pixel 8a at its annual I/O developer conference in May. The Pixel 7a successor is expected to look similar to the vanilla Pixel 8 and could offer upgrades like Tensor G3 SoC and 120Hz display among others. Google is yet to confirm the launch of the Pixel 8a, but ahead of it, the phone has been spotted on the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) certification website with several model numbers. The Pixel 8a earlier appeared on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.

The Bluetooth SIG website has listed the Pixel 8a in different variants with model numbers G8HNN, GKV4X, G6GPR, and G576D. As per the FCC listings that popped up last month, these model numbers are said to be associated with the Pixel 8a. The listing has April 4 as the publishing date and shows that the handset will have Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. The listing suggests that the launch of the new device is around the corner.

The Bluetooth SIG listing for Pixel 8a was first spotted by MySmartPrice.

Google has not yet confirmed the existence of Pixel 8a, but previous reports have suggested possible specifications of the smartphone. It is expected to come with a 6.1-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixels) OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 1,400 nits of peak HDR brightness.

The Pixel 8a is rumoured to be powered by the Tensor G3 chipset like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It could get a dual rear camera setup comprising a 64-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS) alongside a 13-megapixel ultra wide-angle secondary sensor. It is said to carry a 13-megapixel front camera. There could be a DisplayPort output support as well.

Google Pixel 8a is said to go official in more new countries including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google Files Lawsuits Against Chinese Nationals for Promoting Fraudulent Crypto Apps on Play Store: Report

Google is taking a conscious approach towards identifying risky apps being promoted on its Play Store. In a fresh development, the search engine giant has identified two suspects who could have been using the app storefront to advertise fraudulent crypto apps. In order to deal with this situation, Google has filed a lawsuit against two Chinese nationals residing in mainland China. Google’s major competitor Apple has maintained a policies-based boundary from crypto-related activities, aiming to safeguard its community members from financial risks.

In the lawsuit filed by Google, the company has alleged that the two Chinese nationals were luring people to engage with scam crypto apps, getting them to deposit funds and later blocking access to their deposits, a report by CoinTelegraph said.

The individuals named by Google in the lawsuit are Yunfeng Sun, aka Alphonse Sun, and Hongnam Cheung, aka Zhang Hongnim or Stanford Fischer. In its filing, the tech giant has accused the defendants of having misrepresented their identity, location, and the nature of fraudulent apps in order to have them published on the Play Store.

Google estimates that these malicious crypto apps were collectively downloaded over 100,000 times. One such app that has been named is the TionRT exchange, among at least 87 crypto scam apps that Google has alleged the duo for having advertised and published on the Play Store.

The alleged culprits have been blamed for exploiting the international reach of platforms like YouTube to advertise these apps while also reaching out to potential victims through text message campaigns.

The tech giant is also suing the developers behind these apps for breaching the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) law. Passed in the US back in 1970, the RICO law aims to eradicate organised crimes.

Over the last few years, the crypto sector has blossomed on an international level, with thousands of cryptocurrencies having been launched in circulation. Taking advantage of this boom, crypto scammers also ramped up their activities and have managed to steal billions of dollars from the community.

Now, several nations are deploying rules to regulate the crypto sector, hoping to make it secure for their nationals to engage with. Fake apps, false high return schemes, scam airdrop promises are just a few ways that scammers have been establishing connections with potential victims.

With the rising number of crypto crimes, platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store have time and again been reminded by authorities to be vigilant in identifying problematic apps.

In November 2022, for instance, US authorities had asked Apple and Google to provide elaborate details on crypto-related apps available on App Store and Play Store, respectively. The tech giants were also, at the time, asked to explain how and how often they monitor apps that are available for download on their respective app stores.

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Android 15 Could Arrive With Redesigned Status Bar Icons, Haptic Feedback for Quick Settings: Report

Android 15 will arrive with updated status bar icons for the first time in a decade, according to a report. Spotted on the developer previews of Google’s next version of Android, the refreshed design will bring back the segmented design for status bar icons found on earlier versions of Android. Google is also reportedly adding haptic feedback and improved animations for the quick settings menu on Android. Handsets that ship with Android 15 or receive a software update could sport the new design, depending on the smartphone maker.

Android Authority reports that Google has included redesigned status bar icons with the biggest visual change since Android 5 (Lollipop) was introduced in 2014, along with haptic feedback for the quick settings menu buttons. At the time, Google replaced its status bars (featuring a segmented design) with a design that complied with its Material Design guidelines. These icons, have remained nearly the same — with a few minor tweaks — on subsequent versions, including Android 14.

Android 15 could bring back Google’s segmented design from Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Photo Credit: Android Authority

 

After a decade of Android updates with nearly unchanged status bar icons, the next major update will reportedly bring back the segmented design. The publication states that the new interface had to be manually enabled, and are not visible by default on Android 15 DP 2, and it is currently unclear whether Google will enable it by default in the future or provide a toggle to allow users to access the new icons.

A screenshot of the Android 15 status bar shared by the publication reveals a redesigned status bar that closely resembles the mobile network and Wi-Fi icons on Samsung’s One UI 6 skin for Android 14. Each “bar” on both icons is clearly denoted — the last time Google’s own interface included these icons was on Android 4.4 (KitKat), released in 2014.

The battery icon in the status bar has also been updated on Android 15 DP 2 — the vertical icon has been replaced with a horizontal design with support for displaying the battery percentage inside the icon. A charging indicator is also displayed inside the icon, alongside the battery percentage, when the handset is being charged. We will have to wait until Q3 2024 to know whether Google plans on rolling out these UI changes with the stable release.

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Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G, Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G India Launch Date Set for April 12



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Google’s Gemini AI Is Said to Bring a Reply Suggestion Feature to the Gmail app on Android: Report

Google could be working on a feature for its Gemini Advanced subscribers, who have access to its Gemini Ultra artificial intelligence (AI) model and other bundled features. As per a report, the AI tool in the Gmail for Android app will now be able to suggest replies for emails in the inbox to save users from reading and drafting replies for all the emails. This feature is said to be under development but is expected to roll out to users soon.

According to a report by PiunikaWeb, in collaboration with tipster AssembleDebug, the feature was found hidden within the Gmail app. When a user opens an email on the app and clicks on a reply option to open the text field, a new panel opens right above the box. Labelled “Reply suggestions from Gemini”, the panel shows custom replies which appear to be based on the content in the email.

Gemini AI’s reply suggestion feature
Photo Credit: PiunikaWeb

 

Based on the screenshots shared by the publication, it seems the replies do not utilise the full extent of the generative AI, as sharing an email to the web interface of Gemini creates a more detailed response. However, this does save time as the suggestions appear right on top automatically, as per the report. Upon clicking on a suggestion, it gets copied to the text field, and then it can either be sent directly or can be edited for better clarity.

In February, Google announced the integration of Gemini Ultra into Google Workspace apps, allowing users to access AI features in Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Meet with Gemini Advanced through the Google One AI Premium plan. The monthly subscription price for Google Advanced has been set at Rs. 1,950 a month in India, whereas in the US it costs $19.99 per month. The tech giant is also currently running a promotional offer where users can try it out for two months without a charge.

Alongside Gemini Ultra and integration with Google Workspace apps, the plan also offers 2TB of storage for Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail as well as other Google One Premium benefits.

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Google to Show Token Balances in Wallets Running on Bitcoin, Polygon, Fantom Blockchains

Google, in a crypto-supportive move, has decided to show balances of crypto wallets through a simple Google search. The balance information for wallets based on the blockchains of Bitcoin, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom will now be shown on Google once the wallet address is correctly typed into the Search bar. Heavily visited web platforms like Google easing out the process of engaging with digital wallets could rope-in more members to the digital wallets space.

The balances that Google will show may not be updated in real-time and would only show balances in the native tokens of the blockchains that are eligible for this Google feature. Screenshots of the feature have already begun floating on social networking platforms.

It is, however, noteworthy that blockchain transactions are saved on public domains. A wallet address does not reveal the identity of the wallet holder. The control of each wallet is stored in its private key, that is possessed by the wallet holder.

This development comes at a time when the crypto sector is sprinting on a bull run. Bitcoin, for instance, recently touched its new all-time high of over $73,000 (roughly Rs. 60.8 lakh). Standard Chartered predicts that Bitcoin is projected to reach the price mark of $200,000 (roughly Rs. 1.66 crore) by 2025.

Thanks to the bull run in the crypto market, along with the introduction of ETFs in the US and ETNs in the UK, more investors could join the crypto sector in the coming days subsequently leading to more visits on Google for wallet balance check.

This is not the first time, that Google has integrated such a pro-crypto service to Search. Earlier this month, Google Search started showing wallet balances for active holders of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). The ENS compresses complex wallet addresses into humanly readable, short addresses.

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Google Maps Gets Curated Recommendations, Customised Lists, and More to Help Users Plan Travels

Google Maps is getting three new updates that are designed to assist users on their travels. In order to provide personalised suggestions to users, Google has added curated lists of recommendations from top sites and the Google Maps community on Maps. The second Google Maps update lets users compile a list of places they want to go and keep track of the places they have been. Additionally, Google is bringing AI to Maps to offer summarised key insights for searched places. The company is also bringing a design update for Google Maps.

Alphabet-owned Google, announced the arrival of new features on Google Maps via a blog post on Thursday (March 28). The first Maps update will assist users in discovering curated recommended lists from top sites and the Google Maps community. When users search for a city in Maps they can swipe up to see curated lists of recommendations from people who know the city well. Additionally, users can avail of suggestions from sites such as Lonely Planet and OpenTable. This feature will be available this week in 40 cities in the US and Canada. The list can be saved on the Maps app or shared with contacts.

Google Maps is making ready three types of curated lists. The “trending” list will include “places that have recently seen a spike in popularity on Maps.” The ‘top’ list identifies places that are consistently popular with the Maps community. Finally, the ‘gems’ list will assist in finding great restaurants that still fly under the radar.

Additionally, Google is making creating lists easier in Google Maps. With this update, users can create lists by tapping the New List button from the Saved tab. This will help to organise places they want to go and keep track of the places they have been to. while travelling, these listings can be used to organise recommendations like an itinerary. Users will be able to link to the list of content from their social channels. These updates roll out globally on Android and iOS later this month.

Finally, Google will now use AI to identify “key insights from the Maps community.” This AI-backed feature will use photos and reviews of a place to summarise what people love about the location when they search for a place in Maps.

Additionally, Google confirmed that a new design update is on the way for the Maps app. It is confirmed to get a refreshed home screen with fewer tabs and new pin colours.

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Bitcoin-Backed Velar to Launch Native Token Via ByBit, Lauds India for Quick Tech Adoption


Elon Musk Announces X Premium, X Premium+ Access for Free, but There’s a Catch



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Google’s Circle to Search Feature Rolling Out to Pixel 6 Series, Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup, and More

Google’s Circle to Search was introduced in January this year with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. This was packed alongside a few other AI-backed features like Live Translate and Note Assist. However, later that month, with the January Pixel feature drop, the tech giant brought the feature to the Pixel 8 models. Earlier in March, the company also extended this feature to the Pixel 7 lineup. Now, Google has announced that more Android handsets will have access to the Circle to Search tool.

The Mountain View-based search giant has confirmed that the feature is “currently rolling out to more Android devices”. The rollout will begin this week and it will be available on the Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. It will also be available on the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5 as well as the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

As of today, Google’s Circle to Search feature is already available in several flagship handsets including Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google also mentioned in the post that the Circle to Search feature can help users shop for specific styles or items without much hassle. It can also assist users during their travels to foreign places, especially ones with a different language than their native ones, by instantly translating anything that is on their screen. All users need to do is long-press the home button or navigation bar and tap the translate option.

The Circle to Search feature allows users to search anything, instantly, without switching apps with a few gestures. Users can circle, scribble, highlight or tap anything on their screen, like images, part of an image or text, and opt for the search option. It not only gives information quicker but with Generative AI support, it is meant to aid in more complex research. 

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series at its first Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. We discuss the company’s new devices and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google Reportedly Begins Rolling Out Gemini AI Integration in Google Messages Beta on Some Devices

Google has reportedly started rolling out a new beta version of the Google Messages app which comes with the company’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot Gemini AI. The integration of the AI assistant with the messaging app was first announced by the tech giant last month, alongside several new features for Android devices. As per reports, some users have now spotted a Gemini contact option that allows them to have one-on-one conversations with the AI. However, the feature is only accessible on some devices.

According to a report by 9to5Google, some Google Messages beta users have received a new update that shows Gemini as a contact when tapping the ‘new conversation’ floating action button (FAB). Gemini AI appears with its logo and a short description that says “Write, plan, learn, and more with Google AI”. Clicking on this icon opens a new chat where users can converse with the chatbot. Those who wish to become beta testers can go to the Google Play Store, search for Google Messages, and click the link to join the beta programme.

Notably, the feature is not accessible to every beta tester. The report mentions several criteria that users must fulfil before they can chat with Google Gemini. First, the update is said to only have arrived for some devices including Pixel 6 series or later, Pixel Fold, Samsung Galaxy S22 series or later, as well as Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip. It is not known if other devices are also showing the feature.

The beta testers should also be signed in through a personal Google account and not via a Workspace account or a Family Link account. Android’s Rich Communications Services (RCS) feature should also be enabled in the Messages app, and the language should be set to either English or French if residing in Canada.

Reportedly, Gemini AI in the Google Messages app is powered by the Gemini 1.0 Pro large language model (LLM). While users can have individual conversations with the chatbot, there is no option to use Gemini in a conversation with another person or in a group. Users can also upload images and change the colour of message bubbles. The chatbot does not support voice conversations. Further, the report states that despite enabling RCS, the conversation with Gemini is not end-to-end encrypted.

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Android 15 Could Raise Minimum Requirement for Apps and Block Outdated Apps: Report

Android 15 could block some of the apps that are currently on the Google Play Store or available in third-party marketplaces, as per a report. Google is rumoured to bring the next generation of its operating system for Android devices in the latter half of 2024. With the release of the Android 15 Developer Preview 2 on March 21, several new features were showcased. Now, a report suggests that Google could raise the minimum requirement for apps with the upcoming OS update.

A report by Android Police highlighted that the software development kit (SDK) requirement was changed and now supported a higher version. With every new OS update, Google adds new features and security parameters to the Android ecosystem. However, it gives developers enough time to catch up to the latest requirements. For instance, currently, on Android 14, developers are asked to target Android 6.0 or Marshmallow, which was released in 2015.

That OS was significant as it required apps to obtain consent from users for sensitive permissions separately such as access to camera, address book, call logs, and more. But now, the report found that the Android 15 DP2 build is not allowing apps that target Android 6.0-based SDK 23 to be installed on devices. Instead, it is now asking for SDK version 24 which is Android 7.1.

Running a test of trying to install an app that was not brought up to SDK 24, the report found that a smartphone running Android 14 was able to easily install and run it. However, when the experiment was conducted on the Android 15 DP2-powered Google Pixel 8 Pro, an error popped up which stated “INSTALL_FAILED_DEPRECATED_SDK_VERSION”. Even when attempting to sideload the app, the OS popped up a message saying the app was unsafe to install.

The message is not new and sideloading apps generally prompt that alert. However, the surprising part was that the Install anyway button that shows up afterwards did not do anything and the app was not able to be installed. Based on the findings, it appears that apps that are still targeting Android 6.0 are likely to stop working after Android 15 is released globally. However, it is noted that not many apps today target SDK 23 as developers try to increase the app version to the latest Android standard.

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