Google Photos to offer only 15GB free space from June 1
However, this change doesn't apply to those who own a Pixel 2 or later, XDA Developers reported. Pixel users will continue to get unlimited free "high quality" photo backups on Google Photos. However, those who don't own a Pixel phone will have to get a Google One subscription, which starts at $1.99 per month ($19.99 per year) for 100GB.
Google is turning on two-factor authentication by default
"At Google, keeping you safe online is our top priority, so we continuously invest in new tools and features to keep your personal information safe, including your passwords," Mark Risher, Director of Product Management, Identity and User Security, Google, said in a blogpost. The company said it will soon start switching on 2FA for everyone automatically, as long as their Google account is set up in the right way, Engadget reported.
Google rolls out improved Assistant features for families
Google said in a statement on Thursday that new Assistant feature will be rolled out globally on Mother's Day (May 9). The Family Broadcast feature will now send messages to Assistant on smartphones as well, which family members can reply to. The popular Family Bell reminders will now expand to eight new languages, including Hindi.
Google to give users more controls on how apps use their data
Google will ask developers to share what type of data is collected and stored like users' precise location, contacts, personal information, photos and videos, audio files, and storage files. The company will also ask developers how the data is used, like app functionality and personalisation. Google Play will introduce a policy that requires developers to provide accurate information," Suzanne Frey, VP, Product, Android Security and Privacy, said in a statement
Google adopts hybrid workplace, 20% staff to work remotely
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that it heartbreaking to see COVID surging in places like India, Brazil, and many others around the world. "We'll move to a hybrid work week where most Googlers spend approximately three days in the office and two days wherever they work best. Since in-office time will be focused on collaboration, your product areas and functions will help decide which days teams will come together in the office," he said in a blog post late
Google Chrome adopts Windows 10 security feature
Hardware-enforced Stack Protection, which Microsoft previewed in March 2020, is designed to protect against return-oriented programming (ROP) malware attacks, by using CPU hardware to protect an application's code while running inside the CPU memory.
Google accidentally announces Pixel Buds A on Twitter
The official Android account on Twitter tweeted a photo of the "Pixel Buds A-Series" and said the earbuds "have arrived". The social media post advertised the recently redesigned Fast Pair experience. There is, however, no accompanying Made by Google announcement or Google Store retail listing.
Former Google AI scientist joins Apple: Report
Bengio is expected to lead a new AI research unit at Apple. The new team will report to John Giannandrea, Apple's Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy. Bengio's reported arrival at Apple follows the firings of the co-leaders of Google's AI ethics team, reports Apple Insider.
Google launching new rules to improve app quality on Play Store
In a fresh bid to sanitise its Play Store, Google has announced new policies and guidelines to improve app quality and discovery for users. The company said that app title, icon and developer name that do not meet the upcoming policies will not be allowed on Google Play.
Google Clock ticks past 1 bn Play Store downloads
Despite just being a simple utility, Google has continued to evolve its clock app with an improved UI, reports Android Police. Google Clock comes with a Bedtime feature, added in June 2020, that helps elevate it over the other competitors on the Play Store competing for users downloads, the report said.
Advertisement