audio content Archives

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Chrome’s Android app will now let you zoom in on text without affecting the webpage

Google has introduced updates to enhance user experience on its platforms, focusing on accessibility and usability for Android users. The TalkBack screenreader now allows follow-up questions about images, enabling users to ask specific queries like identifying colors or materials. An update for Chrome on Android improves text zooming, allowing users to enlarge text without affecting the webpage layout, using a slider accessible through the three-dot menu. Google’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool now automatically recognizes scanned PDFs on desktop, enabling text highlighting, copying, and searching. Expressive Captions provide real-time captions for audio content on Android devices, capturing spoken words along with tone and emotion, and are being rolled out in English across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia for devices on Android 15 and later.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

I really wish these 7 apps worked on Android Auto

Google's Android Auto has the potential to enhance the driving experience through the integration of various apps, which are currently limited due to safety concerns. Anticipated additions include: - Google Tasks: Allows access to to-do lists and checklists directly from the car dashboard, facilitating pre-trip preparations and reminders. - Google Keep: Provides quick access to stored information like road trip plans and addresses, improving efficiency for passengers. - Airbnb: Enables reading host messages aloud and accessing check-in procedures and contact information while driving. - Google Drive: Offers quick access to important documents and reservation confirmations on the Android Auto screen. - Slack: Could allow users to manage workplace communication and respond to messages safely while on the road. - Fitbit: May provide insights into health metrics like heart rate during driving, potentially suggesting optimal driving times and rest breaks. - YouTube: Could allow access to audio content while driving, with video playback available when parked. These apps could significantly enrich the Android Auto experience, making it safer, more enjoyable, and efficient.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft Wants Consumers to Make Friends With its Copilot AI ‘Companion’

During a presentation at Microsoft’s headquarters, CEO of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman, was interrupted by a protestor criticizing Microsoft for providing AI tools to military forces in Gaza. The protestor accused Microsoft of contributing to the deaths of 50,000 people and urged Suleyman to stop using AI for genocide. Suleyman acknowledged her protest and continued with his presentation about Microsoft's AI companion software, Copilot, which aims to redefine user-technology relationships. Copilot features include memory and personalization, actions for task execution, camera integration, organization tools, personalized podcast generation, shopping assistance, and deep research capabilities. Suleyman emphasized that Copilot is designed around individual needs and values, ensuring user control over data and interactions.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Google spruces up Android with 6 new features improving Gemini, accessibility, and sharing

Google has introduced new features for Android, effective immediately, focusing on accessibility, sharing capabilities, and document management. Key updates include: - Expressive Captions for improved audio caption reading, available system-wide. - Enhanced image description capabilities in the Gemini platform, with vocalized descriptions and follow-up questions. - Emoji Kitchen for creating unique emojis by combining two default ones, integrated into Gboard. - Revamped Quick Share functionality allowing QR code generation for sharing content. - Higher quality document scans with automatic enhancements in Google Drive. - New Gemini Extensions for Spotify and Home, expanding features available to users.

AppWizard

November 27, 2024

NatWest Blocks Staff Usage of WhatsApp, Skype & Messenger

FTF Premier membership provides unlimited access to FTFNews.com, along with exclusive benefits such as FTF Special Reports, digital and print issues of FTF Focus Magazine, video interviews, podcasts, weekly news alerts, discounts on conferences and training seminars, and an annual delivery of a printed FTF Buyer's Guide. Members can easily log in to access these resources.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

The Wear OS 5.1 preview is now available — and it’s based on Android 15

Google has released the first developer preview of Wear OS 5.1, based on Android 15, for testing in the Android Studio emulator. Key features include audio playback through smartwatch speakers and the new Credential Manager API. The build number for this preview is AP4A.241205.004.F1. Known issues include difficulties in adding accounts during setup, notifications not opening corresponding apps until the screen is scrolled, and potential failures in initiating exercise sessions with Wear Health Services. The audio feature allows users to listen to music or podcasts from the smartwatch's speaker, while the Credential Manager API supports password management and synchronization across devices.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

‘Listen to this page’ in Chrome for Android gets background playback

Google has updated Chrome's "Listen to this page" feature with support for background playback, allowing users to listen to audio content while using other applications. This feature was introduced in Chrome 130, enabling users to exit the browser without interrupting playback. The media player now appears in notifications, offering controls for rewinding, skipping audio, and a scrubber timeline. Users can customize playback speed, choose from ten voices, and enable features like "Highlight text & auto scroll." A new play button can be added for easier access. The rollout of Chrome 130 for Android is currently underway.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

What’s new with AI on Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update)

Windows 11 is set to release its third feature update, version 24H2 (2024 Update), which includes various AI functionalities. Key features include: - Windows Copilot Runtime: A framework that integrates over 40 AI models for local task execution. - Windows Recall: Captures screenshots of user activity and allows searching through a "Recall" app, respecting privacy by not tracking InPrivate or Incognito modes. - Windows Studio Effects: Enhancements for webcam and microphone inputs, including Background Blur and Voice Focus. - Live Captions: Enhanced with AI for real-time transcription and translation. - Voice Clarity: Reduces background noise during conversations automatically. - Auto Super Resolution: Upscales graphics for gaming using on-device AI. - Restyle Image for Photos: Transforms photos using AI-driven styles. - Cocreator for Paint: Assists in enhancing artwork with creative suggestions. - Copilot app: Redesigned interface for AI integration, offering contextual suggestions within applications. The update began partial availability on June 18, 2024, for Copilot+ PCs, with a broader rollout expected in September or October. Some features may require new hardware.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Revealed: Android 15 brings big upgrades to cars running Android Automotive

Android Automotive 15 introduces several enhancements, including the ability to stream audio from the vehicle to Bluetooth headsets, allowing users to select their wireless headphones as audio output devices, though only one active media stream can occur over Bluetooth at a time. An app dock feature enables users to pin favorite applications for quick access, and an ambient view feature allows for unique displays on head unit screens when not in use. The update also includes "Wi-Fi hotspot persistence," which maintains the vehicle's hotspot between driving sessions, and enhances radio support by integrating HD and DAB radio standards.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

Windows AI That Constantly Screenshots Your Screen Can’t Be Removed

Microsoft has revised its Recall feature policy, now requiring users to opt in rather than having it activated by default, in response to backlash and to restore user trust. The delay in the feature's launch was due to a focus on enhancing security measures. Additionally, Microsoft is developing an "intelligent media search" feature that will scan and transcribe video and audio content, although its integration with Recall is still uncertain.