Google I/O Archives

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Google’s ‘ultimate goal’ is for Android games to work seamlessly across mobile, XR, large screens

Google is working on creating a seamless Android app experience across all form factors, including mixed-reality headsets and glasses. They are focusing on adapting apps to work well on different platforms and are investing in features like Curated Spaces and Collections on Google Play to enhance user experience. More updates are expected later in 2025.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Android Auto now supports weather apps for real time updates

Google has introduced support for weather applications on Android Auto and Android Automotive, currently in beta testing. Users can download select weather apps to check the weather while driving. This feature expands the app categories available, which previously included Media, Navigation, Messaging, POI, and IoT, with Android Automotive also supporting Video, Games, and Browsers when stationary. The weather apps allow drivers to receive real-time updates based on their location or route, aiding in trip planning and keeping them informed about changing conditions. This initiative was announced at the Google I/O event earlier this year, and several weather applications are already available for download.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Google App ‘AI Mode’ For Android Lets Users ‘Talk’ Directly to Search, Multimodal Capabilities Available

Google is developing an 'AI Mode' for its Search app on Android, allowing users to interact in a conversational manner. This feature, discovered in an APK teardown, will enable voice inputs and the submission of photos and videos, creating a more intuitive search experience. The AI Mode will be accessible through a dedicated tab represented by a 'wink' icon in the app. This development follows Google's earlier integration of generative AI into Search, including the Search Generative Experience and AI Overviews, which have been refined based on user feedback.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

Real-time Scam Detection is rolling out now in Google Phone app beta

The Scam Detection feature, powered by artificial intelligence, is now available for beta testers of the Google Phone app in the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer models. Users must manually enable this feature, which is off by default, through the app's settings. It continuously monitors incoming calls for potential scams and alerts users if a call is suspected to be a scam. The feature does not screen calls from saved contacts, and call content is not recorded or stored. If a call is identified as likely a scam, users receive a notification and can choose to continue or end the call. Google is collecting feedback from beta testers for future updates.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Your Pixel Can Now Spot Malicious Apps on Your Phone

Google has introduced a live threat detection feature within Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 devices and newer, which analyzes app activity patterns to identify potentially malicious applications, starting with a focus on "stalkerware." When a suspicious app is detected, users receive notifications to assess and take action, including removal of the app. The technology ensures user privacy by processing data without collecting personal information. Additionally, Google has launched a public beta for an AI-powered scam detection feature for Pixel 6 and newer models, which recognizes common scam tactics during phone calls and alerts users, while processing occurs on the device without transmitting personal data to Google.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Pixel phones will be able to detect and report malicious apps in real time

Google is enhancing its defenses against malware with a new feature called live threat detection, which actively monitors app behavior on devices to identify potentially harmful applications. This updated Google Play Protect service is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to extend to non-Pixel Android devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo. Live threat detection continuously evaluates app behavior post-installation, identifying dormant malware that may later engage in harmful activities. It uses the Private Compute Core for secure user data handling and provides real-time alerts for detected threats. Additionally, Google is introducing a scam call detection feature that uses on-device artificial intelligence to analyze incoming calls for potential scams. This feature is currently available to participants in the Phone by Google app’s beta program for Pixel 6 and later devices, with plans for broader rollout in the future.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Gemini API powered Android apps | App Developer Magazine

Android developers are utilizing the Gemini API for innovative features such as personalized meal planning, chat-based journaling, and AI-generated usernames. The stable version of Vertex AI will soon be launched in Firebase, allowing developers to integrate Gemini 1.5 Flash and Gemini 1.5 Pro into their applications, with inference processes managed on Google's servers. Examples of applications using the Gemini API include: - The Meal Planner app, which uses Gemini 1.5 Flash to create personalized meal plans based on dietary preferences, resulting in a 17% increase in premium subscriptions. - The Life journaling app, which features an AI assistant named "Leo" for conversational journaling, allowing users to customize the chatbot's tone and behavior. - The HiiKER app, which generates unique usernames for users based on geographical location, enhancing user engagement and retention. Developers are encouraged to explore the advanced features of the Gemini Cloud models and Vertex AI in Firebase, with resources available during AI in Android Spotlight Week.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google is about to improve how it checks apps on your Android phone for malware

Google Play Protect scans 200 billion Android applications daily to protect its 3 billion users from malware. A new feature called live threat detection uses AI to monitor app requests for sensitive permissions and interactions. If suspicious activity is detected, the app is flagged for review, and users are alerted. The testing occurs on the device to maintain user privacy through Google’s Private Computer Core. By the end of the year, live threat detection will be integrated into devices from various manufacturers. A report identified 50 dangerous apps in the Google Play Store, including Google Messages and Facebook, based on high-risk permissions requested. Google has required developers to submit a Permissions Declaration Form for apps requesting sensitive permissions by the end of the month, with potential extensions until the year's end for some developers.

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Google Play Store could soon highlight apps optimized for tablets and cars

Vehicles are increasingly equipped with tablet interfaces that replace traditional buttons, serving as command centers for various functions and applications like navigation and music streaming. Recent findings from an APK Teardown of Google Play Store version 43.0.18-31 indicate a new feature that helps users discover apps optimized for automotive use, stating, "This app was designed for tablets and is compatible with your car." This initiative may be part of Google's Car-ready mobile apps program, introduced at Google I/O 2024, which categorizes apps into three tiers: - Tier 1: Car Differentiated - Apps designed for seamless operation across various car hardware, adapting to different modes and screens. - Tier 2: Car Optimized - Existing automotive apps that function well on center stack displays with some automotive-specific features. - Tier 3: Car Ready - Apps compatible with larger screens for use while stationary, requiring minimal adjustments. The upcoming applications may fall under the Tier-3 "Car Ready" program, aimed at facilitating the integration of tablet-optimized apps into vehicles and encouraging developers to create effective applications for both tablet and parked car environments.

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Google Play Store could soon highlight apps built for tablets and cars (APK teardown)

The Google Play Store will soon highlight applications optimized for larger screens, particularly tablets, and those compatible with automotive systems, as part of the Google Car-ready mobile apps program announced at Google I/O 2024. This program aims to extend tablet app functionality to car infotainment systems for use when parked. An APK teardown of Google Play Store version 43.0.18-31 reveals that apps designed for tablets and compatible with automotive systems will be clearly labeled. The Car-ready program categorizes applications into three tiers: Car differentiated, Car optimized, and Car ready, with the goal of facilitating the use of tablet-optimized applications in parked vehicles. Google will review these apps for safety and compatibility before distribution to vehicles with Google services. Initially focusing on video, gaming, and web browsing, the program plans to expand to additional categories in the future.