Google One Archives

BetaBeacon

June 10, 2025

I stumbled upon the perfect reason to use Gemini and NotebookLM on a gaming handheld

The Anbernic RG557 was released with an update introducing "Anbernic AI," a chatbot on gaming handhelds that provides answers and translations. The author attempted to replicate this using AI chatbots Gemini Gems and ChatGPT GPTs, with the help of NotebookLM. NotebookLM was used to create gaming encyclopedias by uploading strategy guides for retro games, converting CBR or CBZ files to PDF for compatibility. The author found this to be a useful resource for gaming information.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Google Drive introduces new Gemini-powered ‘Catch Me Up’ feature

Google Workspace has introduced a feature called "Catch Me Up" in Google Drive, powered by Gemini AI, to inform users about recent edits and comments in their documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Accessible through the "Ask Gemini" section, it provides a summary of significant changes since the last access. The feature is being rolled out to Google Workspace and Google One AI Premium users, initially supporting the English language. A "catch me up" icon will appear next to frequently updated files for quick access to the overview of changes. The rollout began on June 3, targeting both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Google’s Phone App Is Getting a Makeover in Android 16

Google is preparing to release Android 16, which will feature a redesign of its Material Design language, now called Material 3 Expressive. The Phone app will allow users to choose how to answer calls, with options for "Answer" and "Decline" buttons, as well as horizontal swipe gestures. The redesign will also include larger, pill-shaped buttons that change shape when tapped and a new animation for caller profile photos. Other Google applications, such as Google One, Google Meet, and Google TV, will also receive updates in line with the Material 3 Expressive design.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

First look: Google’s Phone app is getting a tasty Android 16 redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Phone app has undergone significant design enhancements in its version 177.0.763181107-publicbeta-pixel2024, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive design language. Key changes include larger contact names and caller images, a transition from circular to oval-shaped buttons, and an enlarged pill-shaped end call button. Additional modifications feature the removal of the “call from” text, immediate display of the phone number after answering, and a redesigned “more” menu. The app also introduces an animation for the incoming caller’s profile picture. Similar updates are being rolled out across other Google applications, and these redesigns will be supported on earlier versions of Android as well.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

The new $249 Google AI Ultra plan just put a gulf between me and I/O

The Google I/O event this year focused heavily on artificial intelligence, with the introduction of the Google AI Ultra plan priced at per month. This subscription includes access to the Gemini 2.5 model, Flow with Veo 3, early access to Project Mariner, 30TB of Google One storage, and YouTube Premium. The event's presentations were primarily aimed at developers, with limited consumer-facing innovations. Key topics like Android and Wear OS were presented in a pre-recorded video, suggesting a shift in focus towards AI and Search initiatives. The high subscription cost may deter average consumers from engaging with these new offerings.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Google One AI could have more tiers on the way, like a ‘Gemini Ultra’ plan

Google is reportedly planning to introduce new AI subscription tiers under the Google One umbrella, specifically "Gemini Pro" and "Gemini Ultra," alongside the existing Gemini Advanced option. The Gemini Advanced plan has recently been upgraded to include NotebookLM Plus and Veo 2 for video generation, but there will be a monthly limit on video production for subscribers. Google One's AI Premium plan has also been enhanced, offering existing users access to NotebookLM Plus and advanced Gemini capabilities in Gmail and Docs, along with 2TB of cloud storage. Upcoming updates are expected to be revealed at the I/O 2025 event, with a focus on improving user productivity and introducing new interactions.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

How to use Gemini Live’s camera and screen sharing features

Gemini Live has transitioned from a voice-based AI assistant to a multimodal platform that can process camera feeds and screen-sharing inputs, enhancing user interactions with visual context. It requires an Android device with at least 2 GB of RAM and Android 10 or later, along with a Google One AI Premium subscription for access to camera and screen-sharing features. These features are complimentary for Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 users, and newer Pixel devices may offer a trial for Gemini Advanced. To share a live video feed, users must launch Gemini, tap the Live icon, select the Camera button, and ensure the desired items are visible. For screen sharing, users open the relevant app or screen, activate Gemini, and select Share screen with Live. Gemini can summarize content and answer questions based on the shared screen. The multimodal capabilities are particularly beneficial for scenarios requiring detailed descriptions, positioning Gemini Live competitively alongside other AI platforms.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Here’s why Snapseed is still my favorite app for editing photos

Megan Ellis from Android Authority highlights Snapseed as a standout free image editing application on Android, known for its simplicity and powerful tools. Despite infrequent updates, the app offers an intuitive interface, various preset filters, and selective editing options without overwhelming users. Snapseed is completely ad-free and does not require subscription fees, prioritizing user privacy by collecting minimal data. Ellis continues to rely on Snapseed for enhancing images and preparing photos for printing, appreciating its straightforward functionality compared to other apps that often have aggressive monetization strategies.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini Advanced, Whisk users pick up Veo 2 for shareable cinematic video clips

Google has launched Veo 2, a video generation technology available for Gemini Advanced users and Whisk experimental testers, which converts text descriptions into eight-second video clips suitable for platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok. Users can create diverse video content by providing detailed text prompts. A new "Share" button facilitates uploading to social media. Each video will be tagged with SynthID to indicate it is AI-generated, and Gemini Advanced users will have a monthly limit on video creation. Veo 2 is also featured in Whisk, which includes "Whisk Animate," allowing users to animate images into cinematic-quality videos. Access to Whisk Animate is limited to Google One AI Premium subscribers. Whisk encourages users to generate content by providing images based on subject, scene, and style, while also offering a "Review & Edit" feature to refine AI outputs.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Google wants to use your search history to personalize Gemini responses

Google is developing a "Gemini Personalization" model that uses users' Search history to provide tailored responses. This feature is available in the beta version 16.8.31 of the Gemini app. Users must share their search history and enable Web and Apps Activity in the settings to activate it. The search history will only influence the Gemini Personalization model and will not affect other models. Data will be retained for 60 days before being purged. Initial assessments show that the model effectively utilizes search history for relevant responses, referencing searches as far back as January 2025. Access may be limited to Google One AI Premium users, and Google has not formally announced this feature.