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AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Android Auto is enhancing its app ecosystem by allowing developers to publish weather apps that provide localized information, now that these apps have moved out of beta. Google has also introduced beta support for games and plans to add browser and video apps soon. Video apps will be available for devices running Android 16 in compatible vehicles, but playback will only be allowed when parked. Additionally, an audio-only mode for video apps will enable users to listen to content while driving.
BetaBeacon
May 21, 2025
Google introduced major updates to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS at Google I/O 2025, signaling a push into the connected car space. Gemini AI is making its in-car debut, offering natural voice controls and contextual awareness. Navigation apps can integrate Gemini for voice-driven navigation and search. App categories are expanding across platforms, with weather apps out of beta, games entering beta, and video apps on the roadmap. Google is providing new tools and templates for developers to streamline car app development. The roadmap includes features like audio-only playback for video apps while driving and Quick Share between phone and car. The Android-powered car is becoming a standard, inviting developers to build innovative experiences beyond navigation and playlists.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Google is set to introduce video and browser applications to Android Auto, announced during Google I/O 2025. Video apps will only be operational when the vehicle is parked, and the connected smartphone must run Android 16. Additionally, there will be an increase in weather applications available on Android Auto, as developers can now publish these apps without beta restrictions, provided they meet Google's quality guidelines. Weather apps have been limited since early 2023, but the easing of developer requirements since December 2024 has led to a broader range of offerings. Over 250 million vehicles support Android Auto, with more than 50 car models featuring integrated Google software.
AppWizard
May 19, 2025
- To turn off autoplay videos in feeds, go to the You tab, select the gear icon, choose General, tap Playback in feeds, and set it to Off. - You can set a sleep timer for videos by tapping the gear icon while watching a video and selecting sleep timer, with options for 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. - To fine-tune or disable app notifications, go to the You tab, select the gear icon, and tap Notifications to customize categories or use the Schedule digest feature. - To change the default video quality, go to the You tab, select the gear icon, scroll down to Video quality preferences, and choose your preferred quality for mobile networks and Wi-Fi. - You can adjust video playback controls by going to the You tab, selecting the gear icon, and tapping Playback to enable/disable autoplay for the next video, adjust skip intervals, and enable Picture-in-Picture mode.
Winsage
May 13, 2025
The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro is available for preorder, starting at 9 for the Platinum color and ,099 for the Violet and Ocean colors. It features a thin and lightweight design, a fast-charging battery, and a Snapdragon X Plus processor. The base model includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a maximum storage option of 512GB. Essential accessories like the keyboard, mouse, and power adapter are sold separately. The device has a resolution of 2196 x 1464 and offers up to 16 hours of battery life, achieving over 15 hours during video playback. It can charge to 50% in 30 minutes and 80% in an hour. The Surface Pro is designed for everyday users and supports AI-driven applications.
Winsage
May 8, 2025
Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.
AppWizard
May 7, 2025
Shazam was launched in the UK in 2002 as a service where users could call a number to identify songs for a fee. Acquired by Apple in 2018, it remains available for Android users and integrates with various music platforms while being free to use. Shazam struggles with identifying earworms. SoundHound, Shazam's main competitor, has around 100 million users and can identify songs quickly, providing detailed information and lyrics. It allows users to hum or sing songs for identification, though this feature is not always accurate. SoundHound's free version includes ads, while SoundHound Infinity offers an ad-free experience for .99. Musixmatch is another alternative that identifies songs and focuses on lyrics, allowing users to create "lyrics cards" and offering a translation feature. It requires the actual song for identification. The Google app also provides quick song identification, including for hummed or sung versions, but gives candid feedback on user performance.
Winsage
May 7, 2025
Copilot+ PCs are a new category of personal computing devices designed to enhance AI experiences and productivity. Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) as part of this lineup, both featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors with Neural Processing Units (NPU). The Surface Laptop, available from May 20, 2025, starts at 9, is the thinnest and lightest model yet, and offers up to 23 hours of video playback. It has a full HD touchscreen, AI-enhanced camera, and a keyboard with a fingerprint reader. The Surface Pro, also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, weighs 1.5 pounds and features a detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand. Both devices incorporate sustainable materials, with the Surface Laptop using 100% recycled cobalt in its battery and the Surface Pro made from 82.9% recycled content. They provide access to AI tools for productivity, including features like Recall and Click to Do. Pre-orders for both devices are available, with the Surface Pro starting at 9 and the Surface Laptop at ,199.
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