Apps
RCS messaging support is now available globally via Google Messages
Google has officially announced “Messages” based on the open Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard globally. It brings upgraded SMS text messaging so you can send and receive photos and videos in better quality.
Now, with Google Messages, Samsung users can also chat over Wi-Fi or data in high standard, check the read status of your sent message, share reactions, and enjoy more dynamic and engaging group chats.
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Source: Google
“Today we’ve completed our global rollout of chat features to make this modern messaging experience universal and interconnected for everyone on Android. Now anyone using Messages around the world1 has access to modern chat features either from their carrier or directly from Google”. Said Google
Adding to this, Google is continually improving security protections to safeguard the privacy of user’s personal information and data. The company will be rolling out end-to-end encryption, starting with one-on-one RCS conversations between people using Messages.
End-to-end encryption ensures that no one, including Google and third parties, can read the content of your messages as they travel between your phone and the phone of the person you’re messaging.
This feature is only available when both you and the person you’re messaging have Messages installed and chat features on. It will be available for the beta testers beginning this month and continue into next year.
To access the newest features on your Samsung smartphone, update your Messages app to the latest version or download the app, and turn chat features on.
Google App is updating its bottom navigation bar by bringing back a more modern design called Material 3. This change introduces a new pill-shaped indicator that shows which tab you’re using.
The revamped bottom navigation bar arrives with the latest beta version 15.40 of the Google App, thanks to 9to5Google. With the fresh design, Google aims to make it easier for users to navigate.
Instead of just highlighting the tab icon you’re on, the new design surrounds the icon with a pill shape to make it clearer and more appealing. Google app initially introduced this design in 2023 but later decided to revert to its previous look. Now, after some changes, the app has once again been back with the updated look.
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Aside from the testing new design, the company is also looking into a new verification feature for its Search function. This feature would give verified businesses a blue checkmark, similar to what you see in Gmail to help users easily identify trustworthy sources online.
Not everyone has access to Google App’s latest beta update yet, but users can force-stop the app through their device settings if they don’t see the new look right away. With the return of Material 3 design and new features on the way, users can look forward to a more enhanced experience in the Google App.
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A new Google Wallet Tile is rolling out to Samsung phones on One UI. Google is continuously upscaling the Wallet experiences. It’s not only adding support for more banks and cards but also fostering the features’ availability.
9to5Google discovered the new Google Wallet Quick Settings Tile on Samsung Galaxy phones. With the latest Play Services update, Google is bringing the new Wallet Tile. Meanwhile, the feature’s rollout is taking place sequentially.
Once your Galaxy installs Play Services version 24.39, you will be able to access the new Tile in Quick Settings. If you have pre-applied settings for toggles, you may need to edit the section and add the Google Wallet toggle on the page.
Google Wallet offers easier and seamless payment functionality. The new Tile will offer quicker access to the Wallet dashboard for bus passes, plane tickets, and more. Digital IDs would also be accessible in supporting territories through Wallet.
Keep the Google Wallet updated to the latest 24.38 version on your Galaxy. Visit the Google Play Store and update the app if the new version is available. You should wait rather than sideloading an APK to keep your Galaxy’s security up to the mark.
Samsung has recently launched the Tap to Transfer feature on its Wallet app. It is Samsung’s answer to iOS 18’s Apple Cash feature. Leveraging on the NFC technology, it allows instant money transfer between Galaxy devices.
YouTube is currently testing a new user interface (UI) for its Video Player. This updated UI introduces several changes to improve user experience. Some people think the new design looks cluttered, while others see the changes as useful improvements.
The fresh look of the Video Player reveals several changes in comparison to the previous UI, spotted by Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority). Let’s check what’s coming.
WHAT’S NEW
Several changes have been noted in the new Video Player UI of YouTube. Now, the video title is located above the progress bar, and the channel icon along with the subscriber count is shown next to the channel name. Below the title, viewers can now find the view count and the date the video was published.
The expand button has been shifted to the top left of the screen and a new rotate button has been added. A second playlist button replaces the old expand button, just above the progress bar.
Moreover, the forward and backward buttons are not visible when watching in fullscreen mode. However, these buttons appear when the video is paused in portrait mode. The like, dislike, comment, and share buttons have been placed above the progress bar on the right side.
The bookmark feature is now shifted under a menu, while a new Remix button is shown by default. There’s also a button for video chapters added to the bottom left of the screen.
Users can now swipe up and down to switch between videos in a playlist. However, you can only swipe down to minimize a video if it’s the first one in that playlist.
Several users are sharing their opinions on Reddit, and most seem to prefer a simpler design. Currently, Google is testing these new changes and will soon release the final version.
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