Apps
YouTube testing Google Assistant integration on Android for related topics suggestions
YouTube has been exploring many new features until late. From picture-in-picture on iOS to video downloads on the web for Premium members, there are a few different trails you can participate in on YouTube right now. One feature the company is currently testing is the launch of Google Assistant integration on YouTube for topic suggestions.
The feature (seen by 9to5Google) invites the user to “do more with the Assistant” when watching videos. Like previous test features on YouTube, you need to navigate to the YouTube Labs page to see if it is eligible to enable you. If you have it, it will look like the one below.
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Note that you can only have one feature enabled at a time and that enabling this feature will disable other test features you may be using. And, while the feature didn’t work for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.
The integration between Assistant and YouTube is straightforward enough. Not all suggestions come from videos, while it is much easier than doing a personal search. It would be interesting to know whether Google Assistant/Search draws information from the video directly or whether YouTube tags and descriptions are powerful.
The trial “is only available on Android phones in English” until October 26. As a reminder, you may be allowed one test at a time. For example, this will turn off browser downloads in Chrome, Edge, or Opera.
//Via
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.
YouTube Shorts just got longer, 3 minute videos coming October 15
Several Samsung users have reported issues when trying to use the Dual Messenger feature alongside the One Hand Operation app. This issue is quite frustrating for those who want to use different accounts on apps. Users are looking for a solution that will allow them to switch between accounts easily.
The problem arises when users try to launch the Dual Messenger version of KakaoTalk using gestures on the Samsung One Hand Operation app. Instead of opening the KakaoTalk 2, the original KakaoTalk app (KakaoTalk 1) launched.
This means that no matter how users try to switch between the two versions like swiping left or right, they always end up with just the main version of the app.
In response to these concerns, a Samsung community moderator clarified the situation. He explained that the current One Hand Operation + app does not support running the Dual Messenger app, which is why users are having difficulty switching between the apps.
He also mentioned that the team is exploring the possibility of adding support for Dual Messenger in future updates of the One Hand Operation + app. However, a specific timeline for when this update will be available has not been provided yet.
Several users are expecting that future updates will make it easier to use both Dual Messenger and One Hand Operation together. With these improvements, they are looking forward to a better way to manage their messaging apps.
WhatsApp is rolling out 20 color Themes for chats with the latest Beta. Ahead of the Public rollout, developers testing the new personalization feature on the Beta channel. We expect the general availability in a future update to the app.
WhatsApp Beta version 2.24.21.34 introduces 20 color Themes for chats. Users enrolled in the Beta Program can download the latest update from the Play Store. However, it’s imp to note that not all beta testers may receive the feature, even on the latest version.
Color themes for chats are an upcoming feature for WhatsApp users. This feature will allow users to change the chat theme to match their style preferences. Selecting a theme will apply it across the entire application, whether for personal or group chats.
The app-wide implementation aims to offer a uniform and consistent look across the entire app. Once enabled, you can also alter the theme for specific chats, similar to how you apply conversation background wallpaper on WhatsApp.
Image: WABetaInfo
The ability to choose diverse themes will allow WhatsApp users to pick different designs for personal, work-related, and group chats. Users will have over 22 distinct themes and 20 color options to choose from within the app.
Changing the chat theme will also modify the message color to display a visually cohesive appearance. Message color in WhatsApp will be optimized itself to offer a unified look along with the chat themes.
At present, the new WhatsApp personalization tricks are available for select Beta testers. As soon as the development and testing progresses, the availability will expand. We with WhatsApp to soon announce the general availability of the feature.