Apps
Download Google’s Reading mode app for your Samsung device
In December 2022, Google officially launched a new app called Reading Mode for all Android devices to expand the accessibility function. The name itself tells that the work of the app, even if told, this app makes it easier to navigate, read and listen to long content. You can download the Google Reading Mode app on any Android smartphone including Samsung to get a more accessible and customizable screen reading experience.
Reading Mode app is mainly designed to help people who are suffering from low vision, blindness, and dyslexia. This app customizes the font, spacing, hear content to read aloud, chooses your preferred reading speed, and more. Notably, you can install this app if your Android smartphone is running Android 9 or later version.
Download Link:
- Download the Google Reading Mode app [1.0.495053997] – Google Play Store
- Google Reading Mode app [1.0.495053997] – APKMirror
How to install and use Google Reading Mode?
Once the Reading Mode app is installed on your Galaxy smartphone from the Google Play Store, you have to open the app. Now you have to press on Continue >> Settings >> Installed Apps >> Reading Mode >> Turn on the toggle of Reading Mode Shortcut.
Now, the below given 3 options will come that how you want to access the reading mode:
- Tap the Accessibility Button
- Press and hold the Volume up and down key for 3 seconds
- Press Slide and Volume up
Select any one and press Ok, then press Allow. Now you can have a great reading and listing experience by customizing the audio and text as per your wish.
Whenever you want to customize the font/content or want to listen to content aloud, you can open Reading mode by tapping on the floating button (any other way you set to activate it). You can change its layout through the settings icon, and to hear the content aloud, you just need to tap on the Play button.
Apps
Google Messages to send warnings for sensitive content
Google is making it easier for users to manage sensitive images in the Messages app with a new feature, Sensitive Content Warnings. This feature will protect users from unexpected nudity in the messages they receive. It is expected to be available soon for the Messages app.
Following last month’s announcement, new insights from an APK teardown (via Android Authority) of the latest Google Messages Beta reveal how the upcoming Sensitive Content Warnings feature will work to protect users from unwanted nudity. It will be available on devices running Android 9 and newer, including Android Go devices.
When a photo that might contain sensitive content is sent, it will automatically be blurred. Users will have the option to either view the image or ignore it. Both the sender and the receiver will see warnings about the sensitive content.
These warnings will include reminders and advice like, “The person in this photo may not have agreed to share it with others,” and notifications stating, “You’re seeing this because sensitive content warnings are on.”
Notably, this feature will work on users’ devices without affecting the end-to-end encryption used in RCS chats. For users under 18, the feature will be available as an optional opt-out through Android Settings.
The latest Google Messages beta shows that this new feature is being actively developed and is expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
WhatsApp replaces camera shortcut with gallery access in chat bar
WhatsApp has introduced a gallery shortcut in its latest update for Android users. This new option allows users to access their photo and video gallery directly from the chat bar.
With the fresh update, the chat bar has now a new gallery icon that replaces the camera shortcut. This change makes it faster for users to access their stored photos and videos without going through multiple steps.
Users can simply tap the new gallery button to browse their media. However, they can still press and hold the button to record instant video messages, so this important feature remains available.
Previously, WhatsApp added a quick reply feature for video messages to make it easier to respond. Now, a new gallery icon is under testing for the WhatsApp chat bar that replaces the camera shortcut.
Currently, the gallery shortcut feature is available only to a limited group of beta testers with WhatsApp Beta version 2.24.23.11 for Android devices. The company seems to be testing this update to gather feedback.
Some users may prefer quick access to the gallery, while others might miss the old camera shortcut. For now, those who have access to the gallery shortcut can enjoy a faster way to share photos and videos.
WhatsApp now lets you easily organize chats with custom lists
Apps
Google Wallet for kids set to launch in 2025
Google is going to introduce Google Wallet for kids in 2025. This new feature will allow children to make payments right from their phones. Building on Family Link service, the Google Wallet app helps parents keep track of their kids’ device usage.
Earlier this year, Google Wallet for Kids launched on the Fitbit Ace, but now it’s expanding to smartphones. As cash use declines and contactless payments become more common, Google is ready to expand it Walllet option to kids’ devices (via 9to5Google).
Google Wallet app will work on Android devices that are set up with Family Link. While Google hasn’t listed specific compatible devices yet, it’s possible that Pixel phones will get it first before it becomes available on other Android phones including Samsung.
When Google Wallet is available, parents will have tools to manage their kids’ spending. They will be able to see what their children are buying which helps to teach them about money management.
Moreover, this new feature will make it easier for kids to make purchases while giving parents the ability to monitor their spending. Parents can look forward to this upgrade, as it offers a safe way for children to handle money. Stay tuned with us for more updates.