Google testing new Pixel Call Assist feature with Tensor phones

Google offers a special feature for its phones called Pixel Call Assist, which enables users to screen incoming calls and blocks unwanted calls from spammers. Google is currently beta-testing new improvements to the Call Screen function.
The most important improvement is an update to the settings UI that simplifies the options for choosing the level of protection from spam calls. Users can select from maximum, medium, or basic levels, depending on their preferences.
Another improvement is a more natural sounding series of voice prompts that can determine the caller’s identity and purpose. This improvement is only available to users who have the latest Pixel phones with the Tensor chip, which allows for on-device AI capabilities.
Google claims that this feature will enhance the user experience and reduce robocalls, providing users with time and peace of mind. The company intends to share more details about this feature in the future. It also suggests that older Pixel phones with Tensor may benefit from this feature as well.
Apps
Google Maps on Android Auto gets color palette refreshment

Google Maps has recently introduced a new color palette for its maps, which is now visible on Android Auto as well. The new colors are cooler than the previous ones, which affects both the map elements and the user interface.
The new changes aim to improve the readability and clarity of the maps, especially in areas with dense information. Now, parks and forests are shown in a mint green color, while roads are now grey. The new colors also match the Material You design language that Google is adopting for its apps and services.
Follow our socials → Google News | Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp
The revamped color palette of the Google Maps app also applies to the navigation mode on Android Auto, where the blue line that indicates the route, the text that shows the directions, and the card that displays the destination and the estimated time of arrival have all changed colors.
The new color palette of Google Maps has been widely rolled out across the web, Android, and iOS platforms, and it is expected to reach more users in the coming weeks.
Apps
Google Android Auto 10.9 stable update rolling out

Android Auto allows you to connect your Android smartphone to your car’s display and access features like navigation, music, calls, and more. Google is now enhancing the performance of the Android Auto app through a new update, which arrives with version 10.9.
The new update is available on Google Play Store with a package size of 40.7 MB. The update improves the stability and reliability of the connection between the phone and the car.
In addition, the update fixes some issues that caused the app to crash or freeze on the car display. However, there’s no new feature or change noted but you will surely get an amazing experience.
You can identify the Andorid Auto 10.9 update through version 10.9.6346 and can get it via the Google Play Store or download it directly from the third-party sources link mentioned here.
Google Android Auto is a smart driving companion that lets you use Google Assistant, Google Maps, music streaming services, and other apps on your car screen. You can control everything with your voice or touch, and stay focused on the road.
Google One VPN no longer breaks Android Auto after an update
Apps
New Google Drive with UI optimized for foldables, tablets rolling out now!

Google is continously making its apps more consistent with the website UI and improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices. At the moment, the company is rolling our new UI changes for Google Drive app.
One of the significant changes is the introduction of a “tappable folder hierarchy” for Google Drive, which shows the current view at the top of the screen. Users can easily navaigate out of nested folders by tapping on any folder. This feature is similar to the one available on the Google Drive website.
In addition, the company adds “per-file data columnns to show when a file was last modified and how much storage is used” in the tablet app to replaces the two-column list view.
Google also updated the color palette of Google Drive to match the Google Material Design 3 guidelines. The grid view now shows each folder and file in a card, with the file name at the top instead of below the preview.
The navigation rail on the left and the app bar are also unified, creating a separate section for the file view with rounded corners.