4 new Chrome for Android features that take search experience to the next level
Chrome is a popular web browser that offers a fast and secure way to access the internet on your Android device. To enhance your web browsing experience, Google has recently launched four new features for Chrome Mobile that will help you find the information you need more easily and efficiently.
4 New Features of Google Chrome
1.) Get ideas for your next search
When you visit a website and tap the address bar, you’ll see other searches in a new section named as “Related to the page”. For example, if you’re reading about Japan, you might see suggestions for restaurants or attractions there.
2.) Trending searches
On Android, you can see what people are searching for on Google by tapping the address bar in a new tab of Chrome. You can also click on a trending search to explore it further. This feature will come to iOS soon.
3.) Related searches in Touch to Search
You can search a word or phrase from a webpage by touching it. Now, you’ll also see a carousel of related searches to help you learn more. You can enable Touch to Search in your settings.
4.) More search suggestions
When you enter something in the address bar on your phone, Chrome will show you 10 suggestions (instead of six) to help you with your search. You can scroll down to see more suggestions. The ones that are most relevant to your query will be at the top. This feature works on both iOS and Android devices.
Google has started rolling out new Theft Protection features for Android devices including Samsung Galaxy devices running version 10 and above. Announced at the I/O 2024 event in May, these new features help to keep your personal information safe if your phone gets stolen.
The trio of Theft Protection features are now becoming available to Android users including those with devices from brands like Pixel and Samsung. You can start seeing these new features if you’re part of the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33) program.
Google Theft Protection
The Theft Protection is a new privacy and device safety feature added under Google Services. It helps to keep your personal data safe if your device is stolen.
To access the new theft protection features, check the Theft protection in your device’s Settings app. You can also go to the Google Services page and find it under the All Services tab. This feature includes three main options, they are:
1.) Theft Detection Lock
This feature uses your device’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to detect if someone suddenly grabs your phone while you’re using it. If this happens, your phone will automatically lock its screen to unauthorized access to your personal data.
2.) Offline Device Lock
This feature starts its work if someone steals your phone and turns off the internet to stop tracking. For that, Google mentions two conditions – you need to be using your phone while it’s unlocked, and you can only lock the screen up to twice a day.
3.) Remote Lock
If your phone is stolen, you can go to android.com/lock to lock it remotely. You’ll need to confirm your identity with a phone number and answer a security question. This is faster than the Find My Device method.
With these features, Google aims to enhance your security and protect your personal information. The company will soon make these features available to all Android users through a stable update.
Google Maps will soon display real-time police activity in one US state, thanks to a partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP). This collaboration aims to enhance driver safety and awareness while promoting compliance with the state’s “Move Over” law.
Currently, Google Maps provides user-generated reports for alerts about traffic incidents. Now, with this new collaboration, police officers will report their activities directly to provide more accurate and timely information to drivers. This will include updates on traffic stops, accidents, and other roadside incidents.
When an officer reports an incident or activity, the information will be sent to Google Cloud, which will then share it with Google Maps users. As drivers go towards a location where police are present, they will see specific icons on their map indicating these situations.
The ISP explained that this new feature will improve awareness of police activity, making it easier for drivers to navigate safely around emergency situations.
However, it’s important to note that while Google Maps will display police locations, it will not include reports of speed traps which users can still report on their own.
The Police Activity Alerts feature is expected to roll out soon, enhancing the Google Maps experience for Illinois drivers in the US. It could be available in more states.
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Samsung devices include several important features powered by Google Play services. A recent update of the Google Play services lets you check how much data these services are using, which helps to manage your data more effectively.
Google Play services support various features on your Samsung device, such as connecting to other devices, ensuring security, and managing your Google account. They help to keep your apps and system running smoothly. Now, you can easily track their data usage.
You just need to follow a few simple steps to check out how much data Google Play services are using.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
- Search for “Google Play services” in the App section.
- Tap on Mobile data usage.
- Select the View App settings option
Here, you’ll see a detailed breakdown of data usage, split between Mobile and Wi-Fi. This can help you understand where your data is going.
The update shows data usage for different functions within Google Play services. These fucntions are Device Connections, System Management, System diagnostics, Security, Wallet, Developer features, Contacts, Ads Safety, Fitness, General, Account management, Support, Autofill with Google, and Location sharing.
Tracking Google Play services data on your Samsung device is easy and can help you manage your mobile experience better. This feature is available on All Android phones.
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