Apps
Google Meet improves video quality of group calls with 1080p resolution support
Google Meet has rolled out new features to improve the quality of group video calls and content sharing. Users can now stream and view 1080p resolution for both group meetings and presentations, as well as 1:1 conversations.
This feature is available for users with various Google Workspace subscriptions, as well as Google One 2 TB or higher tiers. Users need to have a 1080p camera and enough bandwidth to enable this feature, which is off by default. Users can also adjust the resolution via the settings menu.
Another feature that Google Meet has added is the increase of the resolution for shared content from 720p to 1080p. This will make any presented text and visuals clearer and sharper.
The update is available on Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, as well as Workspace Individual subscribers.
Apps
Samsung phones getting new Google Wallet Tile in One UI Quick Settings
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.
Apps
YouTube working on revamped Video Player UI for Android
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
Apps
Samsung to bring Dual Messenger support to One Hand Operation in future updates
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.