Apps
Google Maps new color palette is now available widely
Google recently introduced some new additions to Maps, such as Immersive View for routes, more detailed navigation, and transit filters. But one of the most noticeable changes is the new color palette that Google Maps is now rolling out to users widely on Android and iOS.
The new color palette uses a lighter shade of green for parks and nature, a darker gray for freeways, and a lighter blue for water. The roads also go from off-white to gray, which allows Google to use white for street crossings, which are now visible at more zoomed-out levels.
The buildings and structures are still gray or light yellow, depending on their importance. The orange pins for restaurants also stand out more with less yellow on the map.
The new colors not only look pleasing but also match the Google Material Design theme, which is used across many Google apps and services. Google Maps now looks more similar to Apple Maps, which also uses a lighter green for nature and a darker gray for roads.
Gemini will soon offer a resizing feature for generative AI images. Google is working to support resizing the AI image canvas. You will be able to expand or shrink the canvas of AI-generated images within the Gemini app.
Google app’s latest Beta update consists of clues for the upcoming change. Gemini is preparing to add a resizing tool for AI-generated images. These include a bunch of common aspect ratio options, like 16:9 for widescreen displays.
At present, Gemini always generates images in a 1:1 ratio. Although support for more shapes is coming, it will remain rectangular. You won’t be getting other shapes such as circle, squircle, or any other pattern.
To make it happen, Google is fueling Gemini with even more advanced generative capabilities. The image won’t only expand or shrink, but the generative magic will play a key role in filling the remaining part through artificial intelligence.
Simply put, Google’s AI goes back and can add to its original image, creating more and more background detail. You can keep the aspect ratio unchanged and shrink down your picture’s subject, the platform will then fill in the surrounding area.
Currently, Gemini’s image resizing feature is hidden behind strings and flags. As the development progresses, more details will surface. We expect Gemini to get a massive upgrade in the next Pixel Feature Drop.
Google continuously working to evolve Gemini as a universal AI platform. Android phones already switch to Gemini from Google Assistant. The recent rollout of Gemini Live is also a praiseworthy move, highlighting Google’s commitment.
Android 15 is finally official:
YouTube is rolling out a major UI redesign to improve how users experience the platform on mobile, web, and TV. This new UI makes the interface cleaner and more enjoyable to offer a fresh frosted glass look that enhances navigation.
With the fresh update, YouTube updates its bottom navigation bar. This new bar now has refreshed icons for Home, the ‘plus’ menu, Subscriptions, and Your Profile. These changes help users to find what they need more quickly.
Talking about the top and bottom bars look, the frosted glass effect makes them more modern and lets users see some of the content underneath.
On smartphones, YouTube is enhancing landscape mode. Users will notice larger thumbnails and bigger text, which make it easier to browse. This update will first be available on Android, with iOS users set to receive it later this year.
Another exciting update is that creators can now upload 3-minute Shorts. This gives them more options for content. However, it may take a little time for these new uploads to show up as Shorts in different sections of the app.
Aside from this, YouTube is also adding features that create a more cinematic experience for TV viewers. Now, channel pages will automatically play a selected video from the creator to give viewers a quick preview. In addition, a new Shorts player on TV lets users read comments and shop without stopping the video they’re watching.
Overall, YouTube is introducing several features and improvements to make the platform more friendly and engaging for everyone. These updates are a significant step toward enhancing the YouTube experience for users across all devices.
YouTube Shorts just got longer, 3 minute videos coming October 15
WhatsApp is bringing a Grey Ring for status updates via the latest beta update. This update is available for Android users with version 2.24.22.2 through the Google Play Beta Program.
The new feature allows users to view previously seen status updates directly from the chats tab. It makes it easier to revisit content without navigating back to the Status tab.
With this new beta update, WhatsApp is improving how users interact with status updates. In the past, when someone posted a new status, a ring appeared around their profile picture in the chats tab. This ring will disappear once you view the status.
Now, WhatsApp is making a change so that the ring remains visible, even after you have seen the status. However, the ring changes color and turns grey after the status is viewed.
This grey ring indicates that you can still tap on it to view the status again. This makes it convenient for users who want to revisit a status without having to go back to the Status tab.
Currently, this Grey Ring Status feature is available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update. The feature is gradually rolling out to beta users and WhatsApp plans to make it available to all users soon via future updates.
WhatsApp unveils new limit of 20 lists for better chat organization