Google News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

Do you love Spy x Family? Do you want to see the new film before everyone else? Great news: We’re giving Polygon readers a chance to see an advanced screening of Spy x Family Code: White!

After a year-long delay, Google has finally turned on the Android Find My Device network. This network, which is currently limited to Google Play Services beta testers, provides offline device tracking for smartphones, tablets, and small AirTag-like trackers.

Google Maps has evolved beyond a mere navigation tool, becoming an indispensable part of our daily lives. From locating new restaurants in your city to finding the best metro routes, its functionalities go far beyond basic navigation. For those new to Google Maps or seasoned users looking to maximize its potential, here are ten hidden features worth exploring.

In February, we brought you word of a group of Google engineers who, apparently just for fun, managed to hack Sony's streaming PS Portal to run emulated PSP games offline. Being courageous White Hat types, the group «responsibly reported» the issues to Sony. The exploit was quietly fixed in patch 2.0.6, which also seems to have improved video quality significantly, despite neither being listed in the patch notes.

The Circle to Search by Google was first introduced with the Galaxy S24 series. However, the feature was not available in the Pixel devices until now. Last week Google announced the availability of the Circle to Search feature on the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a devices. Now, Google has confirmed that the feature is also rolling out for the Pixel Fold users. Additionally, the Circle to Search also comes with a new translation feature. Know how the Circle to Search feature will work on the Pixel Fold devices. 

We all know how Samsung is preparing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and other foldable phones for prime time. Although I am excited to see what the new foldable phones will bring to the table, there are some concerns that one simply cannot get over. One of the said concerns is how Samsung appears to be getting too comfortable with the specs that it offers or the innovation it makes.

Google's AI efforts aim to drastically change how people use technology. With the introduction of Gemini models to the Google Workspace, users were able to take advantage of the generative AI features in Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, and other tools. Now, the company is trying to expand its Gemini feature for Gmail by introducing AI-generated replies. This feature will allow users to send quick replies, without the hassle of typing the entire reply from scratch. Sound quick and easy right? Know what Google has been planning for the Gmail app.

Garena Free Fire Redeem Code for April 5: Battle Royale games are popular for introducing themed updates and events which keeps the players excited about what's coming next. It not only provides gamers with new experiences but also empowers them with exciting rewards, gifts, gaming items, and more. Now, Free Fire has announced a new Evo Vault event which introduces exciting gun skins for the players to upgrade. Know more about the Evo Vault Event and its rewards. 

In the last few days, the users of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series have become the recipient of Galaxy AI features such as AI wallpaper generator, image editor and note summaries, courtesy of the One UI 6.1 update. While the new features are indeed enticing, the update has caused a different headache for some, with new problems arising on the Galaxy S23 series smartphones.

OnePlus has joined the league of smartphone giants integrating AI technology into image editing with its latest innovation, the ‘AI Eraser' feature. This innovative tool, powered by the company's unique "proprietary large language model," empowers users to effortlessly remove unwanted objects from their photos with just a few taps.

Chinese use AI to commemorate departed loved ones; Israeli military allegedly relies on AI for Gaza bombing targets; CBSE adds AI and data science electives for class 11l; Yuval Noah Harari sounds alarm on AI's threat to humanity. All this, and more in our daily roundup. Let us take a look.

Google Pixel 8 Pro's fantastic camera offers a multitude of features, ranging from Super Res Zoom to astrophotography capabilities, along with editing tools like Magic Eraser. While relying on the camera's intelligent software can yield incredible photos effortlessly, users also have the option to utilize the Pro Controls for more precise adjustments.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a high-security risk warning due to several vulnerabilities reported in Google Chrome for desktop versions such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. This is yet another case reported in 10 days which led Google to release an urgent update. Now, again a similar issue has come forward which requires quick solutions. Know what the warning says and advise the user to take appropriate action during this crucial time. 

French games studio Mi-Clos has closed down after 14 years in business.

 In a whirlwind of anticipation, Nothing is dropping hints about its upcoming earbuds launch, alongside revelations of two new phone models slated for release later this year. Today, the company sent a surprise through social media with a teaser announcing an April 18th launch date for its latest product. The teaser, featuring a playful "Play Date" theme, showcases a whimsical yellow frog eyeing a beetle. Observers speculate this signals the imminent arrival of Nothing Ear (3), as the company cleverly hints at a forthcoming ‘Play Date.'

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S24 series with Galaxy AI features. With the launch, the company also revealed its partnership with Google to bring AI capabilities to the devices. Now, it looks like the collaboration may also extend with the 2025 Galaxy S25 series. Previously it was rumoured that the Galaxy S25 series may feature both Snapdragon and Exynos chipsets based on the region. Now, a new rumour about the device has surfaced which says that the new Galaxy S25 series may integrate Google's TPU to improve AI capabilities. Know what Samsung and Google have been planning for the new generation of premium range smartphones.

ChatGPT recently made the news for allowing users to use the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot without requiring sign-ups. Since its rollout in November 2022, the AI chatbot has surged in popularity with millions of users worldwide. While it now faces competition from the likes of Google Gemini, Grok and Microsoft Copilot, it still is considered the pioneer of AI chatbots. Now in a new update, it has rolled out the ability to edit DALL-E-generated directly in the prompt field. Thus, users can tweak their AI-generated images without leaving the chat. Know how to use this feature on mobile and web.

Tired of juggling between several apps? While accessing all your workspace tools and apps in one place may seem like an imagination, there is a new AI app which combines all tools at your fingertips. TheGist app enables users to access all their productivity and workspace tools in a single space. Additionally, its AI features make usage easier, resulting in improved team productivity. The productivity tool also encourages effective communication and collaboration among team members. Know more about TheGist app and how it benefits users in improving productivity. 

A Google engineer who helped to hack the PlayStation Portal to run PSP games offline says his team has now helped Sony to fix the exploit.

Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for April 3: In recent weeks, Garena Free Fire MAX players have had amazing opportunities to get their hands on exciting in-game items, courtesy of several events. The latest of them is the Evo Vault which brings menacing weapon skins that players can use to tweak their look, in addition to boosting the weapon's abilities. It is just one of the many events introduced in the game to keep players engaged and to prevent them from switching to alternative battle royale games. Check out the details of the Evo Vault event below.

The class-action lawsuit on Google revealed that Incognito mode was not as private as we thought. In January, it was highlighted that Google had been secretly collecting our Incognito browsing data. However, in good news, Google has agreed to delete all of the collected data as part of the lawsuit settlement. It will not only delete billions of user data but Google will also lay some corrective measures on the usage of the Incognito mode. Therefore, users may get more transparency over what data will be tracked. Know more about the Google settlement. 

The new Pixel 9 CAD-based renders are here, and they show the phone in various colors. And while we cannot really confirm if these will be the colors the phone will be available in, the renders give us a better idea of how the phone is going to look.

A new free-to-play RPG is up for grabs on Android. Titled Home, Planet & Hunters, it’s the creation of Black Pearl Games. This indie game developer is known for titles like Brutal Street, Pirate Gunner, Aero Vacation and Infinite Combo.

The Mystery of Eigengrau releases on Android! It’s a new mobile game that has been giving people the creeps on the Google Play Store. This game was made by a solo developer at Rigor Mortis Interactive. It’s known to be a realistic escape room experience full of fear and tension.

The Android 15 update is coming soon and will surely be full of exciting new features. If you're interested in trying the beta or wondering if your phone is supported, here's which Pixel phones and tablets will officially get Android 15 and which won't.

Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for April 2: Garena Free Fire MAX is a battle royale game where players fight against each other to survive till the end and become the winner. This can be done either solo or with your squad. To aid in their quest, players can take the help of in-game items such as med kits, grenades and weapons - all of which can be grabbed as loot. They can also give their characters a cosmetic makeover with weapon skins, avatars, and more items. While most of these are available in the in-game shop, you can also grab them for free with the help of Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes.

Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for April 2: Are you in search of amazing in-game items but do not want to spend money? While Free Fire introduces several exclusive events for players to win themed rewards, they are all available at a price tag. Even spending diamonds (in-game currency) does not ensure the desired gift. Therefore, to grab exciting rewards and new gaming gear, you can use the Free Fire redemption codes and get your desired items for free. Sounds exciting right? Know more about Garena Free Fire redeem codes for April 2:

ASTRA: Knights of Veda is getting ready to go live, and there are rewards for pre-downloading and pre-registering! We need all the Masters of the Book! It’s almost time to go! ASTRA: Knights of Veda Pre-Download is available on Google Play, which is one step closer to discovering the continent of Planis.

It appears that Gmail and Microsoft 365 accounts are in danger because of a newly discovered phishing kit that could put your accounts in a lot of danger. Now, most of our accounts are protected by two-factor authentication, and for the most part, it is one of the safest ways to prevent anything wrong from happening to your account. However, Tycoon 2FA, which is a new adversary in the middle, is now a threat to both of the aforementioned accounts.

The Pokémon Company has released a spoof video for April Fool’s Day, promoting a fictional Pokémon Sleep World Championship.

Microsoft is shaking up its Windows 11 operating system by bidding farewell to some of its long-standing features, with WordPad being the latest casualty. The tech giant recently confirmed that WordPad, the native word processor that has been a staple since 1995, will be phased out from Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 editions.

In a bid to bolster its presence in the social media market, Google is adding a nifty new feature to its messaging service, Chat. Google Chat, which replaced Hangouts, allows users to stay in touch and collaborate with others on projects. However, unlike WhatsApp Channels, it does now allow broadcast communication. But that is set to change soon as leaks suggest a new ‘Announcements' feature could make its way onto Google Chat.

Apple is on the verge of introducing new AI features with the release of iOS 18, as it has been working on various tools for a while. However, the company is also keen on improving the Apple Maps experience for users so they do not have to rely on Google Maps. The company has been working to improve its Maps app as well as the navigation it offers, with a handful of nifty improvements, as shown in the patent below.

Google's Podcasts app, boasting over 500 million downloads globally, is set to cease operations for users in the United States on April 2. Despite its large user base, only a small fraction of U.S. podcast listeners, around 4%, utilize the platform. This imminent shutdown has prompted concerns among users who now need to transfer their podcast subscription data to alternative services. However, this migration process can be complex and may expose users to potential security risks such as scams and credential theft.

The Taiwan server giant Quanta has received huge OEM orders for NVIDIA's GB200 AI servers, with tech behemoths interested in the technology.

WhatsApp has unveiled a significant update for its Android users, introducing a redesigned bottom navigation bar aimed at enhancing user experience and accessibility within the app.

Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin loved pulling pranks, so much so they began rolling outlandish ideas every April Fool's Day not long after starting their company more than a quarter century ago. One year, Google posted a job opening for a Copernicus research center on the moon. Another year, the company said it planned to roll out a “scratch and sniff” feature on its search engine.

Tired of plugging in your phone before every drive? AAWireless now provides a quick compatibility checker that tells you whether your vehicle will work with a wireless Android Auto adapter.

Circle to Search is one of the best features I have seen on the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 series. It is one of the features that you never really know you need until it finally arrives on your phone, and the good news is that it is now rolling out to a host of older Pixel devices, including the freshly discontinued Pixel 6a, the Pixel 6, and the Pixel 7a. In addition, the Galaxy S23 series and all the other Samsung devices due for the One UI 6.1 update are also getting this feature.

What streamer hasn't uttered some version of the phrase «clip that!» before? Whether it's nailing a sick headshot, clutching out a save at the last second, or anything in between, Twitch clips are your badges of honor. These small, bite-sized videos can be a perfect highlight reel of awesome, funny, and epic moments that happen during your stream that you want to make sure get preserved, but simply saying, «clip that!» isn't enough. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to download Twitch clips so you never risk losing your best moments.

 In the realm of Indian gaming, Garena Free Fire Max stands out as a refined version of the beloved Free Fire battle royale game. Offering dynamic visuals and immersive gameplay, it has captured the attention of gamers across the country. Adding to its allure are the daily redemption codes, which have garnered praise from gaming enthusiasts nationwide.

There are a lot of upcoming CD Projekt Red games, and if you're worried that the studio might change its ways and go all-in on microtransactions in a fit of capitalism, don't worry. The studio says it doesn't see a place for microtransactions in single-player games - only multiplayer titles.

Google is planning to shake things up in the smartphone market with the potential launch of not one or two, but three new flagship Pixel phones this year, including the Pixel 9. Unlike before, Google might offer more choices to buyers by introducing three different models. 

Ghost Trick is a detective story with a supernatural twist. In it, you play as a ghost with amnesia, trying to solve your own murder. As many of you recall, this used to be a handheld in 2010 (it seems like forever ago!). It launched on Google Play on March 25 2024.

AI roundup: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies when it comes to users with untrained mindsets. In other news, the chief creative officer of DC Comics, Jim Lee revealed how AI is taking away the joy of creativity from an artist's mind. All this, and more in our AI roundup today.

These days, smartphones can do it all. Unfortunately, they can also track it all. Smartphones have become a data mining gold mine, but you're not powerless—there are things you can do to make yours less accessible and valuable to those who seek profit from your activity.

Good news is coming the way for Google Pixel 8 users as the company confirms the integration of Gemini Nano. Earlier Google denied on-device AI features for the Pixel 8 smartphone due to hardware limitations. However, now the tables have turned and Google's new Gemini Nano model will come to Pixel 8 as a developer preview. The AI model will empower the device with several AI features which already come with the Pixel 8 Pro device. Know more about what AI features are coming to the Pixel 8 smartphone. 

Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for March 29: In search of stylish rewards? But do not want to spend your in-game currency? Worry not because Free Fire is back with new sets of redeem codes which will empower players with exciting gaming gear such as avatars, weapon skins, characters, outfits, and much more. Free Fire redeem codes provide players with the best opportunity to own several in-game rewards for free. If you also want to grab these rewards then check out the Free Fire redeem codes for today and the steps to grab them.

Apple announced yesterday that it will be hosting its highly anticipated WWDC 2024 event on June 10 to announce iOS 18 and a bunch of other updates for its entire product line. We have previously covered that WWDC 2024 will be special this year as it will be the perfect venue for Apple to announce its long-rumored AI features to the world for the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and additional products. However, Apple will not launch its own ChatGPT-like chatbot with the release of iOS 18 later this year.

Google is gearing up to unveil its latest wearable innovation, the Google Pixel Watch 3, as indicated by recent sightings on certification websites. The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to build upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 2, with some notable upgrades, particularly in the battery department.

Google Photos has introduced a new feature, the 'Favourite' shortcut, aimed at streamlining the process of sharing photos. This feature allows users to designate a specific person as their favourite, making it easier to share photos directly with them in high quality. Here's what you need to know about this new addition and how to make the most of it.

Google's Circle to Search feature arrived earlier this year with the launch of the Galaxy S24 series, then eventually rolled out for all Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 models. As promised, the fancy AI tool will start rolling out to more Pixel phones, tablets, and Galaxy phones later this week.

Planning vacations just got easier with Google's latest update. Now, you can use artificial intelligence (AI) to create travel itineraries for your trips. Google announced this new feature, called Search Generative Experience (SGE), which helps users plan their journeys using AI. It gathers ideas from various websites, along with reviews and photos from users, to suggest attractions, restaurants, flights, and hotels for your trip.

Want to see one of the best comedies of 2024? We’re giving our readers a chance to see the future-cult favorite Hundreds of Beavers! The film already made our list of the best movies of 2024.

This is not investment advice. The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Wccftech.com has a disclosure and ethics policy.

Looking to up your photo game? A new, camera-focused smartphone will do wonders for your social media pictures. These are the best Android camera phones that will make sunsets sparkle, food look irresistible, and nighttime landscapes dazzle.

"APK" is an extremely common term in the Android world, and it's an even more important part of the Android operating system. We'll share some information about APK files, show you how to install them on your Android device, and how to check if they're safe to download.

The next version of Android is closer than we think. Android 14 was just released late last year, but Google is already working on what's next, with Android 15 now being in an early stage of testing. If you don't mind very broken software, you can install the next OS on your Android phone and see how it fares. Now, Google has just released the second developer preview of Android 15, and it'll be a bigger release than we initially thought.

Android has a huge, huge problem with platform segmentation, which is made even worse by some apps. Some app developers don't really care that much about targeting newer Android versions, or at least not immediately, thinking that it's not a priority. The problem is even worse considering there's a lot of apps being used today that still target ancient Android versions, with Google doing little to nothing to prevent it. Now, with Android 15, Google is going to tighten up things for developers.

Qualcomm, Intel, and Google have reportedly formed a new "strategic" coalition in an attempt to dethrone NVIDIA from the AI markets.

Gameloft has announced Asphalt Legends Unite, an expansion to 2018's Asphalt 9: Legends that marks the arcade racing game series’ debut on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Apple has been recently making headlines for holding talks with companies like Google and OpenAI to use their AI services in its devices. Recently, the company also invested in several AI startups for iOS 18. Now, Apple is reported to have partnered with a Chinese tech giant company named Baidu to take advantage of their AI services. Apple is now currently in a race to introduce advanced generative AI services to compete with brands such as Samsung and Google. Know more about Apple's move to introduce AI features to upcoming devices.

Nvidia earned its $2.2 trillion market cap by producing artificial-intelligence chips that have become the lifeblood powering the new era of generative AI developers from startups to Microsoft, OpenAI and Google parent Alphabet.

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MOONTON’s Watcher of Realms is gearing up for an Easter 2024 celebration you won’t want to miss. If you’re hunting for thrills instead of eggs this Easter, Watcher of Realms is what you should play. They have a lineup that includes the mighty Captain Reve, a new skin for him, a batch of summoning events, a new game mode and stages packed with loot.

Apple and other tech giants face another legal fight — this time from the European Commission, which is now investigating the iPhone maker's alleged non-compliance with EU rules.

In the latest insights from Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, tech expert Mark Gurman hints at significant changes coming to the iPhone's home screen with the launch of iOS 18. While details remain somewhat scarce, Mark Gurman teases that iOS 18 will usher in a new era of customization for users.

The novelist Neal Stephenson's prophetic power never ceases to astonish. The Diamond Age (1995), is set in a technologically highly advanced world, with ubiquitous nanotechnology in addition to something strangely familiar called “P.I.” The abbreviation is explained in the following exchange:

Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for March 25: Garena Free Fire Max, the enhanced rendition of the popular battle royale game, has been a sensation among Indian gamers for a long time now and it is showing no signs of fading out. With its captivating visuals and immersive gameplay, it has become a favourite nationwide. Adding to the thrill is the daily redemption of exclusive codes, injecting a sense of urgency and excitement into the gaming community.

Big Tech is facing its biggest challenge in decades as antitrust regulators on both sides of the Atlantic crack down on alleged anti-competitive practices that could result in break-up orders to Apple and Alphabet's Google, a first for the industry.

It's impossible to overstate the devotion that Liverpool fans have to their soon-departing manager, Jurgen Klopp. Picking the team up from mid-table doldrums almost a decade ago, the charismatic German transformed it into champions of England and Europe once again.

Relic Castle, a vibrant hub for Pokemon fan game enthusiasts, has vanished from the internet without any prior notice. The closure stems from a DMCA takedown, leaving the community stunned and disheartened. Established in 2014, Relic Castle served as an online forum where fans congregated to discuss and share Pokemon fan games. It acted as a central nexus for enthusiasts to exchange links to download these games from external platforms like Mediafire and Google Drive. However, the forum's sudden disappearance has left a void in the community.

Earlier this week, Microsoft Corp. named artificial intelligence pioneer Mustafa Suleyman chief of its consumer AI business and hired most of the staff from his Inflection AI startup. A day before, Bloomberg reported that Alphabet Inc.'s Google was in talks to license its Gemini AI engine to Apple Inc.

By December, you can access the Epic Games Store on your iOS or Android device and its renowned games and freebies. This heralds new rivalry amongst mobile game stores, will that mean better prices for developers and more options for consumers? A major shift is about to occur in the mobile gaming industry.

AI roundup: While multiple sectors have been integrating AI into their products, a new study highlights that generative AI has the potential to revamp the healthcare sector in India. It is predicted to improve efficiency in how doctors provide treatment. In other news, the UN General Assembly encourages the safe use of AI which will also benefit sustainable development. Know about more such AI news today. 

Blue Lock Project: World Champion, or Blue Lock PWC, as most people call it, is gearing up for its global release. They just revealed the list of awesome goodies which is part of their pre-registration milestones. So, let’s give you the full scoop so that you can hurry and preregister for Blue Lock PWC global!

The biggest challenge that the Department of Justice has in winning its antitrust case against Apple Inc. is this: The iPhone is really, really awesome.

Baldur’s Gate 3 director Swen Vincke has had some time to reflect on Larian Studios’ Google Stadia deal, and he thinks it was “really stupid.”

Miniclip.com, the publisher of Subway Surfers, just dished out a new strategy game called Battle Rivals: Epic Clash. It’s not a global launch though. Battle Rivals: Epic Clash has entered early access in Italy and Portugal on Android for now.

Battle Crush is a new action-packed title by NCSOFT that’s starting its second beta test, which goes live today (March 21). The beta is going global, reaching an impressive list of 97 countries! FYI, they had their pre-registration going since February 21. If you haven’t had a chance to learn about the game, keep reading our scoop!