AC News Weekly
News Weekly is our column the place we spotlight and summarize among the week’s prime tales so you’ll be able to make amends for the most recent tech information.
This is Android Central’s News Weekly, your go-to supply for a concise roundup of the week’s most vital tech tales. This is the place we delve into the highest headlines that present the most recent developments and improvements contributing to the digital panorama.
This week, Imagen 3 has been launched for the lots to make use of, Gmail will get new Gemini AI options, Google has a no-repair coverage for the Pixel Watch 3, Astrophotography will get a helpful improve, and Gemini will get a brand new look on Android telephones.
Replacement-only Pixel Watch 3
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The Pixel Watch 3 launched only a week in the past, however we’re nonetheless studying extra vital particulars in regards to the smartwatch earlier than it ships to shoppers. Turns out, you may need to put money into a display screen protector for the Pixel Watch 3, as a result of Google’s coverage for damaged fashions is that they are going to be changed, not repaired.
A Google consultant confirmed this with Android Authority, stating that you probably have a damaged Pixel Watch 3, it is best to test with “the Google Pixel Watch Customer Support Team to test your substitute choices.”
This is not that a lot of a shock, given this was primarily the coverage for the Pixel Watch 2 and its predecessor. And whereas not actual purpose was given, it is probably because of the means the watch was designed, which can make it tough to restore.
Instead, Google recommends customers enroll in its Preferred Care program, which covers damages obtained, together with “out-of-warranty points.” However, in the event you do find yourself needing to interchange your watch, you will need to fork over $49, and given the price of the insurance coverage, you will need to resolve if it is value it to you.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 3 is out there for preorder now, so you’ll want to try obtainable preorder offers for the smartwatch.
Astrophotography mode is less complicated to make use of on Pixels
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One of the very best options on Pixel telephones simply obtained a bit higher. Thanks to the most recent replace to the Pixel Camera app, now you can manually set off Astrophotography mode to seize photos of the night time sky.
Previously, Astrophotography mode wanted to be activated mechanically by retaining the telephone nonetheless and ready for the mode to seem. Once the moon icon appeared on the shutter button, you have been then capable of activate the mode.
Now, customers merely have to modify to Night Sight mode within the digicam app, and Astro mode will seem on the slider, the place you’ll be able to modify the timer (see picture above).
It’s actually a helpful change, particularly for Pixel house owners who could not have recognized methods to allow Astrophotography mode. This ought to make it simpler to take cool pictures of the night time sky, particularly if and when the northern lights resolve to make one other look in decrease latitudes.
Gemini’s visible improve
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Gemini is basically Google Assistant on steroids, particularly as Google continues supercharging the AI chatbot with new (and previous) options like Gemini Live, having the ability to set timers, and managing your sensible dwelling. Now, Google is giving Gemini a little bit of a visible improve, which appeared on Pixel telephones and is rolling out extensively.
As noticed by 9to5Google, the visible improve could look the identical, however you will discover there is a glow across the Gemini field while you carry up the assistant. However, it isn’t only a new glow that this brings; this alerts a notable change in how Gemini behaves, which can now carry up solutions in a floating field as a substitute of taking over the total display screen.
The new UI will assist customers use Gemini extra contextually. It will enable customers to tug and drop generated pictures into apps and ask for details about content material on sure apps, like YouTube.
Google introduced this new Gemini expertise again in May throughout Google I/O 2024, so it is good to see it reaching customers now.
Gmail’s Gemini improve
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As Google upgrades Gemini, the corporate can be upgrading its different companies by injecting Gemini into as many locations as it may possibly. Gmail already had a helpful “Help me write” characteristic that might show you how to formulate drafts primarily based on a immediate you present and the context of your e-mail. Google is now constructing on this with a brand new Polish characteristic, which can primarily take what you have already written and switch it into one thing extra palatable.
To additional refine your e-mail, you’ll be able to select choices akin to Formalize, Elaborate, and Shorten to higher correspond with what you are on the lookout for.
You’ll discover this within the Refine my drafts choice, which can now seem in e-mail drafts on cellular units when there are 12 or extra phrases current.
These choices, together with Help me write, can be found on Android and iOS units, however you need to be a Workspace person with Google One AI Premium, Gemini Business/Enterprise add-on, or Gemini Education/Premium add-on.
Imagen 3 helps you think about new issues
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Imagen 3 is the most recent picture technology instrument from Google, and it is obtainable for customers to strive within the U.S. According to Google, there are main enhancements to the mannequin’s skill to grasp person prompts and create high-quality pictures from textual content descriptions. However, there are limits put in place to assist forestall the technology of offensive or unlawful content material. As a consequence, the mannequin will not (or should not) produce pictures of public figures or any weapon-related visuals to forestall misuse.
It’s truly fairly straightforward to get began, as you simply want to move over to Google’s ImageFX AI Test Kitchen and register together with your Google account. And in line with Android Central senior editor Jerry Hildenbrand, that is one thing it is best to undoubtedly strive for your self.
Those are among the largest tales from this week. Meanwhile, listed here are another tales which are value catching up on:
