Category: Apps

Key Highlights

• Google School Time feature coming to Android devices
• The feature will help children to focus on studies
• Google offers personalized settings for kids

Nowadays, parents are quite worried about their children’s use of technology, especially finding the right balance between online and offline activities. In response to these concerns, California-based Google has added a new School Time feature to Android devices. The feature will help the kids to concentrate on their schoolwork during school hours instead of being distracted by social media posts.

Also Read | Chrome Desktop Upgrade: AI-Powered Google Lens, Tab Compare, And More

Understanding Parental Concerns

In order to provide family-friendly goods, Google has always worked with parents. Making sure kids are not unfocused in class yet can still be reached in an emergency is a typical worry. Google responded by launching School Time earlier this year on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches. In an effort to improve the learning environment, they are now extending this feature to a few additional Android phones, tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Watches throughout the course of the upcoming year.

School Time Feature

During school hours, parents can designate their child’s smartphone to a specific home screen with restricted features by using the School Time feature. This lessens classroom disruptions. With the Family Link parental controls app, parents can plan and select which applications are available during school hours. Additionally, they can allow calls or texts from particular contacts. It is also possible to use School Time after school hours. This will provide focus or screen break periods.

Additional Settings For Teens

As children grow into teens, their use of technology advances, and so do their supervision needs. Google recognizes this and continues to offer personalized settings for different ages and developmental stages.

• YouTube Supervision: New features are coming to YouTube. This will allow parents to link their accounts with their kids’ accounts. It will give them visibility into their teens’ activity.
• Family Link Supervision: This feature offers parents the flexibility to control which apps, products, and experiences their kids can access. Also, it helps screen time limits, location sharing, and activity monitoring for children.
• Safety Settings: SafeSearch, content limitations, and restricting YouTube autoplay are just a few of the basic safety settings that Google offers to all users under the age of 18. They recently added protections to restrict the promotion of possibly harmful information, such as body image-related videos.

Also Read | Google Keeps Third-Party Cookies In Chrome, New Controls Introduced

Creating A Balanced Digital Experience

Google is supporting parents in giving their kids a well-rounded and targeted digital experience with these new features. The goal is to ensure that technology serves as an aid to education rather than a distraction. School Time and other parental controls provide a structured and safe environment for children to learn and grow in the digital world.

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Key Highlights

• Google Lens soon on Chrome desktop
• AI will create product comparison tables
• AI will simplify finding past pages in your browsing history

California-based Google recently announced new updates for the desktop version of Chrome. In the coming week, three new AI features, powered by the latest Google AI and Gemini models, will be introduced. These new AI features ensure to make your searching, comparing products, and rediscovering sites much easier. Let’s learn more about what they are like.

Also Read | Gmail Tips And Tricks: How To Secure Your Google Account With Two-Factor Authentication

Google Lens In Chrome Desktop

Google Lens is the company’s visual search tool. The desktop version of Chrome will soon get access to it. According to the tech giant, users will be able to “easily select, search and ask questions about anything they see on the web, and that is all without leaving their current tab,” in the coming days.

Tab Compare

While doing online shopping, switching between multiple tabs to read reviews and compare prices can be troublesome. To address this problem, a new feature named “Tab Compare” will soon be added to Chrome for desktop. Users can examine an AI-generated product overview spanning several tabs with the help of this new update.

For instance, if you are searching for a new smartphone or washing machine with product details and reviews across multiple tabs, Chrome will produce a comparison table with details like specifications, ratings, and prices in one tab. This way, you can make well-versed decisions quickly, saving time.

Browsing History

Browser history can be quite helpful if you want to locate a page that you were browsing a few hours ago or if you mistakenly closed a tab or window. While you can already search for a page using Chrome’s history feature, it can be hard to find specific information on a page you opened a while ago.

According to Google, users will be able to go through their browsing history in “a more natural, conversational way with the help of AI” in the upcoming weeks. It will be possible to ask questions like “What was that restaurant I looked at last week?”. The company adds that this feature will be optional. It won’t include any browsing data from the incognito mode.

Also Read | Google Maps Tips & Tricks: How To Use Fuel-Efficient Routing In India

Conclusion

Google is improving web navigation and usability with features like Lens search, product comparison, and browser history rediscovery. Keep an eye out for these updates in the coming week and enjoy a smarter, more efficient browsing experience.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Apple Maps is now available online, no iPhone needed
• Users can search places, get directions, and choose map views
• Future updates may include 3D view and more features

With millions of users now able to access the platform online, Apple Maps is receiving a major update. Maps on the web with an official avatar was one of the essential things that Apple, one of the wealthiest tech companies, was lacking from its lineup. However, you may now use Apple Maps on the web without depending on the Maps API by accessing it via the standard channel.

Also Read | Google Maps Speed Limit, Speedometer Feature Rolling Out For iPhone, CarPlay: How To Use?

Evolution Of Apple Maps

Apple Maps was introduced as a rival to Google Maps in 2012. Since then, the platform has catered to users in many countries and continues to evolve in markets like India, where more local data is being fed into its systems to improve accuracy and usability.

What Apple Maps For Web Beta Offers

• No iPhone Required: Apple Maps can now be available online, making it more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience compared to Google Maps or Waze.
• Ease of Access: This beta version can be accessed from the web page, allowing users to: Look for directions, search for specific places, and browse through guides available in their area
• View Options: Users can choose between standard, hybrid, and satellite views based on their preference.
• Location Permissions: The website will request permission to access your device’s location for precise navigation assistance.
• Limited Directions: Unlike Google Maps, Apple Maps currently does not provide directions for two-wheelers and is limited to four-wheelers and walking directions.
• Future Features: It is expected that once Apple Maps comes out of beta, the company will add new features, including a 3D view and other helpful tools.

Google Maps’ Recent Updates

While Apple Maps is making strides, Google Maps is not standing still. Six new features, including flyover callouts and driving alerts for narrow roads, were recently unveiled by Google in India. Now, users may access real-time status information and comprehensive details about EV charging stations. Additionally, Google is offering Maps for two-wheeler EVs for the first time, starting with India. Another new feature allows people to report incidents or road closures to help others avoid taking problematic routes.

Also Read | Apple Maps Offline Download Guide: Steps You Use Apple Maps Without Internet

Conclusion

A long-overdue update, Apple Maps is now available in beta on the web, increasing its usability and positioning it as a competitive alternative to other mapping services. While still in its early phases, Apple Maps’ web version has a number of helpful features and is expected to grow with additional upgrades in the future. Google Maps’ competitors, meanwhile, makes sure that users have a variety of reliable solutions for their navigational needs.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• SearchGPT provides quick, direct answers with source links
• It prominently cites and links to original publishers
• Available to 10,000 test users

A new AI-powered search engine called SearchGPT has been unveiled by OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This search engine seeks to compete with well-known search engines like Google and Bing. According to OpenAI, SearchGPT gives customers speedy, understandable answers along with pertinent sources by fusing the strength of their AI models with web data.

Also Read | OpenAI Introduces Custom GPTs And More To Free ChatGPT Users

How SearchGPT Works

Unlike traditional search engines that present a list of links, SearchGPT directly answers queries. Each answer includes links to the sources, allowing users to easily verify the information. This feature also lets users ask follow-up questions, creating a continuous conversation with shared context. For instance, if you search for information on music festivals, SearchGPT will summarize the results, give a brief description, and link to the original sources.

Supporting Publishers

SearchGPT is unique in that it focuses on facilitating user connections with publications. The search engine prominently cites and provides links to the sources in its results, according to OpenAI. This method guarantees that users are aware of the information’s source. OpenAI has also made it clear that SearchGPT’s AI-generated answers will have named attributions, making it easier for users to trust the information provided.

Independent From Generative AI Training

Users may rest well knowing that OpenAI keeps the training of its generative AI foundation models independent from SearchGPT. This implies that SearchGPT’s search results may contain content from websites that have chosen not to participate in generative AI training. The goal of this division is to alleviate worries about content scraping and unlawful usage of website data.

Limited Launch And Future Integration

Only 10,000 test users will have access to SearchGPT at first. With intentions to eventually merge SearchGPT with ChatGPT, OpenAI characterizes this launch as a prototype phase. The search engine will be powered by the GPT-4 family of models, which are known for their advanced capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text.

Potential Impact On The Search Engine Market

The introduction of SearchGPT comes at a time when Google is enhancing its search features with AI overviews to retain users. The market is becoming more competitive as AI-powered search engines become more prevalent. Another AI-powered search engine, Perplexity, has come under fire for allegedly stealing content from publishers who have chosen not to participate in data scraping. With SearchGPT, OpenAI places a strong focus on openness and source attribution, which might help it stand out and become a major player in the search engine market.

Also Read | No Sign-Up Needed: OpenAI Enables Account-Free ChatGPT Access

Conclusion

SearchGPT represents a new direction for search engines, leveraging AI to provide direct answers and foster trust through clear source attribution. While it is currently in a limited testing phase, its potential to disrupt the market is evident. As AI continues to evolve, tools like SearchGPT might become the standard for how we seek information online.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Meta AI now serves 22 countries
• It includes new languages like Hindi, French, and Spanish
• Meta AI is now available on Meta Quest headsets, Ray-Ban smart glasses

Meta AI is growing in scope and power, providing users with more features everywhere in the world. With its most recent growth, Meta AI is now available in 22 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Cameroon. New languages that users can communicate with Meta AI in are Hindi, Hindi-Romanized Script, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. This broadening of access allows more people to benefit from AI assistance across WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook.

Also Read | Meta AI vs ChatGPT: Which Chatbot Fits Your Needs?

Enhancing Daily Routines

Meta AI is designed to help users get more done in less time, bringing creative ideas to life and expanding knowledge. From tackling how-to tasks and answering questions to providing inspiration and guidance, Meta AI has become an invaluable partner in daily routines. Regular updates every two weeks ensure the assistant remains relevant and effective, continuously improving based on user feedback.

Creative Tools In Hindi

One of the standout features is the “Imagine me” prompts, starting in beta in the US. With the use of this program, users can visualize themselves in a variety of fantastical situations, such as a rock star or superhero. Simply entering “Imagine me” in Meta AI chat allows users to generate visuals based on their own photos and prompts such as “Imagine me surfing” or “Imagine me on a beach vacation.” After that, you may share these customized photos with loved ones, bringing a lighthearted and imaginative element to discussions.

Advanced Editing Capabilities

Meta AI also offers advanced editing capabilities, making it easy to adjust images. Users can add or remove objects, change elements, and fine-tune their creations with simple commands. For instance, if you start with an image of a cat snorkeling in a goldfish bowl and want to change the cat to a corgi, you can do so with a quick command. An upcoming “Edit with AI” button will further enhance these editing features, allowing for even more precise adjustments.

Complex Questions And Coding Help

Llama 405B, Meta’s largest and most sophisticated open-source model, is now incorporated into Meta AI to answer increasingly complicated queries, particularly in arithmetic and coding. Users can get expert education on technical and scientific subjects, coding guidance, and step-by-step explanations for math tasks. Because of this, Meta AI is an effective tool for learning and solving problems.

Integration With Meta Quest

Meta AI is also available on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and will soon be integrated into Meta Quest headsets in the US and Canada. This integration replaces current voice commands, enabling users to control their headsets hands-free, get real-time information, and even receive recommendations for local restaurants. With Vision in Passthrough, users can ask questions about their physical surroundings, making Meta AI a versatile assistant in both virtual and mixed reality environments.

Also Read | Use Meta AI On WhatsApp And Instagram In Three Steps: Here’s How

Conclusion

With its enhanced multilingualism, creative tools, sophisticated editing, and sophisticated problem-solving functions, Meta AI is a valuable everyday helper. Users may expect even more features and advancements in the future as Meta keeps innovating and updating its AI.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Google keeps third-party cookies in Chrome
• Google continues investing in the Privacy Sandbox
• Tests show strong ad performance recovery with Privacy Sandbox technologies

Google has decided to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, marking a significant shift from its previous plans. Instead of eliminating these cookies, Google is introducing a new experience in Chrome. This allows users to make informed choices about their web browsing preferences. Users can adjust these settings at any time, giving them control over their privacy.

Also Read | Gmail Tips And Tricks: How To Secure Your Google Account With Two-Factor Authentication

Engaging With Regulators

Google has already begun to discuss this revised strategy with authorities, including the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom. Although specifics are still lacking, this new approach suggests a more adaptable and user-focused methodology. Perhaps taking a cue from prior setbacks, Google has decided not to specify a firm date for these improvements, in contrast to earlier intentions.

The Sandbox Stays

With the goal of striking a balance between online privacy and a thriving ad-supported internet ecosystem, the Privacy Sandbox is here to stay. Users may choose to reject third-party cookies as a result of this strategy, which would improve the effectiveness of the Sandbox’s APIs for targeted advertising without the need for cookies.

A Possible Shift In User Behavior

This new tactic might be similar to Apple’s transparent app tracking policy. Users can decide whether to give apps access to their data in this way. Should Google’s strategy be successful, it might influence user behavior about third-party cookies in a manner akin to Apple’s influence on mobile identifiers.

Promising Test Results

Alongside the announcement, Google shared promising test results of its alternatives. Tests from January to March showed significant recovery in advertiser spend and return on investment (ROI). For instance, advertiser spend recovery was 89 percent in Google Display Ads and 86 percent in Display & Video 360. Conversions per dollar recovered by 97 percent in Google Display Ads and 95 percent in Display & Video 360. These findings suggest that Privacy Sandbox technologies can help recover ad performance without third-party cookies.

Industry Reactions

Even with the encouraging test findings, the advertising sector is still wary. Because the Sandbox isn’t widely available, publishers have had trouble testing it. Due to prior delays in the third-party cookie deprecation process, some have ceased allocating resources for Sandbox testing.

Impact On Chrome Users

This development is concerning for Chrome’s 3 billion users. Most users do not frequently change their browser settings and would benefit more from a browser that prioritizes privacy by default. Apple’s recent ad campaign highlights this issue, depicting users being constantly watched while browsing, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” The ad portrays Safari as a privacy-focused alternative, emphasizing the importance of default privacy protections.

Also Read | Is Google Listening To Your Conversations? Adjust These Phone Settings ASAP

What This Means For You

For everyday users, this means that privacy settings in Chrome will become more customizable, but also more complex. While the option to choose your level of privacy sounds promising, it places the responsibility on users to understand and manage their settings. Many users might find this overwhelming or might not bother to adjust their settings at all, leaving them with less privacy protection than they might desire.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.