Category: Apps

Key Highlights:

• Google Album Archive is being shut down by Google
• Users will no longer have access to their old photos stored exclusively in Album Archive
• Certain content, such as thumbnail photos and album comments, will disappear once the shutdown takes effect

Google Album Archive allows users to manage and view photo and video content from various Google products. However, Google recently announced the shutdown of this service, prompting users to take necessary steps to safeguard their stored images. In this article, we will explore what Google Album Archive is, the changes taking place, and how users can save their data. Also Read | Google Lens New Skin Feature Allows Searching Skin Conditions: How To Know It’s a Pimple, Lump, Or Mole Using Google Lens?

What Is Google Album Archive?

Google Album Archive is a cloud-based platform that enables users to store, manage, and access their photos and videos. It serves as a repository for content shared on Google products such as Google Hangouts (now Google Chats) and Picasa Web Albums. Unlike Google Photos, Google Album Archive focuses specifically on media that is not stored within Google Photos.

The Shutdown Announcement

Google has officially announced the closure of the Google Album Archive, which is scheduled to take effect on July 19, 2023. Users were informed about the shutdown through a notification and an update on the company’s support page. According to the announcement, content exclusively available in Album Archive will be deleted, and users are advised to download their data using Google Takeout.

Implications Of Shutdown

Once Google Album Archive ceases operation, all images stored on the platform will become inaccessible. Users who have not saved their photos in other apps, such as Google Photos, or lack a personal copy will lose access to their old images. Certain content, including thumbnail photos, album comments or likes, some Google Hangouts data from Album Archive, and background images uploaded before 2018 in the Gmail theme picker, will also disappear.

Also Read | How to Remove Profile Picture from Google Account (Gmail, YouTube, Google Meet)

Unaffected Content

While most data on Google Album Archive will be deleted, specific types of content will remain unaffected by the shutdown. Images from Google Account profile photos, Google Blogger, Google Photos content, and Google Photos Archive will not be affected. Users who wish to retain their images from Google Album Archive can use Google Takeout to download a copy of their data.

How To Save Your Google Album Archive Images

To save your images before the shutdown, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Takeout in your web browser on a PC.

Step 2: Select “Google Album Archive” and deselect any other options.

Step 3: Click on the “Next Step” button.

Step 4: Choose a destination where you want the images to be saved, such as sending the download link via email or adding to Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box.

Step 5: Select the desired frequency for exporting your data (options include “Export once” or “Export every two months for one year”).

Step 6: Specify the file type and size preferences.

Step 7: Click on “Create Export” to initiate the process.

With the imminent closure of the Google Album Archive, users must take action to preserve their stored images. By following the outlined steps using Google Takeout, users can ensure that their Google Album Archive data is securely saved before the shutdown occurs.

Also Read | Gmail Gets Google Calendar Schedule Feature: What Is It? How To Use?

Key Highlights

• Deleting Threads account is not possible without deleting your Instagram account
• Threads allow users to deactivate their profiles without affecting their Instagram accounts
• Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri acknowledged the issue

Once you’ve registered for a Threads account, there’s no turning back. Meta, the parent company of Threads, does not provide an option to delete your Threads account independently; instead, it requires you to delete your Instagram account along with it. This means that if you’ve already joined the Threads community, reconsidering your decision may prove futile.

Also Read | Instagram Threads: What Is It And How To Use Meta’s Twitter Alternative

According to Threads’ privacy policy, you can deactivate your Threads profile at any time, but deleting it requires the deletion of your entire Instagram account. However, the policy does allow for the deactivation of your Threads account without affecting your Instagram account. To assist you in this process, here is a step-by-step guide on deleting your Threads account.

Delete Your Instagram Threads Account: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Launch the Threads app and click on the profile icon located in the bottom right corner.

Step 2: Tap the menu icon in the top right corner, represented by two horizontal lines, with the lower line being shorter.

Also Read | How Can You Delete Paytm Transaction History From Your Android And iOS Device

Step 3: Select “Account” and then choose “Deactivate profile.”

Step 4: Tap “Deactivate Threads profile” and confirm your decision.

Meta’s latest social networking platform, Threads, debuted on July 5 and has already surpassed 30 million users, achieving unprecedented growth in the online platform space. However, many users may have signed up without thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions—a common practice for most people. Threads require users to have an accompanying Instagram account since it is built upon the existing app. However, the integration between the two platforms goes beyond a mere connection.

Addressing the issue, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated on Threads that they are actively exploring options to allow for the separate deletion of Threads accounts.

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 releases schedule feature for Gmail
• Feature available for Workspace clients as well general users
• A new calendar icon is added for the same

Google has been updating Gmail with new features proactively and has now made the platform more potent. The company has added the Google Calendar to the Gmail app using which users will now be able to schedule and upcoming events. How can you use the Google Calendar’s Schedule feature on Gmail? Read the details below:

Also Read: Gmail Help Me Write Feature: What Is It? How To Use?

Gmail Schedule Feature: Steps To Use

With the schedule feature on Gmail, one will be able to create a calendar to make the contacts aware of their availability or any upcoming events that have been scheduled. One can easily access and use the calendar schedule feature on Gmail from the email conversation tab itself. A new calendar icon has been added which once clicked will show two different options to mark an upcoming event or availability.

Step 1: Launch the Gmail application

Step 2: Go to the Email conversation tab

Step 3: Locate the calendar icon positioned at the bottom

Step 4: You will see two options “Create an event” and “Offer times you’re free”

Step 5: If you select the “Create an event” option, a Google Calendar tab will pop up on the screen. Here, you can use an email’s subject line for the event title and also use the same recipients as the event participant.

Step 6: If the second option, i.e., “Offer times you’re free option”, then it will allow users to add the time slots or dates they are free for any meeting.

Also Read: Gmail Vacation Replies: How To Create And Set Replies For Vacations On Gmail?

Who All Can Use Gmail Calendar Schedule Feature?

The Gmail Calendar feature is also made available to all Google Workspace clients. Notably, the personal Google account holders will also be able to use the schedule feature to mark their availability or events they have lined up.

Also Read: Need To Send SMS? Learn How To Do It Through Your Gmail Account

Notably, the calendar schedule feature was previously available exclusively for premium Workspace users but is now being released for personal users as well. Google has started rolling out the calendar schedule feature to all users in a phased manner and is expected to complete the mass rollout by the end of July this year.

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

• The New Motor Vehicles Act of 2019 in India focuses on stricter enforcement and improved road safety
• E-challan service enables people to conveniently pay traffic fines online
• You can make online traffic fine payments on the e-challan website and state transport websites

In our country, traffic violations are a fairly common occurrence. If you own a vehicle, chances are high that you have committed at least one traffic offense. In the past, many of these cases went unchecked due to manpower shortages and inadequate technology. However, the Indian government has taken steps to enforce stricter regulations and improve road safety with the implementation of the New Motor Vehicles Act of 2019. One of the key tools aiding this enforcement is the e-challan service, which allows individuals to conveniently pay their traffic fines online.

Also Read | Delhi Metro Goes Digital: How To Use DMRC Travel App To Buy Tickets On Mobile

How To Pay Traffic Challan Online

To pay your challan online, you need to follow a step-by-step process. Here’s how:

Step 1: Go to the official e-challan website at echallan.parivahan.gov.

Step 2: Choose the “Check Challan Status” option from the drop-down menu under the “Check Online Service” section.

Step 3: Enter the required information and captcha code as prompted.

Step 4: Click on “Get Details” to retrieve the relevant information regarding your traffic violation.

Step 5: Select the “Pay Now” option to proceed with the payment.

Step 6: Choose your preferred mode of payment to pay the challan fees.

Step 7: Once the transaction is complete, make sure to note down the provided transaction ID for future reference.

Also Read | Step-by-Step Guide: How To Use Second Screen On Samsung Galaxy Tablets

How To Pay Traffic Challan Via State Transport Website

If you prefer to pay your traffic fines through the state transport website, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the official website of your state’s transport department.

Step 2: Look for the specific section dedicated to paying violation fines.

Step 3: Choose the appropriate option based on the type of violation, such as parking charges or spot fines.

Step 4: Click on the relevant link and enter the necessary details related to the specific traffic offense.

Step 5: Provide the vehicle registration number or parking violation tag number.

Step 6: Enter the current outstanding fine amount associated with the violation.

Step 7: Proceed to make the payment using a Mastercard or Visa card.

Step 8: Enter the captcha code and click on “Submit” to initiate the payment process.

With the introduction of online payment portals and e-challan services, paying traffic fines has become a hassle-free task. Whether using the dedicated e-challan website or the state transport website, following the step-by-step process ensures a seamless 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

• During the monsoon, accidents, landslides, and road closures are frequent
• Users of Google Maps can report accidents, landslides, and road closures
• Users of Google Maps can access this data while driving

Monsoon season is here! It contributes between 70 and 80 percent of the nation’s yearly rainfall, and many activities, including agriculture, depend on it. The impact of rising global temperatures can also be noticed during the monsoon season. Intense rain for brief periods of time during the monsoon has become a typical occurrence. These kinds of extreme weather occurrences result in waterlogging, crumbling roads, and landslides since the nation’s current infrastructure is not equipped to handle them.

Also Read | Avoid Overspeeding Traffic Challans: How To Enable Speed Limit Warning In Google Maps

These factors have made accidents more frequent during the monsoon, but thanks to modern technology, individuals are now able to report accidents, road closures, waterlogging, and more on a platform like Google Maps, potentially saving lives. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to report accidents, road closures, waterlogging, and more on Google Maps.

How To Report Accidents, Road Closures On Google Maps

Step 1: On your phone, launch Google Maps and enter your destination.

Step 2: Swipe up from the bottom bar that displays your route information after starting the navigation.

Also Read | How To Access Google Maps Without Phone On Wear OS

Step 3: The button labeled “Add a report” will appear below the map. Tap it.

Step 4: From the list of options, pick the incident type you want to report.

Step 5: If you verify your complaint, Google will warn any nearby users who are traveling.

In conclusion, Google Maps provides a comprehensive solution for reporting accidents and road closures. With its user-friendly interface and real-time updates, it allows users to contribute and access vital information on the go. By enabling users to report accidents and road closures, Google Maps not only enhances the overall driving experience but also promotes safety on the roads. The ability to view incidents and plan alternative routes efficiently contributes to minimizing traffic congestion and improving commute times.