At the end of last year, Google announced it was officially pulling the plug on Allo, its latest in a long list of failed messaging apps. That list includes Google Wave, Google Plus, Google Buzz and, most recently, Google Hangouts (which has evolved into the enterprise-focused Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet). But while its consumer messaging strategy remains confusing, Google is making an aggressive two-pronged attack into the world of business messaging. As a result, it appears to be on a collision course with one of its big tech rivals. Google My Business messaging Hard Fork? Hard Fork. HARD FORK Back in July, Google quietly gave businesses the ability to add chat to their Google business profiles. This allowed customers searching on mobile to start a conversation with them, much like how they would initiate a phone call: Initially, businesses had to use their own devices’ messaging platforms to respond to customer inquiries. But in November, Google overhauled its Google … [Read more...] about Google’s two-pronged plan to dominate consumer-to-business messaging
Solving puzzle leads to Google I/O 2019 dates
Google sent out a tweet this morning containing a puzzle that was supposed to help those smart enough to figure it out, learn the when and where for Google I/O 2019. The search giant also released a video that included the puzzle disseminated in the tweet (click on video at the top of the article). As confusing as the puzzle is, one Swiss developer by the name of Till Kottman (via The Verge) was able to solve the puzzle, which led him to an earlier tweet that had the information listed in JSON format.So now we know that Google I/O 2019 will be held from May 7th through May 9th at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. We expect to hear much about Android Q, new features for Google Assistant and several core Google apps. Hardware-wise, we might see Google introduce the heavily leaked Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL during the developer conference.Last year, right after the conference, Google released the first Android P beta to the Pixel handsets and other models as … [Read more...] about Solving puzzle leads to Google I/O 2019 dates
Google is adding support for Face ID-like hardware to Android Q
Both XDA Developers and 9to5Google have spotted another upcoming feature in Android Q: more secure native facial recognition. Think Apple's Face ID rather than Android's existing Trusted Face system. Other OEMs like Xiaomi and Huawei have already shoehorned in their own facial recognition solutions, but now Google is bringing the feature to the (literal) source. Details are sparse, and most of what we know right now comes courtesy of new error messages discovered by XDA, which indicate Android Q will likely have support for actual, dedicated facial recognition sensors, rather than the current front-facing camera-based solutions. Like other existing biometric authentication methods, the new facial recognition will fall back onto a PIN, password, or pattern for backup, and 9to5Google noticed that it interfaces with the same biometric dialog rolled out in Android 9 Pie. As a result (and as you may expect), this new system will be able to be used for purchases, as well. This could … [Read more...] about Google is adding support for Face ID-like hardware to Android Q
Google Chrome to add drive-by-download protection
Google engineers have started working on adding drive-by download protection in Chromium, the open-source browser engine that Chrome is based on.The feature is already active in the current Chrome Canary edition and is scheduled to land in the stable version, in Chrome 73, scheduled for release in March or April.For ZDNet's non-technical users, "drive-by download" is a term used in the information security (infosec) industry to describe a download that happens without the user's knowledge.Not all drive-by downloads are considered malicious, as some URLs are meant to trigger a file download when accessed.However, when a download is triggered on a web page from an iframe element hidden in its code, those types of downloads are almost always malicious in nature. These usually happen when iframe elements showing ads contain malicious code that trigger the drive-by download, or when users access a hacked site where hackers left a hidden iframe to infect visiting users."We plan to prevent … [Read more...] about Google Chrome to add drive-by-download protection
Google Home Mini 2-pack with wall mounts is just $40 on Rakuten with coupon code
Given how frequently the Home Mini goes on sale or is put in a bundle, it seems like Google has a few too many of these on hand. This latest deal comes from BuyDig, which is offering two Home Minis, each with its own wall mount, for just $40 via Rakuten. We all know what the Home Mini is by now: Google's cheapest Assistant-equipped smart speaker. It'll answer your questions, create appointments, and play your music. Sound quality isn't anything special, but that's to be expected at this price point. BuyDig via Rakuten is offering two Home Minis with two wall mounts for them for $40. These wall mounts usually go for around $10 apiece alone, so this is a nice bonus, especially if you were worried about not having any space to put a Home Mini. Chalk (white) is the only color available — the Charcoal (black) bundle hasn't been discounted. Use code HOME20 at checkout to bring the price down to $40. Buy: RakutenThanks: Shane … [Read more...] about Google Home Mini 2-pack with wall mounts is just $40 on Rakuten with coupon code