Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts

Google Vids Adds AI Avatars and Launches Free Consumer Version.

Screenshot of Google Vids Avatar Feature

Google is making waves in the world of video creation with significant updates to Google Vids. The platform, which has already surpassed one million monthly active users, is now rolling out AI avatars for seamless video production and introducing a basic, free version of its editor for all consumers.

Google Vids Ushers in a New Era of Video with AI Avatars.

In a move set to transform how teams communicate and collaborate, Google has officially launched AI avatars within its Vids video creation app. This highly anticipated feature, first announced at Google I/O, allows users to generate polished, narrated videos by simply writing a script and selecting a digital avatar to deliver the message.

The new AI avatars are designed to eliminate the common pain points of traditional video production, such as the hassle of coordinating with on-camera talent or managing multiple takes. This functionality is ideal for a wide range of corporate and educational content, including:

  • Employee Training: Creating consistent and scalable training videos.
  • Product Explanations: Delivering clear, concise demos and overviews.
  • Company Announcements: Producing professional-looking messages from leadership or HR.

Users can choose from a selection of preset avatars, each with a distinct look and voice. The system automatically handles the delivery of the script, including appropriate pacing and tone, providing a fast and efficient way to create high-quality content without a camera or production crew.

Vids Now Free for Everyone.

While the advanced AI features remain part of Google Workspace and Google AI Pro/Ultra subscriptions, Google is now making the basic Vids editor available to all consumers at no cost. This move significantly broadens the platform's reach, making its user-friendly tools accessible to a wider audience.

The free version includes core editing capabilities, such as the timeline-based editor, and provides access to new templates for creating personal videos like tutorials, event invitations, and social media content. The free version integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, allowing users to easily import media and start creating.

Additional AI-Powered Enhancements

Beyond AI avatars, Google is rolling out several other generative AI features to enhance the Vids experience for its paid users:

  • Image-to-Video: A new capability, powered by the Veo 3 model, allows users to transform static images into dynamic, eight-second video clips with sound using a simple text prompt.
  • Transcript Trim: This smart editing tool uses AI to automatically detect and remove filler words and awkward pauses from a video’s transcript, significantly reducing editing time.
  • Expanded Formats: Google confirmed that portrait, landscape, and square video formats are coming soon, ensuring content is optimized for various platforms like YouTube and social media.

Google Powers Up its Clean Energy Future with First Advanced Nuclear Reactor Project.

Google Data Center

In a landmark move set to significantly impact the landscape of clean energy and data center sustainability, Google has announced its first direct involvement in an advanced nuclear reactor project. Partnering with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this ambitious initiative aims to power Google's data centers with reliable, carbon-free energy while simultaneously revitalizing the Oak Ridge region as a hub for nuclear innovation. This news marks a pivotal step in Google's commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy for all its operations.

A New Era for Sustainable Data Centers

Google's pursuit of 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) requires diverse and dependable clean energy sources. While renewable energy, such as solar and wind, plays a crucial role, its intermittency necessitates a consistent, always-on power supply. This is where advanced nuclear energy steps in. By investing in this project, Google is not only securing its energy future but also demonstrating a viable path for other large energy consumers to achieve similar sustainability goals.

The collaboration centers around Kairos Power's innovative Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge. This facility represents a significant leap forward in nuclear technology, leveraging advanced Generation IV reactor designs that are inherently safer, more efficient, and produce less waste than traditional nuclear power plants.

The Power Purchase Agreement: A Model for Clean Energy Partnerships

A critical component of this project is a new power purchase agreement (PPA) between Google, Kairos Power, and TVA. This agreement is groundbreaking for several reasons:
  • First of its Kind: It marks the first time a U.S. utility (TVA) has agreed to purchase electricity from an advanced Generation IV nuclear reactor. This sets a precedent for future deployments of similar technologies across the nation.
  • Initial 50 MW Boost: The Hermes 2 Plant will initially provide 50 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy to TVA's grid. This power will directly support Google's data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.
  • Around-the-Clock Clean Energy: Google will specifically procure clean energy attributes from the Hermes 2 Plant. This ensures that its regional data centers are powered with locally sourced, 24/7 carbon-free energy, moving beyond simply matching energy consumption with renewable purchases.
  • Scalable Solution: This initial deployment is part of a broader, long-term collaboration with Kairos Power, with the ambitious goal of unlocking up to 500 MW of nuclear power for the U.S. electricity system through multiple deployments of their small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

Re-establishing Oak Ridge as a Nuclear Innovation Hub

The choice of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is strategic. Historically a center for nuclear research and development, this project aims to re-establish the region as a vibrant hub for nuclear innovation. This will not only foster technological advancements but also create high-skilled jobs and contribute to local economic growth. The public-private partnership exemplifies how collaboration between technology companies, energy providers, and nuclear developers can drive significant progress in clean energy.

A Three-Party Solution for the Future of Energy

This project serves as a powerful example of a "three-party solution," bringing together energy customers (Google), utilities (TVA), and technology developers (Kairos Power). This collaborative model is crucial for accelerating the development and deployment of new, reliable, and affordable clean energy technologies. As the world seeks to decarbonize energy grids, such partnerships will be vital in advancing solutions that offer both sustainability and energy security.

Google's foray into advanced nuclear energy signals a major step towards a truly carbon-free future for its operations and offers a scalable blueprint for other industries striving for similar environmental targets.

Google Docs Adds Gemini-Powered Audio Playback Feature.

Google is rolling out a new feature for Google Docs, powered by its Gemini AI, that allows users to generate and listen to audio versions of their documents. This update transforms how users interact with their content, offering a new dimension for accessibility, comprehension, and error checking.

This feature enables users to consume documents audibly, which is beneficial for busy individuals, students, and anyone who prefers to listen to information.

How to Use the New Audio Feature in Google Docs:

Google has made the process straightforward, with options for both individual listening and embedding audio for collaboration.

For Listening to the Current Document:
  1. Open your Google Doc: Ensure your document contains content.
  2. Access the Audio Feature: At the top of your screen, click Tools > Audio > Listen to this tab. An alternative is finding a "Listen to this tab" icon directly in your toolbar.
  3. Control Playback: A pill-shaped audio player will appear. This floating window can be moved anywhere on your screen. The player includes controls for:
    • Play/Pause: Start or stop the audio.
    • Scrubber: Navigate to different parts of the document.
    • Playback Speed: Adjust the reading speed (e.g., 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, 2x).
    • Change Voice: Select from various natural-sounding voices, such as Narrator, Educator, Teacher, Persuader, Explainer, Coach, and Motivator.
Google Docs
Credit: Google

For Adding an Audio Button to Your Document:
To allow others to easily listen to your document, you can embed an audio button directly:
  1. Open your Google Doc.
  2. Insert Audio Button: Go to Insert > Audio buttons > Listen to tab.
  3. Customize the Button: The inserted button can be customized in terms of label, color, and size to integrate with your document's design.
  4. Quick Insert with @: Typing @Listen to tab directly into your document lets you insert an audio clip quickly in a selected section.
google docs gif
Credit: Google

This significant development follows Google's ongoing commitment to integrate AI into its Workspace suite, expanding how users create and consume content. Complementing this, Google also rolled out an image generation feature in Docs for paid users, further leveraging AI to enhance document creation directly within the platform.

Google’s NotebookLM Introduces AI‑Powered Video Overviews.

Google is rolling out significant upgrades to NotebookLM, expanding its AI-powered research tool with a new Video Overviews format and a revamped Studio panel for enhanced content creation and multitasking.

The newly launched Video Overviews feature transforms dense information into narrated slideshow-style presentations. These AI-generated visuals integrate diagrams, quotes, data points, and images extracted directly from user-uploaded documents, making complex ideas more intuitive to understand. Users can tailor the output by specifying learning goals, audience, and specific segments to focus on, such as chapter-specific content or expert-level theories.

Video Overviews act as a visual counterpart to NotebookLM’s existing Audio Overviews and are now available to all English-language users, with additional languages and styles expected in upcoming updates.

Studio Panel Upgrades: Smarter Creation & Multi‑Output Workflows

NotebookLM’s Studio panel is also receiving a major upgrade. Users can now create and store multiple versions of the same output type (e.g., several Audio Overviews or Video Overviews) within a single notebook. This flexibility supports various use cases:

  • Publish content in multiple languages or perspectives.
  • Tailor outputs for different roles or audiences (e.g., student vs. manager).
  • Segment study material by chapters or modules using separate overview videos or guides.
The updated Studio interface introduces a clean layout featuring four tiles—Audio Overview, Video Overview, Mind Map, and Report—for quick access. All generated content is indexed below the tiles, and users can multitask—for instance, listening to an Audio Overview while exploring a Mind Map or reviewing a Study Guide.

NotebookLM, first launched in July 2023 and powered by Google’s Gemini AI, is also known for its Audio Overviews, which present document insights in conversational, podcast-style formats.
These new Video Overviews bring a visual dimension, essential for explaining data, workflows, diagrams, and abstract ideas more effectively.

According to internal disclosures, Google introduced Audio Overviews across more than 80 languages earlier this year, which doubled daily audio usage and significantly expanded user engagement. User feedback has driven numerous updates, including enhanced customization, in-app feedback tools, community-driven enhancements, and broader accessibility.

These additions cap a series of recent improvements, like “Featured Notebooks” (curated content from partners such as The Atlantic and The Economist) and automatic source discovery.

Google Pixel 9a Review With Specifications.

Google Pixel 9a

Launched on April 10, 2025, the Google Pixel 9a brings flagship‑level features to the mid‑range segment at $499. It’s designed for users seeking stellar cameras, smooth performance, and long-term software support without premium pricing. This review covers design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, software, connectivity, real‑world use, comparisons, pros & cons, and overall verdict.

✅ Pros ❌ Cons
  • Powerful Tensor G4 chip at a budget-friendly price
  • Bright 120Hz OLED display
  • Flagship-level camera quality
  • 7 years of OS & security updates
  • Excellent AI features like Call Screening
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • No telephoto or macro lens
  • Slower charging speeds
  • The plastic back feels less premium
  • Higher storage option availability is limited

Google Pixel 9a Specification.

The Google Pixel 9a may be a mid-range phone, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to specifications. At the heart of the device lies the Tensor G4 chipset, the same processor found in Google’s flagship Pixel 9 series. Paired with 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, this combination delivers a fast and responsive experience for everyday tasks, app switching, and even moderate gaming.

The display is one of the standout features. You get a 6.3-inch Actua pOLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+. But what really grabs attention is the peak brightness of up to 2,700 nits, which makes outdoor visibility excellent, even under direct sunlight. This kind of screen performance is rare at this price point.

On the camera front, the Pixel 9a includes a 48 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. It may not be a triple camera setup, but Google’s computational photography ensures excellent results in most conditions. On the front, there's a 13 MP ultrawide selfie camera, which not only fits more people into the frame but also supports 4K video recording.

Battery life is impressive too. The phone houses a 5,100 mAh battery, making it the largest ever in a Pixel. It supports 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. While not the fastest in the industry, Google includes features like Battery Saver, Extreme Battery Saver, and even an option to limit charging to 80% to preserve long-term health.

Other highlights include IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers, and face + fingerprint unlock. It ships with Android 15, and Google promises 7 years of OS and security updates, which is unheard of in this segment and easily one of the Pixel 9a’s biggest selling points.

Display 6.1-inch OLED, FHD+ (2400x1080), 120Hz refresh rate
Processor Google Tensor G4
RAM 8 GB LPDDR5
Storage 128 GB UFS 3.1 (no SD card slot)
Rear Camera 64MP (main) + 13MP (ultrawide), 4K@60fps video
Front Camera 13MP, 4K@30fps video
Battery 4,600mAh, 18W wired charging
Operating System Android 15 (out of the box)
Build & Design Plastic back, aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 front
Water Resistance IP68 certified
Security Under-display fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock
Connectivity 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C
Dimensions 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight 188 grams
Colors Obsidian Black, Porcelain, Mint
Price (USA) $499 (128 GB variant)

Google Pixel 9a Performance.

After using the Pixel 9a as my daily driver for over two months, I’m genuinely impressed by how smooth and responsive it feels. The Tensor G4 chip, paired with 8GB RAM, handles everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and switching between apps effortlessly. I never ran into any stutters or lag, even with multiple apps running in the background.

I tried a few games like COD Mobile and Asphalt 9, and the experience was solid at medium settings. The phone did get a little warm during extended play or when downloading large files on 5G, but it never felt too hot or slowed down noticeably.

What really stood out to me were the smart AI features, things like Call Screening, Live Translate, and voice typing actually make a difference in daily use. They run smoothly and add real value.

Overall, the performance feels reliable and fluid, especially for a phone in this price range. It’s not a gaming beast, but for most users, it’s more than enough.

My Experience With Pixel 9a Camera.

From the moment I started shooting with the Pixel 9a, it felt like Google had once again worked its magic in computational photography. The 48 MP main camera with OIS and a wider f/1.7 aperture amazed me, especially in dimly lit places like art installations or evening scenes. I felt like every shot had remarkable detail, punchy yet realistic colors, and solid dynamic range. As Android Faithful wrote, “camera performance is where the 9a shines”, and they backed it up with extensive low-light testing at places such as Meow Wolf and Garden of the Gods.

I tried the new macro focusing mode too, and it produced some stunning close-ups, although focus sometimes centered only in the middle. Even so, I felt it added creative flexibility.

Pricing and Availability of Google Pixel 9a.

The Google Pixel 9a is priced at $499 in the United States, which positions it squarely in the upper mid-range category. For that price, you get the base model with 128 GB of storage, and there's also a 256 GB variant available for a bit more at $599, though Google hasn't officially listed that price across all retailers yet.

You can buy it unlocked directly from the Google Store, or through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, which often with deals or trade-in offers that can bring the price down significantly. It's also available at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Target, both online and in-store.

Considering it packs the Tensor G4 chip, a flagship-grade OLED display, and 7 years of software support, the $499 price point feels very competitive, especially when compared to other mid-range phones from Samsung or Motorola that don’t offer the same level of long-term updates or software features.

Final Verdict

The Google Pixel 9a is a standout mid-range smartphone for 2025, offering a premium display, solid camera performance, a long-lasting battery, and unmatched software update support (7 years). It brings most of the Pixel flagship experience at a significantly lower price. However, buyers should be aware of connectivity concerns, slower charging, and missing advanced AI features present in higher-end Pixel models.

Google Introduces Opal: A Vibe-Coding Tool for Building Web Apps.

Google Opal Vibe-Coding
Key Takeaway.
  • Google’s Opal lets users create and share mini web apps using only text prompts, backed by a visual workflow editor and optional manual tweaks.
  • The platform targets non-technical users and positions Google in the expanding "vibe-coding" space alongside startups and design platforms.

Google has begun testing an experimental app builder called Opal, available through Google Labs in the U.S. This new tool allows users to create functional mini web applications using only natural language prompts and no coding required. Opal aims to simplify app development, making it more accessible to creators, designers, and professionals without engineering backgrounds.

What Is Opal and How Does It Work?

Opal enables users to write a plain-language description of the app they want to build. Google's models then generate a visual workflow composed of inputs, AI prompts, outputs, and logic steps that form the backbone of the application. You can click each step to see or edit the prompt, adjust functionality, or add new steps manually using the built-in toolbar. When you are satisfied, you can publish the app and share it using a Google account link.

This interactive, visual-first approach is designed to overcome limitations of text-only vibe coding by providing clear, editable workflows. Opal supports remixing apps from a gallery of templates or building from scratch, promoting rapid experimentation.

Where Opal Fits in Google’s Vision.

While Google already offers an AI-based coding platform through AI Studio, Opal represents a broader push toward design-first and low-code tools. The visual workflow makes app logic easier to understand and edit, lowering the barrier to app creation for non-technical users. Google’s intention is to expand access to app prototyping beyond developers.

Opal positions Google alongside startups like Replit, Cursor, and design platforms like Canva and Figma. These tools are capturing attention by democratizing software creation using prompts and visual editors, growing demand for intuitive generative coding.

What It Means for Developers and Creators.

Creators and innovators can use Opal to prototype generative workflows, interactive tools, or productivity automations without writing code. Educators could also leverage it to build simple teaching aids or demonstrations. With a public beta released in the U.S., developers in labs can begin exploring and testing apps, providing feedback for future development.

The turn toward a visual workflow also offers more clarity and control, reducing confusion between prompt input and actual behavior. This can help users fine-tune apps step by step, something that traditional prompt-only systems struggle to offer.

Google Photos Rolls Out AI Tools to Animate Images and Add Artistic Effects.

Google Photos Logo on Android Phone
Key Takeaway.
  • Google Photos now lets users turn still images into short animated videos using AI-powered motion effects.
  • The new Remix feature transforms photos into artistic styles like anime, sketch, and 3D, offering more creative freedom.

Google Photos is taking another step forward in creative photo editing by launching two innovative features: photo-to-video conversion and Remix. These tools are powered by Google's Veo 2 generative AI model and are being rolled out gradually for users in the United States on both Android and iOS devices. With this update, Google aims to give users more ways to creatively reimagine their memories using intuitive and powerful technology.

Bring Photos to Life with the Photo-to-Video Tool.

The new photo-to-video feature allows users to turn still images into short, animated video clips. You can choose between two effects, called “Subtle movements” and “I’m feeling lucky.” These effects gently animate parts of the photo, such as moving water, shifting clouds, or fluttering leaves. The final video clip lasts about six seconds, and the rendering may take up to one minute. 

Users are given several variations to preview, so they can choose the one that suits their vision best. This feature is completely free and does not require access to Gemini or any paid plan.

Transform Images with the Artistic Remix Feature.

In addition to video animations, Google Photos is launching the Remix tool, which lets users apply artistic filters to their photos. These include styles like anime, sketch, comic, 3D animation, and more. The Remix feature is designed to be fun, expressive, and highly customizable. It will begin rolling out to users in the United States over the next few weeks, and it is intended to be simple enough for anyone to use, regardless of experience with photo editing.

To make these new tools easier to access, Google Photos will soon introduce a new Create tab. This tab will be located in the bottom navigation bar of the app and will organize creative tools such as photo-to-video, Remix, collages, and highlight reels in one convenient place. The Create tab is expected to be available starting in August.

Google Watermark on AI-Generated Content.

Google has stated that all content generated through these AI features will include a SynthID digital watermark. This watermark is invisible to the eye but helps verify that the media was created using AI. In addition to this, video clips created through the photo-to-video tool will display a visible watermark in one corner of the screen. Google is encouraging users to rate AI-generated content with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to provide feedback and help improve the tools over time.

The photo-to-video animation feature became available to U.S. users on July 23, 2025. The Remix feature will become available in the coming weeks. The new Create tab is scheduled to roll out sometime in August. These features will be added automatically, but they may appear at different times for different users depending on regional availability and server updates.

How the Android Earthquake Alerts System Works?


The Android Earthquake Alerts System (AEAS) is a groundbreaking, planet-scale early warning network developed by Google to detect and alert users of earthquakes in real-time using the very phones in their pockets. Officially launched in August 2020, the system was introduced first in California, before expanding rapidly to other regions, including the United States, Greece, New Zealand, and eventually to over 98 countries worldwide.

This innovative system transforms millions of Android smartphones into miniature seismic detectors by harnessing their built-in accelerometers. These sensors are capable of picking up early signs of seismic activity, such as the faint P-waves that arrive before the more damaging S-waves during an earthquake. When multiple phones in a geographic area detect shaking simultaneously, they transmit anonymized data to Google’s servers. Google's algorithms then confirm if an earthquake is occurring and, if so, generate and distribute alerts often seconds before shaking reaches the user.

In regions like the U.S. West Coast, AEAS also integrates with ShakeAlert®, a professionally managed network of over 1,600 ground-based seismometers operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). By combining traditional seismic data with crowdsourced smartphone input, the system enhances accuracy, expands coverage, and reduces dependence on costly infrastructure, especially in earthquake-prone regions with limited resources.

Why Early Earthquake Warning Is Important

Early earthquake warnings can make the difference between life and death. Even a few seconds’ notice before the ground starts shaking gives people time to take protective actions, like "drop, cover, and hold on" or evacuate from dangerous structures. It can also trigger automatic safety measures, such as slowing down trains, shutting off gas lines, and pausing surgeries or heavy machinery.

In high-risk areas, early alerts help reduce injuries, protect critical infrastructure, and improve emergency response. For example, schools can quickly move students to safe zones, and hospitals can brace for patient surges. Studies show that timely warnings can cut injuries by up to 50% during major earthquakes.

Earthquake Alert

Data Sources: Seismic Networks and Crowdsourced Accelerometers

The Android Earthquake Alerts System relies on two main sources of data to detect earthquakes quickly and accurately:

Seismic Networks

In regions like California, Oregon, and Washington, AEAS integrates with professional ground-based seismic systems such as ShakeAlert®, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and partner universities. These networks consist of thousands of sensitive seismometers strategically placed to detect and measure ground motion. When an earthquake occurs, these sensors rapidly calculate its location, magnitude, and expected shaking, triggering alerts through the Android system within seconds.

Crowdsourced Accelerometers from Android Devices

Outside areas with formal networks, AEAS taps into the power of millions of Android phones worldwide. Each phone contains a tiny accelerometer, normally used for screen rotation or step counting, that can also sense ground movement. When several phones in the same region detect a sudden shake simultaneously, they send anonymized, coarse location data to Google’s servers. If the pattern matches that of an earthquake, the system confirms the event and sends alerts to nearby users.

Google has created a global earthquake detection system that is fast, scalable, and cost-effective via combining official seismic equipment and everyday smartphones, which works in well-equipped and underserved regions.

The ShakeAlert® Partnership

In the United States, the Android Earthquake Alerts System works hand-in-hand with ShakeAlert®, the country’s official earthquake early warning system. Operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in partnership with several West Coast universities and state agencies, ShakeAlert® is built on a robust network of over 1,675 high-precision ground-based sensors.

These sensors are distributed across California, Oregon, and Washington regions with high seismic risk. When an earthquake begins, ShakeAlert® sensors detect the fast-moving P-waves and instantly estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude, and intensity. If the system predicts significant shaking, it triggers alerts that are relayed to Android devices through Google’s network.

This partnership ensures that users in the western U.S. receive official, science-based warnings within seconds. It also enhances the speed and accuracy of alerts in areas with dense seismic infrastructure.

Crowdsourced Detection via Android Phones

Globally, Android devices detect ground vibrations using built-in accelerometers. When several phones in an area detect P-waves, they send anonymized data (vibration + coarse location) to Google's servers. The system aggregates these signals to confirm an event and estimate its epicenter and magnitude.

This decentralized network forms the world’s largest earthquake detection grid, especially valuable in regions without dedicated seismic infrastructure.

Earthquakes generate two key wave types:
  • P‑waves: Fast-arriving, less intense—detected first.
  • S‑waves: Slower but more destructive.
AEAS detects P‑waves and issues alerts before S‑waves arrive, enabling early action.

Alert Generation.

AEAS classifies alerts in two tiers:
  • Be Aware: Signals light shaking; non-intrusive notifications guide readiness.
  • Take Action: Signals moderate to strong shaking; these alerts override the phone screen with a loud alarm and safety instructions.
Alerts only trigger for quakes with magnitudes ≥ 4.5.
Earthquake Alert on Android Phone
Alerts leverage the near-instant transmission of data compared to slower seismic wave propagation. Alerts travel at internet speed, giving users crucial advance seconds before shaking begins.

AEAS uses anonymized, coarse location data sent only when significant vibrations are detected. No identifiable personal info is shared. Users can disable alerts via settings.

Quick FAQ.

Q: How much warning time do I get?
Answer: Typically, a few seconds to over a minute, depending on distance from the epicenter.

Q: Does it collect my address or identifiable info?
Answer: No. Only anonymized accelerometer data and coarse locations are used.

Q: Can I disable alerts?
Answer: Yes – simply toggle off “Earthquake Alerts” in your Android settings.

Q: Why don’t I get alerts in some areas?
Answer: You might be too close to the epicenter (blind zone), or there may be insufficient sensor coverage.

Q: How is it different from apps like MyShake?
Answer: AEAS is built into Android globally, doesn’t require installation, and combines crowdsourced phone data with seismic networks.

Q: Are false alarms an issue?
Answer: Rare but possible; Google continuously fine-tunes algorithms to minimize them.


Google Store Lists Pixel 10 Ahead of August 20 Launch.


Google has begun teasing the upcoming Pixel 10 on its official Google Store, signaling that the device’s release is just around the corner. A promotional page now displays a "Coming August 20" message, inviting users to sign up for release notifications and access to exclusive launch offers. This listing confirms the highly anticipated launch date and highlights that the phone will debut alongside the annual Made by Google hardware event.

A Major Upgrade Cycle Begins

This eagerly awaited launch positions itself as a significant upgrade over the Pixel 9 lineage, as earlier reports suggest. Regulatory filings indicate a four-device lineup: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold—all expected to show up at the August event. The Pixel 10’s Google Store teaser is the clearest indication yet that the company is gearing up to follow through on these announcements with actual availability.

Anticipating Specs and Pricing

While the store listing itself lacks detailed specs, it complements an expanding landscape of rumors and leaks. The lineup is rumored to include a powerful Tensor G5 chipset, improved camera options, and potential AI-enhanced features. Additionally, leaked photo listings suggest that pricing may remain consistent with previous models—around $799 for the base device—while premium variants like the Pro XL and Fold may see modest price increases.

This buildup hints at a strategic launch meant to coincide with the holiday shopping surge. The Pixel 10 page’s "sign up for emails" pitch underscores Google’s ambition to generate early traction and pre-orders.

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