Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.

As Google announced earlier this month, Google is significantly enhancing user privacy and control in its Gemini app by introducing new features, including a "Temporary Chat" mode and more transparent data settings. This move is part of Google's ongoing effort to make its AI assistant a more personal, proactive, and powerful tool while giving users greater command over their data.

The Introduction of Temporary Chats.

The most notable new feature is Temporary Chat, a mode designed for quick, one-off conversations that users do not want to be saved. This feature, which functions similarly to an incognito window in a web browser, is ideal for exploring sensitive or private questions or brainstorming ideas outside of a user's usual topics.

Chats conducted in this mode will not appear in a user's recent chats or Gemini Apps Activity. Crucially, they will not be used to personalize a user's Gemini experience or to train Google's AI models. For technical purposes, the chats are saved for up to 72 hours to allow for feedback processing, after which they are permanently deleted.

Enhanced Data Controls and Personalization.

In addition to Temporary Chats, Google has also rolled out a new "Personal context" setting that allows Gemini to learn from past conversations. When this feature is enabled, Gemini remembers key details and preferences, leading to more relevant and natural responses. While this feature is on by default, users have full control and can easily turn it on or off at any time.

Furthermore, the "Gemini Apps Activity" setting has been renamed to a more straightforward "Keep Activity." This setting gives users granular control over whether a sample of their future uploads will be used to help improve Google's services. A new toggle has also been added to specifically control whether audio, video, and screen shares from Gemini Live are used for product improvement, with this setting off by default.

These changes collectively reflect a strategic balance between creating a more personalized AI experience and empowering users to make informed choices about their data. With these new tools, Google Gemini Boosts User Privacy with New Temporary Chats & Enhanced Data Controls.

Google Rolls Out Revamped Quick Share Interface for Android.

The long-awaited redesign of Google's Quick Share interface is finally beginning to roll out to Android devices. This significant update, which brings a refreshed look and new functionality, aims to streamline the file-sharing process and improve the overall user experience.

The new interface was first spotted on a Xiaomi 15 Ultra by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, signaling the start of a wider rollout beyond Samsung Galaxy devices, which have had a version of this design for some time. This is a welcome change for Google Pixel and other non-Samsung Android phone users who have been anticipating this update for months.

A Closer Look at the New Design

The most notable change is the introduction of a new, dedicated "Receive" tab. This tab simplifies the process of receiving files by providing a clear, separate screen that shows a list of devices that are currently attempting to share files with you. This is a major improvement over the previous, more cluttered design.

The "Receive" tab is complemented by a new "Sharing with you" section, which provides a clear overview of incoming files. This separation of sending and receiving functionality makes the Quick Share experience more intuitive and user-friendly.

On the "Send" screen, the interface has received many visual tweaks. The file picker now includes a preview of the selected media files, providing a visual confirmation of what you are sharing before you send it. This minor but effective change helps prevent accidental file shares and gives users more confidence in the process.

While the rollout is still slow and not yet available to all users, the appearance of the new interface on a variety of devices suggests that a broader, more public release is imminent. This update is a key step in Google's ongoing effort to create a more consistent and polished experience across the entire Android ecosystem.

Also Read: Android-to-iPhone File Sharing: Google's Quick Share Gets a Major Upgrade.

Acer Unveils a New Google TV Box with a Wealth of Ports

Acer has announced a new 4K UHD streaming box running Google TV, which is notable for its extensive selection of connectivity ports. The device has appeared on a pre-order page in South Africa and marks a new entry into the Google TV hardware market.

The new box features a simple, plain white design with the Acer logo on the top corner. Its remote control is a familiar sight, closely resembling Google's typical reference design for its streaming devices. However, what sets this box apart from its competitors is its focus on connectivity.

A Port for Every Need.

Unlike many minimalist streaming devices on the market today, the Acer Google TV box is equipped with a wide array of ports, catering to users who require more than just a single HDMI connection. The device includes:

• Two USB-C ports
• One USB-A port
• HDMI port
• Ethernet port
• Optical audio output
• MicroSD card slot

This generous selection of ports provides users with the flexibility to connect various accessories, from external storage and webcams to wired network connections and legacy audio systems.

Under the hood, the device is powered by a "Quad core Amlogic CPU," identified as a likely Amlogic S905X5. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and, according to conflicting reports, comes with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM.

While the box is currently only available for pre-order in South Africa, its unique focus on providing a wide range of ports could make it a compelling option for a niche market of power users. A global release has not been confirmed at this time.

Google Simplifies Gboard Settings for a Smarter Keyboard.

Google is significantly reorganizing the Gboard settings menu, a change designed to make the keyboard's extensive customization options easier to find and manage. This update simplifies the user experience by centralizing related settings and introducing new, clearly defined sections.

The most notable changes are found within the "Preferences" and "Text correction" sections, which have been streamlined to reduce clutter and improve navigation.

Simplified Settings for a Smarter Keyboard.

The "Preferences" menu has been updated with new sections that group related toggles and options. For example, the "Suggestion strip" toggle, which controls the bar that appears above the keyboard, has been moved to a new "Layout" section. Other settings have been combined into new "Shortcuts" and "Key tap" sections, making it easier for users to find and adjust common behaviors without having to search through a long, unstructured list.

Renamed and Refined Corrections & Suggestions.

The "Text correction" page has also been completely overhauled. It has been renamed to "Corrections & suggestions" and is now divided into four new, logical sections:

• Automatic corrections: For settings related to features like autocorrect and capitalization.
• Spelling & grammar: To manage spelling and grammar-related suggestions.
• Suggestions: For controlling word and phrase suggestions.
• Writing tools: A new section for more advanced writing aids.

A new standalone toggle for "Word suggestions: Show in suggestion strip" has also been added, providing more granular control over the suggestion bar's behavior.

This reorganization is part of Google's ongoing effort to refine the user experience across its core products. By making the Gboard settings more intuitive, Google is making it easier for users to personalize their typing experience, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and satisfaction.

YouTube Music Redesign: Search Moves to Bottom Bar.

YouTube Music is undergoing a redesign on its Android app, moving the Search functionality to a new, more accessible position on the bottom bar. This change is currently being tested and has not yet been rolled out to all users.

Previously located in the top-right corner, the magnifying glass icon is being replaced. The new Search button, which now incorporates the functionalities of the old "Explore" page, is a two-tap action located on the bottom navigation bar. This change is designed to improve one-handed use of the app.

A Shift in YouTube Music UI Design.

The redesign sees the familiar magnifying glass icon for search being removed from the top of the screen, where it was previously nestled between the notification bell and the user's profile avatar. This is a deliberate shift in user interface (UI) design, moving a core function to a more reachable location for single-hand use.

The new "Search" button occupies a spot on the bottom bar, effectively replacing the compass icon that previously led to the "Explore" page. This strategic move enhances usability and consolidates two previously separate features.

The New "Search + Explore" Experience.

The new "Search" page is more than just a search bar; it's a unified hub for discovery and content search. It combines the full functionality of the old "Explore" page, presenting users with a search bar at the top, along with voice and song lookup shortcuts. Below this, users will find the curated genre and mood categories they were accustomed to on the "Explore" page. This integration streamlines the user journey, allowing for a seamless transition from browsing for new music to searching for a specific track.

One key aspect of this new design is the "two-tap" action. While the old search bar was instantly ready for text input upon a single tap, the new button on the bottom bar requires a second tap on the search bar itself to open the keyboard. The app will include a small introductory prompt to guide users through this change, explaining the new "Search + Explore" functionality and the need for the extra tap to begin typing.

Accessibility and Future Implications.

The update also extends the reach of the search feature, making it accessible from within the "Samples" section of the app. This consistency across different parts of the app's interface contributes to a more cohesive and user-friendly experience.

This redesign aligns with a broader industry trend toward bottom-bar navigation, which is particularly beneficial as smartphone screens continue to grow. By bringing crucial controls within easy reach of the thumb, Google is responding directly to the practical needs of its users. This change, while seemingly small, represents a significant refinement in the app's design, prioritizing user comfort and efficiency. It showcases Google's ongoing commitment to evolving its user interfaces to meet the demands of modern mobile habits.

Will Google Translate’s New Feature Kill Duolingo?

Google's recent update to Google Translate has set off a ripple effect across the language learning industry. With the introduction of an AI-powered language practice feature, the app is evolving from a simple utility into a direct competitor of platforms like Duolingo. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this move poses an existential threat to the market leader.

Based on an analysis of public announcements, early user reviews, and expert commentary, the answer appears to be nuanced: while Google Translate is a powerful new player, it is more likely to challenge, not "kill," Duolingo.

The New AI-Powered Language Practice Feature.

Google’s new feature, currently in beta, is a new "Practice" mode accessible directly within the Translate app. Powered by the company’s Gemini AI models, it offers tailored listening and speaking exercises designed to help users with real-world conversational skills.

• Personalization: Unlike traditional structured courses, Google Translate's practice mode asks users to specify their goals (e.g., for travel, work, or daily life) and proficiency level (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced). The AI then generates custom scenarios, making the learning experience highly contextual.
• Live Translation: A companion feature, "Live Translate," offers a more seamless, back-and-forth conversational experience between two speakers, with real-time audio and on-screen transcripts. This is a practical tool for real-world use, something that Duolingo, at its core, does not offer.
• Initial Limitations: The feature is currently in beta and is limited to a small number of language pairs (e.g., English-Spanish, English-French). This is a stark contrast to Duolingo's extensive library of over 40 languages.

The Duolingo Defense: A Different Value Proposition

While Google Translate’s entry is a significant development, Duolingo has a strong defense based on its unique market position and user experience. The core of Duolingo’s success lies in its gamified, structured learning model, which is fundamentally different from Google’s approach.

Gamification & Engagement: Duolingo’s signature gamified experience—complete with streaks, leaderboards, and a cast of memorable characters—is designed to foster a daily habit. It makes language learning feel less like a chore and more like a game, which has been key to its massive user base and high engagement rates.

Structured Curriculum: Duolingo provides a clear, step-by-step curriculum that guides learners from basic vocabulary to complex grammar. This structured path is perfect for beginners and those who want a clear framework for their learning journey. Google’s personalized, scenario-based approach, while flexible, may lack this methodical progression.

Brand Loyalty: Duolingo has cultivated a powerful brand identity and a loyal community of users. This brand equity is a significant moat that Google will find difficult to penetrate, as many users are invested in their "streaks" and the community aspect of the app.

Analysis: A Tale of Two Objectives

The competition between Google Translate and Duolingo boils down to a difference in objectives and target users.

• Google Translate: Aims to be a comprehensive tool for both language utility and learning. Its primary target is the user who needs to communicate in a foreign language in real-time or wants to quickly practice for a specific real-world scenario. Its strength lies in its real-world practicality and seamless integration with Google's broader ecosystem.
• Duolingo: Focuses on being a dedicated language education platform. Its primary target is the user who wants to learn a language from scratch through a structured, engaging, and long-term process. Its strength is its proven pedagogical approach and ability to turn learning into a habit.

Conclusion: Coexistence, Not Annihilation

While Google Translate is now a formidable contender, it is not poised to "kill" Duolingo. The two platforms serve different, albeit overlapping, needs. Google Translate is an excellent tool for real-time communication and targeted practice. Duolingo remains the leader for long-term, structured, and gamified language learning.

In the long run, the real winner will be the language learner. This new competition will push both companies to innovate further, leading to a richer and more effective array of tools for anyone looking to master a new language.

Google Phone New "Wide Calling Card" Feature Arrives with Android 16 QPR1.

Google is rolling out a new "Calling Card" feature for its Phone app, allowing users to personalize their incoming call screen with a wide, full-screen image for specific contacts. The update, arriving in version 188 of the Google Phone app, is being launched alongside the Pixel 10 and in preparation for the Android 16 QPR1 release.

This new customization option is similar to a feature found on other platforms, but with a key difference: the personalized image and name are visible only to the user and do not affect how they appear to others. This gives users a new level of control over their personal calling experience.

How the Calling Card Feature Works.

Users will be greeted by a promotional banner at the top of the app’s Home tab, which introduces the "calling card" feature. From there, the customization process is straightforward:

• Image Selection: Users can choose an image from their device's gallery, take a new photo, or select one from their Google Photos library.
• Cropping and Framing: Once an image is chosen, it can be cropped and framed to fit the wide, full-screen format.
• Name Customization: The contact's name can also be customized with various font styles and colors.

Once set, the chosen image will appear as a full-screen background whenever that specific contact calls. This update is a move by Google to enhance the visual experience of the core calling function, making it more personal and engaging.

The Bigger Picture.

This update is part of a broader trend in which companies are adding more personalization and customization features to their core apps. For Google, this feature not only improves the user experience but also deepens the integration of Google Photos within the Android ecosystem.

The launch of this feature with the Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR1 suggests that Google is continuing to refine and enhance the user interface across its devices, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and user-centric functionality.