Google Workspace Unlocks Deeper Data Insights with Daily Drive Exports.

Google has rolled out a major update for Google Workspace administrators, introducing the public beta of a new feature that allows for daily exports of Google Drive inventory reports directly to BigQuery. This enhancement significantly upgrades the existing weekly export option, providing organizations with a more frequent and granular look at their data assets.

The new functionality is designed to give administrators a powerful tool for improving data governance, enhancing security, and ensuring compliance. By exporting Drive data to BigQuery, organizations can leverage Google's robust data warehouse to analyze critical metrics in-depth, gaining a richer understanding of how data is classified, accessed, and used across their domain.

Why Daily Exports Are a Game-Changer.

While the previous weekly export provided a useful snapshot, the new daily cadence offers several key advantages for administrators:

• Proactive Security: The frequent data flow to BigQuery enables administrators to spot unusual access patterns, unauthorized file sharing, or potential data exfiltration attempts in a much more timely manner. This shift from a reactive to a proactive security posture can be critical in mitigating risks before they escalate.
• Enhanced Compliance: Many industries are subject to strict data retention and access regulations. With daily inventory reports, organizations can more easily audit their data and prove compliance by having a current record of how sensitive information is being handled.
• Deeper Analytics: The ability to export daily data allows for more sophisticated analysis and trend identification. Administrators can build custom dashboards in BigQuery that track data growth, sharing habits, and usage trends over time, providing valuable insights for resource planning and policy enforcement.

How to Enable the Feature.

The daily export feature is not automatically enabled. Google has confirmed that administrators must manually turn it on at the domain level. For organizations already using the weekly export, the transition is simple; they can switch to the daily schedule within the new "Export Schedule" section in their Drive inventory exports settings.

It is important to note that while the feature itself is a part of the supported Google Workspace editions, there are associated costs for storing and querying the exported data within your Google Cloud project's BigQuery instance. Google advises administrators to review the BigQuery pricing details and use the Google Cloud Pricing Calculator to estimate potential costs.

This feature is available to customers on the following Google Workspace editions:

• Enterprise Standard.
• Enterprise Plus.
• Frontline Plus.
• Education Standard.
• Education Plus.
• Enterprise Essentials Plus.
• Cloud Identity Premium.

This update solidifies Google's commitment to providing comprehensive and flexible data management tools for businesses of all sizes, empowering administrators with the data and insights necessary to maintain a secure and compliant digital environment.

Also Read: How To Audit File Sharing of Personal Google Drive.

ICC and Google Partner to Elevate Women's Cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Google have announced a new global partnership aimed at enhancing fan engagement and accelerating the growth of women's cricket. This collaboration will leverage Google's cutting-edge technology to bring fans closer to the game, players, and key moments.

The partnership, a first of its kind with an exclusive focus on women's cricket, is designed to make the sport more accessible, dynamic, and meaningful for fans worldwide. By utilizing a range of Google products, including Android, Google Gemini, Google Pay, and Google Pixel, the initiative will expand on every stage of the fan journey from discovering highlights to celebrating team victories.

A Strategic Move to Capitalize on Growth.

This announcement comes at a pivotal time for women's cricket, which is experiencing significant growth in viewership and popularity globally. The partnership is set to play a key role in promoting two major upcoming events: the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

According to ICC Chairman Jay Shah, the collaboration will be instrumental in expanding the sport's global reach and inspiring the next generation of cricketers. The strategic use of Google's technology is expected to create new avenues for fan interaction and content consumption, helping to solidify women's cricket as a leading global sport.

What the Partnership Means for Fans.

The integration of Google's products will offer a more dynamic and personalized fan experience. For example, fans can expect to see enhanced features on Android, interactive content on Google Gemini, and seamless payment and engagement options through Google Pay. The partnership with Google Pixel will also likely lead to exclusive content and experiences that highlight the game's biggest stars.

By combining the ICC's commitment to the sport with Google's technological expertise, this collaboration promises to transform how fans engage with women's cricket, making it a more connected and celebrated sport on a global scale.

Google Home Adds Wi-Fi Presence Detection for Smarter Routines.

Google has introduced a new Wi-Fi presence detection feature to the Google Home app, enabling a more accurate and automated way to manage your smart home routines. This update, included in version 3.39 of the app, allows the system to determine if you are home or away simply by monitoring your mobile device's connection to your home Wi-Fi network.

This new capability enhances Google Home's existing suite of presence-sensing methods, which already includes using a phone's location data and triggers from smart home devices like motion sensors and voice commands.

How does it work?

The new Wi-Fi presence detection feature works by providing a simple, passive trigger for your "Home" and "Away" routines. For instance, when your phone disconnects from your home Wi-Fi, the Google Home app can automatically initiate an "Away Routine," a command that could turn off all lights, lock the doors, and adjust the thermostat to save energy. When your phone reconnects to the network, the app can then trigger a "Home Routine," which might turn on the lights, unlock smart locks, and set the temperature to your preferred comfort level.

This feature offers a reliable and seamless method for automating your home, as it relies on a consistent connection to the Wi-Fi network rather than the occasional location data updates from a phone's GPS. This could lead to fewer false triggers and a smoother, more efficient smart home experience.

Also Read: Google Acknowledges Home Assistant Glitches, Teases Major Gemini-Powered Upgrades.

Google Pixel 10 Users Report Wireless Charging Issues.

Early adopters of the Google Pixel 10 are reporting a series of issues with wireless charging, leading to inconsistent performance and slower-than-expected speeds. The problems appear to be related to the new device's compatibility with older wireless charging standards.

According to reports from early buyers, the primary issue is a failure to maintain a charge. Users are finding that their Pixel 10 devices will begin charging on a wireless pad, but the charging process stops unexpectedly after just a few seconds or a few minutes.

A second, related issue is a limitation on charging speeds. Many users are reporting that their phones are capping at a slow speed of around 5W, even on chargers that should be capable of delivering higher wattage. This has been observed on older Qi chargers, and even with the second-generation Pixel Stand, which was designed for previous Pixel devices.

The underlying cause for these issues is believed to be the Pixel 10's shift to the Qi2 Magnetic Power Profile (MPP). This new standard, which is also used in MagSafe chargers, may not be fully compatible with older chargers that use the Extended Power Profile (EPP). As a result, when a Pixel 10 is placed on an older charger that doesn't fully support the new standard, the device reverts to a slower, more universal charging speed or simply fails to maintain a connection.

For a reliable and fast wireless charging experience, the article suggests that users should use a Qi2-certified charger. This will ensure full compatibility and allow the Pixel 10 to charge at its maximum wireless speed.

Google has not yet issued an official statement or software update regarding these issues, but it's likely a fix or guidance will be provided as the company gathers more data from users.

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.