Google App's Voice Search Gets a Facelift with AI-Inspired Design.

Google is currently testing a significant redesign of its voice and song search interface within the beta version of its Android app. The new look, which is being rolled out as a server-side test to a select group of users, signals a shift towards a more unified design language that aligns with the company's AI-centric features.

The most noticeable change is a new pulsing, generative animation that replaces the previous "listening..." screen. This new animation is similar to the one seen in Google's AI mode, and the updated UI is stripped of the previous and suggested searches that once cluttered the main voice search screen. The new design presents a clean, simple query, asking users, "What's on your mind?"

The Voice Search Overhaul: Old vs. New.

The most noticeable change is the shift from a passive, text-based interface to a more dynamic, AI-inspired design.

• Current Look: The old screen simply displayed a "Listening..." message and showed a list of your recent searches and suggestions below. The interface was functional but static.

• New Look: The redesigned screen removes all the clutter. Instead of a text message, it features a new, pulsing animation that is similar to the one used in Google's AI mode. The screen is clean and minimal, presenting a single, inviting query: "What's on your mind?" This change provides a more streamlined, modern, and engaging user experience.

Google Voice Search Old Vs New Look

This redesign also extends to the song search feature, which now prominently displays a "Play Sing Hum" message and features the same dynamic animation. The move suggests Google is working to create a more consistent and modern experience across its various app functionalities, bringing them under a cohesive AI-inspired umbrella.

Google's Gemini AI is coming to TV for Smarter Show Suggestion.

Google is bringing its powerful Gemini AI assistant to Google TV, transforming the television viewing experience with more natural, conversational interactions. The new feature, which builds on the existing Google Assistant, is initially rolling out to a limited number of devices with a wider release planned for later this year.

First teased at CES in January, Gemini on Google TV allows users to move beyond simple voice commands. The AI assistant can now handle complex, multi-part queries to help users discover content, get show recaps, and even answer general knowledge questions.

Key Features of Gemini on Google TV:

• Smarter Recommendations: Users can find the perfect show or movie for a group with a single, conversational query. For example, you can say, "Find me something to watch with my wife. I like dramas, but she likes lighthearted comedies."
• Quick Recaps: Catch up on a show you've been away from by simply asking, "What happened in the last season of 'Outlander'?"
• Educational Tool: The AI can also answer a wide range of questions, leveraging YouTube videos and other information to provide a comprehensive response. You could ask it to "Explain why volcanoes erupt to a third grader," and it will provide an answer with relevant video suggestions.
• Natural Language: The new system is designed to understand free-flowing conversations, allowing for follow-up questions and more intuitive interaction with the TV.

Also Read: Roku and YouTube TV Join Forces for an Enhanced Sports Experience.

Currently, the feature is available on the new TCL QM9K series. Google has confirmed that Gemini will expand to more devices later this year, including the Google TV Streamer, Walmart's onn 4K Pro streaming device, and select Hisense and TCL models.

To activate the new features, users can either say "Hey, Google" or press the microphone button on their TV remote, just as they would with Google Assistant. With this update, Google is positioning the television as a more central, interactive hub in the home.

How To Update Your Google Chrome Browser.

Keeping your Google Chrome browser up to date is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to ensure a secure and fast browsing experience. While Chrome is designed to update automatically in the background, knowing how to manually check for and install updates is crucial for staying protected from the latest threats and enjoying new features as soon as they are available.

This detailed guide will walk you through the simple steps to update Google Chrome on your computer and mobile devices.

Update Chrome on Your Windows or Mac Computer.

For desktop users, the process is straightforward and can be done from within the browser itself.

1. Open Chrome: Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.

2. Check for Updates: In the top-right corner of the window, click the three-dot More menu. If an update is pending, the icon will be colored (green for a recent update, orange for a few days old, and red for over a week).

3. Go to "About Chrome": From the dropdown menu, hover over "Help" and then select "About Google Chrome."

   

4. Initiate the Update: The "About Chrome" page will automatically check for any available updates. If an update is found, it will download and install itself.

   

5. Relaunch: You will see a "Relaunch" button once the update is complete. Click it to restart Chrome and apply the changes. The browser will save your open tabs and windows, so you can pick up where you left off.

When you update Chrome, the browser needs to restart to apply the new version. The good part is that Chrome saves all your open tabs and windows, so they'll automatically reopen when it starts again. However, any Incognito windows you had open will not be restored. If you don't want to restart right away, just choose "Not now," and the update will be applied the next time you manually close and reopen Chrome.

Update Chrome on Your Android Tablet or Phone.

Updating your Google Chrome browser on Android is a straightforward process that is managed through the Google Play Store. While the app is designed to update automatically in the background, it's a good practice to know how to check for and force a manual update.

1. Open the Google Play Store: The first step is to open the Google Play Store app on your Android device. You can find its icon on your home screen, in your app drawer, or by using your phone’s search function.

2. Access Your Profile Menu: In the top-right corner of the Play Store, tap on your profile icon. This will open a menu with options related to your account and app management.

   

3. Navigate to "Manage apps & device": In the menu that appears, tap on "Manage apps & device." This section provides an overview of your installed apps and their update status.

   

4. Check for Updates: On the next screen, you will see a section titled "Updates available" if there are any apps with pending updates. Tap on this to see a full list of all apps that need an update.

   

5. Update Chrome: Find "Google Chrome" in the list. If an update is available, you will see an "Update" button next to it. Tap this button to begin the download and installation. If you don't see Chrome in this list, or if the button says "Open," your browser is already up to date.

Update Chrome on iPhone or iPad.

On iOS devices, Chrome updates are handled by the Apple App Store.

1. Open the App Store: Launch the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Check for Updates: Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.

3. Update Chrome: Scroll down to the "Available Updates" section. Find Google Chrome in the list and tap "Update." If a prompt appears, you may need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

What to Do If an Update Fails?

If your Google Chrome update fails, the first step is to check the basics. A failed update is often caused by a simple issue with your internet connection. Ensure you have a stable connection and that any VPN or firewall software is not interfering. A quick and effective way to resolve many temporary glitches is to restart your computer or device.

If the issue persists, the most reliable solution is to perform a fresh installation. Go to Google's official Chrome website and download the latest installer. Running this will automatically overwrite your current version with the latest one, all while keeping your data, such as bookmarks and passwords, intact.

For more stubborn issues, you can try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall software to see if it is blocking the update. Also, make sure you have enough free space on your computer's hard drive for the update to install. If you continue to experience problems, the official Google Chrome Help Center can provide more advanced troubleshooting steps.

How To Check the Current Version of Chrome Browser?

Checking your Google Chrome version is a simple process that works across all your devices. The fastest way on a computer is to open Chrome and click the three-dot "More" menu in the top-right corner. From there, go to Help > About Google Chrome. A new page will open showing your current version number and automatically checking for updates.

On mobile devices, the process is just as easy. For both Android phones and iPhones, you simply open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and navigate to the "Settings" menu. From there, scroll down and find the "About Chrome" section. Your current version number will be clearly displayed.

Knowing your browser's version is helpful for troubleshooting, ensuring you have the latest security features, and keeping up with new updates. It's a quick check that helps you make sure your browsing experience is secure and up-to-date.

Conclusion.

While Google Chrome updates automatically, regularly checking for and installing the latest version is crucial for a secure and smooth online experience. Staying up to date protects you from evolving cyber threats and ensures you can take full advantage of the browser's latest features and performance enhancements. It's a simple habit that provides a powerful layer of defense for all your online activities.

Also Read: 

• Google Chrome Move Address Bar to Bottom in Android.
• Google Chrome for iOS Adds Work & Personal Profile Switching.

Google Chrome for iOS Adopted iPhone Liquid Glass Look.

Google is shaking up the user interface on iPhones and iPads with the release of Chrome 141. The latest update, which coincides with the launch of iOS 26, introduces a striking new design language known as "Liquid Glass." This aesthetic, while subtle in some areas, brings a fresh, modern feel to the mobile browsing experience.

A New Design Language: What is "Liquid Glass"?

The most noticeable change is the "Liquid Glass" effect, which can be seen in the new Tab Grid interface. This design applies a unique, almost translucent effect to the Incognito, Tab, and Tab Group switcher. This creates a visually distinct experience, where the background is no longer a simple blur but takes on a more polished, glassy appearance.

This design extends to other elements of the browser as well. Context menus have been updated to match this new style, and the bottom sheet menu has been redesigned with more rounded corners and a non-edge-to-edge layout, giving it a cleaner look. The changes also apply to individual menu items and the Settings menu, ensuring a consistent design throughout the app.

Key Feature Updates and Changes

Beyond the visual refresh, the update includes several functional improvements:

• New Tab Loading Indicator: The circular loading indicator has been replaced with a more modern, iOS-style pinwheel, providing a more native-like feel.
• Floating Keyboard Row: A new, floating rectangular keyboard row has been added above the main keyboard. This provides quick and easy access to frequently used functions like voice search, Google Lens, and keys like ".com" and "/".

The rapid implementation of "Liquid Glass" in Chrome suggests that Google is continuing its efforts to refine its app designs on Apple's mobile platform. It will be interesting to see if this "Liquid Glass" design appears in other Google apps on iOS in the future, creating a more unified and cohesive user experience across the board.

This update demonstrates Google’s commitment to not only keeping Chrome a powerful browser but also ensuring it remains visually appealing and modern on all platforms.

Unveiling Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2: A Deep Dive into What's New and What's Next.

The latest iteration of Android, specifically Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, has just dropped, bringing with it a fascinating array of new features and under-the-hood enhancements. While quarterly platform releases (QPRs) often focus on stability and minor tweaks, this beta release is particularly rich, offering a glimpse into Google's strategic direction for security, privacy, user customization, and developer tools.

From robust new protections for sensitive data to a deeper integration with health and fitness, and even more expressive personalization options, this update touches on nearly every facet of the Android experience. 

Join us as we explore each significant change in detail, dissecting what these updates mean for users, developers, and the future of the Android ecosystem.

1. Testing developer verification.

Based on the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 release information, developer verification is a new security requirement designed to make the Android ecosystem safer for users. It's a key part of Google's effort to combat the spread of malware and scams from malicious apps.

Starting in September 2026, Android will begin requiring that apps be registered by verified developers to be installed on certified Android devices in certain regions. This change links real-world individuals and organizations to their applications, making it more difficult for "bad actors" to operate anonymously and repeatedly.

For developers, this beta release includes new APIs that support the verification process during app installation. It also introduces a new adb command that allows developers to simulate successful and unsuccessful verification outcomes for testing purposes. This gives them the tools to prepare for the upcoming enforcement of this security measure, ensuring a smooth transition for their apps.

2. SMS OTP Protection.

A new layer of security is being added to the Android ecosystem to protect users from a common threat. The latest beta introduces a powerful SMS OTP Protection feature, which is designed to combat the hijacking of one-time passwords by malicious apps.

This new security measure works by strategically delaying the delivery of certain SMS messages that contain an OTP. For most apps, the message will be held back for up to three hours. This deliberate hold makes it virtually impossible for malware to intercept and use the OTP in real time, giving you a crucial window to spot and stop suspicious activity.

Crucially, this protection is designed not to disrupt your daily usage. Core system apps like your default SMS app, phone dialer, and Google Assistant are exempt from the delay. Similarly, apps that use Google’s official SMS Retriever API will continue to receive OTPs instantly, maintaining a seamless and secure experience for services that are built to be compliant.

3. New App Icon Shapes Arrive in Beta.

Beyond its security and privacy updates, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is also empowering users with a new level of home screen customization. The latest beta introduces native support for custom app icon shapes, a highly anticipated feature that allows users to overhaul the look of their app icons without the need for a third-party launcher.

This new tool, found under Settings > Wallpaper & style > Icons, gives users five different shapes to choose from: the classic Circle and Square, as well as more unique shapes like a "cookie" and an arch. The selected shape is applied universally to all app icons and even folder previews, creating a cohesive and visually refreshed home screen experience.

This addition aligns with Google's ongoing effort to make Android more customizable and personal. By giving users more control over their device's aesthetics, Google is not only improving the user experience but also bringing a feature that has long been available on other platforms directly into the core Android OS.

4. The New Era of Garbage Collection.

Among the most significant under-the-hood improvements in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is a complete overhaul of the Android Runtime (ART) garbage collector. This update brings a Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector to the platform, a technical change that translates directly into a more fluid and efficient user experience.

Previously, garbage collection could cause noticeable stutters or "jank" as the system paused to clean up unused data. This new approach is much smarter. It works in the background and focuses its efforts on newly allocated objects, which are more likely to be discarded anyway. This reduces the workload on the phone's CPU, minimizing interruptions and making the entire interface, from scrolling through apps to navigating the home screen, feel smoother and more responsive. The result is not just a better feel, but also improved battery efficiency, as the processor spends less energy on maintenance.

This change is a prime example of how Google is focusing on foundational performance. By making the core of the operating system more intelligent and efficient, they are paving the way for a faster, more reliable Android experience for everyone, regardless of the app they are using.

5. Health and Fitness Just Got Smarter with Health Connect.

In a move that could transform how Android users manage their health, the latest beta introduces a significant upgrade to Health Connect. Previously, the platform acted as a simple data hub, relying on third-party apps and wearables to provide information. Now, Health Connect is evolving into a proactive fitness tool with native step tracking.

This means your Android phone can now automatically count your steps using its built-in sensors, eliminating the need to download a separate step-counting app. This data is then made available to any app with the appropriate permissions, creating a more cohesive and accurate fitness experience. In addition, the update expands the data types for exercises, allowing apps to record more detailed metrics such as weight, set index, and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during a workout.

By building these foundational features directly into the OS, Google is making fitness tracking more accessible and efficient for everyone. It simplifies the user experience, reduces battery drain, and provides developers with a reliable, system-level source of data to build more powerful and insightful health apps.

More Than Just Features: The Under-the-Hood Innovations.

While the user-facing features of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 are significant, the update also brings a host of critical, yet less visible, changes that pave the way for a more innovative and consistent Android platform. One of the most important of these is the introduction of a minor SDK version. This is a major change for developers, as it allows Google to roll out new APIs and capabilities more rapidly throughout the year, without being tied to a major annual platform release.

Beyond the SDK version bump, the beta is packed with other refinements that promise a better user experience. Developers can now take advantage of a new Expanded Dark Theme option, which intelligently inverts the UI of apps that lack native dark theme support, providing a consistent look system-wide.

The update also includes a new PDF document editing API, which significantly expands the platform's native support for annotating and editing PDF files. For developers, this means the foundation is in place to build more powerful and integrated PDF experiences directly into their apps. Finally, a Display Topology API is being introduced to support advanced multi-display setups, giving apps the information they need to create fluid, multi-screen experiences on devices like foldables and tablets.

Android 16 Update Turns Your App Icons into Cookies.

Google is taking a significant step in Android's design evolution with the rollout of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 update for Pixel devices. This latest beta introduces a highly anticipated feature that gives users more control over their home screen: enhanced app icon customization. The new functionality allows Pixel owners to change the shape of their app icons and folder previews, moving beyond the traditional circular design.

A Deeper Dive into Icon Shapes.

Previously, Android offered a limited ability to apply themes and colors to icons. This update expands that customization by adding several new icon shapes, which users can apply system-wide. The update's settings menu, found under Settings > Wallpaper and Home Screen > Icons, now includes five distinct options:

• Circle (the default)
• Square
• Four-sided "cookie"
• Seven-sided "cookie"
• Arch

This addition marks a new focus on personal expression within the Android interface. While third-party launchers have long offered similar customization, this is the first time Google has integrated such a feature directly into the core Android experience for Pixel devices. It shows a growing commitment to giving users the tools to create a home screen that truly reflects their personal style.

The new feature is seamlessly integrated with the existing auto-themed icons, which adapt to the user's wallpaper. Now, the icons not only change color to match the theme but also conform to the selected shape, creating a cohesive and visually appealing home screen. The update is part of the Android 16 QPR2 release, which is expected to have a stable rollout in December.

Also Read: 

• Android 16 QPR1 Rolls Out to Pixel Devices with 'No Data Wipe' Option.
• Google to Require Developer Verification for All Android Apps to Combat Malware.

Google Gemini Now Lets You Share Custom 'Gems'.

Google is giving its Gemini AI a major collaboration boost by introducing a highly anticipated feature: the ability to share custom "Gems." This update transforms Gems from a personal productivity tool into a powerful asset for teams and communities, allowing users to easily share their finely-tuned AI prompts and workflows.

What are Google Gemini Gems?

Google Gemini Gems are a feature that allows you to create your own custom AI expert. Instead of starting from scratch with a new prompt every time, you can give a Gem a specific set of instructions and a persona. This Gem will then remember these details, providing consistent, tailored responses for any task you ask.

The purpose of Gems is to streamline your workflow and save time. For example, you can create a Gem to act as a "creative writer" with a specific style, or a "meeting summarizer" that always focuses on action items. You can reuse the Gem repeatedly for your specific needs by saving these instructions once.

Gems are not just for personal use. They can also be shared with other Gemini users, making them a powerful tool for collaboration. You can share your custom-built Gems with colleagues or friends, allowing a whole team to work with the same personalized AI assistant.

Share Your Custom Gems With Others Like a File.

The new sharing functionality is designed to be intuitive and familiar to anyone who uses Google Workspace products like Docs or Sheets. A user can now hit the Share icon in their Gem manager, add other users by name or group, and set permissions to either view or edit the Gem. There's also an option to generate a shareable link, making it simple to distribute a Gem across a team or an online community.

Here is a step-by-step guide to share Gemini Gems:

1. Open your Gem Manager: Go to the Gemini web app and open your Gem Manager. You can usually find this in the side panel or menu.

2. Find the Share Button: Look for the "Share" button next to the Gem you want to share. This button is typically located next to the edit icon.

3. Choose your sharing method: A pop-up will appear, similar to sharing a Google Doc. You can either enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with or copy a public link.

4. Set Permissions: You can control whether the recipient can simply view the Gem or has permission to edit its instructions.

Note: Once you share the Gem, it will be stored in a new "Gemini Gems" folder in your Google Drive, and its permissions will be protected by Drive's sharing settings.

This update positions Gemini with a clear advantage over some competitors, as it directly addresses a key need for professional and team-based work. By enabling easy, Google Docs-style collaboration on AI workflows, Google is making it easier for users to standardize tasks, share best practices, and work together on projects that leverage AI.

This enhanced shareability not only improves Gemini's utility for enterprise users but also empowers individuals to share their creativity and expertise with a wider audience, fostering a more connected and collaborative AI ecosystem.

Also Read: Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.