Florence Ion and Sean Hollister join the podcast to discuss the Google Epic trial and the unraveling of Google's requirements. They also explore the 'Beeper saga' and the potential implications of passing the DMA in the US. Other topics include Google's new AI assistant, the ASUS ROG Phone 8, challenges of using mobile apps, and listener feedback.
Google Messages is adding customization features like background wallpapers and custom bubble colors to enhance the messaging experience for Android users.
Google is developing a personalized AI assistant called Pixi for upcoming Pixel smartphones.
Deep dives
Google Messages Introduces Background Wallpaper for RCS Chats
Google Messages rolls out a new feature that allows users to set background wallpapers for RCS conversations, adding a touch of customization to their messaging experience. This update comes alongside another forthcoming feature that will enable users to choose custom bubble colors. While Apple continues to face scrutiny over exclusivity and anti-competitive behavior, Google silently enhances its messaging app, providing users with more options and features. Despite ongoing drama in the messaging app landscape, with app compatibility issues and color-coded bubbles becoming points of contention, Android users are primarily focused on achieving messaging harmony, without the need to jump through hoops or worry about bubble colors. As Google Messages continues to evolve, the focus remains on improving the overall messaging experience for users.
Podcast Migration and Disappointment with Google Podcasts and YouTube Music
A listener expresses discontent with the bare-bones functionality of Google Podcasts and YouTube Music. They highlight the inconvenience of using multiple apps for watching and listening to podcasts.
Recommendation: Use Pocket Casts.
Pixi: Google's New AI Assistant for Pixel Smartphones
A report from The Information suggests that Google is developing a personalized AI assistant called Pixi for upcoming Pixel smartphones. Pixi is rumored to rely on the Gemini model, allowing it to synthesize information from various Google services like Gmail and Maps.
Moving Google Location History Data to Devices for Enhanced Privacy
Google announces plans to move its location history data onto devices in order to enhance user privacy and prevent law enforcement from accessing this data. The migration is set to take place in the next year.
The last official episode of the year is a biggy! Jason Howell, Ron Richards, Huyen Tue Dao, and Mishaal Rahman welcome not one but two amazing guests: Gizmodo's Florence Ion and The Verge's Sean Hollister!
Featured in this episode:
NEWS
Sean was in the courtroom for the entire Epic v Google case!
Google lost another antitrust ruling that threatens sideloading norms.
Beeper's iMessage saga leads to US lawmaker attention.
Patron News Story Pick: Google Messages giving RCS its background wallpaper.
HARDWARE
Pixie could outshine Assistant on the Pixel 9.
More photos and specs of the Asus ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro.
OnePlus addresses quality control concerns by Xiaomi.
APPS
Gboard is getting stylus handwriting support.
Google Keep is getting lockscreen note capabilities.
Google Photos cloud content will be available to the Photo picker.
Chrome for premium tablets will default to desktop mode.
Google Maps is moving location tracking data on-device.
COMMUNITY
Bob from Pennsylvania talks about the real reason most Android users want messaging compatibility across platforms.
Scott doesn't like YouTube Music's podcast strategy.
(Another) Bob is happy that the band is back together again.