Google has been busy rolling out new features across its platforms. Here’s a quick look at the latest updates for Google Home, Android, Wear OS, Google Play Store, and ChromeOS.
Google Home: Admin and Member Access Levels
The Google Home app now supports two access levels:
- Admin: For trusted people who can manage the entire home setup.
- Member: Offers limited access for basic device control and personal settings.
Members can also have Settings or Activity access:
- Settings: Full device controls, automations, and Nest features.
- Activity: View device history like cameras, locks, and Wi-Fi presence.
To add members, go to Settings > Household & Access > Add > Home Member. The feature is rolling out with Google Home’s Public Preview program.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2: Updates for Pixel Devices
Google has released the second beta of Android 15’s Quarterly Platform Release (QPR2) for Pixel devices. These updates focus on fixing bugs and enhancing system stability.
Key Fixes Include:
- Glucose sensors can now connect properly.
- Delays in placing calls have been resolved.
- Charging optimization (“Limit to 80%” option) now works correctly.
- Stability fixes for Pixel Fold and general crashes.
- Multiple Bluetooth issues, like unencrypted connections and audio switching problems, are resolved.
The beta supports Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and the Android Emulator. Users can install it via the Android Beta Program or manually through factory images and OTA files.
Wear OS: Faster Updates Over Wi-Fi and Cellular
Wear OS devices now prioritize Wi-Fi and cellular networks over Bluetooth for system updates. This ensures faster downloads, especially when Bluetooth is slow or unavailable. Additionally, a new feature automatically updates the watch’s timezone based on your location, even when offline.
Google Play Store: ‘Share Apps’ Feature Removed
Google is retiring the Play Store’s peer-to-peer app sharing feature. Introduced in 2021, it allowed users to share apps via Nearby Share without using Wi-Fi or mobile data. For similar functionality, you can still use the Files by Google app to share apps.
Android 16: Gmail-Style Bundled Notifications
Android 16 may introduce a feature called Bundled Notifications, which automatically organizes notifications into categories like Promotions, Social, News, and Recommendations. Similar to Gmail’s inbox sorting, this feature aims to reduce notification clutter and improve user experience.
ChromeOS 131: Safety Reset and More
ChromeOS 131 introduces a Safety Reset option that lets you reset system settings, disable extensions, and delete cookies without losing personal files or data. This is useful for fixing problems without performing a full “Powerwash.”
Other changes include:
- Redesigned Quick Answers (AI-powered reading assistant).
- New Flash Notifications: The screen flashes for alerts, which helps users with accessibility needs.
ChromeOS 131 is rolling out to the stable channel now.
These updates reflect Google’s ongoing effort to improve user experience, security, and accessibility across devices and platforms.
