In this week’s top stories: Google Camera updates to version 8.5 with new Pixel info, Gmail for web gets redesigned stuff, Nvidia Shield TV hardware gets an update, and more.
We’re less than a month away from the release of the Pixel 6a, and before the launch of this device, Google released an update to the Pixel series’ camera app. In addition to some minor tweaks our readers have noticed, our APK Insight team has found new details about this fall’s Pixel 7 and next year’s Pixel tablet.
However, one of the details we were able to find is that Both The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro should be able to use the front camera sensor to record 4K videos.
This is unlike the Pixel 6 series, where the Pixel 6 Pro can only shoot 4K video from the selfie camera. The $599 Pixel 6 was limited to FHD recording because it used an entirely different selfie camera with a lower resolution – 8MP, versus 11.1MP on the Pixel 6 Pro.
Google started rolling out a significant redesign of the Gmail web app this week, complete with (very blue) the material it’s redesigning. With this change, Gmail now defaults to the new “integrated” view that includes Google Chat and Meet. Fortunately, Google has also included a way to switch to a “Gmail only” view, without these apps.
The left bar is gone and you only get a list of default folders and labels on the left. The top search field spans a larger area of the screen since the chat status indicator has been removed. There is still a side panel with Calendar Keep, Voice (if eligible) and Tasks on the right.
Nvidia Shield TV owners should have received the Shield Experience 9.1 update this week. The most important part of this update is that the Shield will now, wherever possible, automatically put your TV into “Game Mode” when using latency-sensitive activities such as games and video calling apps.
In addition to support for lower latency, this latest update to the Shield TV also adds support for Night Listening mode when using HDMI audio. This feature, also used by Roku, reduces the impact of some sounds to achieve a better sound balance for listening at night. The feature may reduce loud blasts, while enhancing quiet dialogue, to allow you to hear everything better when the volume is turned down as a whole.
First announced in April, Google’s partnership with iFixit launched this week, allowing Pixel customers to purchase genuine parts for home repairs. For a few extra dollars, you can get a complete “repair kit” that includes the different tools you’ll need to complete a specific repair.
At ifixit.com/google you can see the components available via the phone, even with the original Pixel and Nexus listed. You can buy the Pixel 6 Pro’s rear camera for $169.99 with an “original part” sticker in the listing.
Google Stadia announced a major expansion this week, with the game streaming service now set to launch in Mexico later this year. Mexico will rank 23rd in access to Stadia, with Google following in the footsteps of competitors like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass.
The news comes as Stadia has also expanded to a new platform, with Samsung’s lineup of smart TVs and a new “Gaming Hub” feature. In recent weeks, Stadia has also significantly expanded its list of free game offerings, as well as announcing some new games including Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Here are the top stories left for this week:
Android |
Applications and updates |
Google Pixel |
stadia |
wearable devices |
Video |
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