Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Google’s Verified Caller Feature: A Response to Android’s Unknown Call Challenge

Google is making notable progress in resolving one of Android’s ongoing dilemmas: unidentified callers pretending to be real contacts. This new effort includes integrating Verified Caller safeguards directly into the Android operating system, removing the necessity for users to depend solely on the Google Phone app for call verification.

At the heart of this update is a system-level protective feature that verifies incoming calls against Do-Not-Originate (DNO) numbers. These numbers are generally utilized by banks and governmental organizations for receiving calls only and are not intended for outgoing calls. Scammers frequently spoof these numbers to seem legitimate, but with Google’s new tool, Android devices will have the ability to recognize and flag such spoofed calls before users respond to them.

This advancement is part of a larger initiative by Google to improve user security and privacy. By incorporating this feature into Google Play Services, the protection becomes an inherent aspect of the Android experience, offering users an extra layer of security without relying on third-party applications.

The inclusion of this feature into the Android system signifies a major leap forward in the battle against phone scams. It provides a more holistic solution by collaborating with existing applications and services, facilitating a more fluid and effective defense against fraudulent calls.

Although this feature is still being developed, its capacity to substantially lessen the number of successful phone scams is encouraging. As Google proceeds to enhance and broaden this capability, Android users can anticipate a more secure and reliable calling experience.

If Shorts have been dominating your feed (and consuming your time), this is a significant improvement.

Essential information:
– YouTube now allows you to set Shorts usage to zero minutes, effectively restricting access from the main home feed.
– This new setting is found under Time management and creates friction by blocking the Shorts tab once the limit is reached.
– Shorts are not completely eliminated, as they will still show up in subscriptions and can be accessed via shared links.

If YouTube Shorts have been consuming your time and dominating your home feed, YouTube is finally introducing a feature that allows you to conceal them, at least to some degree.

Last year, YouTube revealed a feature that enables users to set time restrictions on how long they engage with Shorts, and it appears it is finally being implemented. As noted (and confirmed) by The Verge, the YouTube app now offers an option to set the Shorts time limit to zero minutes.

Initially, YouTube stated the time limit would range from 15 minutes to two hours, but they have now included a zero minutes option as well, effectively allowing you to deactivate YouTube Shorts. The ‘zero minutes’ timer is confirmed to be active for parents and is currently being rolled out to all users.

To utilize this feature, access the YouTube app settings by tapping the profile icon in the bottom right and then the Settings (gear icon) in the upper right. From there, navigate to Time management settings and specify a daily limit for Shorts. Once activated, a prompt will ask you to select the duration, where you can now choose zero minutes.

After setting it to zero minutes, if you attempt to access the Shorts tab, a pop-up will inform you that you’ve reached your limit, providing options to go back or disregard it. While this doesn’t entirely eliminate Shorts from the app, it does introduce a layer of friction to its usage.

Android Central’s viewpoint:
This may not be a complete Shorts termination switch, but honestly, I’m in favor of it. Adding friction can sometimes be all that’s necessary to break a habit, and setting it to zero minutes might finally assist me in halting my endless scrolling.

It’s also important to highlight that Shorts will still display in your subscriptions feed, and you can open them through direct links. This setting primarily impacts the Shorts tab on the home page.

The feature is currently being rolled out, so you should expect to see it on your device shortly.

GeForce Now has surfaced as an appealing option for cloud gaming fans, presenting a strong platform that caters to various gaming preferences without the expensive price tag linked to Xbox Game Pass. As cloud gaming progresses, GeForce Now differentiates itself through its accessibility, performance, and economical nature, especially in regions such as India.

A key benefit of GeForce Now is its capability to offer a smooth gaming experience across various devices. In contrast to Xbox Game Pass, which frequently entails extended waiting times and a changing roster of games, GeForce Now enables players to engage with titles they already possess. This aspect is especially attractive to those who have made purchases in digital game libraries on services like Steam, Ubisoft, Xbox, Epic Games, and GOG. With more than 4,500 compatible titles, GeForce Now guarantees that gamers can relish both new releases and timeless classics.

In terms of performance, GeForce Now shines by delivering high-quality graphics and minimal latency. The Ultimate tier promises 4K resolution at 120fps, with possibilities for even greater frame rates at reduced resolutions. NVIDIA’s deployment of RTX 5080-powered servers ensures that the visual fidelity competes with that of local gaming setups, providing an experience similar to that of a premium gaming PC.

The bandwidth requirements for GeForce Now are surprisingly reasonable, as the service presents different modes to suit various internet speeds. While the Cinematic Quality Streaming mode necessitates up to 100Mbps, the Balanced and Data Saver modes supply lower bandwidth alternatives, enhancing accessibility even on mobile data.

Affordability is another critical aspect where GeForce Now excels. In India, the service is competitively priced, with the Ultimate tier offered at a small fraction of the cost seen in the U.S. market. This pricing approach positions GeForce Now as an enticing choice for gamers eager to delve into cloud gaming without a large financial obligation.

In summary, GeForce Now delivers a holistic cloud gaming experience that merges performance, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. For gamers in India and beyond, it stands as a considerable alternative to conventional gaming setups, granting the freedom to play anywhere, anytime, free from hardware constraints.

NVIDIA has officially unveiled GeForce Now in India, implementing competitive pricing to lure gamers in the nation. The cloud gaming service is offered with two primary subscription options: the Performance tier and the Ultimate tier. The Performance tier is set at ₹999 ($11) for a 90-day plan, translating to about ₹333 ($3.5) monthly. The Ultimate tier is priced at ₹1,999 ($21) for the same duration, which amounts to approximately ₹666 ($7) monthly. This pricing approach is remarkably aggressive, as it is considerably lower than the fees for comparable services in other regions, such as the U.S., where the Ultimate tier is $20 monthly.

Moreover, NVIDIA provides a 200GB persistent storage add-on for ₹299 ($3.20) with a 90-day validity, further increasing the value for Indian gamers. The introduction of GeForce Now in India is viewed as NVIDIA’s move to secure a portion of the rapidly expanding gaming market by underpricing rivals like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which charges ₹1,389 ($15) per month.

Nonetheless, these prices are branded as “introductory” since GeForce Now is presently in beta in India, and there is no clarity on how long this pricing will persist. Unlike other regions, a free plan is not yet accessible in India but is anticipated to be launched in the upcoming weeks. In spite of the possibility of future price hikes, the current pricing renders GeForce Now an appealing choice for those keen on cloud gaming, providing the ease of playing games on any device with just a controller and a reliable internet connection.

You can now create a collection of personalized AI shortcuts right within the Chrome browser.

Unlimited is accessible to all!

Google is focused on enhancing its smart home capabilities.

Google’s I/O 2026 conference is poised to be an exhilarating occasion with a spotlight on AI, Android 17, and Chrome. Set to take place on May 19-20 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, the event will commence with a keynote address on May 19 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. The lineup of sessions indicates that Google will explore its advancements in AI, encompassing multimodal capabilities, media generation, and robotics. A key feature will be Android 17, with conversations around performance enhancements, media and camera application upgrades, and new features for desktop and large-screen applications.

Chrome will also receive attention, as Google plans to reveal new functionalities for the browser. The conference will investigate Android 17’s “Adaptive Everywhere” strategy, which merges Android, Chrome OS, and XR, ensuring smooth transitions across devices and settings. The event will be streamed live, and developers can sign up to participate, though availability is limited.

The I/O conference is anticipated to emphasize software significantly, with possible previews of Google’s Pixel lineup and deeper looks into Android XR and Gemini. As Google keeps pushing the envelope, this year’s I/O is set to deliver major updates and announcements for tech fans and developers alike.

Audiobooks Step into the Limelight with This Spotify Update, as Features Broaden and Reach More Android Users

Spotify is making notable advancements in the audiobook realm with its recent update, concentrating on enhancing user satisfaction and increasing its presence. The update brings forth new features and collaborations that are set to transform how users engage with audiobooks on the platform.

One of the key highlights of this update is the enhancement of Spotify’s Page Match. This functionality, which enables users to sync audiobooks with their physical versions, now accommodates 30 more languages, including French, German, and Swedish. This growth aims to serve a wider audience, simplifying the process for non-English speakers to enjoy a smooth integration between their physical books and audiobooks.

Alongside the language addition, Spotify has fortified its partnership with Bookshop.org. This alliance, initially introduced in February, is now accessible to Android users in the U.S. and U.K., empowering them to buy physical books directly via the Spotify app. This initiative not only boosts the audiobook experience but also supports local bookstores, as transactions made through Bookshop.org aid in sustaining local bookshops.

While Android users can take immediate advantage of these updates, iOS users will need to wait until next week for the features to be accessible on their devices. This gradual rollout allows Spotify to refine the experience for iOS users, addressing any potential challenges before the complete launch.

Spotify’s dedication to audiobooks is further illustrated by the launch of Audiobook Charts in the U.S., U.K., and Germany. These charts spotlight popular and trending titles across a variety of genres, such as sci-fi, mystery, and children’s literature. This feature is designed to assist users in discovering new audiobooks that resonate with their preferences, enriching their overall listening journey.

Furthermore, Spotify is rolling out Audiobook Recaps, which deliver brief audio summaries tailored to users’ most recent listening activities. This feature acts as a handy refresher, enabling users to quickly get up to speed on the narrative before resuming their audiobook.

The update also underscores Spotify’s commitment to making reading more attainable and enjoyable in contemporary life. By merging audiobooks with physical books and bolstering local bookstores, Spotify is establishing itself as a frontrunner in the audiobook market, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for book enthusiasts around the globe.

Google Search Update Targets Back Button Hijacking Once and for All

Google is making major advancements in user experience by tackling a persistent problem known as “back button hijacking.” This tactic, frequently used by dubious websites, ensnares users by tampering with browser history, complicating their ability to exit the site. Google has now deemed this action as malicious and is taking steps to effectively counter it.

Essential Information

• Google is intensifying efforts against “back button hijacking,” a ploy that ensnares users on dubious sites.
• This behavior is now classified as malicious by Google and regarded as a serious infraction.
• As of June 15, violating websites face the risk of manual penalties or significant declines in search rankings.

Back button hijacking transpires when websites utilize scripts to modify browser history, resulting in the back button redirecting users to unexpected sites or keeping them stuck on the same page. This can result in irritation and a negative browsing experience, as users struggle to leave the site with ease.

Google’s update to its Search spam regulations seeks to eradicate this behavior. By designating back button hijacking as a malicious act, Google is taking a strong position against sites that utilize such strategies. From June 15 onward, websites found guilty of engaging in this behavior will face serious repercussions, including manual spam actions or drastic drops in search rankings.

Official Malicious Classification

Google’s move to officially label back button hijacking as a malicious practice is a major advancement. This alteration assures users a more fluid and dependable browsing experience, where the back button performs as expected.

Website administrators and SEO experts are encouraged to examine their sites to ensure they aren’t unwittingly employing these tactics. Even if hijacking scripts are integrated within third-party advertisements or code libraries, site owners must eliminate them before the mid-June cutoff to evade penalties.

While the policy comes into effect on June 15, it may require some time for Google’s automated systems and reviewers to pinpoint and exclude offending sites from search results. Nonetheless, this update signifies an important step towards a more user-centric internet.

Android Central’s Perspective

Android Central applauds Google’s initiative against back button hijacking. This tactic has long been a frustration for users, and its removal will improve the overall browsing experience. By emphasizing user satisfaction and addressing misleading tactics, Google is reaffirming its dedication to fostering a safer and more pleasant online environment.