Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Nano Banana Improves Gemini App with Better Design Consistency and Precision

Google Aims to Take Advantage of Nano Banana’s Swift Rise in Popularity

Google is introducing further enhancements for its widely used image generator, Nano Banana, designed to transform users into AI-generated experts. Today (Nov 20), Google unveiled the launch of Nano Banana Pro, officially known as Gemini 3 Pro Image. As suggested by its name, this revamped version of Nano Banana is based on the Gemini 3 Pro model and seeks to deliver two significant improvements to users and their generated graphics. To start, Google asserts that Nano Banana Pro is now more adept at “producing context-rich visuals.”

The goal of these visuals is for users creating images intended to convey information—accurately—for a more extensive audience. Google indicates that diagrams and “content-rich” infographics crafted from images you provide to the AI are expected to be more useful than previously. Additionally, information that you’ve directly supplied to the AI for it to consider and incorporate has now been enhanced.

Nano Banana Pro can now utilize Google Search. If you want to highlight a recipe with mouth-watering visuals, Nano Banana Pro can fetch those recipe details and images and compile them.

The second enhancement pertains to images containing text. Google mentions that it has improved the readability of text in images generated by Nano Banana Pro. Now, AI-generated images featuring text in various styles, textures, and fonts should appear more distinct, along with the added capability for users to create text in several languages.

Go Bananas Like a Pro

Naturally, what made Nano Banana famous was its image generation capabilities, and Google is also elevating this aspect. This new Pro version is reported to have improved “consistency by design,” meaning the AI can now integrate/merge images more reliably. Users can depend on more images (up to 14) and observe how the AI combines them in preferred ways. Furthermore, new “creative controls” are being introduced to assist users in modifying the perspective of the generated image, adjusting focus, and more.

Thus, while Nano Banana Pro adopts a more polished, sophisticated approach to image creation, Google affirms that the original Nano Banana remains available for quicker, enjoyable generation.

Nano Banana Pro is being rolled out today (Nov 20) in the Gemini application for consumers and students. Users on the free tier will have a “limited free quota” with the Pro version before the app reverts you to the original Nano Banana. Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers will enjoy higher usage quotas. In AI Mode, Nano Banana Pro is accessible for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Developers and those utilizing Flow are also benefiting from the update.

Nano Banana is relatively new, having been launched by Google at the end of August. The feature quickly attracted users keen to try it, as the company reported an astonishing 10 million new Gemini app users due to it. In September, Google already claimed that the generator was accountable for over 200 million images generated. Google continued this momentum by swiftly implementing updates for Nano Banana, integrating it into NotebookLM, Search, and Lens.

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Crucial Add-ons to Buy for Your New Pixel Before Black Friday Concludes

This Black Friday’s Google Pixel phone offers are sizzling, and I wouldn’t be shocked if you’ve treated yourself to a new device already.

With any shiny new gadget, accessorizing is essential, so I’ve compiled a brief list of items I believe complement your new phone perfectly. Whether it’s a fresh smart watch, a brand-new case, a charger, or headphones, this concise list features some of the top deals available.

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Galaxy Watch 7 Offered at $129 in Pre-Black Friday Promotion

Samsung is presently promoting an outstanding offer on its Galaxy Watch 7, giving customers a chance to acquire the smartwatch at a notably lower price. With the imminent launch of the Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung is clearing its stock of the previous model, leading to a reduction in price to $129, which is a 48% discount from the original price. This price cut represents the best offer seen for the Galaxy Watch 7, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking to buy a premium smartwatch at an affordable rate.

The Galaxy Watch 7, recognized for its classic round design, provides an array of features including Wear OS 6, access to Play Store apps, and Samsung Health AI insights such as Energy Score. It comes with the Exynos processor, sufficient RAM, and storage, delivering a smooth user experience. The smartwatch is also furnished with various health sensors and guarantees software updates until late 2028, assuring durability and ongoing performance.

Although the Galaxy Watch 8 rolls out new features such as enhanced brightness and extra health metrics, the Galaxy Watch 7 continues to be an attractive option for those who favor its design and seek a budget-friendly solution. Shoppers may also look at the 44mm variant of the Galaxy Watch 7, available for $159.99, or consider other Wear OS watch brands if they need different functionalities or extended battery life.

This clearance event offers a rare chance for consumers to obtain a high-end smartwatch at a minimal cost, but they should move swiftly as inventory is limited, and the offer is anticipated to sell out quickly.

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Samsung Launches Significant Wear OS 6 Upgrade for Galaxy Watch 6 Series

Samsung has started the rollout of the One UI 8 Watch update, which is based on Wear OS 6, for the Galaxy Watch 6 series in South Korea. This update, identified by firmware version CYK2, features a revamped interface with stacked tiles that allow for easier access to health statistics, media controls, and various tools. Moreover, a more intelligent Now bar improves multitasking by enabling quicker access to background applications. The update brings Samsung’s wearables in line with the latest changes in Google’s Wear OS, providing smoother animations and a better health dashboard. Users can check for the update through the Galaxy Wearable app, with expectations for the rollout to expand beyond South Korea shortly.

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Pixel Watch 3 Continues to Be a Preferred Option for Daily Wear and Provides Excellent Value

The Pixel Watch 3 has returned to its lowest price during Black Friday sales.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

The Black Friday weekend has expanded into a Black Friday week, and we’re already spotting fantastic deals on gadgets. The Pixel Watch 3 is among those gadgets, and even though it’s from last year, it remains one of our top picks for smartwatches, which I personally wear every day. Fortunately for you, this impressive smartwatch is now available at its lowest price, making it one of the most thrilling deals I’ve encountered thus far.

The standard price for the Pixel Watch 3 is $299 for the 45mm Wi-Fi model, a price that has already been reduced from its initial $399 launch price. Now, Amazon has slashed it further, which means you can snag a Pixel Watch 3 for as little as $199.99, or opt to pay a bit more for

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Meta’s Head of AI Research Exits After 12 Years to Start New Venture

Yann LeCun, a pioneer in AI, is set to leave in order to establish a new company focused on AI world models.

What you should know

– Meta’s leading AI scientist is exiting the company by the year’s end to launch a startup.
– Yann LeCun, the founder of Meta’s FAIR research division and a key figure in AI, has dedicated 12 years to the organization.
– LeCun’s forthcoming startup is designed to create AI world models and will collaborate with Meta.

Meta is evolving into an artificial intelligence powerhouse, integrating Meta AI into its social applications and devices. Nevertheless, the esteemed AI scholar, who spearheaded the company’s research initiatives for more than ten years, is now embarking on a journey to establish a new startup. Yann LeCun, Meta’s vice president and chief AI scientist, plans to leave to create a firm focused on “ushering in the next revolution in AI.”

The new venture will carry forward LeCun’s exploration of Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI), which he has studied as part of Meta’s FAIR research division and at New York University as a faculty member. LeCun will remain with Meta until the year’s end and states that further information regarding the new company will be disclosed later. Importantly, it has been confirmed that Meta will collaborate with LeCun’s startup “due to their ongoing interest and support.”

LeCun announced his impending departure in a message on Threads and other social media platforms on Wednesday, November 19.

“I am establishing a startup company to pursue the Advanced Machine Intelligence research program (AMI) that I have been working on over the last several years with my colleagues at FAIR, at NYU, and beyond. The purpose of this startup is to foster the next significant breakthrough in AI: systems that comprehend the physical world, possess enduring memory, can reason, and can devise intricate action plans.” – Yann LeCun, chief AI scientist at Meta

Currently available consumer AI products predominantly consist of large language models (LLM), which hold extensive knowledge derived from written content and various other resources. However, LLMs often face challenges in remaining up-to-date or providing a profound understanding of reality. Through LeCun’s AMI initiative, the researcher aspires to construct world models that offer reasoning, knowledge, and functionalities that mirror or approximate the capabilities of the human mind.

“In my vision, AMI will possess extensive applications across numerous sectors of the economy, some of which will align with Meta’s business interests, while many will not,” LeCun expresses. “Chasing the objective of AMI within an independent organization allows for maximizing its widespread influence.”

This transition will place the leadership of Meta’s FAIR research division in new hands for the first time since its establishment. It occurs at a moment when Meta is actively recruiting AI talent and companies to contend with the likes of Google, OpenAI, and others.

“The influence of FAIR on the company, on the realm of AI, on the tech community, and on the larger world has been phenomenal,” LeCun remarks. “The establishment of FAIR stands as my most cherished non-technical achievement.”

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NVIDIA Unveils GeForce NOW Fast Pass for Enhanced Gaming and Priority Access on Chromebooks

This is incredible, but is anyone else nostalgic for Stadia?

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information

  • Google has revealed a collaboration with NVIDIA to enhance accessibility in game streaming.
  • GeForce NOW Fast Pass is a new subscription created “exclusively” for Chromebook users.
  • To commemorate this, purchasing a Chromebook starting today (Nov. 20) will include GeForce NOW Fast Pass “for a year.”

Gaming’s popularity is at an all-time high, a trend that continues to grow due to the influx of fantastic game releases. Chromebooks are also part of this trend, and Google has announced a new collaboration with NVIDIA, unveiling GeForce NOW Fast Pass.

In this announcement, Google claims that “GeForce NOW Fast Pass enables users to stream over 2000 PC games directly to their Chromebooks.” Since GeForce NOW was already accessible on Chromebooks, you may be questioning what the fuss is about.

Well, if you are a current Free Tier subscriber, you will probably find yourself waiting through ads before diving into a game. Fast Pass “removes ads, allowing you to simply power up your Chromebook, connect a controller, and start gaming.

YouTube Carries Out Unexpected Trial to Bring Back In-App Direct Messaging

The DM functionality is making a comeback.

(Image credit: Chris Wedel)

Essential information

  • YouTube is quietly trialing integrated DMs again, beginning with users aged 18 and above in Ireland and Poland.
  • You can initiate a chat by clicking the notification bell on a video and sending an invitation, or simply use the Share button to message someone directly.
  • Invitation links expire after a week, and YouTube may examine messages for guideline infractions, so this isn’t an entirely private messaging option.

Notice

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“Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked – A Revolutionary Follow-Up Transforming Strategy Gaming”

**Demeo Matures and Broadens Its Scope in My Selection for Game of the Year on the Meta Quest Platform**

In a year filled with notable game launches, a singular title has risen to prominence on the Meta Quest platform: “Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked.” This game, a partnership between the cherished Demeo series and the vast realm of Dungeons & Dragons, has entranced players with its refined gameplay and immersive environment. Offered on Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation, this title presents both VR and non-VR versions, guaranteeing accessibility for every player.

**A Fresh Chapter in the Demeo Journey**

“Demeo x D&D” enhances the successful groundwork of the initial Demeo, a turn-based strategy card battler. By weaving in the rich narratives of Dungeons & Dragons, the game provides a novel perspective on the genre. Players can embark on grand campaigns set in iconic locales like Neverwinter and Icewind Dale, with each battle taking place on elaborately crafted boards that mimic real-world environments.

The gameplay mechanics are recognizable yet inventive. Players can execute two actions each turn, utilizing a hand of cards for attacks or items, or maneuvering across the board. The addition of card-based abilities brings a distinctive twist to the conventional D&D mechanics, delivering a lively and engaging experience.

**Extensive Campaigns and Replay Value**

At its release, “Demeo x D&D” includes two principal campaigns, each presenting hours of gameplay across diverse locations. Players have the ability to save their progress at any moment, enabling flexible gaming sessions. The game also features three “one-shot” campaigns, boosting its replayability and diversity.

In contrast to its predecessor, “Demeo x D&D” embraces a more classic RPG framework. Players can navigate the game’s world map, selecting areas to explore and participating in both combat and non-combat events. This open-ended format promotes exploration and discovery, ensuring each playthrough is a distinctive journey.

**Cutting-Edge Multiplayer and Personalization**

A highlight of the game is its cross-platform multiplayer functionality. VR and non-VR players can effortlessly collaborate, ensuring that no one misses out on the excitement. Furthermore, the game introduces character customization, enabling players to modify their avatars and create unique skill trees.

For those desiring a more communal experience, “Demeo x D&D” presents a co-location feature for Meta Quest users. This allows players to congregate in the same physical area and experience the game board as though it were an actual tabletop game, heightening the feeling of togetherness and immersion.

**An Essential Title for VR Aficionados**

“Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked” exemplifies the possibilities of VR gaming. Its blend of strategic gameplay, rich storytelling, and groundbreaking features renders it an essential title for genre enthusiasts. Whether you are a veteran D&D player or a newcomer to the realm of tabletop gaming, this game provides an unparalleled experience that is certain to enchant and amuse. As my choice for the game of the year on Meta Quest, “Demeo x D&D” establishes a new benchmark for the achievements of VR games.

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How Google Connected the File-Sharing Divide by Merging Quick Share with AirDrop

**It’s similar to the substantial RCS initiative between Android and iPhone, but for your documents.**

In a pivotal step to improve cross-platform functionality, Google has unveiled a new update for its Pixel 10 series that enables Android’s Quick Share to operate effortlessly with Apple’s AirDrop. This advancement is reminiscent of the recent RCS (Rich Communication Services) merger between Android and iPhone, intended to enhance messaging experiences. Consequently, file sharing between these two platforms is poised to become simpler.

**Key points to remember:**
– Google has allowed its Pixel 10 series to transmit files from Quick Share to iPhones through AirDrop.
– Users need to adjust their devices to “Everyone for 10 minutes” to enable file exchanges between Android and iPhone.
– Google intends to expand this functionality to more Android devices, widening the range of cross-platform file sharing.

This update, which starts to roll out today, underscores Google’s dedication to promoting better interoperability between Android and iOS devices. The firm assures users that this feature has been designed with security in mind, having undergone thorough evaluation by independent security specialists.

The initiative follows Apple’s recent incorporation of RCS on iPhones with iOS 18, which enhanced messaging between Android and iOS by introducing functionalities such as read receipts and higher-quality images. This was a notable advancement, aligning with Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign that champions improved messaging standards.

The partnership between Google and Apple in advancing file sharing and messaging mirrors a growing trend towards cross-platform integration, promising a more cohesive user experience across different devices. As this update is implemented, users can anticipate a more seamless interaction between their Android and iOS devices, creating a sense of greater connectivity than ever before.

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