Category: Google

It’s one step closer to having a computer in my pocket

I don’t understand why we don’t have computers that fit in our pockets. Oh wait, we do — they’re called smartphones. So why am I still lugging around a laptop every day to work?

This is exactly the reason why I’ve leaned onSamsung DeXso much on my Galaxy phones that support it. There’s no kidding thatDeX is one of the most underrated phone featuresaround, but I really find value in how it sort of replicates the desktop PC experience with its ability to run multiple apps simultaneously whenever I connect my phone to an external monitor. I’ve purposefully left my laptop at home on days when I have to commute to the office thanks to this.

However, I stumbled upon a hidden feature in myPixel 9 Pro XLthat gives me a similar desktop PC-like experience — and I’m stoked about it. After spending a week with it, I hope thatGooglewill make it a native feature for all Android phones.

Not quite as polished as DeX, but usable

Google’s desktop mode isn’t polished at all, which is why it’s accessible only once developer mode is enabled. Still, it gets the job done for most things I need to do on a daily basis. Once I’ve connected my Pixel 9 Pro XL to my monitor at work (through a USB-C hub, which also has a mouse and keyboard connected to it), Google’s desktop mode launches after I select the on-screen message on my phone to mirror my screen.

Similar to Samsung’s DeX, this desktop-like environment lets me multitask a lot better than on my phone. This is due to how I can run multiple apps simultaneously and resize their respective windows in such a way where I can feasibly run upwards of four apps. Try doing that on any phone! You can’t.

And since this mode lets me use my mouse and keyboard, my productivity is amplified over what I could traditionally do on just my phone. However, I wouldn’t go far to say it would totally replace my laptop. That’s because it can’t quite handle all the stuff I rely on to get my work done. For example, there are severalChromescripts I use for work which aren’t available to me on my phone.

There are also other oddities in the interface, like how it can’t automatically tile windows and how it doesn’t support common keyboard shortcuts (like Alt + Tab for quick switching apps). It’s more of a manual affair with this interface, which is why Samsung DeX feels like a more polished interface.

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How to access Pixel 9 Pro XL desktop mode

1. Enable developer mode

In order to access this hidden mode, you have to enable a few settings hidden in Developer Mode. You just need to head on over to theSettings > About Phone > Build Number, then proceed to taprepeatedlyon the build number until a message appears saying that you’re now a developer.

2. Enable settings for Desktop Mode

From there, you’ll want to navigate to Settings > System > Developer options. Now scroll down all the way to the bottom of the list and toggle on the following options: Enable Freeform Windows, Force activities to be resizable, Enable freeform windows on secondary display, and Enable non-resizable in multi window.

Even though it’s not necessary, I would recommend installing theTaskbar appas well because the native one in the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s desktop mode is broken. There’s a button to access the apps panel, but the home and back functions are strangely hidden. They’re there towards the bottom edge of the panel because those actions happen when I press on those corresponding areas.

Using the Taskbar app allows me to better juggle around all the apps, versus manually relaunching each one from the apps panel whenever I minimize windows.

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Bottom Line

Clearly there’s still a lot of work needed before this desktop PC-like interface can convince me it’s just as good as Samsung DeX. Nevertheless, the foundation is here and I hope that Google continues to develop this because I’ve also found out that it supports touchscreen displays.

Google has a long way to go before this desktop mode matches Samsung’s DeX, but making it a native feature for other Android makers to add on to and enhance could make for a worthwhile experience in those times I don’t want to lug around my laptop.

Now Playing may have been busted for months, with no fix in sight

(Image credit: Google)

One of the most useful hidden features in Google’s Pixel phones is the “Now Playing” function. When enabled, it can detect any music playing nearby, and display song information on your lock screen. Unfortunately, users are reporting that the feature has been broken for months, with no news on when that might change.

Some Pixel owners have been discussing this issue at great length over onReddit, with the original poster expressing confusion as to why theirPixel 6was only able to recognize two songs throughout a four-hour road trip.

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Others have chimed in with their own experiences, including noting that thePixel 9 Prosuffers the same issues — “horrendously bad compared to earlier iterations.” Another lamented the fact that Now Playing has lost its reliability, and “doesn’t show up half the time,” plus a few choice words we can’t repeat here.

In response to this, one Redditor mentioned that the Now Playing icon is often missing from the lock screen, but songs are still being listed in the history. I’ve never used Now Playing, instead preferring to be old-school with my music identification — opting for apps like Shazam.

But I did give Now Playing a go on my Pixel 9 Pro. It mostly worked, but I will caveat with the fact that it wasn’t perfectly seamless. Not to mention the fact I have no idea how good Now Playing was in the past, which Reddit users clearly do.

What I found was that Now Playing was able to identify big name artists and songs, but struggled with smaller ones — including cover bands that are all the rage on my YouTube feed.

So while my Pixel could identify the likes of AC/DC or The Weeknd, it got a number of smaller YouTubers completely wrong. Assuming it was able to identify them at all. Now Playing was also pretty slow to update, and needed a good 30-60 seconds of music to update the lockscreen.

Granted I’ve only just set the feature up, and only just downloaded Now Playing’s music database to my phone. From what people on variousReddit threadsare saying, the problems only arose after a period of frequent use. Whether Now Playing simply gives up after a while, or if I’m just on a lucky streak, isn’t clear.

Android Authoritynotes that Google did release an update to Android System Intelligence to fix some of the problems last month — promising “bug fixes and improvements to Pixel Now Playing Album Art feature.”

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However, that doesn’t seem to have fixed the problem. Other users have recommended clearing the System Intelligence cache, which can be done inSettings > Apps > All Apps > Android System Intelligence > Storage & Cache > Clear cache.

If that doesn’t work, then there isn’t much more that can be done until Google tackles the problem with a future update. In the meantime you may just need to rely on other music identification apps like Shazam, or by asking Google Assistant.

New reports include ‘flooded road’ and other weather-related incidents

(Image credit: Google / Truckin_18)

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• Google Maps is testing the rollout of more incident reports
• These are weather-related options such as ‘flooded road’ or ‘low visibility’
• The growing library of incidents is a source of annoyance for some drivers

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Google Mapsis introducing new incident reporting options, fresh additions that pertain to weather-related conditions.

Android Policespotted these new kinds of report, and they include the likes of ‘flooded road’ for when there’s been a huge deluge of rain, or ‘low visibility’ for when it gets foggy. And indeed ‘unplowed road’ for when, well, you should probably turn around and find a plowed road that’s not wheel-deep in snow.

The site noticed these new options inGoogle Mapsfor Android Auto first off, and then in the iPhone app.

The not-so-great news for those keen on being able to benefit from a wider variety of untoward happenings being reported is that these new introductions have not yet made it to the Android version of Google Maps.

However, it surely won’t be long before the ability to report a flooded or snowed-up road arrives on Android.

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Is an ever-growing library of incidents a good thing?

This is a continued expansion of the reporting of incidents in Google Maps, on top of clearly-labeled Waze reports being piped through alongside native reportssince last year. There’s already a wide range of incidents that can be flagged, such as road traffic accidents, stalled cars, lanes being closed, speed traps, and so on.

Sometimes, these kind of alerts can be very useful, of course, and plenty of folks are grateful to have been warned of an incoming thorny issue on the road ahead.

However, not everyone is keen on being subject to more and more of these reports being highlighted in Google Maps – withcomplaints about them being too frequentonly likely to multiply, as Google further expands the library of incidents that can be reported.

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The problem is compounded by errant reports – incidents that aren’t there, or were resolved some time back – and there being no easy way to switch off said reports.

It looks like this is a road Google is insisting on driving down, though, despite the ‘stop’ signs being waved by some of the drivers who use itsnavigation app.

New reports include ‘flooded road’ and other weather-related incidents

(Image credit: Google / Truckin_18)

---

• Google Maps is testing the rollout of more incident reports
• These are weather-related options such as ‘flooded road’ or ‘low visibility’
• The growing library of incidents is a source of annoyance for some drivers

---

Google Mapsis introducing new incident reporting options, fresh additions that pertain to weather-related conditions.

Android Policespotted these new kinds of report, and they include the likes of ‘flooded road’ for when there’s been a huge deluge of rain, or ‘low visibility’ for when it gets foggy. And indeed ‘unplowed road’ for when, well, you should probably turn around and find a plowed road that’s not wheel-deep in snow.

The site noticed these new options inGoogle Mapsfor Android Auto first off, and then in the iPhone app.

The not-so-great news for those keen on being able to benefit from a wider variety of untoward happenings being reported is that these new introductions have not yet made it to the Android version of Google Maps.

However, it surely won’t be long before the ability to report a flooded or snowed-up road arrives on Android.

>>>GWRL2 Battery for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Is an ever-growing library of incidents a good thing?

This is a continued expansion of the reporting of incidents in Google Maps, on top of clearly-labeled Waze reports being piped through alongside native reportssince last year. There’s already a wide range of incidents that can be flagged, such as road traffic accidents, stalled cars, lanes being closed, speed traps, and so on.

Sometimes, these kind of alerts can be very useful, of course, and plenty of folks are grateful to have been warned of an incoming thorny issue on the road ahead.

However, not everyone is keen on being subject to more and more of these reports being highlighted in Google Maps – withcomplaints about them being too frequentonly likely to multiply, as Google further expands the library of incidents that can be reported.

>>>GDHB7 Battery for Google GDHB7

The problem is compounded by errant reports – incidents that aren’t there, or were resolved some time back – and there being no easy way to switch off said reports.

It looks like this is a road Google is insisting on driving down, though, despite the ‘stop’ signs being waved by some of the drivers who use itsnavigation app.

The weather can cause disruptions, but these additions might make it more manageable.

What you need to know

• Google is reportedly pushing an update for Maps on Android Auto that adds four new roadside hazards caused by the weather.
• The options include low visibility, unplowed road, flooded road, and object on road.
• Last year, Google updated the incident reporting experience in Maps on Android Auto, adding shared reports from Waze and a generalized “police” choice.

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Google has reportedly pushed a quiet update for Maps, bringing a few more road safety alert options.

Android Policespotted the latest Maps alerts, involving road or roadside dangers caused by the weather. Specifically, the publication discovered four new options in Maps when reporting “incidents.” Those choices are: low visibility, unplowed road, flooded road, and “object on road.”

Each option deals with a particular weather occurrence, such as thick early morning fog, torrential rainfall, and the after-effects of a snowstorm. However, the “object on road” choice could help drivers point out more than just a downed tree branch following a storm. Users could use it to report items that could puncture their tire and more to keep their fellow drivers safe.

While the post points out that these four options have joined the broader “report and accident” menu on Android Auto, it’s not everywhere yet. It seems as though Maps is getting this in waves, giving drivers the options first.

The post claims the reporting options haven’t appeared properly on Android devices, yet users on iOS are supposedly “slowly” receiving them.

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Reporting-wise, Google has dropped a couple of updates for Maps to improve the experience,like one for police. In November, Maps refined the way users could report police activity. The incident report was previously classified as “speed trap;” however, Google renamed it “police” to generalize all roadside activity. The app on Android Auto now conveniently features the “police” option at the top of the incident list, beside “crash,” “slowdown,” and “construction.”

More importantly, Google and Waze joined forces last summer toshare incident reportsfor drivers. The collaborationappeared more widelyfor drivers in December. If shared from Waze, users will see the alert appear on their in-dash display with a tag confirming where it’s from. Users can “confirm” the report, giving it some street cred when others see a report of police activity or a roadside hazard.

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Google hasn’t forgotten its Android phones as Maps rolled out an updatefor weather-related delayslast fall. Users traveling — at any point in time — can take advantage of how the weather could impact their travels and the city’s local transit systems.

Users outside the U.S. will see something different, however.

What you need to know

• Google Maps is rolling out its name change for the Gulf of Mexico, and users will see one of three different names based on their region.
• Users in the U.S. will see the Gulf of America name, users in Mexico will see the Gulf of Mexico name, and users in other regions will see both names.
• The region is set by your device’s operating system and SIM provider, so it’s hard to change manually.

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The Gulf of Mexico is now the Gulf of America onGoogle Maps, at least in the U.S. The body of water bordering the southeastern North American coast will now appear differently on Google Maps depending on a user’s location, following a change that is rolling out now.

AsGoogle announced weeks ago, the company said it has “a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,” and thus planned to rename the Gulf of Mexico when the U.S. officially completed its name change. That process has been completed, as the Gulf of America is the new name for this body of water in theU.S. Geographic Names Information System.

The move is only indirectly related to President Donald Trump’s executive order issuing the name change. This is why the renaming is taking effect on Google Maps now, not when the executive order was first issued. Instead, the reason for the name change in the U.S. is because the U.S. Department of the Interior officiallyupdated the Gulf of Mexico’s name in the GNIS by Order 3423issued by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

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Of course, the controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico was directed by President Trump. The resulting effect on Google Maps is as follows:

• United States users will see the name “Gulf of America”
• Mexico users will see the name “Gulf of Mexico”
• Users in all other regions will see both names

“The names you see in the Maps app are based on your country location, which is determined by information from your phone’s operating system (e.g., iOS and Android), including your SIM, network, and locale,” Google explains. “If you’re using Google Maps on the web, the names are based on the region you select in your Search settings or your device’s location, if you haven’t selected one.”

Based on these conditions, it is virtually impossible to change the Google Maps name of the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America to your preference manually.

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(Image credit: Google)

Apple Maps plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, too. Other popular navigation providers, like Bing Maps and MapQuest, haven’t made a public decision yet.

After extensive testing, Google is finally bringing its dual SIM support to more Android users in the U.S. and beyond

What you need to know

• Users on Reddit have started reporting that Google is pushing its dual SIM RCS support in Messages via a new stable version.
• Threads state that the feature is appearing on several Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy devices in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.
• Reports from last fall showed that Google was likely extending its testing of the feature as very few users spotted it in beta.

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It looks like Google’s next step in messaging for its U.S. users is seeing a proper rollout in January.

Highlighted by  9to5Google, userson Reddithave started a thread about the arrival of Dual SIM support for RCS texting in Google Messages. The O.P. (original poster) states they’ve received dual SIM over RCS support in Messages on theirPixel 9 Pro. Another user chimed in, stating they’ve also received support for it, which involves using both SIMs “simultaneously.”

That particular post added that their deviceis not enrolled in the betaand has appeared in version messages.android_20241120_00_RC07 of the Messages app.

Several more posts say the dual SIM support has rolled onto the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Moreover, users have mentioned the feature delivering support for SIM cards belonging to Verizon, AT&T, and USMobile.

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Elsewhere, a9to5Googlepost doubled down on user reports on Reddit regarding its stable app version release. The publication also highlighted other threads that claim the feature is even appearing for more users in the most recent Messages beta, v20250112_00_RC00. Additionally, users outside of the U.S.have reportedly noticed supportappearing on Android, which signals an even wider rollout than originally theorized.

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A user with a Galaxy S23 FE in Canada posted a screenshot of the feature’s arrival on their device, as well as another in Germany.

Google has beenslowly moving towardits official push for dual SIM support for RCS texting since last fall. There was a more secluded beta earlier last year; however, some users started noticing it quite sparingly in November. The reports were sporadic as some saw it on stable while others only spotted it in its beta version.

Regardless, seeing as it’s more apparent in January, users should notice the dual SIM feature in the RCS Chats page of the Messages app settings. There, beneath “turn on RCS,” users will notice both SIM cards alongside two checkboxes. Users can decide which card to use at any given moment or have them both active at once.

It’s worth mentioning that there are some routine verification steps the cards must go through in the app before everything’s green.

Outside of RCS, Google recently detailed the addition of more AI software in Messages to help userscombat spam/tricky scam texts. If the app detects a potential sign of spam, it will either automatically drop it in the appropriate folder or alert you about it for better judgment.

It’s still investigating what led to Nest products becoming suddenly unhelpful.

What you need to know

• Google Home and Nest products experienced an issue that led speakers and displays to become unresponsive this week.
• The problem specifically affected verbal commands, even those as simple as “What’s the weather?”.
• Google says the issue should be resolved for most users now, and is investigating what caused the problem.

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Google said today it resolved widespread issues withGoogle Homeand Nest products not responding to commands that plagued users for nearly a week. First reported byAndroid Authority, the problems left Home and Nest speakers and displays incapable of answering even the most basic questions, like the time or the weather. The company is still investigating what caused the problems, but confirmed most users shouldn’t experience the unresponsiveness now.

“The team is still investigating the root cause but have resolved the issue, so all users should be up and running now,” a Google spokesperson explained.

The problems, which specifically affected voice commands, can be traced back to at least Dec. 30 as evidenced bypostson Google’s support forum (via9to5Google). Although the Nest Hub displays in particular showed the correct weather and time, the voice assistant requests would hang up when asking for the same information. The displays showed a perpetual loading screen and couldn’t respond to basic requests.

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Certain requests, like smart home or media control, were still functional. However, anything that required a Home or Nest speaker or display to fetch a response would fail. Luckily, it appears that the issues are resolved. Android Authority reported that its issues were no longer affecting its units, and Android Central tested that itsGoogle Home HubandNest Hub Maxwere both able to respond to requests.

It’s unclear what caused the speakers and displays to become unable to respond to requests over the last week or so. The bug could be related to how Google Home and Nest products decide which one will respond to requests, assupport posts indicatepeople with multiple speakers or displays were adversely affected.

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Google support and Reddit posts chronicled the understandable frustration of users, but at least the issues appear to be resolved for now.

Credit: Google

What you need to know

• Gemini Advanced’s Deep Research feature was first announced for users early this month for English language.
• The feature is now being expanded to more languages and regions.
• Deep Research allows users to explore complex topics and convert them to an easy-to-read report within minutes.

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Google has rolled out impressive upgrades for its Gemini, and as part of the upgrade, it also announced a new tool dubbed Deep Research for Gemini Advanced users, which is now expanding to more countries and in additional new languages.

Deep Research is a personal AI research assistant tool for Gemini AI users, and it is now available in over 45 languages and across 100 countries worldwide, the company announced for Gemini Advanced users just before the holidays. Users can try it by selecting “Gemini 1.5 Pro with Deep Research” from the Gemini Advanced drop-down menu.

Deep Research aims to save hours of time by “deeply analyzing relevant information from across the web,” making the AI assistant even more helpful than it already is.

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For instance, if you raise a question, Deep Research “creates a multi-step research plan for you to either revise or approve. Once you approve, it begins deeply analyzing relevant information from across the web on your behalf.”

The new feature will try to explore complex topics and convert them to a more comprehensive and easy-to-read report, which can further be exported to your Google Docs.

The organized report will also include links with original sources, relevant websites, or businesses if users want to dive in further for more details. Since it’s an AI assistant, users can further ask follow-up questions or ask it to refine, and it will generate reports within minutes.

The search giant began the Deep Research rollout early this month for Gemini Advanced users on Desktop and mobile web. While the initial rollout was for English-speaking users, the latest announcement adds languages and more countries as aforementioned. The Gemini mobile app users, however, can expect the feature rollout as early as next year, according to the announcement blog post.