Tag: app-subdomain-redirection:google

Google has introduced a new feature in its iOS app called Page Annotation, designed to highlight relevant information while browsing web pages in the integrated browser. According to Google, this tool “extracts interesting entities from the page and highlights them online“. By tapping on them, users are redirected to more related search results.

The controversy has not been long in coming. Some web media editors criticize that this feature could divert users from their pages to Google searches, making it difficult for them to return to the original content. “As if Google hadn’t taken enough from you already… Now it’s taking users who are on your page to its search engine,” notes Barry Schwartz, news editor of Search Engine Land. “They are likely to never find their way back to your page.”

For editors who do not want this functionality on their pages, Google offers an opt-out form. However, this deactivation may take up to 30 days to apply. “The use of the Page Annotation feature on your page will be deactivated within 30 days after submitting the form. You only need to do it once,” the form details.

Ashwarya, from the support team at Google Search, explained that the feature “allows obtaining additional information about entities such as people, places, or things, directly from the page being visited.” According to Google, the goal is to enrich the user experience without interrupting their navigation, as the content appears in a tray within the app and can be easily closed.

Although the company clarifies that “this new experience allows people to quickly obtain additional context about people, places, or things without leaving the page they are on,” it is unknown how this new feature will affect web metrics such as engagement time or recirculation.

Google is preparing a major update for Circle to Search (“Circle to Search”), the tool that allows you to search for information directly on the screen without needing to switch applications. This feature, initially launched on Pixel and Samsung devices, is very useful for checking products or answering complex questions thanks to the multi-search functionality of the Google app.

According to an analysis by Android Authority, a recent beta version of the Google app reveals a redesign of the interface of Circle to Search. Instead of the floating elements found in the current version (such as the search bar, music button, and translation button), the new version groups them into a pill-shaped box.

Additionally, the translation button will be replaced by a button that opens an app drawer, from where tools like Google Lens or the translation function itself can be accessed. Although this change involves an additional step for certain actions, Google will allow customizing the main interface by swapping the music button for the Lens shortcut.

At the end of September, Google tested the ability to search for information within videos, but it is currently unknown when this feature will be available.

Over the years, Google has gained a reputation for being ruthless with its services (they even have a website dedicated to all the products and platforms that Google has axed). It’s clear that the big G isn’t afraid of changes, so this new blow doesn’t surprise us: Google Play Movies & TV will permanently disappear in January 2024.

Since the launch of Google TV in 2020, the company began replacing Movies & TV in areas such as mobile applications. Later on, the Google Play Store itself stopped displaying the Movies and TV tab in May. Now, the company aims to completely do away with the service. This strategy became more than evident last October when the company decided to remove the Movies & TV app from Android TV.

Fortunately, you’ll still be able to access the content you purchased through Google Play Movies & TV. In a new post published by Google themselves, they clarify the situation: “with these changes, Google Movies & TV will no longer be available on devices with Android TV or on the Google Play website. However, you’ll still be able to access all your purchased titles (including active rentals) through devices with Android TV, Google TV, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.”

The closing date will be January 17, 2024. From then on, Google Movies & TV will cease to function permanently. As expected, it will also be discontinued on devices where the integrated application was present. For the company, this represents a way to centralize all its content in one place, Google TV.

OpenAI is on the rise. What began as a non-profit organization has ended up becoming one of the pioneering companies in the field of artificial intelligence. The frenzy sparked by ChatGPT has prompted major companies like Google to step up their game in the realm of AI. It started with the announcement of Google Bard, and now it’s followed by their major project, Gemini AI.

In a field dominated by OpenAI and its ChatGPT, Google aims to stand out with its new conversational software. According to its developers, Gemini would be much more capable than GPT, the model used by ChatGPT to operate. However, we’ll still have to wait a bit longer to see Gemini in action.

It was through The Information that we learned about the new approximate release date of Gemini. According to a source, Google had already granted access to the software to a small group of companies. However, the company stated that Gemini wouldn’t be available until the first quarter of next year, 2024.

But what exactly is Gemini AI? In short, it’s a set of large language models. Gemini is capable of understanding natural language and efficiently responding to user queries. In the future, Google wants to embed Gemini within Google services, thus boosting its applications. Gemini’s significant advantage over other models is precisely Google – the vast amount of data and information the company possesses has fueled Gemini and elevated its potential.

As of now, ChatGPT continues to dominate firmly within its field, with hardly anyone able to overshadow it. Will Gemini become a worthy rival for OpenAI?

Google is introducing two groundbreaking features that promise to elevate our search experience to unprecedented levels of personalization and engagement. The first, “Notes,” empowers users to add their own annotations to search results, injecting a creative and individualized touch to the information they encounter. Hey, guess what’s what is that mean? If you’re not vibing with an article or like one, you’ll be able to shoot a little note over to Google.

But that’s not all – Google is taking personalization a step further with the introduction of the “Follow” feature. Imagine being able to curate your search results based on your interests and preferences. With the Follow button, users can subscribe to specific topics, receiving tailored content updates directly in their search results and Google Discover.

Let’s take a closer look at these significant changes in the search engine that typically don’t change with that pace.

Google Notes can be a very helpful feature if we use it right

The Notes feature is part of a new opt-in experiment by Google, allowing users to actively choose to participate in this innovative search experience.

With Notes, users can add personal annotations to links they encounter in their Google searches. This feature extends beyond traditional text annotations, enabling users to include colorful fonts and images in their notes.

Discover integration

The Notes feature is not limited to search results alone. Users can also add and view notes under articles on Discover in the Google app, expanding the scope of this interactive annotation experience.

Buttons for adding and viewing notes will appear seamlessly under search results and Discover articles, providing a user-friendly interface for easy engagement with the Notes feature.

When multiple notes exist for a particular link, the display order is dynamically ranked based on factors such as the user’s query and the note’s relevance to the content on the page. This ensures that the most pertinent and engaging notes are prioritized.

Content moderation

To prevent misuse and the spread of harmful information, Google has implemented a combination of algorithmic protections and manual human review. Users also have the ability to report notes for human review, enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the Notes feature.

Global accessibility

While initially launching in the United States and India, Notes will be indexable on the open web. This means that users can share notes via direct links, extending the global accessibility of annotated content beyond search results.

Google is considering ways to provide insights to publishers about the notes placed on their content. This potential feature aims to foster a deeper connection between content creators and their audience through user-generated annotations.

Acknowledging potential challenges in content moderation during the experimental phase, Google remains committed to refining the Notes feature and learning from experiences in content moderation from platforms like Maps and YouTube.

Notes feature is just another example of Google’s effort for user experience, now you can follow topics too

Notes is introduced alongside other search enhancements, including the ability to follow queries and receive batched results.

Google’s new “Follow” feature enhances the search experience by allowing users to subscribe to specific topics directly from search results. Users can click the “Follow” button to receive curated content updates, with notifications available on the Google App for new content.

The feature is flexible, allowing users to easily unsubscribe or follow/unfollow topics. Google responsibly restricts explicit or offensive topics. The Follow feature integrates with the “News for you” section, showcasing fresh content related to subscribed topics.

The feature is set to launch in US English on the Google App and mobile browsers in the coming weeks.

Google reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a secure environment on Google Play, emphasizing the importance of digital privacy and security for its users. In light of this, the tech giant continues to enhance its Data Safety section and transparency labeling initiatives, aiming to empower users with clearer insights into app data usage.

Google underscored the significance of clear security labels in shaping a user’s perception of risk and trust in digital offerings, factors that are pivotal in their decision-making process. Google acknowledges the critical impact that transparent labeling and badging have within the Google Play store, recognizing that an app’s openness about data security and privacy practices is increasingly influencing users’ choices to download, trust, and engage with an app.

About App Defense Alliance

Google’s App Defense Alliance last year introduced the Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA). This initiative grants developers the opportunity to have their applications independently audited against a globally recognized security standard, a process that serves as a beacon of trust for users.

The independent validation signifies that the apps conform to established mobile security and privacy best practices and that developers are proactive in identifying and remedying potential vulnerabilities. This makes it more challenging for malicious actors to compromise user devices, ultimately elevating the quality of the app ecosystem.

Developers who successfully pass the validation from Google Play are offered the chance to feature an “Independent security review” badge within the Data Safety section, a symbol of their commitment to stringent security measures.

Although the certification does not guarantee absolute vulnerability immunity, the badge provides users with immediate visual confirmation of the developer’s dedication to security and privacy. To streamline user awareness of independently validated apps, Google Play is rolling out a new store banner, initially for VPN applications, due to the sensitive nature of data they manage.

Users searching for VPN services on Google Play will encounter an educational banner guiding them towards the “Independent security review” badge and offering a “Learn More” option. This leads to the App Validation Directory, a repository where all security-verified VPN apps are listed, complete with in-depth technical assessment information to inform user choices.

NordVPN, Google One, and ExpressVPN are examples of VPN providers that have completed independent security assessments and are displaying the badge, indicating their adherence to the MASA program’s guidelines. Google encourages more VPN app developers to seek independent testing, aiming to deepen transparency and elevate user confidence. VPN developers eager to explore this feature are invited to reach out via a provided form for further information.

Google’s commitment to safeguarding Google Play users and developers is exemplified by its endorsement of independent security validations and the visibility it provides to apps that earn security badges. These badges shine a spotlight on developers who make user safety and data transparency a priority. To support developers in achieving these standards, Google offers a suite of resources including Play PolicyBytes videos, webinars, blog posts, and the Developer Help Community, all designed to align with stringent developer policies that uphold the integrity of Google Play.

The tech giant is dedicated to refining its app review mechanisms, policies, and programs to ensure user protection while streamlining the experience for developers to comply with these guidelines. For a comprehensive look at the resources available to developers that pave the way for success while maintaining user safety on Google Play, Google directs interested parties to an in-depth article available on the Google Safety Center.

These proactive steps underscore Google’s response to the voiced needs and expectations of both the user and developer communities. Google maintains that by placing user safety and trust at the forefront, it can nurture an app marketplace that is both secure and successful, empowering users to make well-informed decisions about the apps they download while encouraging developers to maintain exemplary standards in security and privacy practices.

To tackle the uncontrolled spread of misinformation and help users get to the truth, Google Search has rolled out a powerful new feature called “About this image.” This tool is designed to give users a deeper understanding of the images they encounter in Google Search, shedding light on their origins and context. Although it was initially introduced earlier this year, Google is now making it available to a wider audience, with English language users across the globe getting access.

How “About this image” works

When you spot an image in Google Search or Google Images, you’ll see a three-dot menu perched at the top of the image. A simple click on this menu unveils the option “About this image.” Click on it, and voila! You’re now privy to crucial information about the image, empowering you with valuable insights into its source and background.

Combating misinformation

The timing of “About this image” couldn’t be better. With the proliferation of misinformation, especially during significant events like the current conflict in the world, unrelated images often circulate without proper context. This not only muddles the waters for users but also fuels the spread of false information. “About this image” steps in to offer clarity.

Further enhancements

But Google’s commitment to truth doesn’t end there. In addition to “About this image,” Google is making strides in improving its Fact Check Explorer. Although it’s still in beta since its summer launch, this tool allows you to search for image fact-checks by uploading an image or entering its URL. The Verge reported that Google is actively working on a new API to facilitate the seamless integration of Fact Check Explorer into the workflows of fact-checkers and journalists.

Moreover, Google is venturing into generative AI to offer more insights into online sources through its AI-powered Search Generative Experience. These AI-generated descriptions will be visible in the “About this result” tool when established sources like Wikipedia or the Google Knowledge Graph lack information about a smaller website. This novel approach promises to provide users with a more comprehensive and dependable online experience as they seek credible information.