Google introduces auto-rotation on phones for its Launcher for Android in latest beta release

Google introduces auto-rotation on phones for its Launcher for Android in latest beta release

Google   20:46:00

Internet search giant Google has released a new beta version Google app for Android and it comes with a couple of new features. Starting for users who use the Google Now Launcher, the feature has received support for auto-rotation on smartphones. The Google Now Launcher presently only auto-rotates on tablets, but if you would like it to do the same on your phone, then you should download this beta version.

Initially, the feature was present in early Android Marshmallow developer previews, but it however, disappeared when the third one came out - and has not been observed until today. To enable auto-rotation, users need to go into the settings of the Google Now Launcher and tap on the new option that shows up at the bottom of the list.

Another new feature in this beta release is icon normalization. This feature resizes app icons to make them appear more consistent with one another - so users won't have a huge icon next to a small one, and so on. The company has some guidelines out for icon sizes, but most developers do not adhere to these. Of course, some situations arises where this auto-resizing doesn't go very well, but that's why this has been added to a beta release of the app. We predict an improved finalized version before it's been rolled out to everyone.

Google confirms it's testing password-less sign in for its users

Google confirms it's testing password-less sign in for its users

Google   09:30:00

Internet giant Google has confirmed that it's testing a password-less login capability for its users. When fully released, this new feature will allow users to log in to their accounts with just their smartphone.

From the picture above, users will first have a compatible smartphone that needs to be set-up before they can use this feature. Once setting up the phone is done, this new feature is enabled,  implying that whenever a user tries to sign in to their Google account on any other computer or device, he/she just have to enter his/her email address and ask the system to let you in.

An SMS notification seeking the users permission to approve the login will be sent to their smartphone. Once approved, the login attempt will be successful. Note that users would still be able to use their password to login the old fashioned way if they so wish.

You can now connect your Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail and AOL accounts to Yahoo Mail

You can now connect your Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail and AOL accounts to Yahoo Mail

Google   11:21:00

Yahoo some months ago made the announcement that its users can now connect their Hotmail, Outlook and AOL mail accounts to its own Mail service. This will allow users to access their other email accounts directly on yahoo mail platform or app.

The Company has made it known that users can now access their Gmail and Google Apps account also right from within its Mail service. According to the Yahoo's blog

All the features you need and love in Yahoo Mail – powerful search, smart contacts, rich compose features and Yahoo Account Key for password-free sign-in – are now available with Gmail. Here’s your path to a more convenient, powerful and personal email experience. You can now search across your entire history of emails, from day one, for all connected mailboxes! (Not just your most recent emails, which is how it’s done in many apps today). 

Multiple mailbox support for Gmail within Yahoo Mail is available globally today in the Yahoo Mail app and on the desktop browser. To connect your Gmail account, go into your Account Settings in the Yahoo Mail mobile app or on the desktop. 

We’ve also announced new features and capabilities for the Yahoo Mail iOS and Android apps.

Interested users can connect to his/her Gmail account by heading to his/her Account Settings in the Yahoo Mail app. The added feature is now available on Yahoo Mail's Android, iOS, as well as the Web app. Watch the video below for further information

Google to merge its Chrome OS and Android into a single operating system

Google to merge its Chrome OS and Android into a single operating system

Google   20:48:00

Internet giant Google has recently announced that its popular Chrome operating system could soon be withdrawn and replaced with Android.

Google's Chrome OS is widely used desktop/laptop and has received positive remarks from Tech enthusiasts for its ability to keep its user safe from hack attacks. However Chrome users could soon be made to use a version of Android on their desktop/Laptop instead. 

The new Operating System, which is in the works for some years, is anticipated to be ready for a preview by next year, but would be finally launched only in 2017. According to Google - the Company planning to "fold its Chrome operating system for personal computers into its Android mobile operating system".

With this recent consideration by Google, several tech security experts have condemned the move saying its a big mistake it the Google finally goes through with it.

The merger would result in PC users getting access to Google Play, which is presently home to millions of apps. Furthermore, Chromebooks - the lightweight and portable laptops that got their name from the Chrome OS - will be renamed. The Chrome browser - both desktop and mobile versions however will not be affected in any way.

Google rolls out redesigned Playstore for Android

Google rolls out redesigned Playstore for Android

Google   09:00:00

There were rumors last week that Google is planning a redesign of its Playstore platform, well we can now officially confirm that the rumor is indeed true. 

The new design featuring a big reorganization of categories as well as more modern looks has since started rolling out. Some users have started seeing the update in their android Playstore.

The new redesign comes with two big sections Games and Apps being one, Entertainment being the other. Users will find movies, books, TV shows under the Entertainment heading once the update reaches them.

No need to worry about installing a new APK for the update - as this updated UI has been built into a recent update, technically all Google has to do is flip the switch and you get the update automatically.

Have you observed the update on your device? Share your experience with us

Block and Unsubscribe features now available on Gmail for Android

Block and Unsubscribe features now available on Gmail for Android

How to tips   10:27:00

Google has added two new exciting features to its Gmail platform, they are ''BLOCK'' and ''UNSUBSCRIBE''.This new features are aimed at easing our daily use of Gmail service. 

The Block service is aimed at blocking annoying or unwanted Emails and its senders. This works by tapping the Block option in the menu if you wish not to receive any more messages from that particular address. By so doing all future messages from that particular address will go straight into your spam folder. You can always reverse this feature if so wish. The update is presently available on the web platform and now on Gmail Android app.

The other one which is the Unsubscribe feature allows users to directly unsubscribe from a mailing list directly from Gmail app. This is helpful for users who subscribed to newsletters a while back but don’t read it any more. The unsubscribe feature is already available on the Gmail web platform.

Exciting features right? leave us a comment