All articles tagged with #experimental feature
YouTube is testing an experimental "jump ahead" feature for Premium users on Android and iOS, which uses machine learning to automatically identify points of interest in a video and allows users to skip to those parts with a double-tap and a "jump ahead" prompt. The feature is currently available to a small set of users in the US and can be accessed through the YouTube app settings for those with a Premium account.
Google Chrome introduces an AI writing tool powered by Gemini, initially announced in January and now available in its experimental phase, requiring explicit enabling in the Chrome settings menu. The tool, currently only in English on Windows, Mac, and Linux, can generate and rewrite text, taking into account the context of the webpage being visited. Users can adjust the length and tone of the results, but it's important to note that the text, content, and URL will be sent to Google under its existing privacy policy for research and machine learning purposes.
Google is testing a new feature called "Talk to a Live Rep" that will call businesses on behalf of users, wait on hold, and then connect them with a live representative. This feature, currently available to U.S. users in Google's Search Labs program, eliminates the need for users to wait on hold for customer service. It works on the Google app for Android and iOS, as well as Chrome on desktop, and is similar to the Pixel's "Hold for Me" feature but goes further by navigating the phone tree and providing SMS updates. The feature is currently available for select airlines, telecom companies, retailers, insurance companies, and more, with no specific timeline for wider release.
Google is testing a new feature called "Talk to a Live Representative" that allows its software to call a business on behalf of non-Pixel phone users, navigate through phone trees, wait on hold, and notify when a human representative is available. This feature, available as a Search Labs experimental feature, is accessible across all phones and offers proactive calling for customer support. Users can request a call for supported businesses, select the reason for the call, and receive SMS updates on its progress.
YouTube is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to filter their home feed by color, creating a visually cohesive browsing experience. This experimental feature is currently available to select users on Android and iOS mobile devices and presents color-coordinated results as a new feed option at the top of the app. While the filtering appears to be based on prominent colors in thumbnails, it seems to be primarily an aesthetic choice with no thematic connection. This move aligns with color harmony marketing strategies seen in various industries, and some speculate it could also serve as a data collection strategy.
Google Maps is introducing generative AI to enhance search capabilities, allowing users to find places in a conversational manner. This experimental feature utilizes large language models to analyze detailed information and user-generated content to provide location suggestions based on prompts. It will initially roll out to US users in the Google Maps Local Guides contributor program and aims to eventually be available to everyone, marking the beginning of Google's efforts to enhance Maps with generative AI.
Google is rolling out the stable QPR1 update to Android 14 along with the December security patch. The update includes a big Feature Drop for various Pixel devices, introducing new features such as the ability to force apps into specific aspect ratios and displaying weather information in the Clock app. Other user-facing changes include a new lock screen clock style, particle effects in Wallpaper & style, and improved highlighting of chosen tiles in Quick Settings. The update also resolves numerous security issues.