All articles tagged with #google play services
Some Pixel 10 owners are experiencing app crashes caused by issues with Google Play Services, with a temporary fix involving uninstalling updates to Play Services, which logs users out of their accounts. Google is aware of the problem and working on a fix, but no official acknowledgment has been made yet.
A teardown of Google Play Services reveals that Google is still developing Quick Share for iPhones, with evidence of a sign-in requirement and a menu for sharing with iOS devices, indicating ongoing work on cross-platform file sharing features.
Google has added a new app listing for Google Password Manager on Google Play, providing Android users with a dedicated shortcut to access their passwords easily, although it functions more as a shortcut to Google Play Services rather than a standalone app.
Google is expanding its Android earthquake alert system to Wear OS smartwatches with the rollout of Google Play Services version 25.21, allowing users, especially those with cellular models, to receive timely earthquake warnings directly on their wrists, including estimated magnitude and distance to the epicenter.
Google has introduced a password-sharing feature in its Password Manager as part of the May 2024 Google Play Services update. This feature allows users to share passwords securely with members of their family group, making it easier to manage shared accounts and services.
The Find My Device network on Android, initially announced at Google I/O, is finally starting to roll out, offering a game-changing feature that leverages the collective strength of Android devices to help users locate lost items. The delay in the rollout was attributed to waiting on Apple to implement protections in iOS for trackers used with Android, reflecting a commitment to fostering a secure and standardized ecosystem. The latest beta version of Google Play Services introduces the "Find your offline devices" feature, providing users with enhanced tracking capabilities, including options to find devices without the network, with the network in high-traffic areas, and with the network all the time. This feature reflects Google's commitment to continuously enhancing the functionality and usability of its services, empowering users with greater control and peace of mind in managing their devices.
Google's updated Find My Device network is now active in the latest beta of Google Play Services, indicating an imminent launch, likely around Google I/O 2024 in May. The network, similar to Apple's Find My network, will use various devices to pinpoint a device's location more accurately. The delay in launching the network is attributed to the need for Apple's support, but the recent development suggests that the wait may soon be over, potentially enabling the debut of AirTag-like trackers for Android at Google I/O 2024.
Android's Find My Device network, which leverages Google Play Services to help users locate lost items, is starting to roll out with the appearance of new network settings in the latest beta version. The settings allow users to choose how their devices participate in the network, with options for high-traffic areas or all areas. This rollout is likely the initial phase before a full launch, and it's expected to coincide with the release of iOS 17.5 for iPhone users.
Microsoft announced the deprecation of Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) with support ending on March 5, 2025, citing financial viability issues and the lack of Google Play services support as key reasons. Andrew Clinick, a 29-year Microsoft veteran, shared insights into WSA's challenges, including its struggle to generate revenue and the difficulty of attracting apps without a store. The partnership with Amazon for the Amazon Appstore was also highlighted, and the impact of Google Play services absence on Android apps for Windows was emphasized.
Google has updated the Cast control notifications for Android devices, integrating them into the Android media player instead of appearing as a regular notification. The Cast controls now appear in Quick Settings, with a generic icon and the device playing audio/video noted in the corner and center of the screen. The updated design includes a play/pause button, timeline scrubber, mute/unmute option, and an option to end the Cast session. The update is available with version 23.44.14 of Google Play services.
Google is making a change to the Google Wallet app on Android, so that payment notifications will originate directly from the app instead of Google Play services. This change aims to provide a more seamless end-to-end experience for users. The update is rolling out with the latest version of Google Play services, but a specific timeline for the release was not provided. Additionally, Google is still in the process of rolling out a redesign for the Wallet UI, which includes a more compact layout and updated carousel design.
Google is rolling out the 'Unknown Tracker Alerts' feature to Android users, allowing them to easily check if someone has placed an unknown tracker on them. The feature is currently live on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones in the US and other regions, and it currently works to detect Apple AirTags. The alerts will be automatically deleted after 48 hours, and users can perform a manual scan at any time. Location data is encrypted on the device and not shared with Google or other parties.
Google is rolling out new Ad privacy settings on Android, allowing users to have more control over the ads they see while protecting their identity. The Privacy Sandbox initiative, which works without using cross-app identifiers, allows users to choose which topics and apps are used to show personalized ads. The new settings include options to manage ad topics, block app-suggested ads, and control ad measurement data. These settings are currently being rolled out via Google Play services.
Some Pixel owners are experiencing repeated crashes of Android apps, including both Google and third-party applications. Restarting the device or entering safe mode did not resolve the issue for many users. One potential cause could be a problem with the system update page, which is offered by Google Play services. The problem does not appear to be affecting all Pixel users or users of other OEMs.