Microsoft is testing new label ideas for the Snap Layouts feature in Windows 11's latest Beta build 22635.4510 (KB5046716). The update introduces four potential labels to clarify the purpose of Snap Layouts, enhancing user understanding. Other improvements include taskbar file sharing, a new gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard, and Narrator enhancements. These changes are part of ongoing updates, with more significant features expected in the November 2024 optional update.
Google is refining the user interface for Assistant with Bard on Android, offering a mobile-friendly experience that includes a floating bottom panel for typing, talking, or sharing photos, and a full-screen homepage with suggestions. The UI features a pill-shaped chat field, quick access to chats and settings, and the ability to attach images for analysis. Users can react to Bard's responses with various feedback options and modify the response style. Additionally, there are settings to control sharing, language preferences, location use, and the choice between the experimental Bard or the classic Google Assistant, with the option to disable classic features.
Google is preparing to integrate its AI chatbot, Bard, with the Google Assistant, as indicated by a UI leak. The main Google app will feature a new slider to switch between traditional search and the Bard-powered experience. Users will be able to interact with Assistant with Bard through voice, text, or photo prompts, and access it via a long-press of the power button or voice command. The update also includes a redesigned Finance widget and the option to revert to the "Classic Assistant." The polished state of the UI suggests that the official launch of Assistant with Bard may be imminent.
Twitter, referred to as Twitter/X in the article, briefly reintroduced headlines to link previews on its web client, displaying them in a small format on the image preview. However, the feature was quickly removed after negative public response, and it's uncertain if it will return. The headlines had been removed previously but were brought back after a context-less post by Elon Musk highlighted the issue with not having them. The change was web-only, with the Android app maintaining the original headline format and plans for iOS expansion unconfirmed.
Google is streamlining access to its Password Manager by adding a search shortcut in the Pixel Launcher for Android users. This new feature allows users to quickly find the Password Manager by searching for "password" or "password manager," although it currently appears below web results. Additionally, the Pixel Launcher has updated the weather search with an expanded temperature card, enhancing the user experience. These updates are rolling out to Pixel devices but have not reached all users yet.
Social media platform X, presumably Twitter, has reintroduced headlines in link previews on its web version, with plans to expand to other platforms. The change comes after the platform's owner, Elon Musk, initially removed all text from link previews to improve aesthetics, a decision that was met with criticism. The new format features headlines over the article image but omits preview text, which is seen as a compromise that still falls short of the previous, more informative design. The update aims to aid social media managers in post composition, aligning with Musk's preference for native long-form content on the app. The timeline for a complete rollout remains unspecified.
Twitter, now known as X, is reintroducing headlines to URL cards on its platform, albeit with smaller text and some limitations, such as truncation with ellipses for longer titles. This update aims to improve user experience by making it clearer what content a linked image will lead to, addressing issues that arose after headlines were removed last year under Elon Musk's direction to streamline post appearance. The feature is currently visible on the web version and is expected to roll out to mobile platforms, though it's already functioning as before on Android.
Telegram has released an update featuring a redesigned call interface that conserves battery life and is optimized for older devices. The update includes dynamic background changes during calls, enhanced call quality, and improvements to the bot platform, allowing for more interactive bot capabilities. Additionally, a new 'vaporize' animation for message deletion has been introduced. These updates follow recent enhancements to Telegram's channels and come as the messaging app competes with WhatsApp's growing broadcast channels feature.
Twitter/X has reintroduced headlines to link previews on its web client, now displayed as small text on a black box within the image preview. This update comes after headlines were removed months earlier, a decision that was reversed following a context-less post from Elon Musk. The headlines are truncated if they are too long for the default preview size, and while the change is currently web-only, it is expected to roll out to iOS, with the Android app having retained the original headline format.
Google Chrome on Android is introducing a Material You design update for its New Tab page, featuring a thicker search bar, bolder text, more prominent icons, and a new layout for frequently visited websites. Users can activate the new design by enabling a flag in the Chrome settings. This refresh aims to align Chrome's aesthetic with other Google apps that have already adopted Material You elements.