Mobile

During its “Search On” event this afternoon, Google announced new changes and updates in an effort to better track climate change. Google Maps is adding a new “Fire” layer to its apps as Google’s “Tree Canopy” tool is set for expansion. Starting on Android this week and on iOS next month, Google Maps will show active wildfires as a top-level layer in the app, an expansion of…

In launching the new Nest Doorbell (battery) in early August, Google also rebranded the old Nest Hello and continued selling it. Google today told customers that it’s launching a second-generation Nest Doorbell (wired) in 2022. As part of “being more transparent” with customers on where Google is “taking the camera portfolio,” Nest GM/VP Rishi Chandra said that it “will be launching…

The latest addition to Google’s rapidly growing catalog of Android homescreen widgets is a handy search widget for Google Maps. About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code…

In addition to the big MUM upgrade that lets you ask questions about a photo, Google Lens is getting more prominent on iOS and in desktop Chrome. In Chrome for Android today, long-pressing on an image lets you “Search with Google Lens.” That will also be available in desktop Chrome when right-clicking. We first spotted this behind a testing flag in July, with the upcoming launch being…