Google Photos introduces Location History-based travel 'Timeline'

Google has previously announced its plans to bring the Location History-based Timeline feature from Maps to Photos. Now, the photo service gets Timeline on Android and iOS alongside the ability to change the map layer. When you head to the Search tab in Google Photos, you can see the "Your map" option under Places. It will show you where the photos were taken as well as the exact route travelled. Google noted that this trail would only be visible to you. And if you zoom in to a particular area, it will show all the photos you've taken there over time. 

If you don't want access to this feature, you can disable it in the new overflow menu that takes you to your Google Account settings. The default map layer can also show Satellite or Terrain options. 

Source: 9to5Google

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup – 12/13 – 12/19

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CD Projekt Red vows to fix 'Cyberpunk 2077' issues on older-gen consoles 

Jony Ive and Apple's CFO Luca Maestri may be contenders in Ferrari CEO position 

Google Messages on web get emoji reactions 

Apple Fitness+ is now available 

Google officially retires Home Max speaker 

Review: 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid 

Mac OS Big Sur 11.1 update is now available 

Google acquires Neverware, will now support Chrome OS running on old PCs 

Samsung denies Galaxy Note's discontinuation 

Upcoming Snapdragon-powered Android phones can get up to four years of security updates 

Grogu from 'The Mandalorian' becomes a 3D object on Google Search 

BBC Studios' BBC Select streaming service to launch in Canada in 2021 

Google to shutter Android Things 

Apple claims the AirPods Max's Smart Case won't make much of a difference on battery life 

Amazon Echo devices add group video and audio calling support 

Skype gets Microsoft Teams' Together Mode

Microsoft Skype is getting Together Mode from Teams. The fun video calling feature uses AI to take your face and shoulders and place them together with other people in your call in a virtual space. It requires at least five people with webcams to put everyone in a virtual environment that makes it look like you're beside each other. You don't even have to use the Skype app to utilize Together Mode. It works with the web version of Skype and without the need to create an account. Together Mode was introduced back in July to cater to pandemic-era meetings. The NBA even used the feature to bring basketball bans courtside in a virtual experience of its live games. 

Aside from this surprising new addition, Skype is also getting the Large Grid Mode, where you can see everyone's live stream simultaneously. Skype also offers more background options and allows you to add people to ongoing calls with their phone numbers.

Source: The Verge

Amazon Echo devices add group video and audio calling support

Source: Amazon

If you'd rather not use Zoom, Amazon is rolling out a new group video or audio calling for Echo devices. Amazon originally announced the feature in September, but it's rolling it out just in time for the holidays. It will allow up to seven participants to join the audio or video call on supported devices, including the Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show. Canada is one of the 14 countries to get the feature. Other countries getting the support include Austria, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the US, and the UK.

You can create and name groups for these calls through the Alexa app. The app will soon get support for group calls, too. You will be able to add adult contacts into groups, with friends and family having the option to opt into group calling. If you're wondering if it works with Alexa, it does. You can say commands like "Alexa, call my family" to connect to a group you've created. There are currently no limits to the call's duration.

Source: The Verge