Google rolls out new Pixel features, adds 'safety check' for when you're alone outside

Google just announced some new software features coming to Pixel devices. One of the more notable ones focuses on personal safety. The company introduces a new "safety check" tool to help keep you safe while you're out somewhere alone (maybe on a walk or run or something). 

If you have safety check enabled, you can set a time for your Pixel phone to check in on you. When that time comes, it'll take over your screen and ask you about your status. You can dismiss the prompt and confirm you're okay, start sharing your location with emergency contacts immediately, or dial 911.

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Google Photos' trash folder on Android now shows when pictures will be permanently deleted

When you delete pictures on Google Photos, these images are moved into the trash folder and stay there for 60 days to give you ample time to change your mind. But since Google arranges trashed images by the date they were taken, it isn't clear when the 60 days are up. Thankfully, Google has updated the interface, and it now shows a countdown timer that informs you how many days are left until a photo is permanently deleted. You can speed up the process and remove it yourself or restore the image before your time runs out. This feature seems to be limited to the Android app, and it comes with version 4.51 of Google Photos. It's a server-side change, so you don't have to do anything but wait until it rolls out to you.

Source: Android Police

Apple Music, Spotify supports #BlackLivesMatter in an unprecedented fashion

Apple Music is using its platform to stand with #TheShowMustBePaused and #BlackLivesMatter social equality movements in response to widespread unrest, violent protests, and riots that have affected various American cities. The past few days have seen a swell of civic unrest after the death of George Floyd, a black man that died while being restrained by police officers in Minneapolis. Visiting Apple Music and going to any of its stations or the Browse section leads to the above page and a Listen Together call to action which plays only black music, much of which is timely in this time of protest. 

Update on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 8:55AM by Nicole Batac

Spotify, for its part, placed black filter over the covers of some of its prominent playlists and podcasts, while adding eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to these participating playlists and podcasts—which is the length of time officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck.

Sony PlayStation 5 event postponed in respect of ongoing protests

Sony planned to launch the PlayStation 5 on June 4 but has decided to postpone the event. In a simple statement released on Twitter, Sony said, “While we understand gamers worldwide are excited to see PS5 games, we do not feel that right now is a time for celebration and for now, we want to stand back and allow more important voices to be heard.” 

The company defers holding the launch for its next-generation console as numerous protests against police brutality and racism are happening in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. The protests were sparked by the death of the American George Floyd in the Minneapolis police's hands.