Google has big plans for podcasts

Zack Reneau-Wedeen (Photo by @coletterobinson )

Aside from being able to listen to podcasts right from the search window, it looks like Google has so big plans for podcasts on its platform. There are three key features the company wants to hone in on in the coming years. None of these are real technologies yet but it does introduce to us what Google wants to happen with the medium. Google Podcasts Product Manager Zack Reneau-Wedeen (pictured above) said in the latest part of the five-part series on Pacific Content that they are working to “make these experiences possible.”

The three key things include instant transcription, lookahead scrubbing, and instant translation. With the help of artificial intelligence, Google will be able to “listen” to each podcast episode and transcribe these into a time-stamped document that can be searchable. Not only will this make it easier to jump to specific parts of a podcast but it will also help with searches on Google itself, so if you want to find something out, you might be directed to a podcast where that subject matter is being discussed. Lookahead scrubbing will work similar to what you can do with YouTube videos. With the help of the text transcription, you’ll be able to scrub ahead on podcasts and head straight into parts you want to listen to. And then Google also wants to bring instant translation to podcasts so that if English or whatever language the podcast is on, it’ll translate it into a language you understand. And with the help of AI, it might even be able to deliver that in the original voice tones of the podcasters.

Google readies I/O app for 2018 developers’ conference

With Google I/O happening soon, the tech company has taken the time to refresh the app for the developers’ conference. The app itself is already available for download and introduces some important features you’ll need for Google I/O. It will let you reserve seats for sessions. There’s no limit to how many reservations you can have as long as none of these overlap. But you can opt to star events so you can keep track of them. A big chunk of Google I/O is live-streamed so you can watch there.

The app gets a new look, too, with the bottom navigation bar and a system navigation bar to match that. You can see general info, schedule, and map in the navigation bar. The Google I/O app also gives you access to important information about the event, travel details, and FAQs.

Source: Android Police

Microsoft announces Windows 10 April 2018 Update coming to PCs on May 8

Microsoft is announcing that it will make the Windows 10 April 2018 Update available for download on May 8th. The latest update to Windows 10 introduces a Timeline features which makes it possible for users to find files they previously worked on easily.

The new update also has a Focus Assist feature designed to block out distractions and keep workers on track. Dictation has also been improved so users can write notes and even dictate longer documents by speaking. Microsoft Edge browser has also been improved and can automatically mute tabs that autoplay content.

As a Windows Insider, I've been playing around with the latest build and, while not as dramatically different from the Fall Creator's Update, I did notice some improvements and visual flourishes in certain aspects of the OS.

Uniqlo celebrating all things Marvel with new line of t-shirts

Uniqlo has chosen the best artwork from over 8,500 global submissions to create a new line of 17 new designs in ther graphics t-shirt line. Focusing on Marvel's The Avengers: Infinity War. Focusing on various characters and teams, the Uniqlo shirts are expected to be extremely popular this opening weekend as the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy battle Thanos for the fate of the universe.