Google to hold digital 'Hey Google' smart home event on July 8

While Google had to cancel its I/O developers conference in May because of COVID-19 and California's shelter in place order, the company has plans to host a digital event for its smart home developer community. So far, it's pushing through even as California is rolling back its reopening plans due to new coronavirus cases. 

The Works With "Hey Google" Smart Home Summit will kick off on July 8 with a keynote from Michele Turner, Google Smart Home Ecosystem's director of product management. Turner's talk will focus on Google's newest smart home projects and how it'll make it easier for developers to implement Google Assistant integration. 

Click to read more ...

Google Photos to stop default backups of social media folders

Embed from Getty Images 

Google Photos will no longer automatically back up photos and videos saved in folders created by and managed by social media apps. The decision will help you save space as well as internet resources it uses when it backs things up. Previously, Google Photos would instantly include these folders when you upload all images saved on your Android or iOS device. But now, this feature will be turned off by default. You will need to toggle "Back up & sync" on for the specific apps or folders.

According to a support page detailing the change, "People are sharing more photos and videos due to COVID-19. To save internet resources, backup & sync has been turned off for device folders created by messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messages, and Kik. You can change this anytime in settings." Those that have already been backed up and organized by social media apps won't be affected by the change. 

Source: The Verge

Waze's brand refresh adds bright colours, cartoon-like icons to fit its users

Google-owned Waze wanted to refresh its look to celebrate its community of users. And with that, the company set about revamping its branding to make it "friendly, organic, and joyful." 

The logo looks similar to the old one, but a few tweaks are added to it. Like, the wheels look like they're coming from both sides of the character instead of on one side. The text looks like it fits more into the aesthetic of modern smartphones. Waze is also introducing Moods into its app. There are 30 different feelings you can express, and the company promises to add more. 

Click to read more ...

New leaks share price of 'cheapest' Samsung Galaxy Fold Lite, delayed launch date

Samsung has been rumoured to be developing a Galaxy Fold Lite, which was also reportedly going to be called the Galaxy Fold Special Edition. Reports claim that this foldable device was expected to launch in July. But two different Korean news outlets report that it might not even launch this year and cheap might only be relative with other Galaxy Fold devices.

According to reports, Samsung still plans to launch the Galaxy Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G in the second half of the year. But the so-called Galaxy Fold Lite will most likely come out in 2021.

Click to read more ...