Table of Contents
Highlights
- Latest Google updates: including Files by Google, YouTube Music, Google Drive, Fitbit changes, Google TV’s smart control features and more.
- Files by Google: Reached 5 billion downloads on the Play Store.
- YouTube Music: Added a Top Songs carousel on artist pages.
- Google Drive: Introduced differential uploads for faster file syncing.
- Fitbit: Removed TV casting for workout videos.
- Google TV: Enhanced local smart home control for Matter-enabled devices.
Google has been quite busy since the beginning of this year and has been rolling out new updates and hitting some interesting milestones across its suite of apps and services.
Files by Google Reaches 5 Billion Downloads
Within eight years since its release, the Files by Google app has finally crossed the extraordinary 5 billion download mark in the Play Store. Initially published as Files: Go, it was later rebranded Files by Google in November 2018. From then on, the app has been receiving numerous updates and has added some Android features that are devoted to file management and freeing storage space.
YouTube Making Carousel of Top Songs
YouTube Music now has added an interesting feature, which is a carousel of top songs on artist pages. Now when users click on the page of any artist it will have a unique come-touch-and-feel top song carousel. From the carousel, four songs per page show up to 20 songs across five pages. There is a “Play all” button to play all songs from within the carousel. This is supposed to bring a noticeable new user experience into people’s lives; therefore, it will improve our abilities to have the top currently listed tracks.
Sync Faster with Google Drive
Google Drive now syncs rather fast thanks to the differential uploads, increasing the speed of file synchronization. This feature ensures that only part of a file that has changed will be uploaded rather than the entire batch, making the process of upload a lot more fast. This is particularly useful for users who frequent their files to make small or large edits. Google Drive also comes with Gemini and this AI tool enhances preview and organisation.
Fitbit Removes TV Casting Feature
In a bit more controversial move, Fitbit removed the ability to cast workout videos to the TV. This was a feature that many Fitbit users who preferred to see their workouts on a larger screen had enjoyed. While the reason for this change is not yet disclosed, other services by Fitbit remain the same.
Google TV Adds Local Smart Home Control for Nest Devices
Local control over Nest devices has been added as a new feature in Google TV, therefore the users can manage their smart home devices directly from their TV system. This update has enhanced the convenience and functionality of Google TV, making it easier to control their smart home environment.
