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Google Revamps Its Android Auto Service with New Update

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Google is coming out with a new update for its Android Auto service for automobiles. The service allows cars to use several Google features, and smart functionalities, making the entire car system more efficient. The changes as per this update will include the reintroduction of the Google Calendar app. Such an upgrade will allow users to access information, including appointments, receive driving instructions, and even gain reminders regarding important dates. Here’s a look at what the update will bring back, and why this update was a long time coming.

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Image Source: Techcrunch.com

Update for Google Calendar on the Way

The inclusion of the Google Calendar came as a surprise to many as Google had removed the feature from Android Auto last year. After removing the app, Google replaced it with a button that readout appointments and other essential details. Such an addition increased the system’s dependence on Google Assistant as the screen did not display anything. However, with this new update, Google is adding several new shortcuts to the Calendar. For instance, users can now directly call a bakery or ask for directions to a bakery in case there is a birthday coming up in the future. Such useful, thoughtful and intuitive shortcuts will make life easier for users while driving. Just last year, Apple introduced such features in their CarPlay update, while rolling out the iOS version 13. 

Other Changes

Other than improving the smart features on the Calendar app, Google announced that it was working with other partners to create better applications for Android Auto. Some of the new categories they are working on include EV charging, parking, and navigation. However, the tech giant has remained mum regarding the distribution of those services and apps. But reports state that if the tests go well, Google will make the APIs public so that developers can build new apps for the software.

Long Time Coming

Ever since 2014, Google has been trying to get smart features from its phones into cars efficiently and seamlessly. Therefore, it was not a surprise that the tech giant has come out with a new update that aims to improve the user experience for drivers sincerely. Google announced that it was seeing strong momentum with regards to usage of Android Auto, and will keep developing software for the service. Google’s initial plans with Android Auto was to help users stay connected while traveling and on-the-go, helping them utilise smart features without taking attention away from the road. The feature is already a part of most cars, and the tech company is in the process of introducing it to 100 million more vehicles in the future. Several manufacturers, such as BMW, Kia, and GM have also voiced their support for wireless connectivity, making it evident that Google will continue developing the Android Auto service.

Expanding Android Auto

The new partnership with other firms will result in the development of a variety of new applications. Google says the aim is to create useful functions and services that users can access with minimal taps. Reports state that the early access partners will make their services available to beta testers by the end of 2020. After additional testing, and collection of feedback, these APIs will go public, helping with faster development and distribution.

Some of the partnerships include ones with companies like SpotHero, Sygic, and ChargePoint. Furthermore, Google is also pushing the development of its Android Automotive OS, which serves as an open-source, efficient, and highly powerful automobile infotainment platform. The OS allows users to utilise Google Maps, Play, and Assistant without syncing their mobile device with the vehicle. Polestar 2 will be the first car to have the system built into it and has hit the global market. Other manufacturers who will run the OS include Renault, GM, and Volvo.

After launching the Android Auto in 2014, Google came out with a significant refresh in 2019. The update brought with it a new layout, launcher, typeface, and dark mode, giving it a polished and refreshed look. The update also made the interface for Android Auto a lot like standard Android phones to the delight of fans. However, this update did not intuitively launch Google apps simultaneously, instead pulled up Google Assistant whenever users chose Google Calendar, Podcasts, or News.

Therefore, users had to finish their commands by voice to access such features. While this made sense as the service aims to reduce physicality while driving, the highlight was not very well-received by users. Seeing how this new update, just a year later removes the feature, it is safe to assume that Google got the message. It will be interesting to see how the public reacts to this change, and how quickly Google can release new updates as promised through their partnerships.

Google Stuns by Dropping Three Pixel Models at Once with a Flagship Coming Out Soon!

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Smartphone enthusiasts have a huge reason to celebrate this week, thanks to recent announcements by Google. Google has left everyone surprised and baffled by its official announcement of three new Pixel phones. No one within the industry expected such a significant statement from the tech-giant that is currently working on its gaming platform. However, the new report reveals that Google will soon be releasing the Pixel 4A, 5, and 4A 5G. Here’s an in-depth look at what the announcement means, and how the new line-up looks for Google.

Three Phones Out

Google Pixel 4A will set users back by $349 and will be the first phone to hit the market. The phone is already available for preorder, with the first shipment order coming out by August 20th. Following the 4A is the Pixel 5, which will support 5G and ship sometime by the fall of 2020. Lastly, Google announced plans for a Pixel 4A-5G, which costs a whopping $499 and will ship along with the Pixel 5 during the fall of this year.

Why the Sudden Rush?

Essentially, the tech giant is now admitting that it has a large number of phones lined-up, one after the other. As visible, the company is releasing multiple phones at the same time, confusing both fans and experts. However, most experts believe that this occurred as a result of the delay in releasing the Pixel 4A. The phone should have come out much sooner, but the COVID-19 situation prevented the phone from hitting stores earlier.

As the Pixel 4A was available to a few, several reviews of the phone are already out. However, the company has not released many details regarding the other two phones in its line-up. The announcement has given away a few details, including photos of the phone, which we will be looking at through this article’s course.

Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A-5G

Most experts believe that the matte black phone in the announcement picture is the Pixel 4A 5G. Meanwhile, the sparkly phone on the left will most likely be the Pixel 5. Google has only stated that the Pixel 5 will come out in fall and that it will support 5G capabilities. Furthermore, the company has also noted that the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Canada, Ireland, Taiwan, and the US will receive both phones. Google’s Vice President of Product Management, Brian Rakowski, said that the company would make further details available in the months to follow.

Rumours Flying Around

Also, since Google has a habit of tweeting details before the actual launch of the phone, users can expect features through social media. Last year, Google’s response to rumors regarding the Pixel 4 was to tweet a photo of the upcoming phone in June. Also, Google seems to be adopting this new strategy of cluttered release as a form of pushing 5G capabilities on their phones. However, since the Pixel 4A-5G and Pixel 4A have a price difference of $150, it will be interesting to see how the users react. Such a large price difference only for the ability to use 5G data seems steep, but most experts believe that Google will also beef up the Pixel 4A-5G. Rumours are already alight that the phone will have a larger screen OLED screen, and maybe even a secondary lens for the camera.

The Pixel 4A that comes out in August will not support 5G, leading to American carriers having a placid response to it. The phone will mostly go on sale only online as American service providers do not want to push phones that don’t support 5G. The biggest reason for such a cluttered launch of phones seems to be to vouch for 5G capability. Since the 4A does not offer 5g and will not garner much carrier support, the pre-announcement of the Pixel 5 will act as a saving grace for Google.

These new phones might be a make-or-break for Google as the Pixel line has fallen under controversy in the past. Most experts believe that the company has fallen behind competitors in the smartphone race. While the line’s battery life has been disappointing, the saving grace for the range has been its excellent camera. However, the man thought responsible for it; Marc Levoy has moved on to Adobe, as we had already reported earlier. While the company usually announces the flagship Pixel model in October, it has moved the announcement forward this year. We will have to wait and see whether the line-up will hold its own when push comes to shove at the end of this year.

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7 Critical Factors to Consider Before Purchasing an SSL Certificate

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SSL certificates have proved to be effective companions for websites. With the increase in the security hacks and cyberattacks, SSL certificates have become a perfect weapon in the war against cyberattacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks. Most websites have indeed adopted the SSL certificate trend. According to Google’s Transparency Report, 90.2% of the total browsing time on the google chrome browser was spent on websites with SSL certificates. This statistic shows that the number of SSL certificate purchases has increased. Purchasing an SSL certificate is not a give and take transaction. It involves a number of steps and considerations.

As a buyer, you have to put a number of factors into consideration before purchasing the SSL certificate. This article highlights seven critical factors that you should take into account before and when purchasing an SSL certificate.

Also Read: Larry Page and Sergey Brin: The Intellectual Friendship Behind Google

1. Dedicated or Shared 7 SSL certificate: Which is preferable for you?

The first important consideration you should know is, whether to acquire a dedicated SSL certificate or a shared SSL certificate. As the name suggests, a shared SSL certificate is one that you share with someone else. Usually, a person having the SSL certificate will agree to let you use the certificate at a certain fee. You will thus encrypt your website at a smaller fee compared to when you would have purchased your own SSL certificate.

However, one drawback presented by the shared SSL certificate is that the name of your business is not usually attached to it. This might raise a red flag especially to online shoppers. On the other hand, a dedicated SSL certificate is one that you acquire on your own. Your identity will be verified independently and your domain name will be displayed on the certificate. Customers will hence see your business name and this increases their trust and your credibility.

Also Read: IMANGI STUDIOS- THE COMPANY THAT BUILT ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS MOBILEPHONE GAMES

It is therefore essential to weigh cost against other factors before acquiring an SSL certificate. You will have to choose between a dedicated SSL certificate and Shared SSL certificate best suits you. For instance, if you are not involved in a lot of business or you are comfortable with the e-commerce web hosting company for your website, then there will be no big deal for using a shared SSL certificate.

On the other hand, if you are doing a lot of business that involves huge transactions in the form of sales and purchases, or you want to make the website into a high profile level, then using a dedicated SSL certificate could be a nice idea.

 2.  The Level of Encryption that you Require 

At present, there is a 256-bit encryption available in all SSL certificates. The encryption strength refers to the number of bits that are available in the key. It is the bits that are charged with the role of encrypting the information during a Secure Socket Layer session. Moreover, the CSR encryption strength is 2048-bit key encryption.

3. How does it Work?

One vital thing that you ought to be aware of before purchasing an SSL certificate is how it operates. The main reason as to why you are acquiring the SSL certificate is to strengthen on your website security. Do you know how this is done?

The role played by an SSL certificate is to initiate secure sessions with the browser of the users. This is achieved via the Secure Socket Layer Protocol. To stay on the safe side, any business organization that involves in E-commerce should install an SSL certificate on its web server. However, it depends upon the site that which SSL certificate is the best for it for example, if you have a small business and start-ups with low volume transactions then, comodo positive SSL certificate is an ideal solution.

Also Read: Zoom Freezes the Release of Any New Feature as Its Security Is At Stake

The SSL certificate encrypts all the information that is transferred between the servers and the users. When a browser tries to connect to a website onto which an SSL certificate has been installed, the browser will request the identity of the webserver. To confirm its identity, the webserver will have to send a copy of its Secure Socket Layer to the browser.

Also Read: Harald Hass- German Professor who coined the new Li-Fi technology

The web browser will scrutinize the copy of the SSL certificate it has received to make sure that it is legit and that it can be trusted. If the SSL certificate is trusted, then the web browser will send a message to the webserver. The web server will then send to the web browser a digitally signed acknowledgment that will start an SSL certificate encrypted session. Having this knowledge of the order of events is essential before purchasing an SSL certificate.

 4. How Can I get one?

Requiring an SSL certificate for your website is one thing while acquiring the SSL certificate is another. Truth be told, the process of acquiring an SSL certificate can be a bit long and complicated. You have to take the time to do your research to get the best SSL certificate for your website and from the right SSL certificate provider. Today the world is full of scammers. Do not fall victim to a bad SSL certificate provided by a malicious individual. This might just be as harmful to your site as not having one.

SSL certificates are usually provided by a Certificate Authority (CA). The certificate authority will assess your provided credentials against the level of validation and encryption that you require for your website. When your application is finally approved by the Certificate Authority, the CA will then issue the SSL certificate plus all the associated keys that you will require.

It is vital that you go for a trusted Certificate Authority that will offer an SSL certificate that fits into your budget and one that can help achieve your business goals. You can also get an SSL certificate from an SSL certificate reseller.

5. The SSL Certificate Supplier

As earlier stated, you should purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority. When choosing the SSL certificate provider, there are a number of factors that you should consider. You have to make sure that the SSL certificate provider has all types of SSL certificates. It is also important to make sure that the SSL certificate provider has a twenty-four-hour support.

The reason is that dealing with SSL certificates can at times involve some technical concern that will require the platinum level support from the SSL certificate provider itself. Such support can make a huge positive impression in customers’ mind and it will help in augmenting the renewal ratio of an SSL provider.

Other factors that you have to confirm is whether the SSL certificate has a valid mailing address. The SSL certificate provider should be focused solely on the provision of SSL certificates. Lastly, go for the supplier that offers more than one brand of SSL certificates.

6. Do You Need A Dedicated IP?

Will you require a dedicated IP for your website? This is one of the questions that you should have answers to before installing the SSL certificate. A dedicated IP is usually a technical requirement for the installation of an SSL certificate. Separate dedicated IPs ensure for the proper functioning of SSL certificates. However, with the advancement in the Server Name Indication (SNI) technology, it is now possible to install multiple Secure Socket Layer certificates using a single IP. The decision to use a mandatory IP address can also depend on the web hosting provider that you use for your website.

7.  Warranty and Support From Certificate Authority and Supplier

Does the certificate authority that you have chosen for purchasing your SSL certificates from having a warranty and a twenty-four-hour support? It is an essential question that you should put into consideration before deciding to finally purchase the SSL certificate. Go for the SSL certificate that has the warranty option, just in case things go wrong. Also go for a provider that will be available to your aid whenever it is needed.

Conclusion: Purchasing an SSL certificate, as it has been mentioned, is not a give and a take transaction. Several factors have to be put into consideration. Following the above steps will ensure that you choose a perfect SSL certificate that will play the vital role of encrypting your website and achieving all your business objectives.

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Google puts the key of leadership on a single hand while unifying the teams of its communication apps

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Strategies, opinionated discussions, absorbing consumer feedback, and implementing changes are the basic steps of teamwork and product development. Also, not to mention leadership has always been the most precious element towards quality output. With that noted, Google dropped the news of bringing all its communication and messaging apps under one team. Yesterday, Google revealed the news and also added there won’t be any changes in the products for the time being.

The announcement

Google announced yesterday that Javier Soltero, VP, and GM of G Suite will be managing this new team. With already in charge of G Suite along with Google Meet and Google Chat, the additional products that came under his team are Messages, Duo, and the phone app on Android. But, the company also mentions that this won’t harm the position of Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems, and they will work side by side.

Users might expect some changes in the sphere of product development. But, Google clearly said that the company is unifying the team for communication products under one leader, Javier Soltero. The team will work under the mutual leadership of Soltero and Lockheimer while Soltero will still be a part of the cloud team.

Javier Soltero’s devotion towards G Suite

Javier joined Google as the VP and GM of G Suite on last October. Before that, he worked with Microsoft company for five years. After a few months of his time at Google, he was still not getting the hang of the working system like Google. In Microsoft, Javier was in charge of Outlook.

One of the most impressive things about Google that made him want to join the company is the constant innovation of products that creates a dialogue between the user and the tool. He said the tools of Google propel the users forward to learn something new instead of holding them back.

Since he has joined the company, Javier has devoted all his time and focus on understanding the demand and needs of clients. His team is very much focused on browser-based experience and native mobile experiences. He is focusing more on the implementation of AI, especially for a smart chat. Javier said the products of Google still need much more integration and coherent development.

Google Meet and Google Chat

It has not been a year and Javier successfully put behind the chaos of Hangout. The pace of development Javier has picked up after coming to Google is way faster than Google updating features on communication apps. Javier wants to give more clarity to the products and especially for the consumers. This made him rebrand Hangout to Google Chat which was followed by Google Meet. Every other product of Google comes with the brand name, but these two were left out. So, it was a brilliant move by Javier.

Moreover, at the end of last month, Google announced that Google Meet will be free for everybody. The demand for videoconferencing escalated during this pandemic. So, making Google Meet free attracted a lot of users. Also, people are trying to avoid the Zoom communication platform currently due to the zoombombing case a month ago.

Innovation shouldn’t come too fast

Javier is inclined towards bringing innovations but he doesn’t want to smudge the clarity between products. He said every product has a different job and a different goal. So, unlike Facebook, Javier is not planning to integrate all the Google chat apps. The clarity should be maintained for the sake of clients and their purpose of using it. And, this harmony will be disrupted if rapid changes are made to these products.

The integration hypothesis

Improvement can never take place if there is only one-sided opinion. While Javier says that rapid development might create difficulties for the users, Hiroshi believes in the perfect amalgamation of Google apps and Chrome OS. According to Hiroshi, it is a good idea to integrate G Suite apps and Chrome OS as the latter might work better due to the conjugation. He wants to broaden the platform for Google’s app.

But, paying importance to Javier’s opinion, he might keep the decision on hold. Because nothing can be worse than confusing the customers by making a mess which they are already trying to come out of.

Apple

APPLE AND GOOGLE GAVE AN IDEA ON HOW THEIR CONTACT TRACING SYSTEM WILL WORK

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With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, many big tech giants are trying to develop smart tools for tracking. Many websites are providing updated information about the coronavirus cases at both national and international levels. The development of apps has taken place that are marking zones with different colors to clarify the impact of the spread.

But, Apple and Google are trying to come up with something more innovative. From the beginning, these two companies are trying to help people in many ways to keep them safe during the outbreak. For example, Google launched new features in Google Maps to show the nearest takeaways, Apple is launching new products to help users stay connected, etc. This time, the two companies together have come up with a coronavirus tracking system for both IOS and Android.

Revealed more information

Yesterday, both Apple and Google have shared more information on their contact tracing system. The company explained the design of the user interfaces for potential applications. Thorough explanations were carried out on how the users will get automatic information. Also, how data will be shared between a large network of mobile phones without putting a person’s privacy in jeopardy. Yesterday, the companies have also shared a library of reference code, namely, an SDK toolkit (for Android) and an Xcode toolkit (for iOS). This will help the building of applications by health authorities with an embedded contact tracing system.  

How the contact tracing system will work?

The companies announced the contact tracing system in April. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The idea is to notify people if he or she came in contact with an infected person and thus stopping people from transmitting further. And, to build this system, the companies decided to transmit data through short-range Bluetooth communication.

Since the application will get access to the user’s private data, the concern for privacy is obvious. But, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google confirmed that user’s privacy won’t be compromised. The system will be designed in such a way that it will protect the user’s privacy and notify them about positive cases as well.

The launch of the new app

When the joint venture started in April, the companies decided to launch the app for both iOS and Apple during mid-May. The companies wanted to make sure that the application of the health authorities can also use it. So, the users need to download the app and participate in the procedure of contact tracing. The most unique part of this system is using Bluetooth Low Energy Transmissions to share data.

So, the app won’t be tracking your physical location as GPS does. At an interval of 5 minutes, your phone will pick up the signals of the nearby phones and store it in a database. So, if any of these people are tested positive with COVID-19, then they can update it on their phone. Every other phone that was near it will be notified henceforth.

Rules for using this application

Apple and Google together have also set many ground rules that any applications should maintain while using it. For the private sector partners, they can use the system only for the response efforts of COVID-19. They will need prior permission or in better words opt-in consent to access the API or share a positive diagnosis. The app will neither allow using location services nor any targeted advertisement.

In case health agencies already have existing apps that use either of these mentioned above, they need to turn them off before accessing API.

UK’s contact tracing app without Apple and Google

Every nation is trying to build contact tracing applications to notify people and prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. Recently, U.K has launched the beta version of an application that is built on the concept of contact tracing. But, the user interface of the app is very poor and the overall design is ineffective as well.

It will be hard to build a contact tracing system followed by an application without the help of tech giants like Apple and Google. Moreover, if the time taken is longer, the cases will increase rapidly. But, unfortunately, the U.K. is not a big fan of decentralizing data. Many experts have said that the app U.K. is planning to use is not so reliable for tracking COVID-19.

Core update

Google’s May 2020 Core Update Will Roll Out Today!

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SEO experts will be excited to know that Google’s Danny Sullivan has just confirmed that a core algorithm update will come out today. Being officially called the May 2020 Core Update, it will hit the internet later today and is part of the frequent updates that Google releases several times every year. Also, as always, Google stays one step ahead of the SEO community when it comes to naming these frequent updates. The company, at least with this update, has gone back to a generic and default Month/Year, naming model.

New Roll Out

While the May 2020 Core Update will roll out today, it will take around one or two weeks for it to become fully operational. The May 2020 Update is Google’s second update of 2020, up till now, with the first one coming out in January. While both the updates have only three months between them, they seem a world apart. The world has undergone some significant upheavals since this January with the Coronavirus pandemic. Also, the release of the new update puts to rest queries regarding whether the COVID-19 would impact Google’s core update launches. 

What do Core Updates do?

Primarily, broad core updates produce noticeable changes in search engine results around the world, in all languages. Most sites will see a drop or gain in rankings as a result of a new core update release. The changes in these rankings reflect how relevant their content is to the changing times. That is to say if the content a site produces has gained importance, the website moves up in rankings. Whereas, if the content has become less important since the last update, it ranks lower than before when the new update rolls out. Also, a unique material that was not present when the old update was in play has an impact on the rankings. All these factors are assessed and reassessed by the core update to decide the new rankings. 

First Update After the Coronavirus 

Also, since this is the first update since COVID-19, there are chances that it might be volatile. The last update came out mid-January 2020, a time when coronavirus was not a major player yet. However, since then, the novel coronavirus has taken over, changing many aspects of how the world works. All these changes have led to a significant shift in the way people use the internet. For instance, Google stated that never before in history has there been so many searches done for a particular topic.

Searches are done regarding news, the impact of COVID-19 on various fields, and also testing schemes. In many ways, it has changed the way people utilize Google as a search engine. A lot of things, such as the virus places offering services, and even products have gained relevance. Similarly, fields that were frequently searched have lost their importance due to COVID-19, such as tourism, entertainment, and travel. Therefore, the May 2020 Update will have to tackle new challenges of gauging relevance and ranking. 

Impact on SEO Job Market

The May 2020 Core Update has the potential to become a very potent tool. In case it fulfills that possibility, it could be good news for the SEO industry. The economic sanctions put in place due to the pandemic has made a lot of companies furlough and fire their staff. In such an environment, a core update inherently raises the value of SEO experts. The volatility of the algorithm change or upgrade usually decides the importance of these SEO services. Hence, a lot of such experts may soon find themselves seeing an increase in demand for their services. Also, it will be interesting to see how many companies increase their SEO budget as a result of this rollout. 

What to do about the May 2020 Update

As mentioned by Google, their guidance policy remains the same as all their core updates before. They always reiterate that websites need not ‘fix’ anything in case their ranking falls. All Google expects the website owners to do is put out great content. However, experts interpret Google’s advice in many different ways. For instance, the SEO industry was set ablaze with speculation regarding an impending update, as far back as April 28th.

Many experts saw a considerable shift and reshuffle in web search rankings, leading them to believe something was coming up. A lot of them had stated that spam websites were climbing the ranking charts, with the ranking going back to normal after a while. All these sudden changes led people to believe that a core update was going to roll out soon enough.

The most recent update in January was put under a lot of scrutinies, as the September 2019 update had let down SEO experts. Dubbed as a weak update, it had failed to create a massive impact as other previous core updates had. It will be interesting to see how the first update following the COVID-19 will affect SEO rankings. Every time Google alters its SEO algorithm, it does so to make the searching experience better for customers. Anyway, it seems like everyone will have to wait two weeks to see how the update impacts their rankings, and then take appropriate steps!