Your Tech Story

Google

Google Search Console

A SMALL YET SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT APPEARED IN GOOGLE SEARCH CONSOLE

Leave a Comment / Google, News, Tech News / By

Every company is striving to make its product better and user-friendly. Some software or websites might work in complex ways, but a simple user-interface is better for any online platform. So, in responding to recent feedback from users of the Google search engine, the company decided to add a new feature. Yesterday, the company’s official webmasters tweeted that now there will be an additional icon to copy the URL.

The announcement 

Google’s webmasters officially announced that an additional icon has been added to the Google Search Console to copy a URL. The icon will appear when the user hovers over the URL. By simply clicking it, copying the URL to the clipboard takes place. So, now there will be three icons while you hover over a URL, namely, open in a new tab, inspect element, and the newly added “copy to clipboard”.

The webmasters have said that they received suggestions from many people for a long time. So, the company has finally made this change to their website. They are expecting a rapid increase in productivity after the addition of this new feature.

Advantage of the new icon

Though this slight modification may look very negligible, many of us will be benefited. Honestly, we can all save some time as we don’t need to highlight it and copy it. This will boost our productivity at many levels, and also hovering over and copying is much more time-efficient. Now that the feature has rolled out, it is surprising to think how such a basic feature wasn’t introduced at the very beginning.

Many people, especially the SEO community have demanded this tiny modification for a long time. Some of them have also tweeted about it. The SEO experts are very happy when they finally see it getting added to the Google Search Console.

Tweets from SEO experts

Fili Wiese, a renowned SEO expert, and author at Search Engine Land tweeted about it last night. He said that continuous request to Google for adding this simple basic feature has finally paid off. He is also a former employee of Google. Another SEO strategist, Benas Leonavicius tweeted that he was waiting for ages for this one simple icon.

Positive Response and Feedback

Apart from the SEO experts and the publishers, many users have said that it will improve the workflow. The overall productivity will be increased to a great extent due to this new feature. Moreover, it is not only the “copy to clipboard” option that can increase the quality of workflow. Since the three icons can be displayed if a user hovers over, all functions can be performed quickly. It is the opinion of many analysts that when they needed to click the inspect element, it disrupted the flow of analysis. But, that won’t be happening anymore.

The flow of work is very important at any professional level. So, lack of certain tools that can disrupt the work quality is a disgrace in today’s world. The fact that Google has finally decided to include this new feature will be very advantageous for the working community. Because with a better user experience the positivity of a working culture increases as well.

Google to Reduce Nest Came Quality to Lessen Load on Internet Networks

Google to Reduce Nest Came Quality to Lessen Load on Internet Networks

Leave a Comment / Google, News, Tech News / By

As the COVID-19 continues its rampage across North America and Europe, most people are still confined to their homes. Most of the schools, colleges and offices in America remain shut as people get used to working from their homes. However, with everyone staying at home and relying on video services for communication, bandwidth is getting more challenging to get your hands on. Similarly, thousands of school children now rely on the internet for their education. Therefore, it is safe to say that the COVID-19 has made things difficult for internet service providers, as they scramble to allow all this data transmission. Google has recently come out with their strategies to help such providers by lowering the load on their workstreams. Here’s a look at why Google is downgrading the Nest Cam’s video quality and how it can help.

Helping Ease the Strain

Google will start adjusting the video quality of its Nest security camera stream in a bid to help ease the strain that broadband networks are feeling. Since more people than ever before now rely on the internet for their communication and education, this step will be a welcome one. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic leaving everyone stuck at home, internet usage has skyrocketed as people try to learn, work and keep themselves entertained at home.

Google’s statement said that the company has decided to hear the global call to put learning and working first when it comes to bandwidth. As a result, Google will be making the required changes over the next few days to make it easier to access other forms of content on the web. Furthermore, Google also sent out a mail regarding the same to Nest Cam users around the country.

Nest Cam Video Quality

Therefore, in case you live in the US, and your Nest Cam suddenly starts transmitting mediocre quality video, don’t be frightened. Google has said that it will set camera quality to the default of all the people in the country who had opted for high quality and high bandwidth options. In case your settings are below default, they will continue to run on the same choice.

The company has also made it clear that it will not change any setting other than the video quality and bandwidth one. However, in case a user feels that they need high-quality images, they can reset their settings too high. Google said that this might be required in case the user relies on Nest Cam to survey their home and surroundings. Since a lower video quality will make it difficult to understand precisely what is happening, users have the option to reset it, if they feel the need to do so. Also, in case you leave the settings at default, Google promises to amp them back to high once the traffic recedes.

Other Changes

Google might also make changes to their Ambient Mode slideshows on Nest displays, Chromecast, and other Cast devices. The company is planning to reduce the resolution and rotation interval of the photos in the slideshows. Also, this hasn’t been the only step Google has taken to ease the strain on network bandwidth. The company had on March 24th, reduced YouTube’s video quality to 480p.

Similarly, Netflix, Amazon and Apple have reduced their video quality in Europe to lessen the load on broadband networks. Sony did the same for its PlayStation Network in the US and Europe. So, in case your Nest Ca delivers only mediocre imagery, understand that the step was taken to help in the fight against COVID-19. Once the world regains some normalcy, your feed too will go back to its high-definition quality, but for now, users will have to make do with their default settings.

map

GOOGLE MAP LAUNCHES NEW SHORTCUTS FOR FINDING TAKEAWAYS

Leave a Comment / Google, Tech News / By

The phase of quarantine is becoming very challenging with every passing day. But, the ones who are at home should consider themselves lucky because that’s all it takes to be safe. We should be grateful to all the police officers and medical professionals who are risking their lives to save the world. But, amongst all this chaos, our heart still longs for something extra. The memory of your last pizza bite might have just started fading. Yes, craving for good food has become a real struggle these days. But, at any cost, we shouldn’t step out of the house. Many online food delivery companies are primarily keeping their services close. Because let’s admit it the emergency services are what we need in this hour. But, it seems like Google has paid heed to the Monday blues or in this case quarantine blues. So, Google Map launched new shortcuts in its app to help people find takeouts from where food delivery service is available. Google’s new announcement has turned out to be a lifesaver for millions of people. Especially for those who weren’t able to come home due to the lockdown.

The perfect timing

It will remain questionable if Google was already planning to release this new feature. But, even if it wasn’t, there could not be any perfect timing. People are locked up in their houses, especially the hostellers and young employees. No one but them used to be dependent on the service of online food delivery. So, they will be highly benefited by this. And, the common people would also like the taste of something different during this monotonous life.

What is the new feature?

The Indian government has done a very appreciable job by collaborating with Google. This new feature has highlighted the shortcut button on the main user interface of the app. Previously Google Map already had the feature of showing the nearest restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations, etc. But, the highlighted option for takeout and delivery is what recently been added.

The COVID-19 pandemic followed by the lockdown has pushed Google to do it. Because when many people casually use the app, they may skip out this small button at the corner. But, now it will be of utter advantage to the people of India. The new feature will show all the takeouts near your location that can provide delivery. Apart from India, this new feature is also available in the United States and some other countries.

The support from the Indian government 

This new feature is not only for relishing good restaurant foods at home. It will also help deliver food at your doorsteps during the time of emergency. The Indian government in collaboration with Google India and Smart Cities has decided to launch this new feature. In the beginning, 31 cities all over the nation will get access to this feature.

The Google Map app will show Public Food shelters and Public Night shelters. This will improve the condition of feeding the nation’s people. The options of “Food shelter near me” and “Night shelter around me” will pop up on the screen. From here one can proceed to order food.

How this will work? 

Well, you should know one thing that Google Map already had the option of takeaways. But, what is new is the highlighted shortcuts. Some people might have the confusion which Google has cleared. The process of ordering is pretty simple. You go to the app and select the area where you want to check the service of takeaway and delivery. It’s up to you which service you are going to take.

But, it’s better to not step out of your house. So, delivery will be a safe option for everyone. After the area is selected, the particular shortcut will display the entire list of restaurants near the selected area. It will only show the locations that can provide either takeouts or delivery. In the case of foreign countries, clicking a particular restaurant can send you to the website of GrubHub. From there you can order food and enjoy your meal.

But, in India order can be directly accepted in most restaurants from Google Maps. The shortcuts are made available on iOS, iPad, and Android.

google pixel 4

Pixel 4’s New Eye-Opening Update Released by Google

Leave a Comment / Google, Tech News / By

With the COVID-19 having hit industries and businesses around the world, the tech world had been looking for some respite. Major tech companies from around the world canceled their councils, conferences and new releases, owing to the pandemic. Companies such as Google, Facebook and Microsoft have indefinitely postponed their important meetings and even moved some online. However, amidst all this, tech fans finally have some good news to take their mind off the negativity. Earlier today, Google released a new update for the Pixel 4, and it has got the entire tech world talking! Here’s a look at what the latest update is and why fans are so excited regarding it.

Eyes Ahead

The new update for the Pixel 4 makes it mandatory for users to open their eyes while unlocking the phone via face unlock. As per the latest update, “Require eyes open” will serve as the default feature, adding an extra level of security to these phones. However, if found to be annoying or unnecessary, users may turn the option off via the phone’s unlock setting’s panel. When the Pixel 4 launched earlier, not having an open-eye detection on its face unlock was seen as a significant disadvantage. Tech critics and security experts had all criticized the company for not having such an in-built function. The primary point of discussion is that since it wasn’t present, people could unlock the Pixel 4 while someone was sleeping. However, Google seemed to have taken the criticism seriously, because they announced last October that the security enhancement feature would roll on out in a few months. It sure looks like they have kept the promise, with the new update coming in on April 7th.

Features of Contemporaries

It isn’t just Google, but Apple as well who has focused on this feature in recent years. Apple has made it compulsory for users to have their eyes open while using their Face ID, ever since 2017. According to this function, users must have their eyes open and look directly at the camera, to unlock the iPad or iPhone. Furthermore, other major mobile phone manufacturers also seem to be picking up on this trend to better their security.

Furthermore, the new update also introduces corrections with regards to the Pixel’s Bluetooth audio input. The phone faced issues regarding connectivity as calls would be dropped, or lagged behind when using certain apps. The update aims to correct these issues and put an end to the woes users have with the Pixel’s Bluetooth.

Long time Coming

During their launch, both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL lacked the feature that required the user’s eyes to be open to unlock the phone. The Android 11 Developer Preview 2 that came out last month introduced that feature to newer versions of the phone. Moreover, today’s update will make the option available to Android 10 users of the Pixel 4. In theory, this feature is said to drastically reduce faulty or erroneous activations. Further, the security patch will fall under the “Always require confirmation” section, which can be changed by the user as and when required.

Last October, Google added Motion Sense and Soli to speed up their IR camera system. The security feature has been in development for much longer as the company had made it clear in October, that the feature would be coming soon. For users who do not wish to use this feature, the company has suggested enabling the Lockdown feature, which makes it possible to unlock the phone using a passcode. The update also dealt with a memory address leak that was affecting the quality of Bluetooth Low Energy on the device. Another patch helps get rid of the lag that exists when the keyboard has to appear within specific applications. Older handsets, such as the Pixel 2, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a also get access to this update, but the further back you go, the lesser additions they will be able to handle.

Google

GOOGLE TELLS HOW THE ONLINE BUSINESSES SHOULD RESPONSE IN THIS PANDEMIC

Leave a Comment / Google, Tech News / By

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide crisis. Apart from the shutdown of offline businesses, educational institutions, etc, it has also successfully created trauma within us. Every nation will find it very hard to economically recover after this deadly virus is eradicated once and for all. While every small enterprise is shutting down temporarily, here is a hope for the online businesses. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, some of the online businesses are also planning to shut down. But, Google says it is a very idea for a business. A website can be less active, but it should still be on the run. Because, once it shuts down permanently, it is very difficult to be back online. Due to the shutdown ranking falls sharply.

The minimalistic approach behind the online business

John Mueller, Google’s senior webmaster trend analyst has given a set of guidelines for those who are planning a shutdown. He said that instead of turning off your business permanently, it is better if you stick to minimal functionalities. This explains what Flipkart and other e-commerce sites are doing. You might show out of stock for the time being or allow your customers to add in wishlist or cart for later. This will save your business once you are back online. Also, you don’t lose you, customers, as they will be visiting the website. Everything except receiving orders should remain active.

Another thing that Muller suggested is to display some important message or notice about the temporary inconvenience. He also said to use Google’s Search Console Tool for re-indexing.

Customers are the first priority

The online sites that are engaged with the service of online ordering and delivery are facing most difficulties. Other websites which provide online solution and the entire procedure is done over the net won’t feel the heat. So, for those e-commerce websites, closing it will be the biggest mistake. You should keep in mind that though your company is not able to deliver, customers visit the website. So, to not have a negative attitude towards your customers, the website should be online. This will help to tackle your problems in a better way once everything is back to normal.

What if you need to shut down?

Shutting down should be the option when you hit rock bottom. If there is no other way then you have to shut down. But, it shouldn’t be more than a few days maximum. If you are shutting down your website you should do thorough research about what are the dos and don’ts. Google also says that the company should display an error page with a 503 HTTP result code. That is the best thing to go for.

And, in case you are planning to shut it down for more than just a few days, here are some tips. One should provide an indexable homepage as a placeholder. This gives the user a way to find it through a search by using 200 HTTP status code. And, if you are planning to hide your website, you can temporarily remove it from search. But, always remember these are very risky. Your business might have a major setback once it is back.

Effects of shutdown

It’s better that your customers know there’s a temporary glitch than not knowing anything at all. This is why a whole vanishing-the-website-idea is not recommended. Always keep your customers updated about the website. There’s not much work in just keeping it active with a notice. And, once you lock the website, users cannot find relevant information about products, services, past orders, reviews, etc. Moreover, if you shut down the website for once, their high chances to lose the contact number and your company’s logo as well.

All these will lead to a company sinking down in the search engine. In other words, Search Control Verification will fail as the company’s information is lost.

The helping hands

It’s hard to make the right decision when you are panicking. So, here’s a small help from domain registrars like GoDaddy and Namecheap. One can continue paying the hosting fee to keep it online. And, these registrars are also helping the small companies survive this. Because entire disabling is very harmful to a company’s future.

google assistant

Google all Set to Lose Legend-ary Voiced Assistant

Leave a Comment / Founder, Google, start-up, Tech News / By

Google is one of the world’s most recognized brands and is a tech-superstar due to its huge presence. We have all been helped by the search engine at some point in time in our lives. It answers everything from simple questions regarding words, to sports updates when we are stuck at work. Slowly, yet surely, the tech-giant has branched out into other ventures. With several highly successful applications like Google Maps, Google Keep and even their cloud-storage service Google Drive, the company has become an integral part of our lives. One major part of Google’s services is their voice assistant which helps us do tasks without actually touching the phone. We can use this assistant to run searches, open the camera or even call someone without lifting a finger. Since voice search is touted to be the next big thing in the years to come, Google has never spared any expense when it comes to developing its search interface.

Wonderful Marketing Strategy Behind Google Assistant

One seemingly brilliant way it has made the assistant more relatable and approachable is by replacing the usually robotic and monotonic voice, with the voice of someone we appreciate and love. Fans went crazy last year when Google announced that the new update would have the assistant upgrade to All of Me fame John Legend’s voice. However, the collaboration seems to have ended because the tech giant announced that the voice would be removed from March 23rd onwards. Here’s a look at how the unusual pairing came to be.

Unlikely Pairing

In case you got used to having John Legend pick up your chores and assist you in your everyday life, you might have to brace yourself for the news. The celebrity cameo will come to a stop on March 23rd, after almost a year of great service. News regarding John’s voice being added to the Assistant’s settings had come out last April, much to the delight of Google users around the world. Most people do not identify with or particularly like the robotic voice that is associated with voice assistants. John Legend, therefore, came as a whiff of fresh air to most users, but, unfortunately, the unlikely, yet successful pairing is coming to a close. But to be fair, Google had mentioned at the time of release that this would be a limited feature, though they had not specified the duration of the tenure.

The addition of Legend’s voice brought a lot of joy to the ears of users around the world, because it brought with it several Easter eggs, very specific to his personality. For instance, you could get a personalized Happy Birthday song, sung by Legend himself if you asked him to do so. Similarly, fans were greeted to a part of All of Me, anytime they mentioned or asked about Chrissy Teigen, who is his supermodel wife. However, it is not all bad news for users, since Google still offers comedian Issa Rae’s voice. But it would be best not to get used to her witty one-liners or sarcastic remarks because you never know when Google will take her off the list.

Special Surprises

While Google Assistant has featured celebrity voices for quite some time now, users might want to make the best of them while they still can. John Legend, however, will always be remembered for being the first celebrity to lend his voice virtually to a plethora of devices all around the world. The singer’s smooth voice, which is sinfully filled with emotion and grit was a huge hit with fans all across the United States.

Google announced the removal via a tweet that urged users to use Legend to the maximum in the time they have left and encouraged them to request more serenades from the crooner. However, though you might miss the Legend-ary voice, rest assured because the Assistant will continue to function the way it used to. The only problem being that you won’t be able to belt All of Me along with the singer himself without accessing YouTube. Also, let us hope that owing to the success of this new endeavor, Google keeps surprising us with new celebrity voices in the future.