Your Tech Story

Google

Google

US Government Accuses Google of Tying Products and Blocking Competitors.

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

The recent weeks have seen a rise in political unrest and the issuing of executive orders from the United States of America. The BLM protests have also set alight discussions and debates regarding news, biases on social media, and the freedom of speech. Meanwhile, the American government officials have been building a case against Google with regards to antitrust issues. The government is trying to prove that the search engine is bundling products together, and helping certain players have a competitive advantage over the others. The charges also claim that Google blocks out competitors using such strategies, making the market place unfair and uncompetitive. Here’s a look at what the case claims, and how it could impact the functioning of Google.

Case Builds Momentum

The Justice Department, in coercion with State attorneys, have asked executives from various firms to testify regarding how such practices have impacted them. They have also asked these firms regarding the operations of the Network Division, run by Google. The Network Division sells various services that concern itself with everything from brand strategy to advertisement publishing. These inquiries also focus on discounts, coupons, and features that Google offers advertisers using its products. Regulators are also asking how Google’s search business interferes with the Network Division and the way it sends out targeted ads. However, these executives have asked agencies not to mention their names and designations as they wish such information to remain private. 

Tying Products

Tying certain products together makes the sale of one conditional depending on the purchase of another. While this process isn’t illegal, using it to establish market dominance could be considered a breach of law. As per Gene Kimmelman, who serves as a senior adviser for the Public Knowledge Think Tank believes that using tools to maintain or create a monopoly by restricting entry of new players and blocking rivals could result in antitrust violations. As a result, American regulators are looking to file a lawsuit regarding competition against Google in the weeks to come. Once filed, this lawsuit will become the most massive monopoly suit since the American government sued Microsoft in 1998. That case as well focused on the tying of products that Microsoft made use of to promote Windows systems. 

Google in Similar Trouble

Google is now being asked the same questions, about two decades later. The interviewing of rivals started in July, and each round of questioning has become more detailed and distinct. Reports claim that several respondents used whiteboards to explain the more complicated processes regarding the ad tech market. However, Julie McAlister, who serves as the spokeswoman for Google, stated that Google’s digital ad tech service works across several crowded industries. As a result, these ads compete with thousands of rivals, leading to heavy competition and subsequent lowering of prices and the availability of improved choices for consumers. 

Google

Major Business

The Network Division is a highly successful service for Google, bringing in over $21 billion as revenue last year. However, the growth enjoyed by the same has been on the slower side, when compared to Google’s other ventures and services. Google always frames the Network Division as an aid to publishers who depend on Google for their digital ads. However, critics are quick to point out that Google owns and exploits much of the market. As a result, most advertisers end up being forced to use more Google products, rather than competing or rival products. The regulators are looking at sell-side, buy-side, and exchange-side software, all of which help the ad tech market in pushing out ads. Interestingly, Google offers and owns tools that help with all of these services and processes.

Problem Statement

According to Pramila Jayapal, who serves as a Democratic Representative, the major problem here is that Google controls all these entities. She also mentioned that this makes the ad tech sector sound like the stock market, without any regulation to ensure transparency and fair competition. Hence, to ensure the same, the government regulators are now asking Google about how it waives fees to publishers who use its tools and auction space on Google’s exchange software. They have also questioned the search engine’s decision to limit ad space buying on YouTube via its tool DV360 in 2015. Most rivals have stated that this move led to them losing out on a lot of video ad inventory. Google countered that most social media sites work similarly and that rival Amazon had found a way to grow even without accessing YouTube. 

Insider Trading Issues

Competitors also claim that Google utilizes its search engine to display ads unfairly. Such leveraging of their search business has helped Google account for a whopping 10% of the total publisher revenue on the internet. Rival firms also complained that this forced them to pay for Google’s ad exchange software because the search engine has made itself the most prime real estate for ads. Complaints also focused on how Google passes information between its arms, leading to customer targeting and insider trading. The same complaint was raised by the UK Market Authority’s report on Google’s conflict of interest published last year.

In July, CEO Sundar Pichai dodged several of Jayapal’s major questions regarding Google’s market share. Rather, he focused on how Google shares its revenue with other websites, making it a low-margin business for them. The hearing also brought out several internal emails from Google that proved claims regarding insider information trading. It will be interesting to see what more information future hearings will unearth. Also, we will have to wait to see how the hearings might level the playing field by restricting Google’s access and control over the ad tech market.

android

Google to startle Android TV users with a series of new features

Leave a Comment / Tech News / By

With more users switching to the Android TV version, Google is about to roll out a bunch of new features for it. After the platform of Android TV was first launched in 2014, it has undergone several updates. But, the biggest redesign of the platform took place in 2017. This time Google is planning something bigger and probably the biggest updates of all time.

Android TV platform, in a nutshell, has brought a revolution in the world of both TV makers and daily users. These days, we hardly find any youngsters watching TV as they are always busy scrolling through the newsfeed in social media. But, with the new updates for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, the production of smart TVs, as well as a new fan base for Google’s Android TV, will be created.

New Android applications and Gaming

Android TV is an operating system for the smart TV that has numerous available apps and can be used as a streaming device as well. So, more or less performs all the functions your tablet or phone can just on a bigger screen. With Google announcing to launch more new apps for Android TV, it is a good opportunity for the developers to build unique applications for the users.

There are currently more than 7000 apps and games in the play store for Android TV users. This is one of the most important reasons why the monthly users of Android TV are increasing at an impressive pace every year. With that in mind, Google is working towards owning a big share in the smart TV market by user engagement leading to the growth of Android TV.

Moreover, once these new applications and games are launched by Google, users can easily use them without installing them immediately on the smart TV. This takes place because of the feature, Google Play Instant Support which was rolled out by Google in 2017. So, now the Android TV users can also enjoy this feature which will save both time and data invested in installing before trying it out.

Google will also roll out a new low latency mode exclusively for the better gaming experience. This new feature will help the user minimize latency whenever he or she is playing games in full screen. Apart from this, to make app navigation simpler the up-gradation will take place in lean-back memory.

Security 

No matter how many new updates are installed in any smart device, we want it to be faster and efficient. So, Google is introducing a 4-digit PIN facility for Android app users. This will help the customers to get access to all the content prioritized by him or her without entering the entire password every time. Moreover, every smart device since connected to the internet always has a risk of a security breach. In such cases, the security of the device can be compromised, and still, you can log in with the 4 digit PIN.

Gboard TV

Google is also planning to make typing easier on Android TV. So, the company will also launch a low-latency keyboard, Gboard TV keyboard for Android TV users. The customers who are a big fan of Android TV have given unsatisfactory feedbacks regarding the A-Z layout of the keyboard. Finally, Google has decided to change it to the conventional QWERTY keypad, thus lubricating the user experience. We have practiced typing using a QWERTY keypad since childhood and it is hard to type with a different layout. So, kudos to Google for finally changing it.

Moreover, speech-to-text and predictive typing is also included in the list of new features for Gboard. This modified virtual keyboard for Android TV users will be optimized for over 30 countries. It will be a breakthrough for Android TV as many features are rolling out together making the platform more flexible. New users will also increase rapidly as they won’t need to install every application or game they want to try out. The Android TV users are holding their breath as of when the features will roll out on the market.

google

Google Revamps Its Android Auto Service with New Update

Leave a Comment / Google, Tech Story / By

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.

Android
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!

Leave a Comment / Google, News / By

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.

android

Users Can Now Access Google Stadia Via 4G and 5G Services On Their Mobile Phones

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

Gamers have more good news coming their way. Google recently announced that its cloud gaming service Stadia will now be accessible to Android users. As per the report, Google’s Stadia will now work through 4G and 5G services from mobile phones. This will improve the accessibility of the service, which hit the market last November. Let us now take a quick look at how this move will help gamers around the world.

Accessibility Over Mobile Networks

Google’s announcement via their 9to5Google forum says that users can now use Stadia over mobile networks. The platform will be accessible to Android users who have 4G or 5G connectivity. However, this feature will be through an “experiment” mode, hinting that the feature might not pan out so great for the first few users. Ever since the platform dropped in November 2019, users could play games on it only over Wi-Fi. However, a few had figured out how to play over cellular networks by tethering their laptop. Even so, this was not a preferred method for many, with most opting to play over their fixed LANs. 

Experiment Op-In

In order to play over a cellular network, users will have to opt-in for the experiment. To do so, they should head to their Stadia app, select Experiments, and then click on the Use Mobile Data option. As per previous user experience, playing over a 90Mbps LTE connection ranged from playable to filled with stutters. However, that was back in November, and there is reason to suspect Google has since improved the platform. Since we are unsure of whether the tech giant has updated the portal, users might be surprised to find they can now render games smoothly over cellular networks. Also, in the past, cellular networks could be used only via tethering, which does hamper the overall quality. As users can now make use of 4G and 5G services directly, they can expect better user experience. 

Lot of Updates

This announcement is only one of many regarding Stadia since the platform’s launch. Some of the other updates, including making it available to Android phones, allowing wireless connectivity and finally launching a free service. 

Phone Compatibility

One of the major announcements was that the platform no longer supported only a few smartphones. Recently, they opened up the Stadia app to all Android phones capable of downloading it. Most phones that work on an Android 6.0 OS or higher can now use the Stadia app. To enable the platform, users need first to download and install the app. Then, they must open settings, click on Experiments, and later Play on this device. However, most gamers were unsure of whether the app works on tablets. This helped open up a lot more gamers to the platform, which was available only to Pixel phone users when it launched. Later, by February, it added Samsung, Razer and Asus devices to its roster, before finally opening up to other Android users. 

Wireless Connectivity

Six months after launching last November, Google announced that Stadia would work wirelessly with Android devices. During the launch, most users were left surprised that the tech giant did not include wireless controller support to the platform. Due to this, gamers had no option but to connect their controllers via USB to their device. With the announcement of wireless controller support, gamers got an opportunity to test how easily the platform can shift between devices, the web and Chromecast.

Over time, Google has been improving the Stadia platform, enabling 4K Streaming in March over the web, and then making the service free a month later in April. In April, Google also gave away a free trial Stadia Pro version to users for two months. Through this free version, gamers can access Thumper, GRID and Destiny 2, along with six other titles. Furthermore, existing paid users also got Stadia Pro for free for the same period, and a total of 14 countries got access to this free trial.

However, while the service is free and has a sleuth of new games now, Google has not been able to corner the gaming industry successfully. However, the giant promises to add more than 120 games by the end of 2020, ensuring that both game selection and the number of users will grow in the coming months. 

google

Google Drops Plans to Build Cloud-Computing Service for China

Leave a Comment / Tech News / By

China has been facing a lot of criticism in recent months for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several countries have openly called out the country for its relaxed stand, which led to the pandemic’s spread around the world. Certain countries are also now working on moving their manufacturing out of China. India too has decided to ban several Chinese apps due to border skirmishes between the two near the Nepal border. However, the most recent tech company to pull out of a Chinese partnership is none other than Google. Here’s a look at why the tech giant has abandoned plans to launch a cloud-computing platform for China.

Also Read: SnapLogic : One of the “Coolest” Cloud Platform Companies

Google Pulls Out

As per a report by Bloomberg, this will be the second project that Google scrapped with ties to China. In 2018, Google announced plans to build a search product name Dragonfly for China. However, amidst wide-spread criticism, the company dropped the high-profile project in December 2018. The new project, which goes by the codename Isolated Region, was to help countries with strict data laws, host cloud-computing services. The application would help such countries control the data flow within their borders. Therefore, the project was not a part of Google’s central cloud infrastructure but a different network. The plan was to help China oversee the flow of data across its borders while maintaining absolute privacy. 

Second Time Unlucky

The product was Google’s second attempt at establishing a high-profile partnership with China. Sources are unsure of whether the completed project would have served as a replacement to G Suite. However, rumors regarding such a product first came out in 2018. As per Bloomberg, conversations began as China needed a cloud service that would help them maintain and ensure privacy standards for the flow of data within and outside the country. When tensions between the US and China rose in January 2019, the company momentarily paused the project’s development. Existing privacy concerns and Trump’s trade war plans with China halted the project for a few months, and Google moved its focus to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. 

Pulling the Plug

After the brief halt, Google pulled the plug on the project in May of this year. The reason for the same was partly due to the worsening of ties between the US and China, among other things. As per the company’s statement, the decision came as a result of input from stakeholders in Europe, and from around the world. Google also said that Isolated Region was one of the approaches they took to addressing the world’s cloud technology needs. Talks with other countries proved to them that their paths would be better-suited, leading to the scrapping of the initial plan. The company also stated that they do not offer cloud services within China, and had no plans to offer them in the near future. 

Project Isolated Region

Project Isolated Region was not just to help countries with censoring laws, but to serve ones with strict privacy laws. Google also seems to have eyes on the European Union, which is known for its strong privacy policies. By providing insight over the flow and storage of data to government authorities, Google plans on establishing a service in an EU nation. The project would help solve issues regarding the 2018 American law, Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act. This law makes it harder for companies to deny government data reports when storing large volumes of data offshore. Since the cloud-computing project involved hundreds of employees from around the world, the plan to scrap it is a major shift in policy.