Source: Google
What you need to know
- Google has shown off the Assistant's new Ambient Mode feature for Android smartphones in a new video.
- Ambient Mode will be activated when your Android device is plugged into a charger.
- The feature is expected to begin rolling out next week and will be available on select Android devices from Sony, Nokia, Xiaomi, and Lenovo.
Google had announced a new Ambient Mode for the Assistant at IFA this year, bringing a Smart Display-like interface to Android phones and tablets. The company has now shared a new video that shows off the feature in action. Even though Google hasn't confirmed it officially yet, some reports suggest the feature will begin rolling out to select Android devices very soon.
Once enabled, the feature can transform your phone or tablet into a smart display when you plug it into a charger, similar to devices such as the Google Nest Hub. In addition to allowing you to control your music and smart home devices, the Ambient Mode will also display the weather information, your reminders, notifications, and a slideshow of photos from your Google Photos account. The video says the Ambient Mode feature will only be available on devices running Android 8.0 or above.
When it first announced the featuree, Google had said that the feature would be coming to the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, Smart Tab M8, Nokia 6.2, and Nokia 7.2. According to Ron Amadeo from ArsTechnica, the feature will be available on select devices from Sony, Nokia, Xiaomi, and "Transsion." It is expected to begin rolling out next week.
Google's Assistant can now present you a curated selection of audio news
Amazon reportedly tried to force Ecobee into sharing user data
As per a report from The Wall Street Journal, Amazon pressured Ecobee into collecting private user data. However, the Canadian smart thermostat maker refused to comply with the demand as it would violate its customers' privacy.
IFA 2021 follows MWC with a 'full-scale' in-person event for September
The IFA 2021 tech trade show organizers have announced that the event will be back in "full-scale" this year despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Google Pay is giving American Express cards the boot for no apparent reason
Google Pay users have been reporting that their American Express cards have been unexpectedly removed from their accounts.
The Xperia 1 II is our favorite phone for shooting video
If video recording is your thing, then look no further than the Sony Xperia 1 II — it offers a large screen, three great cameras, and extremely robust manual video controls.