Highlights
- Google TV homescreen redesign introduces circular app icons for space efficiency.
- New “Satellite SOS” feature enhances safety for Pixel smartphone users.
- Google Photos rolls out Activity-based personalization for more relevant Memories.
- Streamlined app reordering and easy app installation with dedicated buttons on Google TV.
Google has officially commenced the deployment of a refreshed homescreen interface for Google TV, introducing an array of aesthetic and functional enhancements.
Key among these updates is the transition of app icons to a circular format, a change that modernizes the interface and also allows for more efficient use of space.
This redesign, first hinted at months ago and now detailed on Google’s support forums, also brings significant improvements to the user experience.
Notably, the “Your Apps” section has been refined to offer users greater ease in customizing their app array.
A new dedicated button simplifies the app reordering process, streamlining what was previously a more cumbersome task involving multiple steps and a long press of the select button.
What Else is New in This Redesign
Additionally, the introduction of an “add apps” button marks another convenience, facilitating the discovery and installation of new applications.
While it remains to be specified whether this feature links directly to the Play Store or merely opens the “Apps” tab, it represents a clear effort to enhance app management and accessibility.
In an effort to expand content accessibility, Google TV is also innovating its approach to free live TV channel access.
Moving beyond the traditional “Live” tab, a novel shortcut app will now be featured within the “Your Apps” section, mirroring a functionality previously integrated into Android TV.
This move underscores Google’s commitment to providing users with seamless access to a broad spectrum of live content.
Google has announced that the rollout of this homescreen redesign begins today, with the update expected to reach all Google TV devices in the coming months.
Pixel Phones Getting Satellite SOS
In more unrelated but relevant Google news, the tech giant is set to enhance the safety features on its Pixel smartphones with the forthcoming introduction of a “Satellite SOS” capability.
This new addition was revealed through an update to Google’s Adaptive Connectivity Services app.
As per reports this feature is accessible via the Settings app, under the Safety & emergency section, where users will soon notice the option for Satellite SOS.
This development positions Google Pixel phones alongside the iPhone 14 and 15 models, which already offer a similar Emergency SOS via satellite feature.
The functionality of Satellite SOS is designed for scenarios where cell service or Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Users in such situations will identify an SOS icon in their status bar, indicating the availability of satellite connection for emergency communication.
Initiating this service, users will be prompted to provide details about their emergency situation through a series of questions.
Following this, they will be connected with the appropriate emergency services personnel, with the option to share their location through Google Maps for precise assistance.
Google Photos Getting New Activity-based personalisation
Apart from the Pixel phones receiving the Satellite SOS feature, Google Photos is also rolling out a significant update aimed at enhancing user experience with Activity-based personalisation settings.
This new functionality is designed to tailor the Memories feature, which showcases a carousel of story-like images at the top of the app, to better align with user interactions.
Activity-based personalization works by analyzing how users engage with Memories, taking note of which ones are viewed or skipped.
This data then informs the app to present more relevant Memories in the future, creating a more personalized experience.
The setting is activated by default to ensure users immediately benefit from this refined customization, but it offers the flexibility to be disabled at any time.
For users concerned about privacy, disabling the Activity-based personalization setting will erase the activity data collected over the past 18 months.
However, this action won’t affect the availability or accessibility of the user’s library, Memories, or Creations within Google Photos.
To adjust the Activity-based personalization setting, users can navigate to photos.google.com, access the Settings menu, and toggle the feature on or off according to their preference.
FAQs
What’s new in the Google TV homescreen redesign?
The Google TV homescreen redesign features circular app icons for a refreshed look, streamlined app management with dedicated buttons for reordering and adding apps, and a new shortcut for accessing free live TV channels.
How does the Satellite SOS feature work on Pixel phones?
The Satellite SOS feature on Pixel phones enables users to communicate with emergency services via satellite connection when Wi-Fi or cell service is unavailable, including the option to share their location for precise assistance.
What is Activity-based personalization in Google Photos?
Activity-based personalization in Google Photos tailors the Memories feature based on user interaction, such as viewing habits and skipped content, to surface more relevant Memories, enhancing the personalized experience.
Can I control the Activity-based personalization setting in Google Photos?
Yes, users can toggle the Activity-based personalization setting on or off in Google Photos’ settings. Turning it off deletes past activity data without affecting the availability of your library, Memories, or Creations.
When will the Google TV homescreen redesign be available?
The rollout for the Google TV homescreen redesign starts today and will be available to all devices over the next few months, offering users a more intuitive and enhanced viewing experience.
How will the “add apps” button on the Google TV homescreen redesign impact app discovery?
The “add apps” button simplifies the process of finding and installing new applications on Google TV, potentially linking directly to the Play Store or the “Apps” tab. This feature is designed to enhance user convenience by making app discovery more straightforward and accessible.
What privacy options do users have with the new Activity-based personalisation feature in Google Photos?
Users concerned about privacy can easily disable the Activity-based personalisation feature in Google Photos, which will delete activity data from the past 18 months.
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