New Google Apps Updates You Need to Know: A 2024 Feature Roundup

New Google App Updates You Need to Know: A 2024 Feature Roundup

Google Apps Updates Roundup: Episode 1

This is Google Apps Updates Roundup number 1. In this episode, I will show you more than 40 new features across 15 different Google apps. So, make sure all your Google apps are up to date, and let me show you what’s new.

Google Photos

I will start with Google Photos, where I’m going to show you four new changes.

Notifications Button on the Main Page

Google replaced the partner sharing button next to the profile menu with a new Notifications button. Tapping on it will show you all the activities related to your albums in a list view. When you tap on the ellipses at the top right corner, you can check the sharing activity, view shared links, shared memories, and conversations. You can also access conversations directly from here if you want.

New Compact Layout for Memories

In the Memories section, there’s a new compact layout that you can see across all your memories. You still have the flexibility to switch between the compact and larger design by tapping on the ellipses and selecting “Change Layout.”

Redesigned Collections Section

The Collections section now has a brand new design with four quick shortcuts at the top. Three are permanent—Favorites, Trash, and Screenshots—but the last shortcut is dynamic based on your activity, showing the last updated folder.

Full-Screen Profile Menu

The Profile Menu now appears in full-screen view, and this update is not limited to Google Photos but extends to all Google apps that use this menu design.

YouTube

The next app we have is YouTube, where I’m going to show you four new features.

Stay on Topic in Shorts

When you search for a specific topic, like Android 14, and start watching Shorts, a new Stay on Topic notification appears at the top if the algorithm recommends unrelated content. Tapping on it will ensure you only see videos related to your chosen topic.

Comments with Hyperlinks and Topics Section

Two new changes have been added to the Comments section:

  • Certain words now convert to hyperlinks (though the process to achieve this isn’t clear).
  • A new Topics section lets you see different topics mentioned in the comments, helping you find related conversations more easily.

Updated Settings Page

The Settings page now has a cleaner design with sections for account details, video and audio preferences, and help and policy, making it less confusing to navigate.

YouTube Music

In YouTube Music, there are two new changes.

New Cast Option Design

In the Now Playing screen, the suggested cast option no longer has a glowing frame and appears in black and white.

Redesigned More Menu

The More menu has been redesigned to look like a floating card rather than the previous edge-to-edge format.

Play Store

Next, we have the Google Play Store, with three new changes.

Redesigned Install Button

The Install button now has a drop-down arrow that lets you select devices for app installations. You can save app sync preferences so each time you install an app, it goes to the selected devices automatically.

Google Play Points for Disney+ and Hulu

Gold, Platinum, or Diamond members can now use their Google Play points to get Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions.

Always Set Watch Faces Toggle

A new toggle called Always Set Watch Faces automatically sets the watch face once it gets installed if you have this option turned on.

Chrome

Now let’s discuss updates in Google Chrome, where I’m going to show you four new changes.

Inactive Tabs Group

A new Inactive Tabs section in your tab group identifies tabs not used for 30 days or more, allowing you to close them or move them back to the main list.

Links Overlay Menu with Reading List Option

The Links Overlay Menu now includes an option to add links directly to the Reading List when you tap and hold on a link.

Listen to Page in Background

The Listen to Page feature now works in the background. With the latest version of Google Chrome, when you start reading an article and quit Chrome, the media player remains in quick settings so you can listen while multitasking.

Manual Payment Verification Toggle

Under Payment Methods, there’s a new toggle called Manually Verify Every Time You Pay Using Autofill. Turning this on adds extra security for autofill payments.

Messages

The next app we have is Google Messages, with two minor changes.

Updated Voice Message Button

The Voice Message button’s border is now removed and only appears when you tap and hold it.

GIFs Carousel

In the GIFs section, there’s a new carousel with tags at the top, making it easier to locate the GIF you want.

Contacts

The next app we have is Google Contacts, with three new changes.

Redesigned Contacts List

The Contacts List now displays inline letters instead of a separate column, and the scroll bar has an updated modern look.

Individual Contact Tile for Pixel Watch

A new Individual Contact Tile for the Pixel Watch provides quick shortcuts to make calls, send messages, or access the contact page by tapping on the profile picture.

Other Apps with Single Updates

Now let’s talk about apps that only got one new change.

Circle to Search

Google removed the camera shortcut from the search bar, leaving only the mic, song search, and translate options.

Google Wallet Personalization

In Google Wallet, a new Personalization feature provides more transaction details, like location, when turned on.

Phone App Audio Emoji

The Phone App now has a new audio emoji that looks like a Halloween pumpkin. When you tap it, an audio effect plays.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *