HiTechEdge

Tag: 9to5Google

  • Google Adding Support for iMessage Reactions

    Google Adding Support for iMessage Reactions

    Android users tried of seeing a text explanation when iPhone users send Tapback reactions are in for a surprise with Google’s recent improvement.

    Apple introduced Tapback, a way for iPhone users to react to text messages inline, rather than sending a new text. Unfortunately for Android users, Messages didn’t support any Tapback reactions. As a result, users would see:

    • Liked an image
    • Emphasized “See you then!”

    According to 9to5Google, Google is rolling out an update that replaces those text descriptions, displaying an emoji reaction, essentially duplicating how the Tapback looks in iMessage.

    The update fixes a major pain point in Apple > Google texting.

  • Latest Google App Crashing on Android Devices

    Latest Google App Crashing on Android Devices

    The Google app appears to be crashing on multiple devices following the latest update, impacting Google Pixel, Samsung and Motorola phones.

    The latest version of the Google app for Android is 12.23.16.23. Unfortunately, some users started experiencing problems immediately after updating, according to 9to5Google. In addition, the Podcasts and Lens apps are also crashing post-update.

    It seems that updating to the 12.24 beta of the Google app resolves the issue. While beta software should usually not be run on a production device, in this case, it may be the best option for users looking to restore stability and functionality.

    Users experiencing the problem can get the beta here, or via the Play Store listing.

  • Google Officially (and Quietly) Launches Fuchsia OS

    Google Officially (and Quietly) Launches Fuchsia OS

    Google has released its third major operating system, Fuchsia OS, although most people probably missed it.

    Google has been working on Fuchsia OS for several years. The OS is an all-new undertaking, built from the ground up, without being based on Linux, UNIX or any other OS. The company has been unusually secretive about the project, leading many to conclude it could bring together the company’s OS strategy, eventually replacing both Android and Chrome.

    One of the factors in Fuchsia’s favor is Flutter, the programming language used for it. Because Flutter creates cross-platform apps, apps that are created now will be able to automatically run on any Fuchsia-powered devices once they debut.

    It appears Google has finally released Fuchsia, although to an existing device, rather than an all-new device, or as part of a wider release. According to 9to5Google, Fuchsia has been rolled out to the first-generation Nest Hub, replacing the Linux-based OS the devices were previously running.

    Google confirmed to 9to5Google there will not be any fundamental change in the device’s behavior. Nonetheless, Fuchsia running on a real-world device will give the company valuable input on how well the OS is functioning, and what improvements need to be made before a wider deployment.