Google Maps for iOS gets direction widget and iMessage location sharing

NEW DELHI: Search giant Google has rolled out an update to its Google Maps app for iOS. The update brings new features such as a new directions widget, iMessage app for easier location sharing and the Timeline that has been there on the Android app for sometime now.
The update version 4.30.0 brings turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps in the form of a widget on the lockscreen of the user. The users can enable the feature by going to the 'Today View' of the notification centre and scroll down to the edit button and enable Google Directions. Once done, the turn-by-turn directions will start appearing on the widget in the Notification Centre and the user can access them by swiping right on the lockscreen.
Other than this, the update also brings iMessage app to Google Maps which will allow instant location sharing. The users can send their location without leaving the app. Apart from the two features, the update also brings some bug fixes to the app.
The Timeline feature gives users a snapshot of the places they have visited during the day. It also allows users to edit locations, and delete some dates (if they want) or eventheir full history.
Earlier this year, Google announced a new update for its Maps app on iOS and Android.
The new update introduced Uber integration into Google Maps, allowing users to request an Uber ride directly from the Maps app. Not just that, users can check when the driver is en route to the pickup location, contact the driver and monitor trip status from Google Maps itself.
To get started, users have to get to the 'ride services' menu in the app. They'll then see a list of all service providers as well as detailed ride options. They'll also be able to see any special offers or promotions that are running.
Even if the user doesn't have Uber app installed, they'll be able to access the ride sharing service by logging in or creating an account from within Google Maps.

Facebook launches Spaces app to let users socialize in the virtual world

NEW DELHI: At its ongoing F8 developer conference, Facebook showcased its efforts in the VR space by introducing a new app -- Spaces. The app allows Oculus Rift users to connect their Facebook accounts and move in a virtual world, talking to the digital avatars of their friends.
As mentioned by TechCrunch website, up to four users can join a 'space' to chat, draw, watch 360-degree videos, make video calls on Messenger and even take VR selfies.
"You and your friends can relive personal memories from your own Timelines, or even make new ones as you explore things that interest you from people and Pages you follow," said Rachel Franklin, head of social VR, Facebook, in an official blogpost.
Spaces is said to initially hit Oculus Rift and Touch, followed by other VR platforms. It can be downloaded from the Oculus Store.
Users can create their own avatars by choosing one of their Facebook photos and the app will automatically generate an avatar based on their image.
"You can change your eye color, hairstyle, facial features and more until your look fits your identity. It's all about being yourself," added Franklin.
She further mentioned that the company has just "scratched the surface of social VR technology" and Facebook in future will continue to "transform the way people around the world stay connected with their communities and those closest to them."
During its F8 conference, Facebook also introduced something called React Fibre, along with updated QR code support for Messenger.
At the event, an Instagram engineer confirmed that users will soon be able to use most of the app's features offline.

Microsoft is trying to kill passwords with this new feature

NEW DELHI: You may soon be able to use your smartphones to sign into your Microsoft accounts. The company's has launched 'phone sign-ins' to help users sign in using their user ID and simply authenticate the password using their smartphones.
The feature works like Google's sign-in prompt and uses a mobile app called Microsoft Authenticator, which is available on Android, iOS and Windows Phone app stores, to confirm the identity. Inside the app, users can select the 'Enable phone sign-in' option to set up the account.
Although the app is available on all three major platforms ( iOS , Android and Windows), the company has prioritized getting the new feature work with Android and iOS for now. "A few people have asked if this works with Windows Phone version Microsoft Authenticator. Windows Phone makes up <5% of the active users of our Authenticator Apps so we have prioritized getting this working with iOS and Android for now. If/When it becomes a big success on those high scale platforms, we will evaluate adding support for Windows Phone," said Alex Simons, director of program management, Microsoft Identity Division in a blog post.
While logging in, once the user puts his/her user ID, they get a prompt on their connected handsets to 'Approve' the log-in. Once approved, the user automatically gets signed in without typing in their passwords. But yes, the user will have to enter his user name.
"This process is easier than standard two-step verification and significantly more secure than only a password, which can be forgotten, phished, or compromised," said Simons. It has also been mentioned that users can choose to put in the password if in case the phone is not around.
On a related note, Microsoft has started rolling out its Outlook Groups feature to Mac, iOS, and Android OS versions. The application makes it easier to collaborate between groups inside the Outlook mailing service. Users can view their group lists, read and reply to group conversations, view unread messages sent to groups and more.

Google accidentally sends 'confidential Googlers-only OTA' to some Pixel XL users

NEW DELHI: Before rolling any Android update to general users, Google tests it internally by seeding it to in-house beta testers. But it looks like the search giant has mistakenly rolled out an Android update meant for beta testers, to general Pixel XL users.
As spotted by Android Police website, Google accidentally sent an Android OS build that had the information, "Confidential Internal Only - This is a confidential Googler-only OTA to update your Pixel XL with May 2017 security patches. You may use your device normally but do not discuss or comment on this update externally. Send feedback to android-dogfood-discuss@. See go/nougat for more info!"
The update doesn't seem to be a major one, as it's just 62MB in size. It has been mentioned that there are no user-visible changes, and that the update merely brings the Android security patch to May 5, 2017.
Last month, Google released its annual Android Security Year In Review , in which it talked about the OS' security features for billions of devices that use it. Talking about the Potential Harmful Apps or PHAs, Google said that last year, trojan attacks dropped by 51.5% as compared to 2015. It was also mentioned that percentage of hostile downloaders dropped by 54.6%, as compared to 2015.
Additionally, phishing apps declined by 73.4% as compared to those seen in 2015. Google further added that it has brought several security and protection features to Android Nougat. The OS comes with encryption improvements, audio and video protection, and more security for enterprise users.
Besides Android Nougat, Google's monthly security updates also played a big part in eradicating the malware. As per the company, over 735 million devices from more than 200 manufacturers received a platform security update in 2016. Monthly security updates were sent to smartphones running Android 4.4.4 and above, about 86.3% of all the Android devices worldwide.
GOOGLE PIXEL XL SPECIFICATIONS

SUMMARY	performance Quad core display 5.5" (13.97 cm) storage 32 GB camera 12.3 MP battery 3450 mAh ram 4 GB
SPECIAL FEATURES	fingerprint sensor position Back other sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope fingerprint sensor Yes
GENERAL	quick charging Yes operating system Android v7.1 (Nougat) sim slots Single SIM, GSM model Pixel XL launch date October 13, 2016 (Official) brand Google sim size SIM1: Nano network 4G: Available (supports Indian bands) 3G: Available, 2G: Available fingerprint sensor Yes
MULTIMEDIA	loudspeaker Yes fm radio No audio jack 3.5 mm
PERFORMANCE	chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro graphics Adreno 530 processor Quad core (2.15 GHz, Dual core, Kryo + 1.6 GHz, Dual core, Kryo) architecture 64 bit ram 4 GB
DESIGN	build material Case: MetalBack: Metal thickness 8.5 mm width 75.7 mm weight 168 grams height 154.7 mm colours Black, Blue, Silver
DISPLAY	display type AMOLED screen to body ratio 71.04 % pixel density 534 ppi screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass v4 screen size 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) screen resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels touch screen Yes Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
STORAGE	internal memory 32 GB expandable memory No usb otg support Yes
CAMERA	settings Exposure compensation, ISO control aperture 2.4 F camera features Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus image resolution 4032 x 3024 Pixels sensor Exmor-R CMOS image sensor autofocus Yes Phase Detection autofocus, Laser autofocus shooting modes Continuos Shooting, High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) resolution 8 MP Front Camera optical image stabilisation No flash No video recording 1920x1080 @ 30 fps
BATTERY	user replaceable No talktime Up to 32 Hours(3G) quick charging Yes Fast type Li-ion capacity 3450 mAh
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY	wifi Yes Wi-Fi 802.11, a/ac/b/g/n/n 5GHz wifi features Mobile Hotspot bluetooth Yes v4.2 usb typec Yes (Doesn't support micro-USB) nfc Yes network support 4G (supports Indian bands), 3G, 2G gps Yes with A-GPS, Glonass sim 1 4G Bands:TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 1900(band 39) FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1500(band 21) / 850(band 26)3G Bands: UMTS 1700 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 / 850 / 900 MHz2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS:Available EDGE:Available sim size SIM1: Nano