Category: Google

After about a month of testing in the beta channel, Google has released a significant update to the Chrome browser for Windows, Mac and Linux.  The update brings the browser to version 48 (48.0.2564.82 for those keeping score at home) and comes with a long list of security fixes and improvements.  In total, there are 37 fixes in this update to the browser and users of Chrome are encouraged to get the update quickly.  You can always let your Chrome browser find the update on its own or you can force the issue by going to menu>Settings>About and it will force your install to go look for an update.

A blog update on the Chrome blog is expect soon to highlight all of the changes.

The Project Fi app for users of the Google’s MVNO has been updated and it brings a great new feature:  Multiple voicemail messages.  Now you can record multiple greeting for your voicemail on the service and select which one you want to use for a particular day or event.  The update comes as version is G.1.7.16 for those keeping score at home and it is in the Google Play Store now.  You likely have already received an OTA update for it but if not, it will be there in a day or two.

You will know that you have the update when you go into the app, scroll down to Voicemail then tap on Manage greeting.  You will see a blue microphone icon at the bottom of the screen which you can tap (and my be prompted for microphone permissions) to record a new greeting.  Once you do, you can name it and it will be saved to your account.

Project Fi – Free – Download Now

Wireless networks in homes have, for the majority of users, been fraught with challenges. Whether the challenge is a cryptic network name or an even more cryptic password, configuring a home Wi-Fi access point can be flat out painful at times.  Even for those of us who have been working in telecom and have configured routers, switching and access points, there is something that is just makes doing it at home with consumer equipment a real challenge.  Google recognized this and last Fall introduced the Google OnHub, a home wireless access point that makes configuration and setup simple.  Not opting for a low-end branded device, Google worked closely with TP-Link to produce a stunningly impressive Wi-Fi access point that is easy and dare I say painless to setup.

I recently bought a Google OnHub, replacing my Apple Airport Extreme which was flaking out after only two years of service, and I have to say that I’ve been nothing short of impressed.  Sure it doesn’t have some of the sophisticated knob-turning of similarly price access points but it does have one of the fastest, smoothest setups I have ever seen.  From the time I unboxed it to the time I was online was literally less than 5 minutes.  And even if you are not an Android user, you can easily set up the app-driven OnHub from your iPhone.

If you are looking for a simple to setup and manage Wi-Fi network for your home (or even small business), take a look at the Google OnHub.  Here is my review.

As the revamp and rebirth of Google Plus continues, another update has been made to the site to improve the user experience.  News of the update came from Luke Wroblewski, a Googler who is working on the project and follows up an announcement he made earlier in the week around the Android app update for the social & community site.

The updates to Google Plus that Luke announced includes 37 bug fixes but also some streamlined features and added features.  For example, you can now pin posts to your Profile and the update brings an easy way to move your posts into a Collection.  Lastly, there is an improved and simpler invite to a Community feature in the update.

The world that is Google is expansive.  With dozens of services and solutions, getting your hands (and head) around all that they have to offer and use those services and solutions can be daunting.  Even the most powerful of power users can get lost in the maze so the company has launched Google Tips.  Google Tips is a website that has over 150 tips, tricks and how to’s to make your experience and use of their services and solutions easier.  The tips range from doing like using an app to order groceries to finding your Android phone if you left it somewhere.  There are tips that cover using Google Sheets, privacy settings and how to text hands free.  It’s a pretty impressive start and something that I applaud Google for developing as more people turn to their services and solutions every day.

If you have a Chromecast, you know that there are some great photos that the device scrolls through while sitting idle. Sure you can point it to your own photos but some of the default ones are just spectacular. Now you can download them to your PC or Mac to enjoy thanks to Alex Meub.

Alex has put together a blog post that has all of the Chromecast photos available for your to download to your computer to use as a wallpaper. While the blog post hasn’t been updated in over a year, the vast majority of the wallpapers are there – and there are hundreds to download on the site.  All of the photos are credited to the photographer who took them but you can download them

for free to use.