Tag: Google

The Chromium team at Google has pushed out another small, midstream update to the platform today, bringing a handful of minor fixes and improvements.  The new build versions are  50.0.2661.103 or 50.0.2661.104 (Platform version: 7879.74.0 or 7978.76.0) and it is available for all devices with two notable exceptions:  The Pinky 11.6″ Chromebooks and the Asus Chromebit.  No word is given in the release on if these devices will see a separate update later but if you own one of those devices, keep checking.  There are not a huge number of changes in this update, with the release stating stability improvements, bug fixes and security updates are included in it.

The Project Fi app for subscribers of Google’s MVNO service has been updated and it is an update that fixes a serious bug in the app.  The build you are looking for is version 1.2.1.30 for those keeping score at home and it is just now rolling out to the Google Play Store.  While you won’t find any new features in the release, you will get a bug fix that stops the use of mobile data when you are on Wi-Fi or have completely turned off mobile data.  The bug is a big deal given that mobile data savings is one of the key pillar points of the service.

Google Calendar for web has received a small but important update that users will certainly benefit from having available.  Now when you view your calendar in day or week view, you will see not only the name of the meeting but the location of that meeting.  Now this may seem like a “no big deal” update but for those who rely heavily on Google Calendar will find it to be a huge benefit as you no longer necessarily have to open up the event to see where it is being held.

The Google Play Store for Android has had a back-end update that brings a new pre-release section to the store.  The section of the store will allow you to register to get notified when an app in the section is released so you can be one of the first to download it and use it.  Right now the section only has three apps in it:

• The Wizard of Oz:  Magic Match
• MMX Hill Climb
• Britney Spears: American

It is pretty clear that there will be more apps to be add as the section of the store grows.

Google has moved another baked in OS service to the Google Play Store today as they continue to uncouple some apps and services from the base Android image.  Google Exchange Services has, to now, been a part of Android and was only ever updated when there was a new update to the platform.  This move to make it stand alone will improve the chances of it getting updated more quickly than it has in the past.  It also means that anyone can use Gmail to get their Exchange mail, something that previously was only available to Nexus device users.

For those of you who use Google Chrome as your browser on your PC, Mac or Linux box, there is a new update to the browser that brings a handful of security updates.  The new build is version 50.0.2661.102 for those keeping score at home and it is out now for you to update.  To force the issue, go to the menu then go to Settings>About.  That’ll force Chrome to go look for the update, download it and it will be applied for you after a restart of the browser.