CorysTechTime

Don't get me wrong. The Google Calendar app on Android doesn't look dated but it's not as modern looking as the rest of Google's app. Google Calendar is the last major Google app not to adopt the new design scheme. You know the ones with the Google profile pic in the upper right corner of the app. Functionality-wise the app is fine. It's my preferred calendar app by a wide margin and it just seems to work reliably. Google Tasks integration is also a nice addition. I can see all the tasks I designated myself all in one app without the need of opening up a separate app.  Design-wise the app can use a little love. I for one would like for Google to get rid of the hamburger menu. Not sure how they would do the redesign but I'm sure they can figure it out. Also, this would be a good time for Google to bake in a better tablet app design as well as Chrome OS support. It's only a matter of time, I guess before Google updates the app. Hopefully, all OSs (Android, Chr

  Long story short a prominent leaker leaked a story on Twitter. A website not known for leaks corroborates the story citing two independent sources but something is telling me that one of them was the original leaker. In the end, Google had to come in and clean up this mess by announcing the existence of an unreleased Pixel phone. The Pixel 5A 5G.  Here's what a Google spokesperson said via The Verge Pixel 5a 5G is not cancelled. It will be available later this year in the U.S. and Japan and announced in line with when last year’s a-series phone was introduced. Leaks are cool but they can go horribly wrong fast. It sucks that Google has to respond to stories like these from time to time and in this case I'm glad that they did. Link(s) The Verge

  Infamous leaker, Jon Prosser has a scoop and it's about Google's upcoming Pixel Watch. Details are light but Prosser did share some images. I’m really looking forward to what Google can bring to the table with AI and ML in a watch form factor. And lets not forget that Google has been killing it with design for a while now. I'm hoping these are real and fall can’t come fast enough. Check out the images below. Images courtesy of Jon Prosser Link(s) Prosser

Last year Google canceled I/O but still held virtual non-events, so to speak. I would call them informative sessions where they would discuss what's new in said OS. This year we’ll be going back to a more traditional I/O, except for the fact that it will be all online only. That’s okay. I'm just happy to hear that there will be an I/O this year. I believe Google has a big year planned this year and it starts next month. Google I/O will be held May 18 - 20 where we’ll see what they've been working on for the past year or so. Link(s) Google

I will preface this by saying I am not a programmer but I am a fan of Google and will also mention that they get so many things right. However, they're not perfect and get things wrong too, which is why I am writing this blog. Google is great at building platforms such as Android, Chromium and among others which are awesome. But Google falls short when taking care of their own homegrown apps and services, and devices at times to their own detriment. There are many examples I can use but will stick to just a few.  The first one that comes to mind is the feature Bubbles. It was announced way back in 2020 around IO but did not roll out until recently which is several months after Android 11 was released. Why announce it to take months to roll it out. Another issue I found as of late is app-related. Google has done a brilliant thing by placing all of their apps in the Play Store to be updated easily and without the need for a full system update. Good, right? So, why are apps with bugs

  Technically the next Pixel Buds will be Google’s 3rd generation of the product. The OG Pixel Buds debuted in 2017 followed up by the current buds in 2019. I’m excited for what's to come but don't expect anything groundbreaking this time around. My guess is that we’ll see a more refined version of the current Pixel Buds and build on the things they got right. If I'm being honest the Pixel Buds 2 can be a bit buggy and had a rocky start at launch. In my experience, Google has mostly ironed out the issue however there are times when an issue pops up. Here’s to better internals with the 3rd gen model that can take full advantage of the software. See image for the FCC listing discovered today.  Image via FCC

I’ve been using the Pixel 5 for more than 5 months as my only daily driver and I have some thoughts. To date, I can say that the Pixel 5 is my favorite Made by Google smartphone. Google got the basics right with this phone while adding in the AI and ML features. So while the phone may seem boring and understated I would clearly be on the opposite end of that opinion with a different perspective.  For example, the Pixel 5 has a near-all screen display with a punch-hole display in the upper left of the display. The Pixel 5 features a decently sounding under-display speaker where the earpiece is. This serves as an earpiece for calls to your ear and a speaker for stereo sound. All this seems cool already but Google didn't stop there but also put an Ambient Light Sensor under the display as well. See you can look at the phone and dismiss it however you can choose to loot at the other end and appreciate some of the unique things Google brings to the table.  I’ll touch on some things I fi

  Today Google released Developer Preview 2 of Android 12 to developers. Some features included in DP2 are user-facing updates to PIP, lockscreen pin entry, one-handed mode, tweaks to the dark theme, and many more. In a blog post Google’s Dave Burke, VP of Engineering writes Last month we shared the first preview of Android 12, an early look at the next version of Android. Today we’re bringing you the next milestone build in this year’s release, with more new features and changes for you to try with your apps. In Android 12 we’re making the OS smarter, easier to use, and better performing, with privacy and security at the core. We’re also working to give you new tools for building great experiences for users, whether they’re using phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, or cars. Some things to look for in today’s release include new rounded corners APIs, improved picture-in-picture APIs, better companion device management, easier effects like blur and color filter, app overlay controls, and mor