Tech Knock

San Francisco, Dec 2 (IANS) Google has started rolling out a feature for its Pixel smartphones that lets users make use of the Google Assistant to see who is calling and why before they answer a call. The feature allows users to see a real-time transcript of how the caller responds so that they can then decide whether to pick up, respond by tapping a quick reply (for example, “I’ll call you back later”), or mark the call as spam and dismiss. “Call Screen is only available to English speakers in the United States who have Pixel 2, 2 XL, 3, or 3XL devices. If you don’t see Call Screen in the Phone app’s settings, it’s not available yet,” Google said. Call Screen, which can help users save the time spent on picking up unimportant calls from unknown numbers, does not use Wi-Fi or mobile data of the user. This feature does not work with third-party call recording and screen recording apps as these apps may interfere with how the feature works. It is better to turn off these app...

B e it Samsung, HTC, or any big device maker, all fall short against Google’s rigid policies. To use Google Play Store in addition to a basic Android package from Android Open Source Project (AOSP), OEMs have to abide by an agreement which forces Android-powered smartphones to come with pre-installed Google apps. But EU regulators are not satisfied with the present policies and may fine Google in billions, according to a report from Washington Post.  Margrethe Vestager, the European Union Competitive chief, has argued that Google search and web browsing tools ensure Google’s dominance in maintaining its own app ecosystem. This gives the company upper hand over other third-party applications. If it happens, this will be the second time Google will be slapped with a fine from EU. Back in 2016, Google was fined 2.7 billion dollars for manipulating search results, offering the top position to its own shopping comparison website. If the regu...

Nest on Wednesday officially added Google Assistant to its $299/£299/AU$479  Nest Cam IQ Indoor . The necessary hardware is already  inside  the 1080p HD security camera, according to the  smart-home brand , so you simply have to launch the free software update to start using voice control.  Google Assistant  is Google's voice AI that responds to the wake phrases "Hey, Google" or "OK, Google" on the  Google Home ,  Home Mini  or  Home Max  speakers. It's also built into most Android devices and available for iOS folks via the Google Assistant app. Third-party devices like the  First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound  will offer Google-Assistant-equipped versions later this year.   Enlarge Image Your Nest Cam IQ Indoor security camera now has a built-in Google Assistant speaker. But the Nest Cam IQ Indoor is the first Nest product to offer Google Assistant natively. This is all part of a...