Last week at the I/O developers conference, Google introduced Hangouts, a cross-platform unified messaging service. Although, the service didn’t quite incorporate all of Google’s messaging services at time of launch, it has been confirmed through Nikhyl Singhal’s Google+ page that Hangouts is in fact, “the future of Google Voice.” 

Hangouts is designed to be the future of Google Voice, and making/receiving phone calls is just the beginning. Future versions of Hangouts will integrate Google Voice more seamlessly.

In addition, if you already changed your Google Talk service to Hangouts inside of Gmail, you might have noticed that it does not support outbound voice calls. According to Nikhyl, Google’s real time communication product manager, this is also getting fixed soon. “We’re working hard on supporting both, and outbound/inbound calls will soon be available,” he said in a G+ post.

This should come as excellent news for all of us that have been either a.) been dying for a Google Voice update or b.) ready for Hangouts to become their one and only messaging application.

Via: +Nikhyl Singhal

Google Hangouts Confirmed to be Future of Google Voice is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Have you ever thought about sending money to someone through a Gmail message? Even if you haven’t, you’ll soon be able to. Shortly after the Google I/O keynote today, the Gmail team announced Google Wallet integration into Gmail messages. In the coming months, as they rollout the service, you’ll be able to send cash to someone in an email thanks to Google Wallet. 

Google Wallet is now integrated with Gmail, so you can quickly and securely send money to friends and family directly within Gmail — even if they don’t have a Gmail address. It’s free to send money if your bank account is linked to Google Wallet or using your Google Wallet Balance, and low fees apply to send money using your linked credit or debit card.

It’s like sending an attachment of cash to your friends. Kind of a neat idea that I had no idea I would ever need. Can’t wait to try it.

Via:  Gmail Blog

You’ll Soon be Able to Send Money to People Through Gmail is a post from: Droid Life

Last year with the launch of Google Drive, Google revamped their storage options for your data in the cloud. However, the data you had in your Drive account was separated from that storage you had in Gmail, which was also different from the photo storage you had in Google+. Today, Google announced that they are taking all that storage space and making them all into a tight little package for everyone. All Google users now have a free 15GB of storage space across the three applications and Google Apps users will receive 30GB of space. 

Along with this new unified storage space, Google has launched a new page to help you keep track of it. A pie chart will show you just how much space you are using in each app and how much that eats into your overall space. The options to upgrade to more storage are the same as they have always been, so if you see that you need more you can purchase it right there. This change will be rolling out over the next couple of weeks so keep your eyes peeled.

Via: Google Drive

Cheers everyone who sent this in!

Google Merges Storage Between Drive, Gmail and G+ Photos, 15GB For Everyone and 30GB for Apps Users is a post from: Droid Life

Whenever Google Babel does arrive for public consumption, we’re starting to believe it will be everything we have ever asked for in a unified messenger service. We’re talking synced notifications, cross-platform conversation experiences, a new UI, photo sharing, quick access to live video chats, and on-the-record chat history viewing from anywhere. According to sources of ours who have shared new information with us (including a feature list), we’re getting all of this and more. 

Google Babel as a product is a collaboration of work by the Google+, Android, Chrome and Apps teams. Through their combined efforts, as was previously reported by us, we’ll see this unified service launch in Gmail and as Android, iOS, and Chrome apps. What’s particularly interesting, is that Google is talking about the iOS app as being the first time they have built a “first class iOS experience” when it comes to a messaging service. I can’t say that I’m familiar with their current iOS offerings, so I’ll leave the iOS experts to weigh in on the quality of Talk (if there even is an app) and G+ Messenger.

We’ve also learned that Google Voice support is “eventually” coming to Babel, however, the service initially only brings together Talk, Hangouts, and Messenger. This was an inclusion we were hoping to see from the beginning, but won’t, from what we understand. No specific details on how Voice will blend into Babel were given, just that it’s coming later on down the road.

Continuing on – there will be notification syncing across devices and platforms. For example, if you have a browser open on a desktop, laptop, tablet, and phone that are all attached to Babel and receive a message, once you check that message on any of the devices, the notification will disappear from the others. As someone who operates a half-dozen devices at any time throughout a day, I can’t tell you how important this feature is. It may be the most important.

We’ll also see a brand new UI that promotes conversations and is applied across all versions of Babel. You’ll be able to send photos, use 800+ emoji (not an exaggeration), look back at any on-the-recrod conversation from any device, group chat, and of course, carry all conversations with you to and from any device.

Here is a feature list according to a Google memo (colorful commentary is theirs, not ours):

1. Brand new UI. We’ve designed a new UI that’s applied across all clients and promotes conversations.
2. Stay in sync.  With just one conversation list and experience across mobile and desktop, everything is always in sync. Install the Chrome app, the Android app, and iOS app.
3. Desktop app.  Stop laying whack a mole across blinking browser tabs. With the new Chrome app your conversations continue outside of the browser.
4. Keep a group conversation going to coordinate with your team, and start a Hangout with a single tap whenever you need to talk face-to-face.
5. Be notified…just once.  Get notifications on your two phones, tablet, laptop, and desktop. Open it on one and watch the others disappear. If you’re actively using your computer or phone we’ll even intelligently notify you on just one of those endpoints. Magic!
6. Message more than just text.  Add a photo to the conversation and/or send some of the 800+ emoji to your coworkers. Kittens and poop are particularly helpful in explaining complex issues.
7. Get nostalgic.  Scroll back in time and relive any (on-the-record) conversation, on any device.
8. More ways to talk.  For the first time we are building a first class iOS experience. Try out our very early preview on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

I will say that the screenshots posted yesterday by TechRadar appear to me to be the real deal. From what I have seen, the emoji box does slide up from the bottom, though I’ve also seen the box with a black background. Conversations will look the same – threaded with profile pictures of the participants.

Still no word on a release date.

New thoughts on Babel?

Google Babel News: Google Voice Support “Eventually” Coming, Synced Notifications, “First Class” iOS Experience is a post from: Droid Life

When Google Search updated yesterday, bringing with it “real time package tracking from select carriers” to Google Now, we were curious as to what carriers Google was referring to and exactly what “real time” means to them. For one, I have a couple of packages currently coming via UPS and neither are showing anything different from what we have seen since they first introduced the original package tracking. So what do they mean? USPS with maps, itemized tracking, order recaps, and more. 

A long time reader of ours sent in the screenshot above for tickets he had ordered to an upcoming San Francisco Giants game. Clearly, he is seeing new tracking information and USPS must be one of the select carriers that Google was referring to. There is a map that shows the starting shipping point to the end delivery, an itemized breakdown of each stop along the way, a summary of his ticket order and a “more” link to provide additional details.

So rather than the “Track Package” link opening up the browser and the shipping company’s website with tracking information, Google is trying to give you as much or more info without forcing you to leave Google Now. I know I’m a fan – I just wish it would roll out to UPS already.

Cheers Ben!

Here is What Google Now’s New Real-time Package Tracking Looks Like is a post from: Droid Life

The Gmail app for Android has been updated today to include a set of features that should make responding, organizing, and searching much quicker. Through Android 4.1+ notifications, Gmail will allow you to quickly Archive (delete too) or Reply to messages without having to enter the app. Funny thing is, I was complaining about the lack of a method to delete emails from the notification bar this weekend. Google, reading my mind.

Also, you’ll find better search suggestions and faster overall search to help you find things both offline and online.

Sadly, this does not introduce a new UI to bring it up to snuff with the iOS version of Gmail.

Play Link

Via:  Gmail Blog

New Gmail App Released for Android – Adds Archive, Delete and Reply to Notifications, Improved Search is a post from: Droid Life

Google Glass is coming this year whether the world is ready for it or not, Google has said so themselves. To help further that idea, at this year’s SXSW in Austin, they set up a demonstration to show exactly how far they have come in building an app ecosystem for the new wearable tech. After all, how good could Glass really be if it only presented directions, allowed you to participate in Hangouts, and snap pictures? Just like any other technology platform these days, you have to have partners and apps. From the looks of today’s presentation, there are some big ones already in line, with interesting concepts. 

The New York Times has an application that will show users bylines and an accompanying image after a voice search. It will read stories aloud and also break news by showing notifications. Gmail has its own app that shows an image of the sender along with the subject line of the message. If you want to reply, you can dictate your message back.

Evernote and Skitch are included thanks to Google Glass’s sharing features. Images can be shared directly into both services. Path also joined the party, showing updates, emoticons, and an ability to respond to comments.

I’d imagine this is only the beginning of the Glass app ecosystem. If partners like these are already on board, don’t be surprised to see a dozen more by the time Glass is ready for launch. I’m sure that it’ll take time for developers to figure out how their apps can take advantage of a small screen, but that’s sort of the beauty, isn’t it? Rarely do we see new technologies that force you to re-think what you’ve known for years. We get to see exactly how creative the minds of a developer can become with Glass.

Via:  Engadget

Google Shows Off Gmail, Evernote, Path, and NY Times Apps for Google Glass at SXSW is a post from: Droid Life

In December of last year, Google introduced a brand new version of Gmail to iOS that was simply put, beautifully designed. We talked at the time about how much more appealing this version was than the newest version for Android that had been released the day prior. This iOS version matched the design of the web interface, utilized a slideout menu bar, and in away, follows Android design guidelines more closely than the actual Android version. Thankfully, as of today, we can get a taste of this new design through our  mobile browsers. 

The Gmail team announced through Google+ that the mobile web version has been updated to match the iOS design because so many of you ”like the redesigned UI, along with new features such as improved search and integration with Google Calendar.” It doesn’t quite have the same visual appeal in the side menu for switching accounts per se, but the functionality is much the same. You’ll also find the bright colors, compose email window, better search, calendar support and more.

I personally hate to see the Android versions of official Google apps lag behind those on other platforms, so hopefully this means we have a major update on the horizon.

Via:  +Gmail | The Next Web

Google Introduces iOS-styled Gmail to Mobile Web Version, Not Android Client is a post from: Droid Life

Today, Google announced a brand new trial for their Gmail users. Starting now, users can opt in to a Search Field Trial, which brings all of your personal data right into your Google search bar and end results. For example, much like Google Now, when you have important info such as shipping information or flight information, you can search for these personal things right through Google’s search box and even through their main Google search site, as long as you’re signed into your account. 

Beyond that, your email’s search bar will also show results for receipts saved in your account, files from your Google Drive account, saved sports events, and much more.

This new feature is for non-Google App account users, so if you have a regular Gmail email address, go get it! To access it, I simply started a search inquiry in the top bar inside Gmail and it prompted me to enter the trial.

Via: Google

Cheers Zach!

Google Intros Gmail Search Field Trial, Like Google Now for Your Email is a post from: Droid Life

In the past few months it has become abundantly clear that Google intends to support three platforms: the web, Android, and iOS. Google’s support for the web and Android should not come as a surprise; Google has always been a web company and Google bought Android to fight Microsoft in the mobile space. Even Google’s support of iOS is not all that surprising since the iPhone was essentially the Google phone before the G1. What is surprising, however, is that Google isn’t just making apps for iOS; they’re making really good apps for iOS.

Google has more than enough apps in the App Store to fill a whole page on an iOS device (23 total). While some of these apps are garbage and others are merely remnants of failed Google projects, Google has come out swinging lately with seven apps in particular: Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Chrome, and Google+. All of these apps are available on both iOS and Android in near identical implementations (the only real difference between the Android and iOS versions of these apps is that pull to refresh is available on the iOS iterations while the Android apps still rely on a refresh button) save Gmail and Maps.

Google’s Gmail and Maps Android apps tend to focus on utility over appearance while the iOS apps tend to hide functionality, thereby presenting a cleaner user interface. While Google Maps for iOS looks and feels inspired by the Android app, the cleaner interface is far more inviting to use. While the iOS app emphasizes search and location, the Android app emphasizes utility in general.

Doing things like a search or finding your location are easy to do on both apps, but something like adjusting layers is far less obvious on the iOS app. In fact, settings are essentially hidden on the iOS app. In the iOS app Google chose to hide traffic, public transit, and a link to Google Earth (which is a rather strange inclusion) behind an Android style menu button. The implication here is that iOS users expect a clean interface while Android users expect a heavy amount of mapping tools available as soon as the app launches.

Gmail is probably the most surprising iOS app from Google. The iOS app again brandishes a cleaner UI while the Android app emphasizes utility at the expense of beauty. In fact, with its white expanses and red highlights, the iOS app is actually more faithful to the design of Gmail in a browser than the Android app.

Both apps have multi-user support, swipe to archive, label support, mute, and neither app can create a label (still!). In every screen the iOS app hides settings and options behind buttons while the Android app shoves them in front of users. Because of these UI decisions, the Android app places a very, very heavy learning curve on users in terms of learning the Gmail app’s unique iconography while the iOS app labels everything except for archive and trash. As a result, the iOS app has a much cleaner, if less immediately useful user interface.

In my testing, I actually found Gmail, Maps, Google+ and Chrome for iOS to be more of a pleasure to use than their Android counterparts, which is a strange thing to say. Usually companies put their best work on their own apps for their own platform (see Hotmail for Android), but Google’s apps are actually in parity with the Android versions or better on iOS. Between pull to refresh, the use of playful, colorful loading animations, and the simpler UI, Google apps on iOS tended to be more responsive and easier to use. If you want to live in Google’s ecosystem Android is no longer a requirement.

While I understand why Google would want to make good apps for iOS, I don’t understand why they would make better designed apps for iOS. Maybe Google believes that Android users want UI controls exposed and iOS users want them hidden or that Android users don’t mind cluttered UIs as much as iOS users. Those are just guesses; if I were Google I would want to make sure that the Android apps performed just as well and included little touches like pull to refresh and loading animations. That kind of attention to detail can make a tremendous difference in how an app works and feels. No matter what the reason is for the discrepency, it is nice to see some really nice design coming from Mountain View. Hopefully we see Google bring some of that finess and focus to their Android apps.

Google Apps on iOS and Android [Opinion] is a post from: Droid Life

One of Google’s product managers today posted up a note for Gmail users, announcing that domestic telephone calls will remain free through 2013. Neither Kellex or myself use this feature of Gmail, but it’s good to know that it’s still free. Maybe I’ll start checking it out from time to time.

Many of you call phones from Gmail to easily connect with friends and family. If you’re in the US and Canada, you’ll continue to be able to make free domestic calls through 2013. Plus, in most countries, you can still call the rest of the world from Gmail at insanely low rates.

Thanks, Google.

Via: Gmail Blog

Google: Gmail Telephone Calls to Remain Free Through 2013 is a post from: Droid Life

The Gmail team announced version 2.0 of their iOS app today, which is available on both the iPad and iPhone immediately. The app itself, is beautiful. It features a left panel for multi-account support with profile pictures, easy-respond calendar items, and Google Now-styled conversations. In the three screenshots above, I would argue that this new iOS app looks much more like the web version of Gmail than the Android version does. It also matches up nicely to the styling of the Android Google+ and YouTube apps, that have slideout panels from the left and color accents.

We just received version 4.2.1 of Gmail yesterday, one that included a variety of new features, so I doubt that we’ll see anything close to this any time soon. But still, Google seems set on carrying the web-styling of their apps to mobile, so I can’t imagine we won’t see it ever.

What do you guys think? I’m a huge fan of this Google Now-esque app look.

Via:  Gmail Blog

Beautiful Gmail 2.0 Released for iOS, Any Chance We See a Similar Build on Android? is a post from: Droid Life

With Google’s update of Gmail today, everyone running Ice Cream Sandwich and above can take advantage of the new pinch-to-zoom and swipe-to-delete features. The feature does not come automatically enabled and must be turned on manually in order to be used, which seemed to confuse a few people who were trying to pinch on every email in their inbox.

Don’t worry, it’s an easy process and we have detailed it below so even our new Android-using readers can take advantage of this. 

Enabling Pinch-to-Zoom:

1.  Open the Gmail application.
2.  Under the Settings menu, select “General settings.”
3.  Down the page, hit “Auto-fit messages.”
4.  Back out to your inbox and try it out on an any email.

And there you have it! Now go, pinch-to-zoom like a madman!

Editing Swipe-to-Delete Settings:

1.  Open the Gmail application.
2.  Under the Settings menu, select “General settings.”
3.  Hit “Swiping conversation list.”
4.  Select which action you want the app to take when swiping a message.
5.  Back out to your Inbox and try it out.

And there you have. No more accidentally deleted or archived emails.

*The rest of the Android Beginners’ Guide is a one-stop shop for all of those new to Android.

How to: Enable Pinch-to-Zoom in Gmail [Beginners' Guide] is a post from: Droid Life

Google is pushing a Gmail update to the Play store this morning, one that includes all of the goodies found in the Android 4.2 version of the app. Once updated, as long as you are running Android 4.0 or higher, you will be able to pinch-to-zoom in emails, swipe them away to either delete or archive, attach photos and videos from within the app, and preview attachements in a much better way.

It’s not showing up on our devices, but it may be on yours. Got it, go check yours! 

Play Link

To check out all of the new goodies in the 4.2 Gmail, hit up the 8:45 mark of this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Adam and Roger!

Gmail Update Released – Includes Pinch-to-Zoom, Swipe-to-Delete, Improved Attachments, and More is a post from: Droid Life

If you were as disappointed as I was to learn that the multi-window feature on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from Verizon was limited to only a handful of select apps, then maybe this news will cheer you up. One of our readers hit up Samsung’s official support account on Twitter, asking why YouTube and Gmail were not yet available while using multi-window. Samsung Support’s answer – “That feature will be available soon.”

It’s tough to tell if this was simply a quick response to the “When is multi-window coming to my device?” question that we are sure they get asked numerous times throughout the day or if they actually are going to bring in additional app support down the road. It would make sense for them to fully open it up to app developers. How much better would it be if you could use Chrome, YouTube, Gmail, and a favorite Twitter app at the same time? 

On a related note (pictured below), Total Commander works flawlessly with multi-window. Once downloaded from the Play store, it automatically appears in the list of apps for use with multi-window. Does this mean that app developers can build in support without approval from Samsung? I’ll have to let developers answer that question.

In the mean time, feel free to share any other apps that you find to work with multi-window.

Via:  @SamsungSupport

Cheers Jess and Trey!

Samsung: Gmail and YouTube Headed to Verizon Note 2 Multi-window Feature Soon is a post from: Droid Life