Google adds quick-side panel to Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drawings to make G Suite users more productive.

Google added a quick-side panel to its productivity suite with the objective of making G Suite users more productive. The quick-side panel will allow users to do their job without leaving Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drawings. Three Google products will be available within these apps and they are google Calendar , keep and Tasks. So far, the side panel has been available in Gmail. This update brings the same feature to Google Calendar where users will be able to use Keep and Tasks, thanks to the side panel.

The update is rolling out now and G Suite users will start seeing it within 15 days.

Source: Google

Microsoft Launcher beta for Android lets parents ask Cortana for the location of their kids via voice and more.

Microsoft is currently serving version 4.13 of its Launcher to beta users on Android and the new verion contains some useful features for parents who monitor their kids activities on their devices. From now on, parents will be able to ask Cortana for the location of their kids via voice with a simple command: "Where are my kids?". Cortana can also now read incoming SMS messages should the user choose to activate the feature. And Microsoft AI also gets the ability to speak Indian English.

This update also includes the following new features:

• Now you can drag and drop widgets to and from the Launcher Feed. Widgets also no longer have card headers when placed in the Feed.
• Updates to the calendar card let you add a new event with one click when you no longer have any more events for the day.
• Tuning fixes for the new app drawing.

This update is available to beta testers to download in Google Play Store.

Google adds new 'Confidential mode' to Gmail on Android to help you protect the sensitive data you share.

Technology makes life a whole lot easier when it comes to sharing data. But it's not without risk. Google is kind-of well aware of that and is introducing a new 'Confidential mode' in Gmail on Android. A new mode that will give users more control on the data they share with others.

Google has started rolling out 'Confidential mode' worldwide and to start using it, bring up the compose email window in Gmail. Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the screen and choose 'Confidential Mode'. Set an expiration between 1 day to 5 years. Once 'Confidential Mode' is activated, Gmail will prevent the receiver from copying, forwarding, and printing the email and its attachments. However, the receiver can take a screenshot and photo of your emails and attachments. Google also warns about malicious programs on the receiver's device that may still be able to copy and edit the data you're sharing.

Gmail users can also choose for a passcode or SMS passcode be sent to the receiver. Google will handle that for you. Just send the email and the receiver will be notified of your intention to share an email with them. The receiver must sign in with a Google account to view the email and attachments in a browser with the expiration date at the top. The default expiration date is 1 week. Additionally, the sender can revoke access at any time in their own inbox.

'Confidential mode' is a useful feature when sharing data such as health records, business plan or a copy of your passport. While it's an additional layer of protection, bear in mind that it is not entirely fool-proof.

'Confidential Mode' is already being pushed out to users. Just be patient if you do not see it yet, it's on the way. IF you do not use Gmail, you can download it free in Google Play Store.

Microsoft Outlook for Android quietly gets a 'Delete' button in the notification area.

Microsoft has quietly added a much-requested feature to Outlook for Android which lets users quickly delete an email right in the notification area. Now, Outlook users will get the options to Archive, Delete, and reply to emails in Android's notification area without having to open the Outlook app first. Prior to this update, users could only archive and reply to messages. 

The addition of a 'Delete' button to the Outlook notification is very useful for situations where the provided preview is more than enough and you don't need to take any further action on the email. I for one surely welcome the 'Delete' button.

I'm not sure if this feature is being deployed through an update or is just a server-enabled feature. Either way, you can always download Outlook for Android in Google Play Store.

Amazon Kindle for Android gets support for split screen and notification center.

Split screen is one of my favorite feature on Android and today I'm more than glad to see Amazon kindle join the bandwagon of apps supporting this feature. With this update, users will be able to multi-task while reading.

This update will also allow Amazon Kindle to show new releases, deal alerts, and more in the notification center. No need to open the app to discover what's new anymore. The update is already available globally to download in Google Play Store.

Firefox Focus browser for Android finally gets 'Find in Page' and 'Request Desktop Page' in latest update.

If you value your privacy, Firefox Focus is the browser made just for you. By default, Firefox Focus blocks ad trackers and lets you easily erase your history, passwords, and cookies. In fact, the browser cleans up everything each time you close it after use. Firefox Focus also features a minimalistic design with a few configurations options.

Today the app was updated with two new simple features. Features that you expect to find in any modern browser, like the 'Find in Page' that lets you search text on a webpage. Firefox Focus is also adding a 'Request Desktop Page' feature to easily switch between mobile and desktop versions of pages you visit.

These two new features are available in version 6.0 of Firefox Focus which can be downloaded free in the Google Play Store.

SofaScore adds a dark theme to its Android app.

Dark mode is a very useful feature and it's nice to see more and more developers adding it into their apps, making it easy on the eyes. Even Google is testing dark mode in Android P developer preview and YouTube too. Today, SofaScore, my favorite sports app, is finally adding a dark theme to its Android app.

The night mode is not enabled by default after installing the update. Enabling it can be done quickly and easily in the app settings with a simple slide to 'On'. That done, you can now follow your games in the dark without bothering your partner and blasting your eyes with white light.

The update is currently available globally for all to download and raises the version number to 5.60.1. Check it out in Google Play Store.

Netflix for Android officially introduces Smart Downloads.

Back in February, I blogged about Netflix testing 'Smart Downloads' after I noticed the feature pop up in the app on my OnePlus 5T. 4 months later, the feature is rolling out for everyone to use. As from now on, Netflix will delete episodes you've watched and then automatically download the next one for you. Of course, Smart Downloads works only when connected to Wi-Fi on your Android phone or tablet. Should you want to keep watched episodes, you can turn off Smart Downloads in the app settings. 



I've found Smart Download to be extremely useful and it's been turned on ever since Netflix pushed it to my device. If you do not see the feature yet, make sure you download the latest version of Netflix in Google Play Store.

Source: Netflix

SofaScore update provides detailed information for World Cup 2018 stadiums.

The World Cup 2018 is ongoing and the excitement is building up as we get closer to the semis. Today SofaScore is updating its app for Android with info about the stadiums where the games will be played. With this update, SofaScore users will be able to find information about the stadium under the Details tab along with a beautiful picture, the location, and capacity. This is not a big update, but if you're the kind of fans who look into details, you'll like this one. Tomorrow's game opposes Brazil against Belgium will be played at the Kazan Arena. Unfortunately, SofaScore does not provide a detailed map, but, at least, fans will be able to use their phones and Google Maps to find their way.

The update is already available in Google Play Store for download. Enjoy the games tomorrow. 

Google Drive now supports opening and viewing password-protected Microsoft Office files.

Today Google Drive for Android has been updated with Google's cloud storage service now supporting opening and viewing password-protected Microsoft office files. This is a great addition for all of us using Microsoft Office. The latter remains the gold standard as productivity tools with users and enterprises alike and it's great to see Google adding more support to the world's number one productivity tool.

Now, no matter how useful this feature is to Google Drive users, I have a word of advice. Password-protecting an Excel, Word or PowerPoint file prevent others from accessing these files and that is good. However, Microsoft cannot help you retrieve the password should you forget it. There is no official tool from Microsoft. So make sure that you use a password that is memorable, otherwise, you'll have to resort to third-party solutions, some of which are free and some not. In either case, that implies making your files and content available to whichever solution you choose. Definitely not a secure way to retrieve your password and protect your content.

This update also includes the usual bug fixes and performance improvements and is available in Google Play Store for download.