Official Google Australia Blog

Android Oreo superpowers, coming to a device near you

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Today, we are officially introducing Android 8.0 Oreo, the latest release of the platform–and it’s smarter, faster and more powerful than ever. It comes with new features like picture-in-picture and Autofill to help you navigate tasks seamlessly. Plus, it’s got stronger security protections and speed improvements that keep you safe and moving at lightspeed. When you’re on your next adventure, Android Oreo is the superhero to have by your side (or in your pocket!).

Android Oreo, to the rescue! Ever try checking your schedule while staying on a video call? Android Oreo makes it easy with picture-in-picture, letting you see two apps at once: it's like having the power to be in two places at the same time! Overwhelmed by notifications, but missing the ones you care about the most? With Android Oreo, notification dots let you tap to see what's new in your apps -- like the important ones you put on your homescreen -- and then take action on those notifications quickly.

Android 8.0 Oreo: Picture-in-picture, Notification dots
Evildoers trying to get bad software onto your device? Android Oreo is more secure with Google Play Protect built in, security status front and center in settings, and tighter app install controls. Battery depleted and still galaxies away from a charger? Been there, too. Android Oreo helps minimize unintentional overuse of battery from apps in the background; these limits keep your battery going longer.
Supersonic speed When you’re on the go, speed is perhaps the most important superpower. With Android Oreo, you can get started on tasks more quickly than ever with a faster boot speed (up to twice as fast on Pixel, in fact). Once you’re powered up, Autofill on Android Oreo remembers things like logins (with your permission) to quickly get you into your favorite apps. Plus, support for Android Instant Apps means you can teleport directly into new apps, no installation needed.
League of extraordinary emojis Even superheroes don’t go it alone. Android Oreo brings along a team of fully-redesigned emojis, including over 60 new emoji to help save the day like:

Coming to a device near you We're pushing the sources to Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for everyone to access today. Pixel and Nexus 5X/6P builds have entered carrier testing, and we expect to start rolling out in phases soon, alongside Pixel C and Nexus Player. We’ve also been working closely with our partners, and by the end of this year, hardware makers including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are scheduled to launch or upgrade devices to Android 8.0 Oreo. Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive this final version. You can learn more at android.com/oreo.

Posted by Sameer Samat, VP of Product Management, Android & Google Play

The Aussie Google Assistant is coming to more Android phones

Friday, August 18, 2017

Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. The Google Assistant is conversational, personal and helps you get things done—from telling you about your day to taking a selfie. The Assistant is already available on Pixel, Google Home, and our smart messaging app Google Allo. Now we're bringing it to even more Aussies. Starting today, the Google Assistant is coming to smartphones running Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

The Google Assistant on the Nokia 6.
Whether you want to know how to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese, or find that cute photo of your kids, or simply set a reminder to do laundry when you get home, your Assistant can help. With the Google Assistant on Android phones, you have your own personal, helpful Google right in your pocket. And the best thing? It’s your one Google Assistant that lives across devices––so if you add something to your shopping list on Google Home while you’re cooking and on your phone while you’re on the go, it’s the same shopping list. Your Google Assistant will also remember what you ask it to, from your name to your favorite color, favorite songs and even your bike combo.
Here are a few other things to try out on your phone—just long press on the Home button or say “Ok Google” to get started:
What’s my confirmation number for my flight to Bali? Take me to the Sydney Opera House. Show my photos of the Great Barrier Reef. Do I need an umbrella today? How many Aussie dollars is 10 U.S. Dollars?
The Google Assistant will automatically come to eligible Android phones running Nougat and Marshmallow with Google Play Services. You'll also see the Google Assistant on some recently announced partner devices, including Nokia’s 3, 5, 6 and 8 devices.
Our goal is to make the Assistant available anywhere you need it. It came to Aussie homes through Google Home just a month ago and it has been available on Pixel and Allo since last year. With this update, Android users from Darwin to Hobart will now be able to try out the Aussie Google Assistant on their phones. What will you ask first?Posted by Abhishek Ghosh, Program Manager, Google Assistant

Give a little warmth this winter

Monday, August 7, 2017

Ask Izzy

Almost 80 percent of people who are homeless own a smartphone.

launched early last year

Ask Izzy connects people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with essential support services

Donate herePosted by Jason Pellegrino, managing director, Google Australia

Google Doodle: A tribute to Albert (Elea) Namatjira

Friday, July 28, 2017

Today is the 115th birthday of renowned Aboriginal Australian artist Albert (Elea) Namatjira. Namatjira was born in 1902 in the Western Aranda (Arrernte) community of Ntaria (Hermannsburg) near Alice Springs. He began sketching as a young boy, and quickly took to painting the natural beauty around him in the bush. Namatjira’s family and community elders shared creation stories which further inspired his love of the sublime landscapes and vibrant hues in the Central Australian outback.
Namatjira’s watercolour landscapes earned recognition in Australia and around the world. He was awarded the Queen's Coronation Medal, honoured with an Australian postage stamp – and his portrait by William Dargie became the first of an Aboriginal person to win the Archibald Prize. Namatjira also inspired the Hermannsburg School in Alice Springs, teaching aspiring young artists to appreciate the Australian landscape.
Today’s Doodle is a tribute to Namatjira, created by his granddaughter, Gloria Pannka. The piece celebrates Namatjira’s iconic colour palette of gumtree green, ochre and plum. It is also a testament to his reverence for the land – depicting the desert, hardy foliage and the rolling hills between Hamilton Downs and the West MacDonnell Ranges in central Australia, close to Namatjira’s homeland.
“I am connected to that country,” says Gloria Pannka. “When I travel there I am connected through both my grandparents…. I feel moved when I am there. “
Namatjira story is the beginning of a watercolour legacy. His influence has lived for 80 years and has been passed down through six generations. Pannka’s father and uncles took the time to teach her skills, style and the Aranda (Arrernte) values that characterise her work.
“They taught us how to look at the country, and look after the country,” reflects Pannka.
Gloria Pannka is a founding Director of Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre, an Aboriginal Corporation based in Alice Springs that supports the legacy of her grandfather Albert Namatjira. The Art Centre provides a studio space for contemporary members of the Hermannsburg School watercolour movement to explore their art-making practice, thereby maintaining the culture of these Western Aranda artists and promoting the ethical production and sales of Aboriginal art. Today we thank and celebrate Albert Namatjira’s substantial contributions to the art and culture of Australia. Happy birthday, Albert!Posted by Maura Halpin, Brand Marketing Manager, Google Australia & New Zealand

Google Home says G'day!

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Google Home

Tap into the power of Google with your AssistantGoogle Home speaks ‘Strayan Get personalised help for your everyday tasksTurn up your tunesControl your smart home GoogleA speaker designed for any roomIt’s just the beginning...And there’s more...

Google HomePosted by Raunaq Shah, Product Manager, Google Homehttp://Yt.be/red/home

Hop aboard! Real time information for public transport in New South Wales is now available on Google Maps

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Since 2005, we’ve collaborated with transit authorities around the world to make a comprehensive resource for millions of riders to find out which bus, train, tram or ferry can take them to their next destination.
Starting today, commuters in New South Wales will be able to get real time bus, train and ferry information in Google Maps. Google has teamed up with Transport New South Wales to add real-time information about routes and schedules across the region on Google Maps – for the first time in Australia. Whether you are taking the train from Kings Cross to Killara, or boarding the ferries Fishburn or Friendship, you now have all the information you need to plan and adjust your journey at a glance, in one place.
If you're planning a trip between, say Bondi Junction and Circular Quay, you can simply type the two locations into Google Maps to get the latest information about which bus, train or ferry to catch. In addition to bus routes, you’ll be able to see when the next bus is arriving at your stop and an estimation of how long your trip is going to take. If your bus is delayed, Google Transit will automatically update the times in line with the new conditions. Routes that have real-time information available are marked in Google Maps in green.
Know when your bus or train actually arrives with real time information in Google Maps

Google Transit is a feature of Google Maps designed to help you plan your public transport trips quickly and easily. Just search for where you want go and Google Maps will show you how to get there using public transport from your current location. Google Transit is available on Google Maps for Android and iPhone as well as the Web. If you’re using the latest version of Google Maps, you can also compare public transport options to work out when you need to leave to arrive at your destination on time.
Residents of New South Wales who would like to find out when the next bus, train or ferry is arriving or directions to somewhere using public transport using Google Maps should follow these three simple steps:

Open Google Maps apps on your Android device or iPhone

Enter your destination and click the "get directions" icon. If it’s not already selected, tap the "transit" icon (the little tram) to view times, bus/train numbers, routes and more

You can change the destination by selecting a different end point at the top of the screen

Google Maps globally provides over one billion km worth of transit results every day and has schedules for more than three million public transit stops worldwide. Google Transit is now available for hundreds of cities across dozens of countries, with new partners joining all the time.