Australia Blog
News and notes from Google Down Under
PhD fellowships to support the cutting edge of computer science research in Australia
Thursday, August 31, 2017
The Google PhD Fellowship program supports PhD students in computer science and related fields, and is part of our commitment to building strong relationships with the global academic community.
In our most recent round four PhD students in Australia have been recognised for their outstanding efforts.
Samaneh Movassaghi, Google Australia PhD Fellowship in Networking (Australian National University)
- Research Proposal Title: iConect: Interference Coordination and Optimisation for Negligible Energy Consumption over Time in Coexisting Wireless Body Area Networks.
Samaneh’s natural curiosity was nurtured by her family to develop inquisitive tinkering skills to discover how the world works. Taking up engineering at university she is now working to develop affordable and timely health care through the interconnection of network sensory devices worn on the body to monitor vital health signs.
Ekaterina Vylomova, Google Australia PhD Fellowship in Natural Language Processing (The University of Melbourne)
- Research Proposal Title: Compositional Morphology through Deep Learning.
Ekaterina’s focus on language generation and computational morphology was inspired by the works of Stanislaw LEm and Issaac Asimov on robotics and AI. When introduced by her cousin to programming she wrote her first chat-bot program “Golem”, an early experiment in AI.
Sarah Webber, Google Australia PhD Fellowship in Human Computer Interaction (The University of Melbourne)
- Interactive Technology for Human-Animal Encounters at the Zoo.
Sarah’s research looks at digital technology designed to provide zoo animals with enriching experiences and cognitive challenges. Her PhD examines how the design of such technology can shape people's attitudes to other species, and to conservation issues. Hearing a talk by Dr Genevieve Bell first revealed to Sarah that human-computer interaction researchers were, like her, interested in how technology design can help to solve difficult societal problems - and she has been hooked ever since.
Ling Luo, Google Australia PhD Fellowship in Machine Learning, (The University of Sydney)
- Temporal Modelling for Customer Behaviours.
Ling’s research in machine learning is focusing on modelling customer behaviour, including discovering temporal patterns, identifying key factors for behaviour changes and predicting future behaviour. Ling’s interest in machine learning and data mining stemmed from an introductory artificial intelligence course during her undergraduate studies. She has been fascinated by how problems can be elegantly solved by smart algorithms and computer programs. She hopes her research can contribute to the body of knowledge in data mining and user behaviour analytics, which can help discover useful information from vast and ever-growing amounts of behavioural data.
By supporting these four Australian Fellows we recognise their significant academic achievements and hope that they will go on to be leaders in their respective fields. We look forward to building even stronger links between industry and academia to help push important research forward in Australia.
Posted by Sally-Ann Williams, Google Engineering Community & Outreach Manager
Searching for Australia’s next Regional Online Heroes
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Today, we’re kicking off the search for Australia’s
Regional Online Heroes
- innovative businesses in regional Australia who are using the web to grow.
Regional Online Heroes
recognises outstanding regional businesses from right across the country that are engaging with digital, whether that’s using online marketing to attract new customers, or great e-commerce experiences enabling online shopping from near and far.
We know that digitally engaged small businesses are 1.5 times more likely to be growing revenue (
Deloitte
), which is great news for jobs and local communities, so we’ve joined forces with the
Regional Australia Institute
to find and celebrate businesses that are innovating online.
Last year’s finalists included a
tea business
in Cairns, a
rose-petal farm
in Swan Hill, a
visual artist
in Lismore, an
agricultural software company
in Toowoomba, and a
health services provider
in Northam, highlighting the depth and breadth of talent across regional Australia.
Finalists have the chance to take part in a digital marketing masterclass at Google HQ in Sydney to share their stories, seek advice and develop new skills.
Entries will be assessed by a panel of expert
judges
including:
Hon Michael McCormack MP – Minister for Small Business
Jane Cay – Founder and Director, Birdsnest
David Koch – Television Presenter, Kochie’s Business Builders
Dr Sandra Phillips – Leading Indigenous Scholar, Creative Industries Faculty, School of Communications, Queensland University of Technology
Jack Archer – CEO, Regional Australia Institute
John Ball – Managing Director of Google Marketing Solutions, Google Australia.
Applications close on Sunday 8 October 2017.
Apply now
or share with a regional online hero you know - cape and funny hat not required.
Want to brush up on your digital skills? Check out the
Digital Garage
online or attend one of our free Digital Garage trainings coming up in
Hobart
or
Darwin
.
Posted by Richard Flanagan, Head of Business Marketing, Google Australia
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
Most of us take the benefits of the web entirely for granted.
But for people in need it's a place to find help. It provides crucial assistance when it’s needed most - whether it’s counselling or legal advice, or even just to a meal and shelter for the night.
Almost 80 per cent of people who are homeless own a smartphone, it’s their lifeline. But they rarely have anywhere to charge it. For those living on the street, or in a refuge, shelter or someone’s couch, charging their mobile phone is not easy.
Ask Izzy
is a mobile website that connects people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with essential support services. It provides help for people in need, right now and nearby. It is completely anonymous and has more than 350,000 services listed, including housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, addiction treatment and a whole lot more.
Almost 80 percent of people who are homeless own a smartphone.
Our mission at Google is to help people gain access to useful information and it’s been our privilege to support Infoxchange in the creation of Ask Izzy and the expansion of its services, alongside News Corp Australia and REA Group.
Since Ask Izzy
launched early last year
it has helped people find essential services more than 500,000 times; the largest group of people looking for housing were women and children fleeing family violence.
One in every 200 people in Australia are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Ask Izzy power card is the solution to help them to charge their phone and stay connected.
Ask Izzy
connects people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with essential support services
As winter sets in, we ask that you join us in supporting the 100,000 people across Australia who are homeless each night.
For $15 you can give an Ask Izzy power card to someone in need, which will allow them to charge their phone for up to four hours — just enough to find a meal, health services, a blanket or even a bed for the night.
With the help of Westpac, we’re raising awareness of Ask Izzy and driving donations for charge cards, to connect more people with the services they need.
Donate here
and help someone who is homeless get the help they need.
Posted by Jason Pellegrino, managing director, Google Australia
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