Google Built-In

Google announced on Tuesday that the Play Store will be redesigned for cars with Google built-in, with a new layout that automatically adapts to the size and shape of each vehicle's screen. The update aims to make apps easier to browse and use directly from the car's display, as connected-car software becomes a bigger focus for the company.

Google announced on Tuesday that the Play Store will get a major update for cars with Google built-in. The store's layout will automatically adapt to the size and shape of each car's screen, and Google says it will make it easier to find and download new apps for in-car use. The change is aimed at improving the growing category of automotive software as more vehicles ship with integrated Google services.

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a $179 fitness tracker featuring a screen and built-in GPS. It is the second tracker Google has launched this year, following the Fitbit Air, which was released in May. The addition of a display and GPS puts the Edge in line with mainstream trackers, and attention is focused on how Google continues to expand the Fitbit hardware lineup under its ownership.

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a $179 fitness tracker that expands its wearable hardware lineup. The device features a built-in OLED colour display and standalone GPS tracking, aimed at consumers who want richer workout metrics without the bulk or price of a full smartwatch. Tech watchers are discussing how it positions Fitbit against rivals in the mid-range fitness band market.

Google's in-car technology comes in two distinct flavours. Google Built-In is essentially a bundled set of apps and services, while Android Automotive is a full operating system that can run nearly everything inside a vehicle, from climate controls to entertainment. With more carmakers adopting Google-powered dashboards, buyers are increasingly asking which system their new car actually uses and what that means for features and updates.

Google has introduced new security features for Android designed to protect users from phishing attacks, fake phone calls and fraud. The measures add extra safeguards for everyday smartphone use, reflecting growing concern over mobile scams targeting users through messages and calls.

Google is working on the next version of its TV streaming device, according to a report by WinFuture. The new streamer is said to feature more storage, a faster chip, built-in microphones and presence detection. These additions are intended to improve the streaming experience and enable hands-free voice control directly on the device.

Engadget has published a comparison explaining the difference between Android Automotive, Google's open in-car operating system, and Google Built-In, its branded suite of connected services for vehicles. The piece clarifies how automakers can adopt one, the other, or both, and what drivers actually get in each case, as Google's in-car software continues to spread across more brands.

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker featuring built-in GPS, an ECG sensor for heart readings, and battery life of up to seven days. The announcement adds to Fitbit's wearable lineup under Google's ownership, and early coverage is focused on the combination of health features and long battery life in a single tracker.

Android Automotive and Google Built-in are two related but distinct in-car technologies from Google that often get confused. Android Automotive is a full open-source operating system that runs the vehicle itself, which manufacturers can customise, while Google Built-in is Google's branded version bundled with services like the Play Store, Assistant and Maps. Automakers including Volvo, Polestar and General Motors use variations of the platform. Tech outlets are explaining the differences as more car buyers encounter the software in new models.

A new guide urges smartphone owners to review built-in anti-scam protections on their devices. It highlights security and spam-filtering settings available on Apple's iPhone, Google's Pixel and Samsung's Galaxy phones that can help block fraudulent calls, texts and phishing messages. With phone scams rising, the advice is that many users never enable these protections, leaving them exposed to fraud attempts.