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Google Maps Now Has Geospatial AR Content Support: What Is It? How To Use?

Key Highlights

  • Geospatial AR content comes to Google Maps
  • Offers interactive UI for exploring popular landmarks and desitinations
  • Mass rollout to be initiated gradually

Google’s I/O 2024 event has been all about AI with the brand introducing the new Gemini AI version and also a plethora of service upgrades with AI integration. Google Maps also silently received a new geospatial AR feature which will allow users to get an interactive view of popular buildings, landmarks, and streets. Here’s how unique user experience the new geospatial AR content feature with Google Maps:

Also Read: Google Maps 3D Building View: What Is It? How To Enable?

Google Maps Geospatial AR View Feature: What Is It?

Google has been working constantly to provide an interactive user experience with the Maps app. The recent additions of 3D buildings feature has been the most advanced navigational feature. But during the recent I/O 2024 developer conference, Google revealed another new AI feature for the Maps called geospatial AR content.

With this new feature’s rollout, Google aims to provide the user a real life AR experience on the Maps app itself when any popular landmark or building is nearby. This new feature is designed to make Maps app a complete travel companion where it will also act as a guide whenever required.

Also Read: Steps To Use Google Maps Navigation Using Apple Car Play

How To Use Google Maps Geospatial AR View Feature

The geospatial AR view for Google Maps is set to commence as a pilot project soon. Users in Singapore and Paris will be the first to receive this new Maps AR feature on their Android and iOS devices. Google will possible begin with the mass rollout by early 2025 in the remaining markets.

As far as usage is concerned, the geospatial AR feature once available will bring up an AR Experience tile whenever a popular landmark or building is nearby. Once the AR tiles pop up, users can simply tap on the photo roll of the respective landmark and Maps will display all the important facts and history of the location. This will be helpful to get insights of any popular destination without specifically hiring any guide or searching through multiple online websites and apps.

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Apps Featured

Google I/O 2024 Keynote: Gemini AI Major Announcements

Key Highlights

  • Google I/O 2024 has been all about Gemini AI
  • Enhancements coming to native apps
  • Google search to get AI integration

Google’s I/O 2024 keynote at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California has been headlined by the Gemini AI. The keynote showcased the new-gen Gemini AI’s capabilities that are being extended to Google’s services and apps. Google has finally launched the Gemini AI mobile app which both Android and iOS users can download on their respective devices. Take a look at the top Gemini AI highlights that Google has announced during the I/O 2024 keynote.

Also Read: Google And HP Team Up To Redefine Video Conferencing With Project Starline

Google Ask Photos

With the Gemini AI integration, Google Photos have become smarter. Users will be able able to give voice commands to find and search for certain photos. An example shared during the presentation revealed the process of asking Photos for certain pics and how it uses AI to get the results. This new feature will also make it simple to find older certificates and even your vehicle’s registration/ license plate. Google Ask Photos will also be able to solve complex queries and help pull up results with old memories. The results will be shown in a photo package for an easy access.

Also Read: Steps To Use Google Maps Navigation Using Apple Car Play

Gemini 1.5 Pro Easy Access For Workspace apps

Google has added Gemini 1.5 Pro access to a range of in-house apps. The advanced AI model can be accessed in Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets. It will be available on the side panel of all these apps. Users will be able to ask a wide range of queries to get insightful responses generative by the Gemini AI. The summaries and prompts will pop up on the side panel. The Gemini AI enabled Workspace panel will be accessible to the business and general consumers via add-on subscriptions of the Google One AI Premium Plan.

Also Read: Google Cloud Next 2024: AI-powered Features Enhance Gmail, Docs, Sheets, And More

Improved Circle To Search

Circle to Search also gets its share of enhancements with the AI integration. With Circle to Search, students will get help with complex tasks and get necessary information on any subject. Circle to search will also be able to take on some of the tricky mathematics and physics questions and provide accurate step by step solutions too.

Also Read: Google I/O 2024: Trillium Takes Center Stage As Pichai Announces Sixth-Gen TPUs

Generative AI in Search

Google Search will now be backed with Generative AI. Now, we can expect more accurate and detailed results of our queries. Users will also be allowed to modify their AI Overview while using the search with which they will be able get detailed analysis of any unknown or a new topic. The enhanced multi-step reasoning capabilities is said to allow search to get responses for the most toughest of queries.

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Apps Featured How To

Create Your DigiLocker Account In Minutes: Here’s How

Key Highlights

  • DigiLocker is a free digital document storage platform by the Government of India
  • Users can store Aadhaar, driving license, PAN card, and educational certificates
  • DigiLocker promotes digital empowerment by offering secure document management

Digitalization has simplified many aspects of our lives, and managing important documents is no exception. DigiLocker, a government initiative, offers a secure and convenient platform for storing and accessing various documents digitally. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for DigiLocker and create your account. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here’s How To Download Your Voter ID Card Online In Minutes

What Is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is like your virtual document locker, where you can store important documents such as Aadhaar card, driving license, PAN card, and educational certificates. It’s a free service provided by the Government of India to promote digital empowerment.

How To Create Account On DigiLocker

Step 1: To get started, visit the official DigiLocker website using your web browser.

Step 2: On the homepage, you’ll find the “Sign Up” option. Click on it to start the registration process.

Step 3: You will be asked to provide your mobile number. Enter your mobile number and then click on “Continue”.

Step 4: You will receive an OTP on the mobile number you provided. Enter the OTP in the designated space and click on “Verify OTP”.

Step 5: After OTP verification, you need to choose a username and password for your DigiLocker account. Make sure to choose a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters for security.

Step 6: Next, you’ll need to fill in your personal details such as name, date of birth, and email address. Make sure all the information provided is accurate.

Step 7: Set up security questions and answers. These will help you recover your account if you forget your password.

Step 8: Read through the terms and conditions of using DigiLocker carefully. Tick the box to accept them if you agree.

Step 9: Once you have filled in all the necessary information, click on the “Sign Up” button to complete the registration process.

Step 10: You may receive an email asking you to verify your email address. Click on the verification link in the email to confirm your email address.

Your Account Is Ready

Congratulations! You have successfully signed up for DigiLocker. Now you can start uploading your documents and accessing various government services online.

Also Read | Online Safety: Eight Essential Cybersecurity Tips For Kids

Conclusion

Signing up for DigiLocker is a simple process that allows you to access your important documents anytime, anywhere, digitally. By following these easy steps, you can create your account and take advantage of the benefits of digital document storage and access.

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Apps Featured How To

Control What Your Family Watches: How To Adjust Maturity Ratings On Netflix

Key Highlights

  • Set maturity rating on Netflix to control what content is available for viewing
  • Access settings on both the Netflix app and web browser to adjust maturity ratings
  • Manually block specific titles for additional control over content accessibility

Netflix, the popular video streaming service, offers a wide range of content across various genres. However, some shows and movies are meant for mature audiences, typically those over 18. If you’re a parent and want to ensure your kids only watch suitable content, you can set a maturity rating on Netflix. Similarly, you can also adjust settings to view content appropriate for grown-ups. Here’s how you can do it. Also Read | Hotstar vs Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: The Best OTT Platform?

How To Set Maturity Rating On Smartphone, Tablet

Step 1: Tap on the Netflix app icon on your smartphone or tablet.

Step 2: At the bottom right, click on “My Netflix”.

Step 3: Navigate to Manage Profiles: Tap on the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner and then select “Manage Profiles”.

Step 4: Select the profile you want to edit.

Step 5: Tap on “Viewing Restrictions”.

Step 6: Tap on “Maturity Rating”.

Step 7: Enter your Netflix account password to proceed.

Step 8: Choose Rating Level: Netflix offers five options: U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13, U/A 16+, and A for Adult content. Uncheck the maturity levels you want to restrict, then tap back.

How To Set Maturity Rating On Web Browser

Step 1: Open Netflix.com on your web browser.

Step 2: At the top right corner, click on your profile.

Step 3: Go to “Manage Profiles”.

Step 4: Choose the profile you want to edit.

Step 5: Click on “Edit” below “All Maturity Ratings”.

Step 6: Enter your Netflix account password.

Step 7: Choose from the five maturity rating levels available.

Also Read | From Hindi To Korean: Learn How To Change Languages In Netflix

How To Block Titles

You can also manually block specific TV shows or movies:

Step 1: In the Maturity Rating section, tap on “Block Titles”.

Step 2: Find the show you want to block and tap on it.

Step 3:  Finally, tap on “Save” to confirm.

By setting the maturity rating, Netflix will only display content suitable for the chosen age group, which is helpful for parents monitoring their children’s viewing habits. Additionally, manually blocking titles gives you more control over what content is accessible.

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Apps Featured

Pilot License From Google Free: How To Get And Fly Aircraft From One Airport To Another?

Key Highlights

  • You can fly airplanes using Google’s Pilot license
  • Primarily a Flight simulator
  • Feature accessible on Google Earth pro

Google is one of those brands which has always been at the technology forefront providing endless service support to tech consumers globally. Apart from its popular search engine, Google offers an array of tools and services to smartphone, tablet, laptop, and PC users. Navigational services is another key expertise of Google where it provides real-time road and traffic status via Maps. But if you wish to see a 3D landscape and satellite-based aerial representation of any location, Google Earth is what comes to the rescue. But what if we tell you that getting a pilot license from Google is also a possibility. Not only you get a pilot’s license but also can fly an aircraft from one destination to other. Here’s the quick hack:

Pilot Licence From Google For Free: Can You Apply And Fly Planes?

With Google Earth Pro, you will be able to not only get a pilot’s license but also fly any aircraft. And there’s is hardly any cap on the destination that you can cover while flying an aircraft using Google Pilot licensee.

Also Read: Want Free Games On Your PS5? Here’s How To Download It On Your Gaming Console

What’s The Catch?

Well, this pilot license we’re speaking of is flight simulator feature which you can access on Google Earth Pro. All you would need to do is head to any web browser and install Google Earth Pro on your respective PCs and laptops. Simply launch the application and use the flight simulator feature to fly an aircraft to any corner of the world. But what are the steps to run flight simulator using Google Earth Pro? Take a look below:

Also Read: Google Maps 3D Building View: What Is It? How To Enable?

Steps To Use Flight Simulator Using Google Earth Pro For Free

Step 1: Launch Google Chrome or any other website on your laptop or PC.

Step 2: Search for Google Earth Pro. You can also tap on this link to continue.

Step 3: Scroll down and locate download and install option. Click on it.

Step 4: Launch the installer and complete the on screen steps to complete the installation of Google Earth Pro.

Step 5: Now, launch the application

Step 6: Go to the Tools option

Step 7: Select the ‘Enter Flight Simulator’ option

Step 8: Now, select the airport from where you want your flight to take off and use the keyboard shortcuts or joystick to fly the plane

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Apps Auto Tech Featured How To

Android Auto Update: Here’s The Manual Step Guide

Highlights

  • Android Auto update improves user experience
  • Update generally is automatic
  • Manual steps listed below for Android Auto Update

Android Auto is the modern connected car technology which has opened up range of possibilities while driving. If you own a new-age four wheeler, you possible will get a digital infotainment screen loaded with Android Auto suite. Features like turn-by-turn navigation, media playback, and answering calls is just a few taps away. In fact, voice assistance is another advanced user experience offered by an Android Auto-enabled car. As is the case with all Google Apps, auto update via OTA is a general practice which enhances the user experience with Android Auto. Google has added the provision of auto-updates with Android Auto. However, there can be instances where Android Auto fails to update automatically and the user experience can be hampered due to the bugs present in older version. Manual update is what comes to rescue here. But how can you perform a manual update for Android Auto? Here in this article we are listing the step-by-step guide. Take a look:

Also Read: Microsoft Rolls Out Passkey Support For Consumer Accounts: Here’s How To Use

Check If Auto Update Is Enabled Or Disabled

Make sure the Auto Update option is enabled for your apps on Google Play Store. If auto-update feature is disabled, Android Auto and all other apps that are installed on your devices won’t update automatically even if the OTA update is rolled out.

Step 1: Open Google Play Store on your mobile device or desktop

Step 2: Click on the Profile icon

Step 3: Head to the Setting menu

Step 4: Select the Network Preferences option and tap Auto-update apps

Step 5: Click on the preferred auto update mode such as Wi-Fi or mobile data or both.

Step 6: Auto-app update is now enabled

Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here’s How To Download Your Voter ID Card Online In Minutes

Steps To Update Android Auto Manually

Step 1: Open Google Play Store on your device

Step 2: Search Android Auto application

Step 3: Once on the app’s page, check for any new updates

Step 4: Click on Update if available

Step 5: Wait for the update to be completed and then relaunch Android Auto in your vehicle

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Apps Featured How To

Instagram Introduces Four New Stickers: What Are They, How To Use Them?

Key Highlights

  • Instagram introduces four new stickers: Add Yours Music, Reveal, Cutouts, and Frames
  • Add Yours Music lets users share songs; Reveal hides stories for followers to discover
  • Cutouts turn photos or videos into stickers, while Frames give photos an instant print effect

Instagram has announced exciting updates with four new stickers for its platform. These stickers not only let users share their favorite songs but also add hidden stories for followers to discover. Also Read | Instagram’s Algorithm Change: No More Reposted Content In Recommendations

1. Add Yours Music Sticker

This new sticker combines the existing Add Yours feature with Instagram’s music sticker. With the Add Yours Music sticker, users can share their favorite songs or new music finds with their followers. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Open Instagram and create a post.

Step 2: Tap the stickers icon and select ‘Add Yours Music’.

Step 3: Choose a song from Instagram’s music library.

2. Reveal Sticker

The Reveal sticker lets users post hidden stories for friends and followers to uncover. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Create a post on Instagram.

Step 2: Tap the stickers icon and select ‘Reveal’.

Step 3: Type a hint for your friends.

Step 4: Preview how your story will appear.

3. Cutouts Sticker

The Cutouts sticker allows users to turn a part of any video or photo in their camera roll into a sticker for their story or reel. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Create a post on Instagram.

Step 2: Tap the stickers icon and select the scissors icon for Cutouts.

Step 3: Choose a clear subject from your gallery.

Step 4: The sticker will be generated automatically.

Step 5: Tap ‘Use sticker’ to add it to your reel or story.

Also Read | The Insta-Famous Five: Check Top Five Most-Followed Instagram Accounts

4. Frames Sticker

This sticker turns any photo into an instant print. To reveal the content inside, followers have to shake their phones. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Create a post on Instagram.

Step 2: Tap the stickers icon and select Frames.

Step 3: Choose an image from your gallery.

Step 4: Add a caption if you like.

These new stickers offer fun ways to engage with your followers and get creative with your stories on Instagram. Try them out and share your favorite moments in new and exciting ways.

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Apps Auto Tech Featured

Two Or Four Wheel Owner? Must Have Government Approved Apps For Digital Document Storage

Key Highlights

  • Digital vehicle documentation becoming new norm
  • Helps avoiding traffic fines
  • Various government apps available for storing documents digitally

Getting stopped by a traffic cop is one of those scenarios which almost every two or four wheeler owner must have come across. And you must have been asked to show physical copies of vehicle registration and other certificates along with your driving license. But thanks to the digital India initiative and roll out of multiple government authorized apps for official and identity document storage, our lives have become much easy. Digilocker is one of such apps where you can store all your necessary documents including Adhaar and driving license as soft copies. As we mentioned, there are other dedicated apps for the same which you must have installed on your smartphones if you are a vehicle owner and are frequent with long travels.

Also Read: Love Singing? Here Are The Top Four Karaoke Apps For Android Users

Digilocker

The most popular and frequently downloaded mobile app developed and authorized by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) comes in both website and mobile application form. You simply need to head to the Play Store or App Store on your Android or Apple devices respectively to download this application. This government approved platform offers cloud storage service which are authenticated to be presented to authorities when required. You can not only store your identity documents such as Adhaar, Voter ID card, driving licence, etc., but also vehicle registration documents. Storing acadamic docs is also an option with the digilocker. Do note that you’ll need to create your account in order to acess the Digilocker cloud services on laptops/ Pcs, and mobile devices.

Also Read: Ready To Factory Reset Your Apple iPhone? Here’s What To Do

Next-Gen mParivahan

This is a dedicated digital service for transport in India. Developed by the National Informatics centre, mParivahan is another crucial government approved app where you can access and store your vehicle documents. Available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the mParivahan app also makes it easy for the users to check the challan status of their vehicles. This can be done by simple entering the vehicle registration number and by tapping on the View Challan Status. One can also check RTO details of the vehicles with the registration number. Also, documents shown on mParivahan app to the authorities are valid and you won’t need to carry any physical copies of the documents during travels.

Also Read: Steps To Use Google Maps Navigation Using Apple Car Play

UMANG

An abbreviation for Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance is another strong initiative backing the digital India move. This mobile app is also developed by Ministry of Electronics and Information technology and a one-stop solution for document storage online. Similar to the remaining two apps, Umang can also be downloaded on both Android and iOS ecosystems and also be accessed using the desktop version on laptops and PCs. It comes with multilingual support (up to 23 languages) and integrates entire government approved digital services including Digilocker and others. Users can also access and use their personal identification documents such as Adhaar.

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Apps Featured How To

Microsoft Rolls Out Passkey Support For Consumer Accounts: Here’s How To Use

Key Highlights

  • Microsoft introduces passkeys for consumer accounts
  • Passkeys replace passwords for better protection
  • Simple setup and usage for convenience

Microsoft announced a big update for its users: the introduction of passkeys for all consumer accounts. With passkeys, users can log into their Microsoft accounts using their face, fingerprint, or device PIN on Windows, Google, and Apple platforms. This new feature aims to enhance security and convenience for users across different devices. Also Read | WhatsApp Passkey Available For Android, iOS, And Web: How To Use?

What Exactly Is A Passkey?

For those unfamiliar, a passkey is a replacement for traditional passwords. Instead of relying on a single string of characters, passkeys use a combination of two keys for authentication. One key is stored on the user’s device and is protected by biometrics or a PIN, while the other key remains with the app or website for which the passkey was created. This unique key pair ensures that the passkey will only work for the intended website or app, making it more secure against phishing attempts.

Supported Devices

Passkeys are now supported on a variety of devices, including:

  • Windows 10 and newer
  • ChromeOS 109 and newer
  • macOS Ventura and newer
  • Android 9 and newer
  • iOS 16 and newer
  • Hardware security keys that support the FIDO2 protocol

How To Set Up A Passkey For Your Microsoft Account

Setting up a passkey for your Microsoft account is easy:

Step 1: Sign in to your Microsoft account Advanced Security Options.

Step 2: Choose ‘Add a new way to sign in or verify’.

Step 3: Choose fingerprint, face, PIN, or security key.

Step 4: Follow the instructions on your device.

Step 5: Provide a name for your passkey.

How To Use Your Passkey To Sign In

Using your passkey to sign in to your Microsoft account is just as simple:

Step 1: Choose Sign-in options or Other ways to sign in.

Step 2: Select Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or security key.

Step 3: Now select your Passkey from the list available.

Step 4: Once selected, your device will prompt you to use your chosen method (face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key) to authenticate.

Also Read | Google Passkey For Login: In-Depth Guide On What It Is And How to Use It

Security and Convenience

With passkeys, Microsoft aims to provide users with a more secure and convenient way to access their accounts across various platforms. By leveraging biometric data or PINs, passkeys offer an added layer of protection against unauthorized access while simplifying the login process for users.

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Instagram’s Algorithm Change: No More Reposted Content In Recommendations

Key Highlights

  • Instagram will replace reposted content with original posts
  • Accounts sharing unoriginal content will be removed from recommendations
  • A new algorithm will recommend content based on resonance rather than follower engagement

Instagram is making significant changes to promote original content and discourage reposted and copied material. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently announced these changes on Threads, outlining a series of updates set to roll out in the coming months. Also Read | Instagram Tips And Tricks: How To Remix Instagram Reels With Videos And Photos

Prioritizing Originality

Instagram’s latest announcement is a boon for creators who produce original content. The platform aims to diminish the visibility of accounts that repeatedly share unoriginal content.

How It Works

Instagram will identify reposted content in recommendations and replace it with the original source. This means if you’ve shared someone else’s video or image with minimal alterations, it may not be recommended, or it will include a link back to the original post. Licensed publications sharing common news may be exceptions to this rule.

Mixed Original Content

Content that includes edited original reels or posts, such as adding text or overlaying faces for memes, will still be recommended. However, accounts that post almost identical content may face reduced visibility.

Crackdown On Aggregators

Instagram is taking a tough stance against accounts sharing fully unoriginal content, often known as aggregators. Such content and the accounts sharing them will be removed from recommendations, fostering a space for genuine creators.

Fair Reach For Creators

These changes ensure that original creators receive the reach and recognition they deserve. Previously, there were instances where reshared content garnered more attention than the original, but with these changes, this issue may be mitigated.

Algorithmic Shift

In addition to these changes, Instagram is revamping how content is recommended on the platform. Reels were previously ranked based on an account’s follower engagement, favoring larger accounts. However, a new algorithm is being tested, categorizing content and presenting it to a small audience before wider dissemination based on its resonance.

Also Read | Instagram Tips To Create The Best Bio For Boys

Conclusion

Instagram’s upcoming updates mark a significant shift toward promoting originality and ensuring fair exposure for creators. By prioritizing original content and cracking down on reposted material, the platform aims to cultivate a more authentic and engaging user experience. Keep an eye out for these changes, set to roll out in the coming months.