Google has seen a lot of events in 2020; As it launched a huge number of devices and services that help users in their daily lives, starting with the launch of the Pixel 4A, which is considered one of the best budget smartphones, through the eleventh version of the Android operating system, which included many new features to improve security and protect privacy, in addition to To modernizing many services and applications, and its efforts in combating Corona virus, and developing artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Today, we will review the most important thing that Google provided to users during the year 2020:
1- Tangi video sharing app:
On January 29th, Google launched a new app called (Tangi) for smartphones that allows users to record short videos focusing on content known as DIY (Do It Yourself). Where users can record videos explaining how to make some things, such as: handicrafts, drawing, cooking, fashion, beauty, and more.
And unlike short video sharing apps, such as TikTok and the new Byte app, which focus on entertainment, Tangi focuses on teaching people new things through videos that do not exceed one minute.
2- Android 11 operating system:
The announcement of the new version of the Android operating system is the most important thing that users have been waiting for at the annual Google developer event, but this year due to the Corona virus pandemic, many technical events have been canceled, including: the Google Developers event.
Therefore, on February 19, Google launched the first developer preview of the Android 11 system, and this was the first time that Google launched the first beta version of the system in February instead of March, like every year.
Then, on September 8, 2020, Google launched the final version of the operating system (Android 11), which focuses on the features that help you access what is important in your phone in easier ways to help you manage your conversations, connected devices, in addition to security and privacy features that help you protect Your data, and more.
To get acquainted with all system features; You can see an article: “The 11 most important new features in the Android operating system 11”.
3- Feature for reading web pages in Google Assistant:
On March 4, Google launched a new feature in its voice assistant called “Read It” that allows the assistant to read entire web pages, in dozens of languages.
With this feature, the web browser can read web articles aloud. When any article appears in the browser on Android phones, it is sufficient for the user to say (Hi Google, read it): Hey Google, read it, or (Hi Google, read this page): Hey Google, read this page, so it can start reading aloud right away.
4- Adidas GMR Product in Collaboration with Adidas:
On March 10, Google launched in cooperation with Adidas and (EA Sports) a smart shoe insole called (Adidas GMR) that connects to your phone, and can convert kicks and movement on the football field into rewards in the game (FIFA Mobile), where the smart sole is powered by technology Google’s Jacquard wearable, previously only available in Levi’s jacket, and in Yves Saint Laurent backpack.
5- Providing many tools to confront Corona virus:
On March 15th, Google launched several initiatives dedicated to helping face the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) – which had started at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China and spread during the month of March around the world – in addition to providing useful tips and tools for individuals, teachers and companies to work. From home, to help people stay safe and in touch.
Website: Provides everything new on Coronavirus, and includes: health information, safety and prevention advice, real-time data on infections and death tolls in all countries of the world, and useful resources and advice from local health authorities.
Providing reliable information in its services: Google has also started providing useful and reliable information about everything related to the Coronavirus through its various applications and services, such as: Google search engine, Google Maps, and YouTube.
Combating incorrect information: Since the beginning of the virus spread, Google has been keen to remove any incorrect or false information about the virus from its various platforms.
Provide productivity tools for remote users and students.
6- A new tool in Google Arts & Culture app:
On April 2, Google launched a new tool called Art Transfer in its Arts & Culture application, which uses artificial intelligence to allow you to transform your photos into works of art by applying the characteristics of popular paintings to your photos, so that Art Transfer works using an artificial intelligence algorithm. Decomposition of famous paintings; To replicate its style in any photo the user takes.
To listen to this feature, now you can download the (Google Arts & Culture) app on your Android or iOS phone. The app is an online platform that allows anyone to access digital versions of museums, galleries, and a wide range of famous artworks.
7- Significant development of Google Meet:
The year 2020 is considered the year of video calling, so there has been a race between companies to develop their services and support them with the best features, and Google throughout the year has developed its (Meet) service for video calls:
April 9th: Google renames its “Hangouts Meet” service to “Google Meet” only.
April 22nd: The company launches advanced features in the (Meet) service – to compete with Zoom – such as: showing up to 16 meeting participants in a single frame, improving video quality when lighting conditions are dim, and filtering background noise during a call.
April 29th: The company announces that Google Meet will be available for free to all.
May 5th: Company begins integrating Meet service into Gmail to make it easier to use.
July 22nd: Meet new security features are introduced to prevent uninvited users from participating in video meetings.
October 31: Support for custom backgrounds launched in Meet.
December 16th: Live captions feature in Spanish, French, German and Portuguese launched in all versions of Google Meet.
8- Developing technology to combat Corona in cooperation with Apple:
On April 10, Apple and Google announced that they are working together to develop a new technology for tracking contacts in smartphones, in order to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), by allowing mobile devices to exchange information via Bluetooth connections; To alert people when they are in close proximity to a person who has tested positive for the virus.
The initial release of this technology was launched on May 20, and authorities in 23 countries across five continents announced that they had sought access to the technology.
9- Pixel Buds:
On April 27, Google launched Pixel Buds wireless headphones in the market, about 6 months after their announcement.
These headphones are characterized by a stylish and compact design that fits safely and comfortably in your ear, high-quality sound, and supports many useful artificial intelligence features.
10- A fraudulent website:
On May 28, Google launched a website called Scam Spotter that aims to teach people how to spot and avoid online frauds, in light of the increase in digital hoaxes amid the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
11- Keen Service:
On June 18, Google launched a new service called (Keen) that provides users with the ability to follow online content that interests them. Although it is very similar to Pinterest, it has the advantage of being automatic, and it uses machine learning technology.
12- New features in Google Photos:
On June 25, Google launched a new design for its image service; It makes it easy for users to find, manage and organize their old photos and videos that were saved over the previous years for faster access.
On September 30th, Google added some new features in the Google Photos app for Android phones that rely on machine learning techniques to provide smart suggestions and accurate and easy-to-use adjustments, so that your photos look at their best.
On December 16th, it launched its Cinematic 3D feature on its photo service, with the results aiming to make your memories more vivid. The new cinematic 3D images are created using machine learning that predicts image depth to produce a 3D representation of a scene.
13- Shoploop app:
On July 16, Google launched a new shopping app called (Shoploop), which is a video shopping platform for discovering, evaluating and buying products in one place.
14- New Pixel phones:
On August 20, Google launched a phone (Pixel 4A), which is considered one of the best budget smartphones in 2020, as the phone is characterized by its powerful specifications, with a long-lasting battery, and a smaller screen that is easy to use with one hand.
Then, on October 15, the company launched a new version of the phone called Pixel 4a (5G), which supports 5G networks, and its flagship phone for this year (Pixel 5).
15- Chromecast with Google TV:
On October 1, Google launched the (Chromecast with Google TV) device, which is the first version of the Chromecast broadcast device that relies on (Google TV) as an interface that works with the Android TV operating system so that you can navigate it using the remote control.
The device supports 4K HDR at up to 60 frames per second and (Dolby Vision). It attaches to the back of your TV rather than being a small box underneath, and it still supports all of the same transmission functions.
16- Nest Audio:
On October 5, Google launched a new smart speaker (Nest Audio), which supports Google Assistant.
This device features a new design and an updated sound, as Google says: “It has a 50% stronger bass response compared to the (Google Home) device that replaces it.”
Also, this device does everything that other smart home speakers supported by Google Assistant do, such as: play music, control smart home devices, tell you about the weather, etc.
17- Nest Thermostat
On October 31, Google launched its new Nest Thermostat, the first update to the device in two years. It is a device that allows you to control your home temperature from the phone.
This device is characterized by a new elegant design, and it uses the radar feature (Google Soli), which was first introduced in the (Pixel 4) phone, the Pixel 4, to detect the passage of someone next to it to illuminate the screen automatically.
18- New features in Google Maps:
Google has introduced a lot of new features in its application for maps, and the most prominent update it launched on December 1 includes some new features that make it more focused on community participation, and this update is part of the company’s plan to develop the application and convert it from a service application to geographical locations to a community application that provides information For individuals and companies.
To learn about all the features that this update includes, you can review an article: “4 new features in the Google Maps application and how to use them?”
19- Health Studies application for health research:
On December 10, Google launched a new app called Google Health Studies, which allows anyone with a device to participate in medical studies.
The app allows you to participate in research projects and contribute data securely, either through surveys or sensor readings.
