Google is continuing to round the corners of various interface elements in Chrome for Android, with version 137 focusing on menus. With Chrome 136 in May, Google increased the corner radius of the cards in the tab switcher. Chrome 137 brings these rounded corners to menus across the Android browser. The three-dot menu becomes a little bit less blocky as a result, which better aligns with Material 3 across the operating system. The tab switcher’s overflow menu gets the same treatment, while snackbars are no longer rectangular. For example, “Closed [tab]” now floats with rounded corners and colors that better distinguish it from the background. With this change, most menus are unchanged. However, Chrome 137 reorders the interface when you long-press on a link. For whatever reason, “Open in new tab in group” is no longer the first item. This personally breaks my muscle memory for this common action as a heavy user of tab groups.
Apple Vision Pro’s new eye-tracking feature to let users move around the app simply by looking around without requiring any hand gesture for selecting or interacting
Owners of the Apple Vision Pro will soon have the option of scrolling through apps using their eyes, without lifting a finger. Apple is working on a feature that builds upon the existing eye-tracking functionality of the Apple Vision Pro. Allegedly being tested for possible inclusion in visionOS 3, it will let users move around the app simply by looking around. The Apple Vision Pro already uses eye-tracking to determine what a user is looking at, with a pinching hand gesture used to select what is being focused upon. This seems like it would be a fairly reasonable progression of the functionality, and could be a boon for users who don’t necessarily wish to keep raising and lowering their hands to interact with an app. Apple will be making the functionality available across its own app collection. Developers will also be able to use the feature in their visionOS apps. The Apple Vision Pro is not the only device with eye-tracking functions. In June 2024, Apple introduced eye-tracking features to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 as an accessibility feature, using the front-facing camera. In that iteration, Dwell Control automatically selects an item for a user once they have rested their gaze on a selectable element for a period of time. Smoothing and Snap-to-Item were also configurable to help with hands-free navigation.
Uber adds a new type of account with a simpler UI for the elderly with features like ride updates for family members, saved destinations, and the ability to use a family member’s card for payments
Uber revealed a new type of account, called Senior Accounts, for older users that prioritizes a simpler app experience with features like ride updates for family members, saved destinations, and the ability to use a family member’s card for payments. Uber said Senior Accounts present a simpler app experience with larger text and icons, as well as less complex screens. Users can switch this mode on using the accessibility settings in the app. Users in the U.S. can now add older adults to their family account via the “Family” menu under the Accounts tab. Users who manage the family account can add their own payment methods, edit the list of saved destinations, book a ride for older adults, and contact drivers during a ride. People in the family group can also follow senior users’ rides. Uber said senior users can add their Medicare Flex card to pay for eligible medical visits. The company said it plans to make Senior Accounts available worldwide, though it didn’t specify when the feature would roll out to other countries. Uber added teen accounts in a few cities in the U.S. in 2023 and later rolled it out to more regions and countries.
Apple’s CarPlay Ultra comes with ‘local UI’ that incorporates data points and controls sourced from the car itself into the interface
The first trial of CarPlay Ultra in an Aston Martin has deemed Apple’s in-car upgrade a massive success, even if car manufacturers will be wary of handing over the UI reins. The next-generation interface expands the iPhone-based interface across multiple displays on the dashboard, and promises a more cohesive experience for drivers. One of the first topics is car manufacturer personalization and control. Not all manufacturers are keen on using the new CarPlay, due to the way it dominates all of the available screens, including the instrument panel. This resistance has led to Apple working to make CarPlay Ultra as acceptable as possible, by offering as much customization as possible. Apple’s implementation is to provide a set of templates, so that the manufacturers can tailor how the various elements of the interfaces appear within CarPlay Ultra itself. CarPlay Ultra is more than just using the interface on an increasing number of displays in a vehicle. Some of the elements are still iPhone-hosted services as before, but now it incorporates data points and controls sourced from the car itself, referred to as “local UI.” Elements such as speed and fuel level are incorporated into Apple’s interface, which is then shown to the driver. On top of that is “punch-through UI,” which refers to some elements from the car’s native infotainment system to work directly, with minimal interference from CarPlay itself. This can take the form of things such as a car’s reversing camera, handled by the onboard system but displayed within CarPlay itself without extra elements. Apple also upgraded how CarPlay itself interfaces with the iPhone itself. To get the new CarPlay Ultra working, you need an iPhone 12 or later, running on iOS 18.4 or newer. Furthermore, while earlier CarPlay could use wired and wireless connections with the iPhone depending on the setup, CarPlay Ultra works entirely wirelessly by default. The booting process prioritizes the instrument panel display first, so that the driver can use the vehicle, even if other CarPlay Ultra elements take a little longer to get going. There is a default layout, but drivers can also switch between a few options on the fly. This includes altering the visual style without changing item placement for a few of them. The main infotainment screen doesn’t seem to have changed that much at first glance. Existing CarPlay users will be familiar with how it works and appears, but changes can quickly become apparent. With local UI in use, the in-car functions now appear within CarPlay, without needing to exit it. Users can also customize the appearance of CarPlay from the screen. The slickness, integration, and Apple familiarity are plus points for an interface, something car manufacturers frequently struggle to get right.
Google Gemini Live is now adding captions so you can read Gemini’s responses in real-time
Google is adding real-time captions to Gemini Live. After ending a Gemini Live session, you already get a text transcript of the conversation. Google is now adding captions so you can read Gemini’s responses in real-time. The top-right corner of the fullscreen Gemini Live interface is gaining a transcript button. (Google is using the same rectangular icon as Android’s Live Caption capability.) Tapping presents a translucent overlay at the center of the screen. At the moment, Gemini Live does not let you start a conversation if the volume is muted or too low. There might be occasions where you can briefly speak to your phone, but can’t have audio playing out loud (like when you are without headphones). The new transcript allows you to go Live in those situations, while some prefer reading instead of listening to responses. For other people, this will be faster. The upcoming Search Live, which is also powered by Project Astra, has a prominent “Transcript” button in the UI to read responses as they come in. Captions started rolling out to Gemini Live on Android earlier this week with more reports today, but it’s not yet widely available.
Circle to Search in Android to now capture the whole screen to “generate suggestions and results” and automatically add it to the upcoming text query
The “search box” in Circle to Search in Android will now use your whole screen to “generate suggestions and results.” Previously, launching Circle to Search and tapping the pill-shaped field would let you enter a new text query, like any other Search box on Android. Google is now changing the behavior so that CtS will capture your entire screen and automatically add it to the upcoming text query. Instead of a general text search, you’ll now “Ask about this image.” If you just want to “Search anything” (like before), you have to first remove the image by tapping on it twice in the box. Some users might not like the extra step to perform a regular search from anywhere on your device. This new approach complements Circle to Search’s targeted queries without users having to manually expand the capture area, though this update appears to make that easier by letting you just tap anywhere to cover the entire screen.
Apple debuts new user design experience Liquid Glass, which will bring greater focus to content, deliver a new level of quality to controls and keep users more attuned to what’s happening on screen “harmonizing” the user experience across all devices
Apple previewed a slick new software design and powerful software updates, including new features coming to its next-generation operating systems across devices that will receive a unified version 26. The new design features a new material called Liquid Glass, which creates a translucent effect similar to water that sits atop the display, refracting content below it and allowing colors to flow through. The company says this will bring greater focus to content, deliver a new level of quality to controls and keep users more attuned to what’s happening on screen. The new design extends across Apple’s entire device ecosystem, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Ventura 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26. The company said the idea was to “harmonize” the user experience across all devices so they could expect every device to look and feel the same. It will affect buttons, switches, sliders, text and media in the user interface and shift dynamically according to user needs. Controls, toolbars and navigation within apps have been redesigned with rounded corners and they “float above” content so that they stay out of the way and avoid interrupting content. They also shift into thoughtful groupings, allowing users to find the controls they need. The Preview app, which originally comes from macOS, is coming to iPadOS 26. Preview is a dedicated app for creating a quick sketch, as well as viewing, editing and marking up PDFs and images with Apple Pencil or by touch.
Study shows only 18% of US consumers are comfortable with AI-driven features, while 71% are uncomfortable with AI tools
Only 18% of US consumers are comfortable with AI-driven features, while 71% are uncomfortable with AI tools. The study also revealed that one in three consumers prioritize price over brand loyalty. While shoppers are open to AI being used for customer service and product discovery, only 8% believe convenience will impact their buying experience. Loyalty programs are valued at 49%, with 36% wanting added incentives like free shipping or buy now, pay later options. Additional findings include: 67% of Gen Z consumers (ages 16-26) are likely to sign up for subscription services from retailers they shop with. When shopping on a marketplace, 30% of millennials (ages 27-42) are looking for new brands to try, compared to 18% of Gen X and just 9% of Baby Boomers. 40% of Baby Boomers express discomfort with AI chatbots, compared to 24% of millennials (ages 27-42) and 25% of Gen Z.
Xactus integrates flood compliance solution with ICE’s mortgage servicing system, to receive automated flood zone determination updates directly into their systems
Logitech’s new Flip Folio makes it easier than ever to turn your iPad into a comfortable, portable workstation. Logitech’s new Flip Folio fuses portability with adaptability. Its case combines a Bluetooth keyboard with a magnetic folio, making it perfect for anyone who wants the freedom to work the way they like. This is especially great if you want to place your iPad on a higher surface than your keyboard to reduce neck strain while working. Logitech also gives you the option to work in portrait mode — perfect for Pages projects. The kickstand adjusts to multiple angles, allowing you to find the perfect position for writing, watching videos, making FaceTime calls, and more. When it’s time to pack up, the Bluetooth keyboard magnetically attaches to the Folio, making it a breeze to stash it in a bag or carry it with a single hand. Unlike Apple’s Magic Keyboard, there’s no passive charging; in fact, there’s no charging at all. The included Bluetooth keyboard is powered by four replaceable coin cell batteries, which Logitech says should last for two years, assuming two hours of daily use.
Over 2/3rd of Gen Z respondents are memorizing card numbers to make online shopping easier, while 20% of baby boomers are doing so to specifically avoid using digital wallets
A survey from Western & Southern Financial Group found that nearly a third of Americans surveyed have memorized at least one debit or credit card number. What’s more, 20% of respondents who know their card numbers spend more than $500 per month online, compared to just 13% of those who haven’t. They also carry, on average, 10% more debt than non-memorizers. The survey found a significant generation gap, with almost half of respondents who memorize their card numbers falling into the millennial group. Overall, more than a third of millennials have memorized at least one card number. The reasons people gave for memorizing their numbers also varied across generations. More than two-thirds of Gen Z respondents said they did so to make online shopping easier, while, 20% of baby boomers memorized their card numbers specifically to avoid using digital wallets. Gen Z was also the most likely to feel that knowing their card numbers led to more impulse buying and overspending. In contrast, a third of the baby boomers were the most likely to report that memorizing their card numbers had improved their financial discipline. There is some evidence that memorization goes hand in hand with responsible behavior. A total of 70% of memorizers checked their credit card or bank statements at least weekly, compared to 61% of non-memorizers. However, impulse buying was also slightly more common among memorizers. Roughly 26% made unplanned purchases, compared to 23% of non-memorizers. Memorizers were also somewhat more likely to shop when stressed.