It's business not-the-usual over Google. Here's what we have rounded up in the past week.
Google Brings AMP to Gmail
Along with the recently launched AMP story format, another AMP news came in low key but brought in equally interesting developments to Gmail. The open-source framework AMP will not only make fast-loading and high-performing pages to mobile. AMP is now available to email through the Gmail Developer Preview. The new feature will allow developers to create a more engaging and interactive email experience.
The new feature will allow users to complete tasks without leaving Gmail. For instance, AMP email will allow you to submit an RSVP to an event, schedule appointments or fill out questionnaires. AMP email will also enable content to be dynamic, and therefore, users can go back to it, and the content will always be accurate. Platforms such as Pinterest, Doodle and Booking.com are now developing new experiences with users. It is interesting to watch out what others will come up with. Google is anticipating support for AMP Email later this year. Get the developer preview access by signing up.
With AMP for email, the new possibilities for companies to engage their audiences is promising. Since it is an open spec, the format can be adapted by other email clients. Developers can check out this link for ideas on the implementation.
Google Made a Small Change to Image Search
In a move to curb piracy and in line with its recent settlement with Getty images, Google announced in their Search Liaison Twitter account that they plan to remove the "View Image" button in image search results. The button has been replaced by "Visit" button which is intended to bring users to the images on the web page where they are hosted. Nonetheless, users can still view the original image and save it by right-clicking on the image choosing "open link in new tab."
The move will remove the ability to download images directly from the search results without knowing or considering the copyright status of the images.
Google Chrome Ad Blocker Is Now Live
True to its promise last year, Google added the built-in ad blocker to its latest version of the Chrome web browser on Thursday. The move is a small part of a wider movement to improve the quality of online advertisements and driven by rants from frustrated customers against intrusive ads. A survey conducted by Google shows that 1 of 5 feedback pertains to unwanted ads. There were also 5 billion users who used Google's "mute this ad" feature. Along with this, there was widespread use of ad blockers in the past years. This was apparently a handy solution for many people but as it turns out, is not a permanent solution that will strike at the heart of the issue.
Having a big chunk of browser usage - over 60 percent in mobile and over 50 percent in desktop, Google boldly stood up to make a move to approach the issue. Advertisements fuel the digital economy, and therefore, Google will have to strike the right balance of allowing ads while taking control over intrusive ads that have been related to negative experiences. The following ad types were identified to be offending and annoying to users and will be the subjected to ad blocking in the new advertising standards at Google: (desktop) pop-up ads, prestitial ads with countdown, autoplay video ads with sound (outstream) and large sticky ads; (mobile) pop-up ads, prestitial ads, autoplay video ads with sounds, postitial ads with countdown, ads with density above 30%, flashing animated ads, large sticky ads, full-screen scroll over ads.
To enforce the Better Ads Standards List, Google is collaborating with the Coalition for Better Ads. Google will identify a threshold of 7.5 % non-compliance before offenders' ads are blocked. Sites will be given a warning if they are failing the new standard to give them a chance to clean up their ads within 30 days to remove offending ads on their websites. Otherwise, Google will initiate the blocking.
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| Image courtesy of Ctechinstitute ((Own work) CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons |
Google App Beta Rolled out Screenshot Editing Tool
Google App has been testing its built-in screenshot editor since April last year. Finally, it has been rolled out on version 7.21. The tool will allow users to edit, annotate and share screenshots taken in the Google Feed, Search and visited web pages.
Enable the tool by heading to Google App's settings and go to Accounts and Privacy. Check out the last toggle, "Edit and share screenshots" on version 7.21 (beta). When a screenshot is taken, the app panel will slide up and show options to Edit or Share directly. When the sharing menu is open, the screenshot loads in the background. Tapping edit will open the editor and allow you to crop or use the pen feature to create a doodle. Tap the check mark in the middle to save your screenshot on the dedicated folder and open the share menu.
Join the testing program and grab the beta version at at either Google Play or Apple's App Store.
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