Google

Google Play Music update improves music management, accessibility and more

A month and a half ago, the Internet giant Google pushed a nice update which added several useful enhancements to its Play Music for iOS client, including support for gapless playback, playlist downloading and other nice-to-haves.

Today, another Play Music update has dropped. Available free in the App Store, the new 1.3.2.2559 build brings out even more useful stuff like ability to remove cloud tracks on the go, improved playback and accessibility features and more...

New Google app: Photo Sphere Camera for iPhone

Google has released a brand new iPhone photography application in the App Store. Dubbed Photo Sphere Camera, it provides functionality similar to the iOS Panorama shooting mode, and then some more.

By continuously taking images as you pan your device around, Photo Sphere Camera then stitches the individual photos together to create a nice sphere-like 360-degree image which can be published directly to Google Maps or shared with anyone on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and via email.

The app is a free download. I've included additional tidbits right after the jump...

Google previews revamped YouTube for TV, coming soon to streaming boxes

Google's YouTube is putting finishing touches on an overhauled TV experience that will soon start rolling out to popular gaming consoles such as Microsoft's Xbox One and media-streaming boxes like the Roku (and, presumably, to the Apple TV as well).

The redesigned YouTube app on TV makes it easier to find what you want through Guide, says Google, and it brings all the playlists, shelves and branding from channels.

Jump past the fold for pretty screenshots and full reveal...

Judge rejects $324 million anti-poaching settlement from Apple and others

In 2011, tech employees levied a class action anti-poaching lawsuit against Apple, Google, and other companies. The suit covered more than 60,000 workers, who claimed the firms conspired to keep their salaries lower by entering in a non-poach agreement with one another.

It was reported in April that Apple, Google, Intel and Adobe had reached a settlement for $324 million, but apparently Judge Lucy Koh (yes, that Judge Koh) didn't like that number. Judge Koh officially rejected the proposed offer today, saying that it needed to be higher...

Google Shopping Express 2.0: deliveries in more cities, enhanced search, new products and more

Following a June update, the Internet giant today released a major new version of its Shopping Express application for the iPhone and iPad.

The official iOS client of Google’s same-day delivery service, version 2.0, now live in the App Store, brings same-day and overnight delivery to more cities while introducing several enhancements to the built-in search feature.

You can now use the app to buy wine, beer and spirits and have them delivered to your doorstep, if you live in San Francisco or the San Francisco Peninsula. And people who shop at Costco can now purchase their Costco membership and shop Costco in the same session...

Google reportedly buying streaming video platform Twitch for $1 billion

Google has reportedly reached an agreement to acquire Twitch for $1 billion. After several months of rumors that the search giant was courting the streaming video platform, VentureBeat says that it has confirmed with several sources that it's a done deal.

For those unfamiliar with the service, Twitch is a San Francisco-based company that enables people to broadcast video game sessions from their consoles, computers, and as of March, mobile devices. It also distributes content from CBS Interactive partners...

Gmail for iOS update adds Google Drive support

Google has released an update for its iOS Gmail app that adds support for saving attachments directly to Google Drive and inserting Google Drive files directly into email messages.

There are also new account management options for hiding accounts in the Gmail app without removing them altogether. Additionally, users can now change their profile picture in the app's settings.

Geohot joins elite team of hackers for Google’s Project Zero

Since wunderkind George Hotz, better known as Geohot, first made a name for himself by hacking the iPhone at age 17, he's bounced around to several projects. He hacked the PlayStation, did some work for Facebook, and more recently popped up in Android land.

His latest gig is an internship for Google's Project Zero—a team of elite hackers tasked with finding and eradicating serious software vulnerabilities. Back in March Geohot won $150K for exposing Chrome exploits, and it seems the Mountain View company took notice...

Google Analytics app with Real Time reports now available for iPhone

Google is definitely on a roll these days when it comes to its dedication to the Apple platform. One of the most prolific App Store publishers, the Internet giant in the past seven days alone has released or updated half a dozen apps for the iPhone and iPad.

Just a few examples: the company launched a new YouTube Creator Studio app for the iPhone, released another app to manage AdWords Express accounts for small businesses, updated Google Maps with Gmail appointments and mapped search results, posted the popular augmented reality game Ingress, updated Chrome for iOS with Cast support, refreshed Google Wallet with support for gift cards, free debit card transfers and more and started flagging Flash content in search results on iOS and Android.

And today, Google released a brand new Analytics for iPhone app...

Google Wallet updated with support for gift cards, free debit card transfers and more

Google today announced a significant update for its Google Wallet service. The new version brings about support for gift cards, money requests, and the ability to send money with your debit card for free, and it should be rolling out to iOS and Android apps shortly.

With the new gift card support, users will be able to save their electronic cards to Google Wallet, redeem them in-store, and even check their balances [only at participating merchants]. The Wallet app can even remind you to use your card when you are near stores...

Google updates Chrome for iOS with Cast support

Following a relatively quiet period when it comes to Chrome for iOS, Google is again demonstrating willingness to continue advancing its popular iPhone and iPad browser with useful new capabilities.

The new Google Chrome version 36.0.1985.49 is now available to download in the App Store, bringing out Cast support for websites that have implemented integration with Cast-enabled devices.

Furthermore, this edition also includes stability improvements and bug fixes and a slightly tweaked app icon for your Home screen...

Google starts clearly labeling Flash content in search results

Users of Apple's iPad, back when the device debuted in 2010, were used to seeing holes on websites in place of Adobe Flash content.

But not for long as those holes were getting plugged real fast - even more so after Steve Jobs penned his famous critique of Adobe's proprietary runtime, titled 'Thoughts on Flash'.

Though most web videos no longer require Flash, some websites and web applications continue to rely on Adobe's technology for interactivity, animations and what not. From now on, it's easier to identify Flash items in search results because Google Search now flags Flash content, saving you clicks...