Android - The Latremie Post

Google Messages has time saving new feature to access your photos

Accessing your photos from the Google Messages app for Android is relatively easy, but it could be even simpler.

To start, open Google Messages and tap on any previous message. On the left side of the text field, you’ll see a round button with a plus sign [+] inside it. Tap this button, and a row of ovals with icons will appear. There are eight options to choose from: Gallery, Camera, GIFs, Stickers, Files, Location, Contacts, Schedule, and Send.

Tap on **Gallery**, and you’ll see the most recent images and videos stored locally on your device through the Google Photos custom media picker. However, if you want to access your photos from the Google Photos app via the Android system photo picker, you need to tap the **Folders** button at the bottom of the screen. Unfortunately, this extra step is required to see photos stored in the cloud, rather than those only on your phone.

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### Why This Extra Step Matters

While it might seem minor, this additional tap can be inconvenient for some users. More importantly, it raises a security concern. Google’s custom picker requires access to your entire media gallery in order to function, whereas the Android system photo picker allows apps to access only the photos and videos you specifically select.

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### A Solution on the Horizon

There’s good news coming soon. Google is reportedly working on eliminating this extra step, making it easier to access photos from the Google Photos app directly in Google Messages.

With Android 16, a new embedded photo picker will be introduced. This picker features dedicated APIs that allow apps to integrate the photo picker seamlessly into their interface. This means app developers can provide a media gallery experience that feels native to their apps while maintaining the security and privacy benefits of the Android system picker — without broad media permissions.

Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority discovered this embedded photo picker on his OnePlus 13 running OxygenOS 16. When he presses the Gallery button, both cloud-hosted and locally stored photos and videos appear side by side, eliminating the need to tap the Folders button as before.

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### What This Means for You

Once the embedded photo picker rolls out:

– You will no longer need to grant the Google Messages app the “Photos and videos” permission to share media.
– In fact, you can revoke the “Photos and videos” permission after the feature becomes available.
– Although the embedded photo picker is supported on Android 14, it will only be visible on devices running **Android 16**.

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### Stay Updated

The rollout of this feature promises a smoother and more secure photo sharing experience in Google Messages. Keep an eye out for Android 16 updates to take advantage of the new embedded photo picker.

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https://www.phonearena.com/news/google-messages-new-photo-picker-saves-time_id175185

YouTube’s new timer stops you from doom scrolling into procrastination

**YouTube Introduces Daily Limit Feature for Shorts to Promote Healthier Viewing Habits**

YouTube has announced a new feature aimed at helping users manage their time on the platform’s Shorts feed. Starting this week, viewers will be able to set a **daily limit** on how long they can scroll through Shorts videos each day. Once users reach their set limit, they will receive a **dismissible notification** reminding them to take a break.

This update appears as part of YouTube’s efforts to encourage better digital wellbeing and time management, especially as short-form video content can often become addictive. The option to set a daily limit will be accessible in the YouTube app’s Settings, allowing users to take control of their viewing habits directly.

### Parental Controls for Kids and Teens Coming Soon

YouTube also revealed that **parents will gain the ability to set daily Shorts limits for accounts under their supervision later this year**. Unlike with general users, the notifications for these supervised accounts will be **non-dismissible**, meaning young viewers won’t be able to ignore the alert once their time is up.

Parents will have full control to activate, adjust, or disable these limits according to their preferences, providing an added layer of management to help children and teenagers develop healthier screen time routines.

### Why This Matters: The Popularity of Shorts

YouTube Shorts have become a major attraction on the platform. Less than two years after launching, Shorts have already amassed over **five trillion views** across various devices including Android phones and laptops. This rapid growth highlights the immense popularity of short-form videos.

As Shorts continue to dominate, YouTube is also exploring ways to support creators in monetizing their content, ensuring that the format is rewarding not just for viewers, but also for those who make it.

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This new daily limit feature is a welcome addition for users looking to balance entertainment with healthy screen time, and it reflects YouTube’s commitment to fostering a positive viewing experience for all ages. Keep an eye out for the update in your YouTube app settings soon!
https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/youtube/youtubes-new-timer-stops-you-from-doom-scrolling-into-procrastination

Android is coming to your PC next year

**Android is Coming to Your PC Next Year**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 25, 2025, 11:30 AM*

Google is set to bring Android to personal computers, a move that could significantly impact the tech industry. The announcement was made by Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, during the Snapdragon Summit.

Osterloh explained that traditionally, Google has been using different platforms for different devices — Android for smartphones and Chrome OS for PCs. Now, in collaboration with Qualcomm, they are working on a new project to create a unified platform that combines elements of both systems.

### Merging Mobile and PC Platforms

The goal of this initiative is to develop a common technical foundation that supports their products across PCs and desktop computing systems. Osterloh hinted at the potential for Android to serve all computing categories, signaling a major step towards seamless integration between mobile and PC experiences.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon expressed equal enthusiasm for the development, describing it as “incredible” and a significant move toward merging mobile and PC platforms.

### AI Integration with Gemini Model

In addition to platform unification, Google plans to integrate its Gemini AI model with Android PCs. Osterloh noted, “This is another way we can leverage all of the great work we’re doing together on our AI stack, our full stack,” highlighting the company’s focus on enhancing AI capabilities across devices.

### When Can We Expect Android PCs?

While Google has yet to announce a specific launch date for their first Android laptops, the official acknowledgment of this project suggests that these devices could arrive sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for more updates as Google continues to innovate at the intersection of mobile and PC technology.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/google-reveals-android-for-pc-launch-in-2026/story