The new iOS 15 update came with some pretty neat features that you can try out. The update also resulted in changes for Google-based apps on your Apple device—and Google has shared some new features that you might not know you can use.
Focus Mode, but for Google apps
Focus mode has been wholeheartedly useful lately, as it helps eliminate too many notifications from popping up while I’m trying to do activities like work or watch a movie. Google apps have also been updated to work with Focus mode, but with some extra features.
Focus mode for driving, for example, will help mute unnecessary notifications. But for Google Maps, the app will still let you know when you need to make a turn or if there are changes to your route—like road closures or unexpected traffic. The app notifications will be marked as “Time Sensitive”.
Google apps like Calendar and Tasks will send you “Time Sensitive” notifications that you need, even though you have Focus mode on. For notifications that aren’t as urgent or don’t require immediate action, they will go right to the Notifications Center—where you can check them whenever is most convenient for you.
In the coming weeks, there will also be new notification changes that will roll out across Gmail, Meet, Tasks, Maps, Home and many other Google apps.
Bigger iPad widgets
For iPadOS 15, Google announces that their Photos app and YouTube Music for iPad widgets will be bigger. However, users will have to wait a while longer as it will only be available “in the coming weeks”.
Easier access to entertainment
Google points out that the new iOS 15 update also lets you find things easier on Spotlight. For one thing, you’re able to search for specific things on your Google Drive by just typing it on your device’s Spotlight. You’re also able to search for specific artists on there, and it can take you to Youtube Music to play it.
Granted, this will work better if you actually use YouTube Music. When I tried testing it out, I was indeed able to search for specific artists to listen to. However, it took me to Spotify—the music app I was personally accustomed to. It’s useful, nonetheless.
I also tried looking up things like movies and TV shows to see if it worked as well. Surprisingly, searching up a popular show like Brooklyn 99 gave me results—including a section where I could have been able to watch it with, but I don’t think it’s available yet in Malaysia. I couldn’t find the same satisfaction when I searched for movies, though.
The new iOS 15 update continues to surprise me with new features. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you can read through some of the major updates here—including how to enable notification summaries.
