Google has just unloaded new major updates and tools for users of its various services such as Hangouts and the Google Maps app for iOS.
In addition, an executive from the company revealed that Google is working on improving its Android One project to deliver cheaper smartphones that could cost as low as $50.
Last week, the Mountain View tech firm unveiled two new features for its Hangouts and Google Maps.
Building on the former service's Slides app, which allows people to share Powerpoint-like presentations with their contacts, Google added video support to its functionality, according to Web Pro News.
As explained by Fenil Shah, the software engineer for Google Slides, users, particularly business professionals, will be able to hold presentations using Hangouts' video call feature.
"As you get ready for the big meeting, all you need is your Android phone or tablet," he wrote in the Google for Work Blog. "With one tap of the present button, you'll see the option to present to a Hangouts video call."
In addition, Google also expanded the feature of Google Maps for iOS users with the addition of the Night Mode. When used during the day, the appearance of the Google Maps app for iOS devices still appears the same, Tech Crunch reported.
But, when activated during nighttime, the app automatically switches to a dimmer lighting hue to make it easier for drivers to navigate while using Google Maps.
Before the update, the app only featured a bright white background which can affect the vision of drivers who are driving at night.
Currently, Night Mode is only available to Google Maps for iOS but is expected to arrive for the apps' Android version as well in the near future.
Aside from updates to its virtual services, Google is also planning on improving its Android One program, The Verge has learned. This initiative, which was launched last year, focuses on delivering low-cost smartphones with authentic Android firmware to various Asian countries including India, Bangaldesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Although the company was not able to completely achieve its intended goals for the project, Google is still committed to Android One.
According to Rajan Anandan, Google, managing director in Southeast Asia, the company is already planning for the reboot of the project. Although the executive did not go into details regarding the new plans, he said Google is targeting to launch a new wave of budget-friendly yet reliable handsets for as low as $50.
