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Google is rolling out dark mode for Search on desktop
Google is finally rolling out a dark theme for Search on desktop.
Google Maps for iOS gets dark mode and new location sharing features
Google Maps' latest update for iOS brings widgets, live location tracking and a dark mode to the popular app.
Google is reportedly testing dark mode for desktop web searches
Google appears to be testing a dark mode for search on the desktop web, easing your eye strain at night.
Facebook is publicly testing dark mode in its mobile app
Facebook has confirmed that it's publicly testing dark mode in its main mobile app, making it easier to browse the social network at night.
Google brings dark mode to Docs, Sheets and Slides on Android
Google is adding a dark mode to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides on Android
WhatsApp lets you add new contacts with QR codes
WhatsApp rolls out new features like the ability to add contacts with a QR code.
Facebook is testing a dark mode in its mobile app
Facebook has started testing a dark mode in its mobile app, but only for a handful of users so far.
Google’s Search app finally has a dark mode
Dark mode will soon be available for the Google Search app on Android 10, iOS 12 and iOS 13.
Facebook finally lets desktop users opt-in to dark mode
Facebook is finally letting desktop users opt-in to dark mode. Facebook told TechCrunch that "starting today, the majority of people on Facebook will have access to the new desktop design." This includes dark mode, which can be toggled on and off via the Settings drop down menu.
WhatsApp's dark mode rolls out on Android and iOS today
Love it or hate it, dark mode is an increasingly requested feature in these days of extended screen time and tired eyes. We reported last month that it was on the cards for WhatsApp, and today it's finally rolling out on both Android and iOS devices.
Latest Pixel 'feature drop' lets you pause music with a touch-free gesture
Google is trotting out another "feature drop" for Pixel owners, and this latest one might be particularly helpful if you'd rather not fiddle with your phone. For a start, Pixel 4 owners can use a tap gesture to pause or resume music, not just swipes to skip back or forward. That could be extremely helpful if you're cooking and would rather not touch your phone just to stop playback. Most Pixel users can also set the Dark theme to kick in automatically with sunset, and automatically enable rules based on a WiFi network or physical location -- say, silencing your ringtone when you walk through the doors at work.
Dark mode is coming to WhatsApp for Android
For such a simple feature, dark mode really does split the masses. Some love the white on black theme that it offers, whereas others (we see you in the comments) routinely question "why is this news?!" If you fall in the former camp and you're a regular WhatsApp user, it's time to get excited because Facebook's popular messaging app is joining the fray.
Opera's latest version gives any web page a dark mode
Tech companies and device manufacturers have long touted ways to reduce a screen's dreaded blue glare -- the light that disturbs the natural circadian rhythms of the body and affects sleep. Now, Opera is rolling out a revamped night mode function that promises even dimmer night-time scrolling.
Instagram updates bring dark mode to iOS 13 and Android 10
Following the introduction of Apple's system-wide dark mode on iOS 13 and a similar feature in Android 10, users have been able to switch to a white-on-black theme for their system elements and for supported apps. Now, Instagram is going over to the dark side as well, offering a dark mode in its app for both mobile operating systems.
iOS 13 with Apple Arcade and watchOS 6 are now available
If you've been holding on patiently for Apple Arcade, system-wide dark mode on your iPhone, the Sign in with Apple feature and better Maps and Siri, your wait is over: Apple has released iOS 13 and watchOS 6. You might need to be a little patient before the update shows up on your iPhone or Apple Watch -- the company's servers typically get slammed whenever a major OS update drops.
Slack's desktop apps get dark mode options
The dark mode trend looks like it's here to stay, with more and more companies introducing black color schemes for their apps. The latest feature in Slack for desktop is support for dark mode to save your eyes when you're burning the midnight oil.
Microsoft brings Dark Mode to Outlook mobile apps and Office.com
Microsoft's Dark Mode support in Office was just really just the start of a much larger (and darker) trend. The software giant has started rolling out Dark Mode to its Outlook mobile apps on Android and iOS, not to mention Office.com. There's not much mystery to how it works -- surprise, it's darker -- but it should go a long way toward reducing eye strain when you're checking email on the bus home or finishing a project late at night. It should extend battery life on devices with OLED displays, too.
Google Fit now tracks your sleep patterns
Google Fit should now be that much more helpful when you're ramping down for the night. The fitness app now tracks sleep patterns from apps that share their data, giving you better sense of whether or not you need more shut-eye. You can add to and edit your sleep history if companion apps aren't providing a complete picture of your downtime. Accordingly, there's a new dark theme (in keeping with Google's recent trends) that should be kinder to your eyes at night.
Google Files gets better playback controls for offline media
Google says 100 million people are using the Files app for Android each month, and it has just revealed some quality-of-life improvements that'll benefit people beyond helping them free up 8 GB of space every second. Offline playback for music and video is getting a boost with controls to skip, rewind and fast-forward your media. It's a minor, albeit surely welcome update for those who manage tunes or MP4s in Files.
Standalone Cortana app available to Windows Insiders
Microsoft has been distancing Cortana from Windows for months. First, it split the virtual assistant from search in Windows 10. Then, a beta version of a standalone Cortana app appeared on the Windows Store. And starting today, Windows 10 Insiders are able to test the new Cortana app beta in Windows.
