Pixel 11 starts testing ‘Call for Me’ to have Gemini phone on your behalf
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Gemini fully replaces Google Assistant on Android
At the start of September, the Google Assistant deprecation on mobile got underway. It now looks to be widely rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app starts rolling out big side panel simplification, settings redesign
The next big update to the Gemini app on Android and iOS is beginning to roll out with a focus on simplifying core navigation.
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Even Google Search agrees that ‘Googlebook’ wasn’t a very good name choice
“Googlebook” is a weird name, right? That was my personal first takeaway from this new platform, and it seems even Google Search supports the idea that Google should have used something else, as you can’t actually search for “Googlebook” without getting redirected elsewhere.
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Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Last Game, Sands of Salzaar, Tokyo Debunker, more
Today’s best Google Play app and game deals are ready, including The Last Game, Sands of Salzaar, Candleman, Tokyo Debunker: Urban Legends, Slime Legends – Survivor, Hero of the Kingdom II, Legacy 4 – Tomb of Secrets, Empire of the Gods, and more. Just be sure to check out today’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals at up to $530 off as well as the new all-time low on Lenovo’s latest Tab Plus Gen 2. Monday’s app deals await below.
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TCL’s new ‘Designer’ Google TVs are just like Samsung’s The Frame, starting at $899
TCL has launched a new “Designer Series” of TV sets running Google TV with a flush mount design and matte dispaly to help your TV blend into a room as a piece of art.
Expand Expanding CloseBose launched wired, yes, wired, earbuds with ANC for $99
The new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds connect via USB-C and work with almost any device.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle confirms Photos bug that prevents editing and deleting, fix coming ‘ASAP’
Google Photos is undoubtedly the best way to manage your photo library on Android and beyond, but a recent bug has been stopping users from being able to commit even the most basic of tasks, including sharing, editing, and even delete images from their collection. Luckily, if you’ve found yourself dealing with these issues, Google has confirmed a fix is on the way.
Expand Expanding CloseLenovo’s first Googlebook actually costs $200 less than announced, and it’s not the only one
Lenovo today put a spotlight on its Googlebook release, also confirming that initial pricing was incorrect and that the Lenovo Googlebook 15 will, in fact, start at $1,099.
Expand Expanding CloseMotorola’s wide Galaxy Z Fold 8 competitor might be very tiny and called ‘Razr Flex’
According to a new leak, Motorola’s upcoming entry in the wide, book-style foldable space may be called “Razr Flex” and pack some very familiar specs.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds app update lets Gemini control audio and settings
With the Pixel 11 launch, Google promised a big Pixel Buds update in September. We’re now starting to see Gemini audio controls with the latest Pixel Buds companion app update.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch update adds Google’s new 3D emoji
Google’s latest Pixel Watch software updates have also transitioned the entire lineup over to the new 3D emoji design also live on Pixel phones in Android 17.
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Deals: Galaxy Z Fold 8 up to $530 off, Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 $270 off, Echo speakers/displays 50% off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by some major Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals – 256GB up to $440 off or the 512GB at over $530 off (Best Buy open-box). We also have Lenovo’s latest Tab Plus Gen 2 at a new $270 all-time low and the launch of early fall Prime Day pricing on the latest Echo Show smart displays at up to $100 off and Echo smart speaker deals now live from $22 (up to 50% off). Head below for a closer look at the details.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle says Chromebook updates end in 2034, ‘many’ models move to Googlebook OS
As Googlebook arrives, Google is offering a bit more information on what Chromebook owners can expect going forward.
Expand Expanding CloseHonor Magic 9 Pro Max goes official with 8,800 mAh battery, ARRI cameras, Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6
Honor has officially announced its latest flagship in China, with the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max packing powerful specs, upgraded cameras, the latest Snapdragon chip, and confirmed for an global launch later on.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung rolling out Android 17, One UI 9 for more Galaxy S26 users – here’s everything new
After a lengthy delay, Samsung is finally rolling out its Android 17-based One UI 9 update for Galaxy S26 users in the US more broadly.
Expand Expanding CloseThe ultra-pocketable ‘Picco’ e-reader from Boox is now up for pre-order, $99
The tiny e-reader form factor is starting to make a big splash as the company behind some of the best Android e-readers announces its own version Boox calls the “Picco,” now available to pre-order.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app replacing Gems with skills in November
In 2024, Google introduced Gems as “custom versions of Gemini.” The Gemini app will soon replace Gems with “skills.”
Expand Expanding CloseWhat new Google Messages features are rolling out [September 2026]
Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel can use Tensor as long as it wants; it’s all the other specs I’m jealous of
This week saw the debut of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chips and, with it, the usual onslaught of Tensor hate around Google’s Pixel phones. Personally, I don’t care about those, but new launches around Qualcomm’s event have shown off a lot of other specs I’d much rather see Pixel adopt.
9to5Google Weekender by Ben Schoon is a part of our free newsletter that also includes ‘Inbox,’ a twice-weekly roundup of key stories from around the web by Daniel Bader. Sign up here to get Weekender delivered to your inbox every Sunday along with ‘Inbox’ on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find past issues here.
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Google combines Material 3 Expressive & Liquid Glass on the iPhone [Gallery]
With Liquid Glass now a year old, Google apps on iOS are beginning to incorporate the translucent material alongside its Material 3 Expressive design language.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 118: Googlebook begins
Welcome to Pixelated episode 118. This week, Damien and Abner share their hands-on impressions of Google’s new laptop lineup with Will. What’s it like to use an Android-powered laptop? How different is the Googlebook platform from ChromeOS? And what steps does Google need to take post-launch to give it as strong of a chance at succeeding as possible? All those questions and more and more as the Android ecosystem grows even larger.
Enjoy the show? You can listen to our weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month, or about $1 per episode.
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
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Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Health 5.09 rolling out: Cardio Load from third-party workouts, more
Following yesterday’s announcement, Google Health 5.09 is rolling out with support for the new Health Guardian features on the Pixel Watch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings back Android Dev Summit with Android 18 ‘powerful new graphics features’ tease
The Android Dev Summit is returning in 2026 after Google’s last focused developer conference in 2022. Additionally, the agenda comes with a mention of Android 18.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolls out new swipe for timestamps & reply gesture
Following the long-press menu, Google Messages is widely rolling out new ways to access timestamps and direct replies.
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