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The voice search button accessible from the Google bar found on most Android homescreens is getting a big redesign.

It’s all leaked at this point. We know just about everything the Pixel 11 is bringing to the table, and, well, it feels a bit underwhelming, doesn’t it?

This issue of 9to5Google Weekender is a part of our newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and more. Sign up here to get Weekender delivered to your inbox every weekend, and catch our weekday roundups too!

At I/O 2026, Google teased an AI Studio app for Android and iOS. This mobile application has been canceled in favor of what sounds like a deep Gemini app integration.

Following the last release over two weeks ago, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is rolling out today for Pixel devices. It comes after Google released the first QPR2 Beta.

Since launch, Sleep Sensing on the 2nd-gen Nest Hub has only worked with Google Fit. With that app going away, Nest Hub sleep tracking will join Google Health.

Welcome to Pixelated episode 110. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will lean into a news lull ahead of the Pixel 11’s launch to zoom out to take a look at the state of Android. They tackle what Google and others are doing right, what there’s room to improve on, and and what we can expect from the future of our favorite platform.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

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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Ahead of the fall launch, the first set of Googlebooks from Lenovo has leaked.

I know, this is a throwback, right? Talking about arguably one of Google’s best dead products. I still find it hard to believe that Stadia has been dead for over three years, going on four, but it was arguably some of the most fun I’ve had gaming. The problem is that it was probably right to disappear, given the current state of the market.

The “Pixel Glow” name first appeared during the Android 17 Beta, but Google might actually launch it as “HiLight” on the Pixel 11 Pro.

Ahead of Google’s Pixel 11 launch, 9to5Google has obtained an image of a new tracker called the “Google Pixel Tag” which has also started to appear in online listings.

For a company that built its foundation on smartphones that promised to go against the grain, Nothing is reportedly putting heavy emphasis on AI, as sources leak upcoming devices and suggest the company wants to allocate fewer resources to Android phones.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series isn’t even on shelves yet, and Samsung is already facing a leak that suggests a fifth Galaxy Z device will join the lineup in 2027.

Between two foldables – we can ignore the flippy one – the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra positions itself as the specced out monster next to its little brother, the Galaxy Z Fold 8. But “specced out” comes with a disclaimer, because there are only a couple of true differences. And even with a better camera, battery, and various hairline differences, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra might be too good to get excited about.

The appeal of a book-style foldable is obvious. A smartphone that opens up to something more expansive, more capable – just, more. Yet, the tall and narrow Galaxy Z Fold designs of yesteryear never fully resonated with the general public. As each generation has pushed itself a bit wider than the last, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is now here as Samsung’s first “ultra-wide” foldable. After spending over a week with it, I see why Samsung released two Galaxy Folds this year, and I figured out that this new Galaxy Z Fold 8 shape is the one made for everyone else.

Google now lets Android users automatically upload files and other downloads from their phone or tablet to Google Drive thanks to a new “Documents” backup.

Gemini Spark is getting two big updates today, starting with Chrome auto browse integration on desktop.

The latest Pixel Watch 5 leak today provides further confirmation that the external design and case will be identical to the last generation.

Fresh off some leaks showcasing the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in official-looking renders, we’re getting new looks at all three of Google’s non-folding Pixel 11 models in seemingly all of this year’s color options, including a long-awaited all-matte option for the Pixel 11 Pro.

Google today is out with a lengthy post describing the role of AI and LLMs in Chrome security.

Given that there was a two-year gap between the Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2, we’re due for “Pixel Buds Pro 3.” However, considering the latest leaks this week, that doesn’t seem likely with the upcoming Pixel 11 launch.

A new batch of Pixel 11 Pro Fold images have hit the web, showing off Google’s new foldable in its green color with a familiar design that at least looks just a bit thinner than last year’s.