Gemini app rolling out ‘notebooks’ to organize chats & files, integrates with NotebookLM
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What’s new in Android’s April 2026 Google System Updates [U]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings back Pixel Referral Program: 10% off phones, $50 Store credit
After the last round that started with the Pixel 10 launch ended in February, the Pixel Referral Program is back.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Sideload 029: Smartphone solvers
Welcome to episode 29 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will welcomes 9to5‘s own Andrew Romero back to the show as the pair attempt their best impression at consulting. From Samsung’s messy Galaxy S-series lineup to a crucial piece of advice Google should adopt for the Pixel 11, Will and Andrew are fixing every flagship Android series sold in the US — for absolutely free, no less.
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Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 77% on a two-year subscription by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home rolls out more Gemini voice updates for music, notes, more
Google Home has launched another set of updates for its new Gemini voice experience, addressing pain points in media playback and playlists, notes, and more.
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Microsoft raises Surface Laptop and Surface Pro prices, up $500 since launch
As the RAM/memory crisis continues, we’re seeing a major impact this week as Microsoft has just announced massive price hikes to the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, products that launched roughly two years ago.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube testing ‘Auto speed’ and motion-activated YouTube Music-like controls
YouTube Premium users are getting two new experimental features – “Auto speed” and “On-the-go.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search to classify ‘back button hijacking’ as spam
Websites that engage in “back button hijacking” might soon appear less prominently in Google Search results as part of a new spam policy.
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Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Defenchick, Empire of the Gods, Galaxy Vanguard I, more
Your afternoon lineup of today’s Android game and app deals awaits down below. Monday’s best include titles like Defenchick: tower defense, Empire of the Gods, Paign, The Macabre Journey, Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro, Last Survivor, Galaxy Vanguard I, and more. Alongside the apps we are also tracking a ton of notable deals on Google Pixel gear at up to $300 off – Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold – but Amazon just knocked another $50 off Pixel 10 and we also have a chance to score a a 45mm Google Pixel Watch 4 at up to $148 off today. The apps await after the fold.
Read MoreMotorola Razr Ultra reportedly gets a bigger battery, but the same chip as last year
Motorola’s new Razr lineup is shaping up in some interesting ways, with the new series starting to leak with updated colors and a familiar design, but the new Razr Ultra apparently won’t even get a chip upgrade.
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Android is losing Outlook ‘Lite’ as Microsoft kills its lightweight mail app
Microsoft is shutting down its Outlook Lite app and removing it from the Google Play Store as it plans to shift focus to the full-featured version.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle preps Gemini-powered ‘proactive feed’ called ‘Your Day’
The dream of Google Now and Assistant Snapshot (pictured above) might be returning as Google works on Gemini “Your Day.”
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Google Meet on Android Auto starts rolling out, doesn’t support work accounts
Not long after Apple CarPlay, Google Meet is now making its way to Android Auto, but it doesn’t support work accounts yet, which seems like a big oversight.
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Deals: Unlocked Pixel 10 devices up to $430 off, Pixel Watch 4 $148 off, NXTPAPER 11 tablet from $160, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by a whole host of notable deals on Google Pixel gear. We have unlocked Google Pixel 10 models at up to $300 off while the 2026 Pixel 10a drops to Amazon all-time low pricing from $449 – just keep in mind we have a shot at open-box Pixel 10 units for $485 today (less than the price of a new Pixel 10a). We also spotted 45mm Google Pixel Watch 4 units at up to $148 off the list price today, TCL NXTPAPER 11 Android tablets back down at spring sale pricing from $160, and Anker 140W 4-port Laptop Charger down at $65 (the 100W model is at $40). Head below for a closer look.
Expand Expanding CloseLatest Galaxy Watch update could be a drain on battery, according to user reports
Users are reporting faster-than-normal battery drain on their Galaxy Watches, with some reporting it occurred after a recent update. Others suggest it’s a Google Play Services issue.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Oppo Find X9 Ultra is a stunning camera phone I’m thrilled is launching ‘globally’ [Gallery]
While the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is still a little ways away from launch, the company has today shown off the design in full and, having used it myself, I can tell you that I’m thrilled to see this sort of hardware hitting the global market.
Expand Expanding CloseHuawei kicks off the wide foldable trend with Pura X Max ahead of iPhone, more
Huawei has shown off its next foldable, the Pura X Max, which has a super wide form factor we’re expecting to see a lot more of in future foldables from Apple, Samsung, and many others.
Expand Expanding CloseWalmart’s new 4K Google TV stick might actually be $20, no Dolby Vision
In a twist of events, Walmart’s upcoming 4K Google TV streaming stick might actually only cost $20, but it does make some cuts.
Expand Expanding CloseThe sad state of the Chromebook space highlights Chrome OS problems [Video]
Chromebooks are in a sorry state, but it highlights a wider problem. Just what is happening with the desktop platform, and what is the future of Chrome OS?
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A renewed 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is a steal at just $110 right now on Amazon
If you’ve been thinking about picking up Google’s latest smartwatch, now is the time to look at the “Renewed” market, as the Wi-Fi version of the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) has dropped to just $110 on Amazon —making it an absolute steal.
Expand Expanding CloseWhatsApp web could soon get almost 50 new themes
WhatsApp web could soon get almost 50 new desktop themes to enhance your cross-platform messaging experience.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Premium is the only streaming service that can get away with price hikes
YouTube confirmed this week that Premium prices are going up for the first time in around three years and, unlike every other streaming service, this is one price hike I’m more than willing to accept.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Gemini features you get with Google AI Plus, Pro, & Ultra [April 2026]
At I/O 2025, Google One AI Premium (and Gemini Advanced) became “Google AI Pro,” while a higher, more expensive tier was introduced with “Google AI Ultra.”
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These Android phones support AirDrop sharing with iPhone and Mac
Google cracked the code on making Android’s Quick Share feature work with Apple’s AirDrop, and the list of compatible devices continues to grow. Here’s every Android device currently compatible with AirDrop.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 095: A Gemini vibe check
Welcome to episode 95 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will take a deep dive into the world of Gemini, breaking down Google’s frequent UI changes, the different ways all three hosts use the service, and how it needs to evolve moving forward. Damien also walks Abner and Will through his experience using Gemini with Android Auto, and how it’s more of a mixed bag than you might think.
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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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