On the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, face unlock can authenticate tap-to-pay, banking apps, and now WhatsApp.
Expand Expanding CloseAuthor
Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
Google Podcasts export tool live internationally, app shuts down June 23
Outside the US, Google Podcasts is shutting down on June 23 and the international export options are now live.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet will let you transfer calls between web and phone with ‘Switch here’
Google Meet’s new “Switch here” capability will let you seamlessly transfer calls between devices “without hanging up and rejoining.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rumored to ‘relaunch’ Pixel Tablet sans dock, release pen and keyboard
The Pixel Tablet launched without a pen (despite supporting USI) or a keyboard accessory last year, but a new rumor says Google will be launching both soon.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music wants to be the ‘ultimate destination for podcasters and fans’
YouTube today released an interview with Chief Product Officer Johanna Voolich about the “Future of Podcasts” on the platform and in YouTube Music.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps setting to turn off ‘expressive animations’
As desired by more than a few users, Google Messages is getting ready to add a “Show expressive animations” setting to presumably turn off Reaction and Screen Effects.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music adding more podcast sort filters, artist search in radio creator
YouTube Music is making two quality of life improvements to podcasts with more sort filters and the ever popular radio (music tuner).
Expand Expanding CloseChrome’s deprecation of third-party cookies delayed again
Google originally planned to get rid of third-party cookies in Chrome by 2022. Following two delays, Google yesterday announced a third to 2025.
Expand Expanding CloseCostco might sell you a $300 Nest Wifi Pro 4-pack, $20 HD Chromecast back in stock
There are two notable Google smart home deals right now: a discounted Nest Wifi Pro 4-pack and the $20 Chromecast with Google TV HD.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music bug shows black screen on iPhone
Some YouTube Music for iOS users today are facing a bug where the app opens to a black screen on certain Google Accounts with no ability to play songs.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet on Wear OS asking for PIN before tap-to-pay is just a bug
Last week, some Wear OS users noticed that Google Wallet was requiring them to enter their PIN code before enabling tap-to-pay. Google tells us that this is just a bug, and no changes are being made to the “authentication requirement” for Pay/Wallet on Wear OS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel, Nest ‘Warranty Helper’ shows all your device serial numbers
Google Support now offers a Warranty Helper for Pixel and Nest to “check your warranty coverage, find solutions to common device issues, start a return, repair, or replacement.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Podcasts shutting down internationally in June
Following the US depreciation in April, Google Podcasts is shutting down for international users this June.
Expand Expanding CloseSource: 4K Chromecast with Google TV sequel is coming with new remote
Back in March, we reported that Google is working on a new Android-powered Chromecast, and 9to5Google can now confirm that it will be the sequel to 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV 4K.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Contacts rolling out ‘Organize’ tab to replace ‘Fix & manage’
After removing the navigation drawer last month, the next Google Contacts for Android update replaces “Fix & manage” with “Organize.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 15 Beta 1.1 with NFC fix, more
Google is rolling out Android 15 Beta 1.1 today with a handful of bug fixes. It follows the last milestone two weeks ago. You can install using the factory image or on-device OTA.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle widely rolling out new April OTA for Pixel 7, Fold, and 8 owners [U]
Google today released new Android 14 QPR2 builds with the April 2024 security patch for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro, though there isn’t an on-device OTA update at the moment.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Dashboard on the web blank amid shutdown fears
In recent days, the Fitbit Dashboard available on the web has been bugging out — by going blank — amid speculation that Google might be shutting down the site for an app only experience.
Expand Expanding CloseSecond Pixel April update fixes cellular network issues, OTA rollout remains limited
Google is rolling out a second April update for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro. The out-of-cycle OTA addresses network issues that some Pixel owners have been experiencing.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet for Wear OS might soon require PIN code before tap-to-pay
Following more frequent authentication on Android phones, Google Wallet for Wear OS might be requiring PIN code entry before allowing tap-to-pay transactions.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages needs a setting to turn off Screen and Reaction Effects
While I like Google’s particular brand of whimsy, the Messages app should really add an in-app setting to turn off its animations and other expressive effects.
Expand Expanding CloseI want the Moto X double twist camera shortcut to come back… for Google Lens
My technological “how often do you think about the Roman Empire” is the double twist shortcut introduced with the Moto X that would launch the camera from anywhere, including when the screen is off.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 006: What’s in your (Google) Wallet?
Welcome to the sixth episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk about Android 15 Beta 1, widgets, and Google Wallet.
Subscribe
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro leaks in real-life images with 16 GB of RAM [Gallery]
Following renders back in January, there’s now a leak of real-life Pixel 9 Pro images showing off the new design language.
Expand Expanding Close