9to5Google

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.

Google Health’s work to address issues and make improvements to the redesigned Android and iOS app continues today with version 5.02.

Welcome to episode 37 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Andrew Romero to discuss the ongoing rise of smart glasses, what brands are nailing the basics, and what to expect from Google’s entry into the market later this year. Plus, live-ish reactions to the Steam Machine’s pricing.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

• YouTube Podcasts
• Pocket Casts
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music

iOS 27 will introduce the next big update to Android-iPhone messaging with support for inline replies and photo reactions.

Following last month’s big redesign, Google continues to tweak the Gemini overlay on Android and has now expanded the plus menu.

Google says it’s saving files and media uploaded during searches in user search history to train AI and improve the experience after announcing the change last month. Search history will include pictures, screenshots taken with Circle to Search, and audio files used in voice searches, but you can disable that.

Google is working on a new feature called “Audio Memory” for Pixel phones that will “keep track of what you hear throughout your day.”

Android 17 is officially available for a number of Google Pixel devices now that it’s out of beta. With that, some are reporting a strange bug that essentially breaks the Google Pixel’s ability to recognize scrolling touch input.

By far and away my most used Google product of the past decade is the Chromecast with Google TV, closely followed by the TV Streamer, but I’d love a proper, smaller version.

Wyze is today launching a new scale that tracks more than just your weight while also being affordable, with the Wyze Scale BodyScan costing under $80.

Prime Day is usually a great time to save on everything from smart home gear and kitchen upgrades to everyday essentials, and water filtration systems are no exception. With summer in full swing and many households spending more time hosting family get-togethers, backyard gatherings, and watch parties for the season’s biggest sporting events, it’s also a practical time to upgrade your drinking water setup.

Waterdrop Filter’s lineup of reverse osmosis filtration systems is seeing solid discounts for Prime Day this year, with huge savings on some of its most popular models, including the flagship X12, the best-selling G3P800, and the installation-free M6H countertop unit. The brand’s Prime Day offers will be available from June 23 through June 26, and you can head below for a closer look at the lineup and the deals available during the event.

The Google Home Speaker finally has a release date and, with it, Google has also ended its long-running and mega-hit Nest Mini speaker. It leaves the lineup in a weird place, as Google has a product that doesn’t replace anything it had before, and might not be everyone’s cup of tea either.

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

Ahead of Samsung’s July event, new leaks are revealing a few more details about Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

Whenever you install a massive new platform update on your phone, there are bound to be both intended and unintended consequences. One of the most critical factors is always longevity, which has us asking: Have you noticed your Pixel’s battery life improve with Android 17?

Welcome to episode 105 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Abner, Damien, and Will return to talk all through the launch of Android 17. From general improvements to Pixel-specific changes, there’s plenty to dig through. Plus, Pixel Screenshots goes cloud, Google’s new smart speaker goes up for pre-order, and it might be easier than ever to jump back and forth between Android and iOS.

Sponsored by Bitwarden: Pixelated listeners can get started with Bitwarden’s free individual plan by clicking this link. Thanks to Bitwarden for sponsoring!

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.

Subscribe

• YouTube Podcasts
• Pocket Casts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast

Following Tuesday’s announcement, Google is rolling out the June 2026 Wear OS 7 update to the Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2.

If the search bar at the bottom of the Pixel Launcher looks ever so slightly different, it’s because Google made things a tiny bit taller.

Philips Hue is expanding on its smart lighting catalog even further with new table and floor lamps, as well as improved candle bulbs that are now available to customers.

Nothing’s CMF Phone series has released two models thus far and, at least for now, won’t be getting a third, as the rising cost of materials has essentially left the series dead in the water.

Summer’s as good a time as any to check in on your hydration habits. Drinking water throughout your day isn’t just a baseline necessity — it’s essential to actually enjoying every opportunity the season brings to your doorstep. From backyard cookouts and high school graduations to game-day watch parties and kicking back by the pool, great-tasting water is your key to making the most of a jam-packed summer.