After rolling out to Google AI subscribers earlier this month, the Gemini app has now launched notebooks to free users.
Expand Expanding CloseNotebooks are now available for free Gemini app users
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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 working on Pixel ‘laptop’ and ‘Pixel Glow’ lights that are also coming to phones
Based on the latest Android Canary and Android 17 Beta releases, Google is working on a Pixel “laptop” of some sort that will feature a “Pixel Glow” hardware feature.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 17 Beta 4 [Gallery]
Google today rolled out Android 17 Beta 4 for Pixel devices to continue the preview cycle. This is the last scheduled release, but there could be patches in the coming weeks.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 Beta 4 rolling out for Pixel as last scheduled release
Google is rolling out Android 17 Beta 4 for Pixel devices three weeks after the last release. This is the “last scheduled beta of this release cycle.”
Expand Expanding CloseGucci-branded Android XR smart glasses are coming in 2027
Given how personal and expressive glasses can be, it’s important that they are available in a wide variety of styles. Google’s upcoming Android XR glasses will eventually have designs from Gucci.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle AI Mode getting deep Chrome integration on desktop, mobile
Like the Gemini app before, Google is now deeply integrating AI Mode with desktop and mobile Chrome.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app using Personal Intelligence, Photos for tailored Nano Banana generation
With the international expansion underway, Gemini is now bringing together Personal Intelligence, Google Photos, and Nano Banana 2.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle One discount takes 50% off YouTube Premium for a year
After boosting AI Pro storage earlier this month, Google One is now running a limited-time YouTube Premium discount.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches native Gemini app for Mac
Gemini now has a native Mac app in the first expansion beyond Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music rolls out split-view Now Playing redesign on Android, iOS
The split-view Now Playing redesign that YouTube Music has been working on since last year is now widely rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces ‘Skills’ for Gemini in Chrome to quickly run custom workflows
Gemini in Chrome on desktops is getting a new Skills feature that lets you quickly run frequently used prompts. Besides saving time, this capability helps educate users about what Gemini can do when given a webpage.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app starts rolling out Personal Intelligence globally
After the US launch, Google is bringing Personal Intelligence to Gemini users around the world (excluding Europe).
Expand Expanding Close‘Google app for desktop’ launches on Windows
After testing got underway in September, the “Google app for desktop” is now launching for “Windows users globally in English.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle previews I/O 2026 sessions: What’s new in Android, AI, more
With I/O 2026 a month away, Google has posted the initial sessions list. The developer conference runs from May 19-20.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’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 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.
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.”
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.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages for Android rolls out Trash folder
Following the announcement last month, Google Messages has widely rolled out its new Trash folder to save you from accidental deletions.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle AI Mode getting ‘plus’ redesign as agentic booking expands globally
Like the Gemini app, Google AI Mode is also seeing a redesign of its prompt box, while the tool can now book restaurants for users internationally.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Public Preview coming to more countries, adds VO2 Max, & US health records
After adding water and food logging, as well as making available to free users, the Fitbit Public Preview is now coming to more countries.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Now Playing brings back ‘Tap to see what’s playing’ lockscreen search
Google is bringing back Pixel Now Playing’s ability to manually start a song search from the lockscreen.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel At a Glance preps showing nearby Google Wallet passes, ‘Restaurant insights’
Google is working on two location-based features for the Pixel At a Glance widget with “Passes nearby” and “Restaurant insights.”
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