After adding a custom camera, Google Messages should be in the process of rolling out “Selfie GIFs.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages starts rolling out 3-second ‘Selfie GIFs’ [U]
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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 Photos testing ‘Collections’ redesign that buries your library
Google Photos is working on a redesign of the Library tab on Android that renames it to “Collections.” In recent weeks, Google has been testing this new UI with more users and the reaction is not particularly positive.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome wants to add AI features that help make common tasks easier
To date, Google Chrome has launched three generative AI features and more that integrate Gemini are teased for this year. An interview today provides a look at the development process.
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Audio Emoji in Pixel Phone app gets wide beta rollout
Audio Emoji was officially announced with the Pixel 8a yesterday and it’s now seeing wide beta availability in the Google Phone app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos now uses an animated Material You carousel
As teased last May, Google Photos for Android is now using the animated Material You carousel for Memories.
Expand Expanding CloseFind My Device can locate Pixel 8 for a few hours after it powers off
The Find My Device network can locate the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro even if it’s turned off or the battery is dead.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle effectively brings Android’s Circle to Search to any iPhone with new Lens shortcut
Earlier this year, Google launched a Circle to Search feature for Android that takes a screenshot and lets you select what to look up. Thanks to Google Lens and iOS Shortcuts, the underlying Circle to Search capability can now be replicated on any iPhone.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle changing how it updates Android Studio with Feature Drops
Android Studio, Google’s tool for building apps, is getting a new release cycle that aims to give developers “more frequent, focused updates” with Feature Drops.
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Google app on Android adds share button for Search results
On occasion, you might only search for a website so that you can get the URL to reshare it. The Google app on Android now has a Share button for results in Search.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 May security patch rolling out: What’s fixed for Pixel
The Android 14 May security patch is rolling out today for the Pixel 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro. It’s available a day after the equivalent Pixel Watch update.
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Google releases new ‘Play Billing Lab’ app for Android devs
Google’s latest app is the Play Billing Lab, but it’s just for Android developers that need to test their Play Billing Library integration (like in-app purchases).
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Pixel Tablet is now $399 with no dock
The Pixel Tablet launched last June and Google is now selling it for $399 with the Charging Speaker Dock no longer included.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 8a hands-on: Refined design defined by $499 [Gallery]
In a somewhat unexpected move, Google is announcing the Pixel 8a today ahead of I/O 2024 with the $499 mid-ranger launching on May 14, and we were given an early opportunity to go hands on.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages recorder redesign sees wider rollout, Voice Moods are for RCS
Following the announcement alongside other expressive features last November, Google Messages is now more widely rolling out — especially to beta users — Voice Moods and a redesign of the audio recorder interface with noise cancellation. This follows Google adding voice memo support to the Messages Wear OS app in October.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch May 2024 update rolling out
Google is rolling out the latest Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 update with the May 2024 security patch today. It is once again coming before the May update on Pixel phones.
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Files by Google renames ‘Favorites’ to ‘Starred’
A small change to the Files by Google app sees your “Favorites” renamed to “Starred,” with no change to the functionality.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Password Manager rolling out small Material You redesign
On Android, the Google Password Manager powered by Play services is getting a small Material You redesign.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Premium members can now test AI-powered ‘Jump ahead’
Back in March, YouTube started testing “Jump ahead” and is now making it more widely available through youtube.com/new for Premium subscribers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fit dev APIs shutdown set, fate of Android & Wear OS apps go unannounced
Since the launch of Health Connect in 2022, Google has been winding down the Google Fit developer APIs. Earlier this week, the company fully detailed how the “Google Fit APIs have been deprecated and will be supported until June 30, 2025.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 008: It’s all coming up Android
Welcome to the seventh episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk all about the Humane Ai Pin and Rabbit R1.
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Humane Ai Pin and the case for a fourth wearable form factor
At the moment, there are two mainstream wearables: smartwatches and headphones. Smart glasses will be a third when display technology sufficiently advances. The Humane Ai Pin shows the path for a possible fourth wearable form factor, but it’s buried beneath questionable core design decisions and hubris.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps redesign back in testing with more changes on Android [Gallery]
Back in February, Google Maps started testing a big redesign of the Android app. On my devices/account it was pulled after a few weeks, but it’s now rolling back out with some noticeable refinements.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet adds new ‘Payment methods’ list on Android
A small tweak to Google Wallet for Android introduces a straightforward list of all your saved “Payment methods.”
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS 124 rolling out: Material You Settings redesign, Wi-Fi prioritization, & more
Google is rolling out ChromeOS 124 with a handful of notable features for Chromebooks over the coming weeks.
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