A new update for Google’s Sounds app brings a new collection of “Natural Elements” ringtones that debuted on Pixel 7.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 7 ‘Natural Elements’ ringtones arrive for all Pixels via Sounds app update
Author
Kyle Bradshaw joined 9to5Google in 2018 with a special interest in Google’s Fuchsia OS, rooted in his experience of being the first to offer a visual preview of the revolutionary design of the in-development operating system. Since then, his attention has broadened to include the secrets hidden within other areas of Google’s public codebases.
By reading the public Fuchsia code, Kyle was able to prove the existence of the Nest Mini and the Nest Hub Max months ahead of their respective announcements. With evidence from Chromium, he reported on Google’s since-canceled efforts to create an offshoot of Android designed for “touchless” feature phones.
In 2018, Kyle reported on three distinct Made by Google Chromebooks in development, the Pixel Slate, the Pixelbook Go — a full year before its release — and “Meowth,” the original version of the Pixel Slate that was canceled due to Intel’s delays that year. For ChromeOS itself, Kyle was the first to demonstrate the upcoming light theme redesign in action.
Looking at the early evidence of the Pixel 5’s specs, Kyle accurately predicted in February 2020 that the Pixel 5 might not be a traditional “flagship” phone. In 2021, he reported that Google’s next headset would be the “Pixel Buds A.”
Kyle was the first to report that the Pixel 6 would mark the debut of Google’s in-house processors, later revealed to be the Tensor chips.
Kyle contributes to the APK Insight column at 9to5Google, discovering the hidden changes in Google’s apps. These efforts have revealed hotly anticipated features, details about upcoming devices, and unexpected connections between companies.
He can be reached for tips or just friendly chat by Threads, Mastodon, Bluesky, or email. If you’re looking for his other works or side projects, head over to Kyle’s personal portfolio.
Google Tensor G2 is ‘60% faster,’ more secure, and more power efficient
The latest Google Tensor G2 chip, powering the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, is said to be 60% faster and more power efficient than last year’s Pixels.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 7 series brings the latest Google software, free VPN, and more
Each year, Google packs its latest Pixel phones with exclusive software features, particularly with the AI enhancements of Google Tensor. Here’s the latest Google software included in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, including a built-in VPN and crystal-clear audio.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel Watch app is now available to download via the Play Store
Ahead of this morning’s Made by Google event, the official Pixel Watch companion app has arrived for download in the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google Home app suggests work on ‘Yuzu’ and ‘Korlan’ dock options for Pixel tablet
Ahead of the Pixel event, a pre-release Google Home update includes early signs of two distinct docks for next year’s Pixel tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle forgot to remove Stadia references from Nest Wifi Pro listings
With the announcement of the Nest Wifi Pro today, it seems the Google Store didn’t take the time to remove all of the references to Stadia.
Expand Expanding Close
Gamevice Flex, adaptable controller for your phone and case, launches October 25
Gamevice Flex, the company’s most advanced and adaptable controller yet, is designed to perfectly fit your phone in your case and launches October 25.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Wifi Pro puts Wi-Fi 6E throughout your home with ease; pre-orders now open
At the company’s fall hardware event, Google announced the Nest Wifi Pro, which makes it easy to put Wi-Fi 6E signal throughout your home and control it through the Google Assistant.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit app readies phone-based Google Maps for Versa 4 and Sense 2
The latest update to the Fitbit app prepares for the launch of Google Maps on the Versa 4 and Sense 2, but you’ll still need your smartphone handy.
Expand Expanding CloseHow much is your Stadia refund going to be? [Poll]
In the wake of Stadia’s shutdown announcement, Google announced that all customers of the service would be getting refunded in full. How much is your refund going to be?
Expand Expanding CloseUbisoft will reimburse Stadia players with PC copies of its games
Ahead of Google Stadia’s shutdown in January 2023, Ubisoft has announced that players will be able to claim free PC copies of their lost games.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung September 2022 update rolling out for these Galaxy devices
Samsung has gained a reputation as one of the better Android device makers in terms of releasing updates in a timely manner. The latest Android security update for September 2022 has begun rolling out to these Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets.
Expand Expanding Close
September’s Google Play system updates: Play Store redesign on Wear OS, new Wallet features [U]
Google has laid out some of what Android fans can expect from the September 2022 Google Play system updates, including improvements to Kids Space on tablets.
Update: This latest set of updates also includes new audio switching features for Wear OS and improvements to the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseSource: Stadia turned down an exclusive Death Stranding follow-up from Kojima
Before Google closed down the division in 2021, Stadia Games and Entertainment turned down the opportunity to have an exclusive follow-up to Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Phil Harrison told employees of Stadia’s shutdown minutes before the public
Today, Google announced that it would be shutting down Stadia, its game streaming service from 2019. However, Stadia’s Phil Harrison only told employees about the shutdown minutes before the public learned.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Stadia is shutting down in January, all purchases will be refunded
After nearly three years of operation, Google is shutting down its game streaming service Stadia, effective January 2023.
Expand Expanding CloseSquare is working to bring iPhone-like ‘Tap to Pay’ for merchants on Android
Square appears to be preparing to allow merchants with Android devices to accept “Tap to Pay” contactless NFC payments without a dedicated card reader.
Expand Expanding CloseRazer announces Edge 5G gaming handheld powered by Android
Today, in collaboration with Verizon and Qualcomm, Razer has unveiled a new Android-powered gaming handheld, the Razer Edge 5G.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Auto 8.2 beta begins rolling out, tweaks dock of ‘Coolwalk’ redesign
Google has begun rolling out Android Auto version 8.2 to those enrolled in the beta, bringing a revamped dock to the much-anticipated “Coolwalk” redesign.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Search easter egg for ‘DART’ parodies NASA’s asteroid collision test
The latest easter egg in Google Search has a bit of fun with NASA’s recent “DART” experiment by having a spacecraft collide with your search results.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat to expect from Google’s hardware event: Pixel 7, Pixel Watch, and Nest [Video]
We’re just a few short days away from Google’s hardware event on October 6, which is set to bring the Pixel 7 phones and quite a bit more. From the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro to all the latest Nest smart home gear, here’s everything we’re expecting Google to announce.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds Pro update readies five-band equalizer, volume balancing
Previously announced by Google, the latest update to the dedicated app for the Pixel Buds Pro brings us closer to having a built-in, customizable five-band equalizer.
Expand Expanding Close
Logitech G Fits gaming earbuds reshape to fit your ear and have less latency than Bluetooth
The Logitech G Fits gaming earbuds are built to mold themselves to your ear shape and also offer a non-Bluetooth connection for lower latency.
Expand Expanding CloseStadia begins rolling out 1440p quality setting, exclusive to Pro members [Update: Official]
Google Stadia is gaining a dedicated 1440p streaming option, available now for some players, but it will remain exclusive to Stadia Pro subscribers.
Expand Expanding Close