Google is getting ready to introduce a bolder, even more colorful version of Material You, allowing you to leave the pastel shades behind once and for all.
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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.
Android 14 Beta 1: Wallpaper & style crashes for many, here’s how to fix [U: Fixed]
The first public Beta of Android 14 introduces a new bug that is preventing many people from opening the “Wallpaper & style” applet, but you can fix the problem with a few simple steps.
Update: Google has fully resolved this issue with the latest Beta release.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Lens gets a new logo for the fourth time in six years
Google seems to redesign the official logo for Google Lens every two years, and like clockwork, the app has once again gotten a new logo on Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 7a leak points to Face Unlock support
With the Google Pixel 7a moving ever closer to launch, the leak cycle for the mid-range phone has been ramping up. The latest leak seems to indicate that the Pixel 7a will be Google’s first affordable phone with Face Unlock.
Expand Expanding CloseMarch Google System Updates: Wallet loyalty card tweaks, more [Updated]
Google System Updates for March 2023 give you more control over the loyalty/rewards cards in your Google Wallet, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseLatest Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is first ChromeOS device w/ 13th Gen Intel Core chip
During the Next@Acer event, the latest generation of the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 was unveiled, marking the first ChromeOS device to feature a 13th-generation Intel Core processor.
Expand Expanding CloseUpcoming Reddit changes may spell the end of free third-party apps
Reddit has begun having discussions with app developers on a change that would likely spell the end of free third-party Reddit apps, shifting toward a paid subscription model.
Expand Expanding CloseEnabled: Android 14 Beta 1 preps custom lock screen clock, single-app recording, more [Gallery]
While the first beta preview of Android 14 may not look too different from Android 13 on Pixel phones today, there’s quite a lot happening under the surface. Our APK Insight team can now demonstrate a whole host of features that Google has prepared and could formally introduce at any time, including custom lock screen clocks, a Wallpaper & style redesign, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseSome Visible customers were receiving numerous password reset emails [U]
It’s not just you: Some current and former customers of Verizon’s Visible network have been receiving an influx of password reset request emails, but you may not have much to worry about.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 5 can now predict menstrual cycles based on skin temperature
Samsung is rolling out a new update for the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro, enabling the smartwatches to automatically check your skin temperature to track and predict the timing of your period.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 13 has doubled in market share since January, more stats
Google’s latest Android distribution stats reveal that Android 13 has more than doubled in market share since January, among other tidbits.
Expand Expanding ClosePlay Store ‘auto-archive’ frees space by cutting down on unused Android apps
To help make more room for new apps on your Android phone, the Play Store will begin offering “auto-archive” to seamlessly downsize your unused apps without losing your saved data.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 adds a slider to tweak Material You contrast
Android 14 DP2 has been out for a few weeks now, and our team is still managing to locate new features within. The latest is a new way to add more contrast to your Material You theme to make things easier to see and read.
Expand Expanding CloseIt may soon be possible to locate your Android phone even when it’s powered off
Google is preparing a new feature for its yet-to-be-launched Finder Network, making it possible to locate a missing or stolen phone even when it’s powered off.
Expand Expanding CloseHands-on: Streaming apps from phone to Chromebook is cool, even if impractical
Our team has managed to enable the new app streaming features of ChromeOS, bringing the full might of your phone’s Android apps to your Chromebook.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel Tablet arrives at FCC, revealing UWB connectivity
The much-anticipated Google Pixel Tablet has arrived for approval at the FCC, revealing that the device will feature ultra wideband (UWB) connectivity, just like the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung discontinues updates for Galaxy S10 series and more
The Galaxy S10 will no longer receive Android security updates as Samsung has ended support for the 2019 phone alongside other changes to the company’s update schedule.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung March 2023 update rolling out for these Galaxy devices
The month of March has arrived, which means spring is almost here. It also means that it’s time for Samsung to roll out the March 2023 security patch to its many Galaxy phones – here’s the full list of devices with the update.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Cams will soon be able to monitor your garage door
To keep your personal property safe, Nest Cameras are preparing a new feature to monitor your garage door, alerting you when it opens and if it’s been open for too long.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 13 QPR3 Beta: ‘Enhanced PIN privacy’ keeps your phone safe from onlookers
With the latest preview build of what will eventually be the June Pixel Feature Drop, Android 13 QPR3 introduces a new “Enhanced PIN privacy” toggle that works to keep your PIN safer from anyone who would try to watch it from afar.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 13 QPR3 Beta: Pixel display color profiles significantly tweaked [U: Fixed]
In an unusual change, Pixel owners who install the latest Android 13 QPR3 Beta may spot a noticeable shift in the colors shown on the display.
Update: As of the latest beta, this issue has been fixed.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Podcasts reaches 500M downloads as YouTube Music prepares to overshadow it
Google Podcasts has reached a new milestone in the Play Store, having been downloaded half a billion times, though YouTube Music is now preparing a podcast option of its own.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home testing redesign for ‘Device controls’ on lockscreen
The latest preview update of the Google Home app includes a new design for the “Device controls” area that’s accessible from the Android lockscreen.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle shutting down the Jacquard smart fabric app in April [Updated]
Google has confirmed it is shutting down the app responsible for the Jacquard accessories made by Google ATAP.
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