Following last week’s quiet release of Find Hub for Wear OS, Google is rolling out support for map layers on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseFind Hub app rolling out map layers support on Android
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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.
Gemini for Home camera updates improve Familiar Face, animal detection, more
The latest Gemini for Home updates are focused on camera improvements for Nest and other compatible devices.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google Messages features are rolling out [December 2025]
Like most Google apps, Messages A/B tests many features. However, it takes the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch these capabilities in stable even after they are announced. From various reports, Google itself, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music might be settling on this Now Playing redesign
For over a year now, YouTube Music has been testing various Now Playing screen redesigns on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages toning down how thirsty Nano Banana Remix is
It’s not hyperbolic to say that Google has been very thirsty about Nano Banana following its viral success. In Google Messages, the access points for the Nano Banana-powered Remix are being greatly toned down following the November launch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases factory, OTA images for second Pixel December 2025 update
On Wednesday, Google started rolling out a second December 2025 update for Pixel phones, with factory and OTA images now available for manual install.
Expand Expanding CloseNotebookLM now uses Gemini 3, adds new ‘Data Tables’ output
NotebookLM is getting in a few more features before the holidays, including an upgrade to Gemini 3 and Data Tables.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Pixel December 2025 update fixes battery drain, Pixel 10 touch issues [U]
Some Pixel owners today are getting a new December 2025 update today after installing the initial release (Android 16 QPR2) at the start of this month.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini will replace Google Assistant on Android in 2026
Back in March, Google said Gemini would replace Assistant on Android phones this year. That “upgrade” is now set for 2026.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle recaps the road from Product Sans to open-sourcing Google Sans Flex
As part of open-sourcing Google Sans and Google Sans Flex, the company’s design team this week detailed the modern history of its fonts.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fi subscribers can basically get a free Pixel Watch 3 LTE
While it’s not a holiday gift made of bricks like in years past, Google Fi subscribers can get a free Pixel Watch 3 LTE this holiday season.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app now lets you edit with Nano Banana by drawing, detect AI videos
Following yesterday’s big launch, the Gemini app is adding a “new way to prompt with Nano Banana” by drawing or annotating directly on images. Additionally, SynthID now works on video.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR3 lets you adjust flashlight brightness on Pixel
Android 16 QPR3 will finally let you adjust the brightness of your Pixel’s flashlight from the Quick Settings Tile.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]
Android 16 QPR3 is the next notable quarterly update coming in March 2026, and Beta 1 is rolling out today for Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR3 lets you remove At a Glance from your Pixel’s homescreen
With Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, Google is finally letting Pixel owners remove At a Glance from their homescreen.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR3 Beta 1 rolling out for Google Pixel
The preview cycle continues today with Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 now available for Google Pixel devices. This follows the stable QPR2 launch at the start of December.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adds NotebookLM integration, details Thinking/Pro usage limits
Besides Gemini 3 Flash today, the Gemini app on the web is rolling out a new NotebookLM integration.
Expand Expanding Close‘Google News Audio Briefing’ rolling out with new Listen tab on Android
Following last week’s announcement, the Google News Audio Briefing is beginning to roll out on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adds 3 Flash ‘Fast’ and ‘Thinking’ models, with 3 ‘Pro’
With today’s launch, Gemini 3 Flash is widely rolling out to the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search. This is one of Google’s speediest model rollouts.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases Find Hub app for Wear OS
As previously spotted in a promo video for the Pixel Watch 3, Google has released a Find Hub app for Wear OS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces Gemini 3 Flash with Pro-level performance, rolling out now
Following last month’s launch of Gemini 3 Pro, Google today announced Gemini 3 Flash for consumers and developers.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google app is intentionally replacing Pixel Launcher search
In the past few days, tapping the Pixel Launcher search bar opens a different screen powered by the Google app. This is not a bug and an intentional change.
Expand Expanding CloseNotebookLM rolls out chat history, adds AI Ultra tier
After announcing in October, NotebookLM has fully rolled out chat history, while Google AI Ultra subscribers now have expanded usage limits.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle survey asks about the Thermometer app on Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro users today might have received a survey from Google to help improve the thermometer.
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