As we previously spotted, Google Messages is adding a new “Tap to Draft” behavior that saves you from accidental Smart Replies.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages starts rolling out ‘Tap to Draft’ for Smart Replies
Author
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.
Pixel Journal gets short Material 3 Expressive bottom bar
Material 3 Expressive’s short bottom bar is now available in Pixel Journal as AI features come to the Pixel 9 series.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR3: Pixel Launcher search bar loses M3 Expressive redesign
In December, Pixel Launcher search was replaced by the Google app. The Android 16 QPR3 March update compounds this design regression by removing the M3 Expressive search bar from the homescreen.
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Google Play Points offering some $400 off the Pixel 10 Pro
As the Pixel 10 Pro reaches its six-month mark, Google Play Points is offering some members $400 off. Start by going to the Perks tab on Android.
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Google releases Pixel 10a ‘stallion’ factory images
With the Pixel 10a now on store shelves, Google today released factory images for “stallion.”
Expand Expanding CloseNotebookLM adds ‘Cinematic Video Overviews’ as AI Mode Canvas gets upgrades
Google is rolling out Cinematic Video Overviews to NotebookLM that go beyond narrated slides, while Canvas in AI Mode is now more capable.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel March 2026 update fixes 16 issues: Pixel 10 GPU, battery, more
Besides the new features introduced with Android 16 QPR3, the March 2026 Pixel update includes several bug fixes across Audio, Camera, Display & Graphics, Framework, Telephony, and User Interface.
Expand Expanding CloseFind Hub adds Google Messages integration, lost luggage sharing with airlines
Alongside the March 2026 Pixel Drop, Google today announced new Find Hub integrations with Google Messages and airlines to help find lost luggage.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch Feature Drop: Express Pay, phone reminders, and more
With the March 2026 Pixel Drop, the Pixel Watch is also getting a sizable update with new features and backports.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR3 rolling out with March 2026 security update
Android 16 QPR3 is rolling out today with the March 2026 security patch for the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a. We also have the latest Pixel Feature Drop.
Expand Expanding CloseMarch 2026 Feature Drop: Pixel 10 ‘Comfort’ view, custom AI icons, At a Glance ‘My commute,’ & more
With the Android 16 QPR3 update, Google today announced the March 2026 Feature Drop and this is a pretty sizable release.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome is switching to a two-week release cycle
Later this year, Google will release major updates for its Chrome browser on all platforms every two weeks to “get features [out] faster.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps for Android, iOS rolling out gradient icon redesign
As we previously reported, Google Maps is now rolling out a new gradient icon on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s March 2026 Google System Updates
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 ClosePixel Now Playing redesign with M3 Expressive rolling out
As we’ve been expecting, Google is rolling out a complete redesign of Pixel Now Playing with a dedicated app that’s available via the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseQualcomm announces Snapdragon Wear Elite for next gen of Wear OS, Galaxy Watch
At MWC 2026, Qualcomm announced the premium Snapdragon Wear Elite for Wear OS and other AI form factors.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Phone app rolling out ability to set ‘your calling card’ for everyone
Calling cards in Phone by Google let you personalize calls to your contacts with a fullscreen image. The Google Phone app is now adding the ability to set “your calling card” that other people will see.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live rolling out floating pill redesign [U]
Since launch, Gemini Live has primarily been a fullscreen experience, but Google is now rolling out a floating pill redesign on Android.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel At a Glance rolling out Sports and Finance updates
Pixel At a Glance is getting its first new information types in quite some time today with Sports and Finance.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for Android rolls out always-available Reading mode redesign [U]
Chrome on Android has offered a Reading mode for several years now, and Google is now significantly redesigning it.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat new Google Messages features are rolling out [February 2026]
Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos for Android rolls out sticker creation
After rolling out to iOS in August, Google Photos for Android now lets you create stickers from your images.
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Google Photos rolling out shortcut to local folders
Google Photos for Android is adding a rather convenient shortcut to access your local folders from anywhere in the app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is winding down the Pixel Studio app
Pixel Studio was introduced in 2024 with the Pixel 9 alongside Screenshots and Weather. In light of other Google image generation features and integrations, Pixel Studio is going away.
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