My technological “how often do you think about the Roman Empire” is the double twist shortcut introduced with the Moto X that would launch the camera from anywhere, including when the screen is off.
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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.
Pixelated 006: What’s in your (Google) Wallet?
Welcome to the sixth episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk about Android 15 Beta 1, widgets, and Google Wallet.
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Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro leaks in real-life images with 16 GB of RAM [Gallery]
Following renders back in January, there’s now a leak of real-life Pixel 9 Pro images showing off the new design language.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out new April OTA for some Pixel 7, Fold, and 8 owners [U]
Google today released new Android 14 QPR2 builds with the April 2024 security patch for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro, though there isn’t an on-device OTA update at the moment.
Expand Expanding CloseSundar Pichai on merging Android and Pixel teams, Google DeepMind, more
Sundar Pichai is out with an internal email today detailing the big “Platforms & Devices” reorganization of Android, Chrome and Pixel, as well as other company-wide changes.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s big Android/Chrome & Pixel reorg is about faster AI updates and launches
It remains to be seen how the new combined Android and Pixel division will actually work in practice, but this is what Google has said so far about its AI future.
Expand Expanding CloseCiti adds support for Google Pay virtual cards on Chrome, Android
At I/O 2022, Google announced the ability to mask your physical credit card with a virtual number, and Citi cards are now supported.
Expand Expanding ClosePocket Casts getting new redesigned widgets on Android [Gallery]
Pocket Casts for Android has long offered a single widget and an upcoming update will overhaul it, while introducing two new options for your homescreen.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 Beta 1 feedback survey for Pixel now open
Following the initial beta last week, Google is taking the first round of Android 15 Beta feedback — besides the NFC issue.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages will let you record a 3-second ‘Selfie GIF’
After adding a custom camera, Google Messages should be in the process of rolling out “Selfie GIFs.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Arts & Culture gets dark theme — your move Opinion Rewards
With Google Arts & Culture getting a dark theme today, one of the last first-party holdouts has folded.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps will suggest transit, walking alternatives next to driving routes
Ahead of Earth Day, Google Maps is adding a handful of features to make traveling more sustainable, like offering transit and walking alternatives instead of driving.
Expand Expanding CloseJust all the Google Wallet updates and changes
Since the beginning of March, Google Wallet has seen a somewhat uncharacteristic flurry of updates with both new features and behavior changes.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages moves RCS ‘provided by’ status in settings
A small change to Google Messages settings moves where you can find who’s providing your Rich Communication Services (RCS).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive website getting a dark theme [U: Official]
On the web, only a few Google apps and services offer a night mode. Google Drive is now the latest to introduce a dark theme.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates Terms of Service for 2024, won’t claim ownership of AI outputs
Google aims to update its Terms of Service (ToS), which covers over 70 products, every two years and changes in the 2024 edition address AI.
Expand Expanding ClosePlay Store ‘Biometric verification’ set-up to drop Google Account password
Google is emailing Android users about an upcoming Play Store change to encourage the use of purchase verification via biometric authentication.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit app rolling out Sleep stats redesign on Android, iOS [U]
The Fitbit app is rolling out a major redesign of its Sleep stats page, which we first spotted last month.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle working to prevent accidental Circle to Search activations
The latest Made by Google Podcast episode talks to the development team behind Circle to Search (CtS).
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube cracking down on third-party apps that block ads
Following the ad blocker crackdown, YouTube is explicitly going after third-party — often mobile — apps that let viewers skip advertising.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet rolling out ‘Verification settings’ on Android [U]
New “Verification settings” in Google Wallet for Android let you “choose if you’ll need to verify it’s you when using your payment methods and passes in Wallet.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet adds new ‘linked passes’ setting [U]
After introducing transit payment verification settings, Google Wallet is adding a new one to “Automatically add linked passes.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 Pro and Fold back on sale at the Google Store
Following the conclusion of a spring sale earlier this month, the Google Store is running another discount on the Pixel 7a, 8 series, and Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet ‘verify it’s you’ request appears a few minutes after phone unlock
Users have noticed in recent weeks that Google is requiring device unlocks for every tap-to-pay transaction regardless of the amount. At the same time, Google Wallet appears to be testing a second change related to more frequent verification.
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