About the Author
“It’s Google’s Alphabet’s world & we’re all just living in it.”
The above is Abner’s philosophy and why in his 6 years of writing about tech Google and Android has been the main focus.
He resides in Los Angeles.
Send tips to abner@9to5mac.com.
Email or Twitter @technacity if you want to discuss anything remotely Android or Google related with him.
Today
After quietly coming online in March, Google at I/O 2019 officially announced that Podcasts is available on the desktop web. That rudimentary player has been quietly updated with several tweaks in recent days.
Yesterday
Google Duo makes an appearance with Logan Roy in ‘Succession’ finale
HBO’s hit business/media dark comedy Succession this evening wrapped up its triumphant second season. While we might all be talking about that ending, Google fans might have noticed Duo make an appearance early in the episode.
The last-minute Pixel 4 leaks continue this weekend with retail packaging for the smaller phone dropping Sunday night. Similar in style to years past, the box highlights basic specs and what’s included.
October 12
Following Best Buy Canada last night fully detailing the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, another northern retailer has possibly leaked Nest Wifi pricing. This online store also suggests other Made by Google plans for Canada, including the Nest Mini and Nest Hub Max.
October 11
Despite the official announcement being on Tuesday, Best Buy in Canada has already listed the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL for pre-order. A dedicated product page notes the key features and specs, while also allowing buyers to place a deposit.
Made by Google shares colors and inspirations for 2019 product lineup
Ahead of Tuesday’s hardware event, Google has been releasing various teasers this week. The latest shows what inspired the design team and provides a possible look at the Made by Google 2019 color options.
Google Pixel 4 leaks over the past month have ramped up due to unreleased devices finding their way into the wild. Two weeks away from Made by Google 2019, the first official render image has been revealed.
Days away from the Pixel 4 unveil, last-minute details about the flagship are emerging. An update to the Google One app today reveals that the Made by Google phones will feature a 3-month trial to the subscription service.
For the past several years, Google has been planning a very large campus that would reshape downtown San Jose. The company this week submitted a master plan for what it’s calling “Downtown West.”
October 10
From detailed voice guidance in Maps to Android 10’s upcoming Live Caption capability, Google has a slew of accessibility features. The latest in Chrome can automatically create descriptions for images on the web that lack any identifying labels.
Google Tasks is sparingly updated, but it’s getting a sizable refresh today that introduces a dark theme. More importantly, the Android app gains two homescreen widgets with Google Tasks 1.7.
The 2019 Android Dev Summit kicks off later this month and Google yesterday posted the full conference schedule. An official Android app for the event interestingly makes the first official reference to “Android 11.”
This year marks the fifth edition of Google Design’s effort to highlight “best-in-class designs from our community.” Announced at SPAN in Brooklyn, the 2019 Material Design Award winners are Ruff, Reflectly, Scripts, and Trip.com.
Ahead of new Nest devices next week, an updated version of the Home companion client is widely rolling out today. Google Home 2.14.50 confirms ‘Nest Mini’ and interestingly references Stadia.
As part of World Sight Day, Google Maps is improving walking directions for people with visual impairments. The Google service can now offer more detailed voice guidance and new types of verbal announcements.
Waymo One launched late last year in Phoenix, Arizona as the first public self-driving car service. However, those rides still have a human safety driver behind the wheel that is ready to take over in case of emergencies. The Alphabet company is now getting ready to test “completely driverless Waymo cars.”
At I/O 2018, Google noted how celebrity voices are a top Assistant feature request. Following Amazon last month bringing its first voice to Echo, Google Assistant today is getting its second with Issa Rae.
October 9
Back in May, Google revamped mobile Search results by adding site favicons to each listing. The company is now A/B testing a similar redesign for the Google Search results page on desktop web that also removes URLs.
With Stadia expected to launch sometime next month, Google in recent weeks has been ramping up the game streaming service’s press tour. The latest provides a look at the user research and design of the Stadia Controller.
YouTube TV letting subscribers give out ‘Friends & Family’ trials
Last week, YouTube TV rolled out to Amazon Fire TV device as part of the two tech giant’s detente. This week, the Google cord-cutting service is letting existing subscribers give out free two-week trials to “Friends & Family.”
