The first big post-launch update for the Fitbit Ace LTE adds Tap to Pay, Lunch break, and new games.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Ace LTE adds Tap to Pay, Lunch break, and new games
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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.
Google Search app tests prominent Chrome Incognito shortcut on Android
For queries that you don’t want saved to Account history, the Google Search app on Android is testing a rather prominent shortcut to “Chrome Incognito.”
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 August security patch rolling out: What’s fixed for Pixel
While we wait for Android 15 to hit stable, the Android 14 August security patch is rolling out today for the Pixel 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, and 8a. This release came a day later than expected, while the Pixel Watch update was yesterday.
Expand Expanding CloseWhy the Google TV Streamer has an oval design and reducing remote wobble
Making a set-top box with the Google TV Streamer was a design departure for modern Google hardware — there was of course the Nexus Player — and the team today explained some of the decisions they took.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google TV Streamer Voice Remote works with 2020+ Chromecasts
With the new Google TV Streamer, the company released a new Voice Remote that has Chromecast with Google TV compatibility.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is no longer making Chromecasts and will let inventory run out
The first Chromecast was announced in July of 2013 with the goal of letting people stream content from phones to televisions. With the launch of the Google TV Streamer, Chromecasts are no longer being manufactured.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Assistant has a future on Nest speakers, displays with coming Gemini updates
While Gemini is the future on phones, Google Assistant will remain on smart displays and speakers thanks to Gemini updates meant to improve the experience at home.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV Streamer is a $99 set-top box that replaces Chromecast, coming Sept.
After sticking with the dongle form factor for over 11 years, Google’s next streaming device is going a different route. The Google TV Streamer is a 4K set-top box that’s more expensive than the Chromecasts that it replaces.
Expand Expanding CloseCalifornia ID cards are coming to Google Wallet on Android
Some US states have built out their own apps for digital Driver’s License and ID Cards. California is one of those cases, but will soon add support for ID cards in Google Wallet on Android.
Expand Expanding Close‘Gemini on earbuds’ is ‘Your new AI assistant’
Work on bringing the Gemini assistant to more form factors beyond the web and phones continues with a new mention of “Gemini on earbuds.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch August 2024 update rolling out
Google is rolling out the latest Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 update with the August 2024 security patch today. Like last month, it arrives in the afternoon before the phone and Tablet updates.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle finally making a native Weather app with Pixel 9
With the Pixel 9 series, Google is rumored to be releasing an exclusive Pixel Weather app.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Chromecast with Google TV update rolling out ahead of Streamer
Ahead of the radical departure that is the Google TV Streamer, the next Chromecast with Google TV update (June 2024) is rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseSideloading Android apps requires extra step after APK change by Google Play
In recent years, Google has been working to make Android apps smaller. As a result of that change, the process of installing (sideloading) Android APKs outside the Play Store might have an additional step.
Expand Expanding CloseMaterial You is making the short bottom bar official, adding more ‘Expressive’ animation
Back at I/O 2023, the Material team previewed what’s next for Google apps on large screens, like foldables and tablets. Making Material You more expressive was one such goal and that’s now coming to fruition, while a short bottom bar is also coming.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google’s new 45W USB-C Charger looks like in Europe
With the Pixel 9 series, Google is introducing a new 45W USB-C Charger. We’ve already seen the US design, but here’s a look at the European variant.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL pre-order offer is going to be different from past years
Last year, pre-ordering the Pixel 8 Pro got you a Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Buds Pro. The Pixel 9 series is going a different direction for its pre-orders with storage upgrades and Google One.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolling out RCS photo with text caption redesign [U]
In a small but nice redesign, Google Messages is tweaking how photos sent with text appear in RCS conversations.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro rumored to launch this month, but Fold and Pixel Buds Pro 2 set for Sept.
A new rumor today says that the bulk of the Pixel 9 series will launch just over a week after the announcement, but everything else looks to be further out.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle bringing ‘School time’ to Android phones
After introducing on the Fitbit Ace LTE earlier this year, Google is bringing “School time” to Android phones and tablets, as well as Samsung Wear OS devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on why you should disable 2G on your Android phone
SMS Blasters — which are also known as Stingrays, False Base Stations (FBS), and cell-site simulators — can be used by nefarious parties to “lure mobile devices to connect to them” and send fake text messages. One way to combat them is by disabling the insecure 2G connection on your Android device.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome using AI to let you naturally search browsing history, adds Google Lens
After adding Help me write, Tab Organizer, and a Gemini shortcut earlier this year, Google is rolling out the next set of AI-powered features to desktop Chrome, including a promising conversational search experience for browsing history and improved visual search. Broadly, Google wants to add AI features that make your “browsing experience even more helpful.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro Fold leak highlights thin design, Face Unlock on both screens, more
A promo video and other marketing materials for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have leaked to show how thin it is, as well as how Google plans to market its second-generation foldable.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play Store redesign adds Search tab, persistent bottom bar [U]
Following testing in December, Google is moving Play Store search to the bottom bar with a new tab.
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