As previewed at I/O 2024, Google Maps is more widely rolling out a redesign that simplifies the bottom bar.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps bottom bar redesign rolls out 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.
New Nest Learning Thermostat gets early unboxing [Video]
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) leaks continue with an early unboxing showing off what the new design looks like up close.
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Pixel 9 Pro won’t shoot 8K but Video Boost gets you there, Zoom Enhance mentioned
We already know the camera specs and some AI features for the Pixel 9 Pro, but the latest leak reveals that Google will be leveraging Video Boost for 8K footage.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle posts Android ad about RCS coming to iPhone [Video]
With the launch of iOS 18 this fall, the iPhone will support RCS for meaningfully improved messaging experience with Android users, and Google today released an ad to highlight that.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 series rumored to not run Android 15 out of the box
Historically, Pixel phones have launched with the new version of Android. A leak today says that might not be the case in 2024, with the Pixel 9 series apparently launching with Android 14.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 and 9 Pro look to have faster charging, 24 hours of battery life
Regulatory leaks have already provided an idea of how big the batteries on the Pixel 9 series are, but we now have more definite specs, including faster charging speeds.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Lens, Circle to Search adding ‘About this image’ context
As part of several safety updates today, Google is updating Circle to Search and Lens with “About this image.” The company is also working to combat explicit fake imagery.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google Maps incident reporting comes to mobile & Android Auto, Waze gets lockscreen navigation
In addition to image safety, Google is rolling out new features to Waze and Maps, like a redesign of incident reporting.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages adds double FAB to promote Gemini [U]
Gemini in Google Messages exited beta at I/O 2024 last month and now features a double FAB design.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard dark theme gets a distracting splash of Dynamic Color
If Gboard for Android looks ever so slightly different in recent days, it’s because the button for accessing the various keyboard tools is now themed with Dynamic Color in dark mode.
Expand Expanding CloseHow Pixel Watch 3 faces are using the bigger display
Compared to the 41 mm Pixel Watch 2, the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 is said to have “40% more screen.” The big question is how Wear OS will adapt to the bigger display, and we now have an answer on the watch faces front.
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Google on the difference between Magic Eraser and Magic Editor’s Erase tool
Google Photos recently made its AI editing tools free and the company is out with an interesting blog about tips and best practices. Of note is a section explaining the difference between Magic Eraser and the erase tool in Magic Editor.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive PDF viewer adding Gemini side panel integration
In addition to Docs, Sheets, and Slides, the Gemini side panel is now coming to the Google Drive PDF viewer.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch 3 not using Wear OS hybrid interface for 100-hour battery life
Earlier this year, new Wear OS 4 devices started claiming up to 100 hours of use due to a new “hybrid interface.” According to a new leak, battery life on the Pixel Watch 3 will remain the same.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in the July 2024 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 CloseGoogle Play Collections rolling out with these Android apps supported
Following last week’s announcement, Google Play’s new content recommendations “Collections” widget is starting to see broader availability (server-side rollout) in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 15 Beta 4.1 with Pixel calling fix
While we just had the “last scheduled update,” Google is still releasing patches for Android 15 and Beta 4.1 today addresses a Pixel phone calling issue.
Expand Expanding CloseFiles by Google switches to stories-like ‘Recents’ carousel
An interesting change to Files by Google on Android today changes the behavior of the “Recents” carousel at the top of the app.
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Android 15 Beta: Pixel Buds Pro controls missing from Volume menu
Android 15 introduces a Material You redesign of the Volume menu, but one current beta regression is the loss of integrated Pixel Buds Pro controls.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Cross-device services rolling out: Call casting, Internet sharing
At the end of May, Google announced the first set of Cross-device services features, with Call casting and Instant hotspot now rolling out to Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google TV Streamer might have an Ethernet port and Thread radio
We revealed what the Google TV Streamer looks like earlier this week, and now some of the first specs might have emerged.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 rumored to add call recording with transcripts & ‘redesigned Panorama mode’
In addition to Pixel Screenshot and photo features like “Add Me” and “Reimagine with,” the Pixel 9 might get call recording and a redesigned Panorama experience.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel Buds Pro 2 pricing leaks
Earlier this week, we learned about the design of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and a new leak reveals the possible price.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings Preferred Care for Pixel to UK and Japan
Ahead of the Pixel 9 launch next month, Google is expanding the availability of Preferred Care beyond the US and Canada to the UK and Japan.
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