Google is embracing “agentic shopping” wherein users can easily make purchases through the Gemini app and AI Mode.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app and AI Mode adding product checkout, Google Search getting ‘Business Agent’
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.
Google Maps finally redesigns settings on Android
Of all the first-party apps, Google Maps probably offered the worst settings experience, but a redesign is finally cleaning things up.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Launcher rolls out search shortcut to quickly ‘open’ apps
After the 2022 removal and restoration for some users last year, Pixel Launcher search is once again letting you open apps using the keyboard.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Gmail AI features replacing Gemini side panel for some
With the launch of “in-line AI experiences” in Gmail yesterday, Google has shared that the Gemini side panel is going away for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store New Year’s Pixel Watch 4 deals end on Jan. 10 [U]
With the previous round of offers ending last week, the US Google Store is running New Year’s deals ahead of 2026.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fi starts selling its first 5G tablet
Following phones and watches, the Google Fi store is getting its first tablet with the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 5G.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube rolling out search filters update that renames and removes
YouTube is rolling out updates to its video search filters that include renames, removals, and other adjustments. These changes aim to “align better with your expectations.”
Expand Expanding CloseGmail making Help Me Write, AI summaries, & Suggested Replies free for all
Besides previewing the future of Gmail today, Google is making a number of AI features that previously required a subscription free for personal accounts.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces the future of Gmail with AI Inbox & new AI Overview search
Google today previewed the future of Gmail, with new features like AI Overviews for search that are rolling out starting today and the upcoming ”AI Inbox.” This comes as Gmail has over 3 billion monthly active users.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard shortcuts getting M3 Expressive redesign at the expense of density
Gboard for Android is slowly getting M3 Expressive, but the shortcuts page redesign comes at the expense of density.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages getting new long-press menu for texts, images
Following the camera and gallery redesign, Google Messages is testing a new long-press menu for text and image actions.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive regains full Material 3 Expressive redesign
Last year, Google Drive’s Material 3 Expressive redesign rolled out in a piecemeal fashion and saw one aspect revert. The full revamp with the container component is now available.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Pixelsnap Chargers will get firmware updates
Just like other modern devices, the Pixelsnap Charger will see firmware updates, with the latest version of Pixel Stand revealing some details.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Voice preps ‘Gemini Notes’ call transcripts, but likely for enterprise
At this point, Google Voice is primarily an enterprise service, with the vast majority of new features for paid customers. Google Voice is now working on a “Gemini Notes” capability.
Expand Expanding CloseYour Pixel might be buggy after latest Google Play system update
A Google Play system update is rolling out to Pixel owners, and we’ve noticed across several devices that the install process is a bit buggy.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is bringing the big Snapseed redesign to Android
Back in June, Google surprisingly released Snapseed 3.0 for iOS, and has now confirmed that the new version is coming to Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates Snapseed for iPhone with retro film camera
Back in June, Google surprisingly brought back Snapseed but only on iOS. The app’s latest update introduces a retro “Snapseed Camera” for iPhone users.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music lyrics sharing adding AI-generated backgrounds
YouTube Music introduced the ability to share lyrics last year and is now upgrading the background options with generative AI.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid XR is Google’s advertising focus at CES 2026 [Video]
In recent years, Google TV has been the company’s focus at the Consumer Electronics Show. That remains the case at CES 2026, but Google is also using the Las Vegas conference to promote Android XR.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages tweaks the camera to show more of your gallery
Google Messages is more widely rolling out some tweaks to the combined camera and gallery interface on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini will let you control Google TV settings, getting richer Photos support & responses
At CES 2026, Google previewed upcoming Gemini for Google TV features that take better advantage of the large screen form factor.
Expand Expanding CloseOn the likelihood of a Fitbit Ring and another Pixel Tablet
We asked what Google products you wanted the other day and there were some clear demands. I’ll repeat at the top that I think the Pixel brand is currently in a more cautious phase.
Expand Expanding CloseRecap: A big 2025 for Google Keep, but what’s the future?
Compared to the year prior, 2025 saw a lot of updates for Google Keep. It’s easily one of my most used apps on Android. While I don’t necessarily have any complaints about the service today, I wonder what a modern note-taking app from Google would look like.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app gets faster model switching from @-menu
With the launch of Gemini 3 Flash, the Gemini app’s model switcher expanded, and there’s now a faster way to make a selection.
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