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.
While the new Google Workspace icons appeared throughout I/O 2026, Google did not discuss them during the keynote. The company has since provided more details about the redesign.
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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.
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To get more out of Gemini-powered features in first-party apps, Google offers AI Plus, AI Pro, and AI Ultra subscriptions. At I/O 2026 in May, the plans got updated usage limits.
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As part of the Neural Expressive redesign, Gemini Live on Android can now access more first- and third-party “Connected Apps.”
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At I/O 2026, Google previewed two major features for the Gemini app on macOS that are coming this summer.
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At I/O 2026, Google Wallet quietly announced and completed its big Android redesign. There are also new features for Google Pay and Wallet developers that end users will soon encounter.
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As telegraphed, Google Health is now rolling out as an update to the Fitbit app. On Android, Google Health 5.0 introduces a new homescreen Quick Access Widget.
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At I/O 2026, Google rolled out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 for Pixel devices to continue the fast release schedule this cycle.
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After introducing with the Material 3 Expressive redesign last year, Google is adding more blur to the system UI with Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3.
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The two week cadence this cycle continues with Google today releasing Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 during I/O 2026.
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Following The Android Show, Google made several developer announcements at I/O 2026, led by AI Studio’s new capability to build native Android apps.
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Besides Gmail announcements, Google at I/O 2026 announced AI voice features for Docs and Keep. The company also unveiled “Google Pics” as the newest Workspace app.
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At I/O 2026, Google announced two big updates for Gmail, starting with a new Live voice search experience.
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Alongside all the feature announcements, Google announced that Gemini is switching away from daily prompt limits, while AI Ultra is now cheaper.
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Google Search received big updates at I/O 2026. For starters, AI Mode is now powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash globally and has over 1 billion users every month.
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At I/O 2026, Google had a number of Android XR announcements, including a sneak peek at the first two audio-only Samsung glasses with designs from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
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At I/O 2026, Google announced a tidal wave of new Gemini-powered features across its biggest products and services that will soon be available. We’ve compiled all the consumer-facing announcements and notable developer developments below.
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At I/O 2026, Google announced major updates to Gemini across the underlying model and new app features. The Gemini app now has over 900 million monthly active users.
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I/O 2026 kicks off today as Google’s biggest event of the year to showcase what’s new for users and developers. Gemini and AI will undoubtedly be the big focus. Join us as we live blog the two-hour keynote live from Mountain View.
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Google is rolling out an update to the Find Hub app on Android that lets you add location sharing notifications.
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Ahead of I/O 2026, Google continues to roll out Gemini app features, with some users now seeing a “Thinking level” option.
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As we head into I/O 2026, Google is tweaking the Gemini app icon to be a touch more colorful.
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Google has rolled out version 4.69 of Fitbit for Android as the last update before the Google Health rebrand.
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Google is giving developers of third-party calling apps the ability to integrate with Phone by Google and other system dialers.
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