Welcome to the twelfth episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about the Fitbit Ace LTE, Chromebook Plus, and Find My Device trackers.
Pixelated 012: Post-I/O hardware rush
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.
YouTube app rolling out Cast menu redesign, no ‘Disconnect’ button
The Cast menu redesign that first launched in YouTube Music is now rolling out to the main YouTube app on Android and iOS…
Expand Expanding CloseIs Pixie anything but the ‘new Google Assistant’ done right?
Pixie first came to light in December. The Information revealed the existence of an AI assistant that will be exclusive to Google’s Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music web app now remembers your last song and queue on relaunch
The YouTube Music website now behaves more like the Android and iOS apps by remembering the last played song to let you quickly resume.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search adds air quality to Weather card
Google already surfaces air quality in a number of ways, and it’s now being added to the Weather card in Search results.
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Fitbit Ace LTE gets prime Amazon placement, available now at Google Stores
In terms of retail availability, Google is doing something slightly different with the Fitbit Ace LTE at Amazon and its first-party store.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel VPN drops Google One branding ahead of update
While VPN by Google One is going away next month, the company will continue to offer a virtual private network for Pixel owners. Ahead of that, the service is now called “Pixel VPN by Google.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle explains AI Overviews’ viral mistakes and updates, defends accuracy
Google this afternoon published a long response about AI Overviews and their accuracy. The Search feature launched at I/O 2024 in the US and has been criticized for some high-profile mistakes.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Phone app updated with transparent status bar
As Android encourages apps to go edge-to-edge, Phone by Google has been updated with a transparent status bar.
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Google Wallet now supports PayPal on Wear OS, more digital car keys coming
After a number of updates at I/O 2024, Google Wallet is rolling out PayPal support on Wear OS and expanded digital car key availability.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Doorbell alerts on Pixel Tablet rolling out to Public Preview
In addition to the new Android homescreen widget and Wear OS Tile, the Google Home app is getting a few more updates today, including Pixel Tablet doorbell alerts.
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Chrome will soon disable old Manifest V2 extensions
Google’s plan to modernize desktop Chrome extensions is entering its final stages as Manifest V2 tools will stop working by early next year.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle partnering with Magic Leap on AR optics, manufacturing
In the 2010s, Magic Leap was one of the most hyped augmented reality companies, with massive amounts of funding, including from Google. When the Magic Leap One headset launched in 2018, it was not the technological breakthrough in display technology that was once teased. Magic Leap has persisted since then, and has now signed a “multi-faceted, strategic technology partnership” with Google.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid adding Call casting & Instant hotspot with Cross-device services
Google’s Better Together initiative to improve the experience of owning multiple Android-powered devices is continuing today with “Cross-device services.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolling out 15-minute RCS editing
After testing in recent weeks, Google Messages is launching the ability to edit an RCS message that you just sent.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home rolling out ‘Favorites’ Android widget and Wear OS Tile
As we previously spotted, the Google Home app on Android is getting a new homescreen widget and Wear OS Tile.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music ending free background play that was exclusive to Canada
Back in 2021, YouTube Music introduced free background listening of radio stations in Canada. This mobile experience was never brought to other countries and is now ending.
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Apple TV app for Android phones in the works
At the moment, Apple TV subscribers that own Android phones have to watch in a web browser. That might eventually change as an Apple TV app is reportedly in the works.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid AICore update for Gemini Nano rolling out to Pixel 8
As promised in March, Gemini Nano is coming to the Pixel 8, as well as the Pixel 8a. Ahead of official availability, an Android AICore update is rolling out.
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Google Messages noise cancellation sees wider rollout
Earlier this month, Google Messages more widely rolled out a redesign of the voice recorder, but not all users got the new noise cancellation feature. That’s now seeing broader availability.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app brings back speaker group volume control
After removing due to the Sonos lawsuit in late 2021 and early 2022, the Google Home app has regained the ability to “control the volume for multiple speakers or devices at once.”
Expand Expanding CloseChrome launches Minimized Custom Tabs for Picture-in-Picture multitasking
Following testing in March, Google Chrome is officially launching “Minimized Custom Tabs” that make use of PiP windows. The big focus is on multitasking and letting users “effortlessly transition between native app and web content.”
Expand Expanding CloseHands-on: The Fitbit Ace LTE is Google’s most complete launch in ages [Gallery]
Google has been working on the Fitbit Ace LTE for the past two-three years, and it shows. In my brief usage of the Fitbit-branded device powered by Wear OS, what strikes me the most — as someone outside the intended kid/parent audience — is how much of an end-to-end experience it provides.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces Fitbit Ace LTE for kids with Wear OS, Pixel Watch 2 specs
The Fitbit Ace LTE is Google’s newest wearable powered by Wear OS and meant to encourage kids (ages 7+) to be healthy through games, while also serving as a parent-child communication and real-time location device. A monthly or annual Fitbit Ace Pass subscription is required for cellular connectivity, the Fitbit Arcade, and other capabilities.
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