As previewed at launch, the Gemini app on Android and iOS is now rolling out Japanese and Korean support.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out Japanese and Korean support, reducing refusals
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.
Duet AI side panel appearing in Gmail, Google Drive, and Docs for more testers
The Duet AI side panel that Google first showed off at I/O 2023 in May is now entering wider testing via the Workspace Labs program for free accounts.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV ‘Build a Multiview’ rolling out, starting with NBA League Pass
Following testing last month, YouTube TV is now rolling out its “Build a Multiview” capability.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages Screen Effects are slowly rolling out
Screen Effects that briefly take over the Google Messages app are slowly rolling out with only a subset of triggers available.
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Google wins hearts with ‘Chemistry CuPd’ Valentine’s Day Doodle
For Valentine’s Day 2024, Google has an interactive Doodle called “Chemistry CuPd” that is equal parts cute and educational.
Expand Expanding CloseChromebooks added a charging sound, but you have to manually enable
We spotted that Google was adding charging sounds to ChromeOS at the end of 2022, and they’re now live on Chromebooks.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out to more countries, being promoted in Assistant
The Gemini launch continues this week with availability for more countries (in English) and iOS.
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Report: Walmart looking at Vizio acquisition to boost ad business
According to the Wall Street Journal, Walmart is in talks to buy Vizio to help its advertising business and better compete against Amazon.
Expand Expanding CloseHow Google Assistant Driving Mode works after apps & launcher removal [Gallery]
Google is in the process of removing the “app launcher” from Assistant Driving Mode following the announcement last month. That change rolled out to one of our Android devices, and here’s how Driving Mode now works.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid photo picker with Google Photos support rolling out via February System Update
Google is officially rolling out support for Google Photos and other cloud backup apps in the Android photo picker.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Safe Browsing in Chrome updates balance security and loading times
Google Safe Browsing throws up a bright red warning before letting you visit a nefarious page. Google is updating how Safe Browsing works in Chrome so that it’s less disruptive and more efficient “without a degradation in security posture.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel is now the ‘Official Mobile Phone’ of the National Women’s Soccer League
Google’s latest initiative to promote the Pixel brand is a multi-year partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle redesigns in-app feedback tool on Android and iOS [Gallery]
The “Send feedback” tool found in every Google mobile app recently received a redesign to provide a more step-by-step experience that’s somewhat conversational.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app is coming to Google Assistant headphones
For last week’s Gemini launch, Google focused on the smartphone form factor. It left Assistant in place on Smart Displays, speakers, TVs, cars, and Wear OS, though the “Gemini mobile app is coming to headphones.”
Expand Expanding CloseInteractive Google Meet ‘Companion Mode’ rolling out to Android and iOS
Originally introduced for the web and Nest Hub Max, Google is now bringing its second screen “Companion Mode” to the Meet app on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle offering out of warranty Pixel Watch replacements at discounted price
Wearables aren’t too repairable, with Google just offering outright replacements as a result. Google now says “you may be able to purchase a replacement” for your Pixel Watch at a discount if it’s “out of warranty or your claim isn’t covered.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages might be switching to double tap to react
Following the wide rollout of Photomoji a few weeks ago, Google Messages is readying a small change wherein you double tap to react.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini & how ‘all of this has happened before’ with Google Assistant
In writing about how Gemini is not ready to replace Google Assistant on Android, I’m struck by déjà vu. All the features that Gemini needs to be a good phone assistant is something that another Google product already figured out.
Expand Expanding CloseDriverless Waymo car vandalized and set on fire in San Francisco
Yesterday evening, an autonomous Waymo car was set on a fire in San Francisco. The moment was captured and recorded on social media by several bystanders.
Expand Expanding CloseLack of Assistant features, more on Google’s list of Gemini ‘things to fix ASAP’
Gemini is not yet ready to replace Google Assistant on Android. That’s the user sentiment that has emerged in recent days and Google is fortunately aware of that, as well as other Gemini “things to fix.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini voice commands no longer require you to press ‘send’
One of the most annoying aspects of using the Gemini Android app as a Google Assistant replacement on day one was having to manually send/submit voice commands. Google has fortunately fixed that behavior.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail redesigning email replies with chat-style UI [U]
After introducing emoji reactions and tweaking the search bar, a bigger Gmail update introduces a chat-style reply UI on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music testing Cast sheet redesign on Android
In addition to a revamped overflow menu, YouTube Music is testing a redesign of the Cast UI on Android that makes use of a bottom sheet.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Gemini name: Good for consistency, but a bit pigeonholed
Google renamed “Bard” to “Gemini” as part of launching mobile apps and an Advanced tier. While I was never a fan of the Bard name, Google might be pigeonholing itself by calling everything Gemini.
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