“When it rains, it pours” has always applied to Pixel leaks, and we now have a look at retail packaging for the Pixel 8a.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8a retail box leaks and confirms design
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.
What do you want from a Pixel Watch 3?
We reported on Friday that Google is working on two sizes for the Pixel Watch 3. That should address people’s biggest complaint about the Pixel Watch line, but what else do you think Google should tackle?
Expand Expanding CloseFirst Pixel 9 Pro renders leak: Flat edge, camera bar redesign, more
The first Pixel 9 Pro leak is here, with renders showing a pretty stark design departure from the Google phone we have today.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome 121 adding gen AI-powered Tab Organizer and theme maker
Google is rolling out Chrome 121 today with “experimental” generative AI features like “Tab Organizer” and a theme maker.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard preps ‘Seamless voice typing’ that lets you instantly start talking
Instead of having to manually initiate voice typing every time, Gboard is working on a more “seamless” option on Android.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Messages ‘Reply’ option missing from notifications for some
Some Google Messages users are seeing an odd bug where notifications are missing the inline “Reply” action on Android.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel facing new storage issue, likely tied to January Google Play system update
Following a storage access issue in October with the initial Android 14 release and multiple users, Pixel devices might be facing another problem related to the January 2024 Google Play System Update.
Expand Expanding CloseYou’ll have to wait a little bit longer for the ‘Minty Fresh’ Pixel 8
Last week, Google teased a mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro release for January 25 at midnight PT. The Google Store landing page was updated this afternoon with an extended countdown that now completes at 6 a.m. PT.
Expand Expanding CloseAlphabet restructuring X to allow for outside funding, results in layoffs
This latest round of Google layoffs are also impacting Alphabet’s X with a restructuring that sees the Moonshot Factory move to a new funding model.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard rolling out Assistant voice typing toolbar on Pixel Tablet
Gboard is following “Write in text fields” and the new physical keyboard UI with an Assistant voice typing toolbar for the Pixel Tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseSundar Pichai lays out Google’s 2024 goals, including building helpful Pixel devices
Earlier this week, Sundar Pichai said that Google has “ambitious goals and will be investing in [its] big priorities” in 2024. This includes AI and spans Google’s consumer to enterprise platforms.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Maps is matching your food pics to the menu
As someone that always browses restaurant listings before committing, Google Maps is now mapping and naming user-generated food pics to the actual menu items.
Expand Expanding CloseSource: Google working on two Pixel Watch 3 sizes
The Pixel Watch being too small has been the key design complaint of the first- and second-generation wearables. According to a source familiar with the matter, Google is planning to address that, with two Pixel Watch 3 sizes in development for this year.
Expand Expanding Close
Gmail separates ‘Report spam & unsubscribe’ to avoid false signals
Google is streamlining how you unsubscribe to unwanted messages in Gmail, while it has separated the report spam and unsubscribe option.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat’s new floating bar adds an… overflow button/sheet
After widely rolling out the floating bottom bar earlier this week, Google Chat is adding some complexity to that UI in the form of an overflow button and sheet.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Lens AR search in Google Maps gets more prominent icon
One of Google’s biggest augmented reality investments is Live View. Google Maps is elevating the AR navigation and discovery capability with Google Lens branding.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle will pitch Bard Advanced as providing ‘complex, better responses’
At the start of December, Google said Gemini Ultra would launch in early 2024 and be available in “Bard Advanced.” When it launches, Google will position Bard Advanced as providing “complex, better responses.”
Expand Expanding CloseGet ready for thicker Material You sliders
In addition to new progress bars, Material You has redesigned sliders that are thicker and should be easier to interact with.
Expand Expanding CloseMaterial You’s new progress bar design asks you to mind the gap
Google’s refinement of Material You components continues with an updated design for progress bars.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail rolls out navigation rail on Android tablets [U]
While Gmail on foldables has used a navigation rail for several months now, that bottom bar replacement is only now making its way to Android tablets.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Premium discounted 60% for new and returning users
Fitbit is offering a notable 60% discount on its Premium subscription until the end of January.
Expand Expanding CloseYou say ‘Allo’ and I say ‘Bard is coming to Google Messages’
Bard is coming to Google Messages to “help you write messages, translate languages, identify images, and explore interests.”
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google Chat redesign widely rolling out on Android [U]
With the new icon widely rolled out, Google Chat’s homescreen redesign is now making its way to Android.
Expand Expanding CloseSundar Pichai says Google layoffs are meant to ‘simplify execution’ & drive growth
So far, Google has made job cuts and reorganizations across hardware, Assistant, ads, core engineering, and YouTube. Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the layoffs are about “removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas.”
Expand Expanding Close