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.
Blocking email spam is a constant, ever-evolving battle, and Gmail’s latest technique results in a 38% boost to detection thanks to better text identification.
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Google announced Gemini at I/O 2023 as its next-generation foundation model. According to a report today, Google was originally going to launch Gemini next week, but that has now been delayed until January.
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In addition to getting seven new features yesterday, “Messages by Google” was quietly renamed to “Google Messages.”
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With the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Assistant gained a new “Read aloud” feature that uses the “same text-to-speech model that Google uses in data centers.” It’s meant to be a showcase of Tensor G3 improving the Pixel’s speech capabilities.
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Google is rolling out a small update to the Clock app on Wear OS that makes nice usability changes to the Alarm and Stopwatch functionality.
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Following yesterday’s issues, Gmail is facing another round of email delivery issues and delays, but the impact might be more limited.
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With Google making Profiles in Messages official yesterday, one thing you’ll notice is how those images will replace any contact photos you have manually set.
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If you’re into timepieces, the Pixel Watch’s domed design might remind you of a particular mechanical analogue. Ressence this week released the Type 1° Round Multicolour and the color palette is rather Google-y.
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An issue with Gmail this morning (PT) may result in your sent emails not being delivered as fast as they normally would be.
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There are now over 1 billion monthly active users with RCS enabled in Messages, and Google is celebrating by adding a ton of whimsy to the app across emoji (with Photomoji), voice recording, and customization.
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Google today detailed the new Winter 2023 features for Android. A number of them are for Wear OS, like the Google Home app adding support for manually setting Home/Away.
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Following Apple Music and Spotify, YouTube Music’s 2023 Recap is rolling out. This summary builds on the personalized story format from last year.
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Google announced today that Search, News, and Discover will be “removing links to Canadian news publications” in response to a new law.
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Google has announced a slew of new features for Maps in recent weeks, including Immersive View for routes, more detailed navigation, and transit filters. Google Maps is now rolling out a new color palette.
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Following the web, Google Chat is getting a big redesign on Android and iOS to accompany its new icon.
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Besides adding support for the first-get Nest Cam Outdoor, the Google Home Public Preview program is adding the ability to create custom video clips and AI-powered garage door detection.
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Following the Indoor variant in August, the Google Home Preview Program is now rolling out support for the Nest Cam Outdoor (1st gen).
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With 2023 winding down, Google Play today named the best Android apps and games of the year. This includes Users’ Choice and several “Best for” categories. These lists are localized, and you can browse your country by tapping the banners at the top of the Play Store.
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Back in May, Google Drive started testing a new default homepage on the web that automatically suggests files, as well as folders, and it’s now rolling out.
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Google Drive is bringing the document scanner that was just redesigned on Android to the iPhone and iPad for the first time.
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Google did a pretty good job redesigning the Weather experience on Android. It’s modern and has a straightforward layout that shows what’s coming up in the next few hours and days all on one screen.
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Duet AI launched earlier this year for Workspace customers at $30 per user/month, and its latest capability is Enhanced Smart Fill for Google Sheets.
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Instead of using third-party tools, Google Slides is rolling out the ability to record yourself presenting with link-based Drive sharing once you’re done.
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After initially testing in 2021, the Google app is again exploring a bottom Search bar on Android. Meanwhile, the in-app settings page has been reorganized.
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