Just two weeks after the first preview, Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 2.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases Android 17 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel
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.
Google teases Fitbit Air launch on Thursday, May 7
Google started teasing the Fitbit Air at the end of March, and the screen-less wearable looks to be launching tomorrow.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle making links in AI Mode and AI Overviews a bit more direct
Since the launch of AI Overviews and AI Mode, Google has been working to make links in generative responses more prominent, with Search adding five updates today.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 May update rolling out: Pixel display, slow wireless charging fixes
Google is rolling out the May 2026 security patch for Android 16 QPR3 on the Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle hosting The Android Show on May 12: ‘one of the biggest years for Android yet’
For the second year in a row, Google will be hosting “The Android Show | I/O Edition” before I/O 2026.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for Android will let you just share approximate location
Like other Android apps, Chrome now lets you share approximate, instead of precise, location with websites.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini for Home voice assistant gets Gemini 3.1 upgrade
Google today announced a series of May / Spring 2026 updates for the Home app. Besides Nest Cam and automation improvements, the Gemini for Home voice assistant is getting an “intelligence upgrade” with Gemini 3.1.
Expand Expanding CloseEncrypted RCS between Android and iPhone launching with iOS 26.5
With the upcoming launch of iOS 26.5, Apple will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between the iPhone and Google Messages on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app getting full redesign that overhauls every part of the UI
Google has been working on a Gemini app redesign for the past few months, and we now have our first look at the full overhaul.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle explains why Android AICore occasionally takes up more storage
Android AICore lets you “run generative AI features directly on your Android phone or tablet’s hardware.” These models (Gemini Nano) are inherently large, but Google now has a more detailed explanation of why Android AICore storage occasionally spikes.
Expand Expanding Close
Be part of the Google I/O 2026 keynote with ‘Code the Countdown’
Google’s biggest show of the year always starts with a countdown. For I/O 2026, you can be part of it thanks to vibe coding.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases experimental ‘COSMO’ AI assistant app on Play Store [U]
Yesterday, Google published “COSMO,” an “experimental AI assistant application for Android devices” on the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolls out notebooks to Android as iOS gets Liquid Glass
Following the launch earlier this month, Gemini notebooks are now available on Android and iOS, while the iPhone has been updated with Liquid Glass.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Nest Wifi router and point get April 2026 update
Following a Nest Wifi Pro update earlier this year, Google has released new firmware for the Nest Wifi router and point.
Expand Expanding CloseSundar Pichai teases I/O 2026 as Google starts selling TPUs and YouTube Premium grows
Alphabet held its Q1 2026 earnings today, and CEO Sundar Pichai gave the first tease of what to expect at I/O next month.
Expand Expanding CloseAlphabet reports Q1 2026 revenue of $109.9 billion
Alphabet today announced Q1 2026 earnings with $109.9 billion in revenue. These numbers range from January to March and wrap up the fiscal year.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube starts rolling out free picture-in-picture (PiP) globally on Android, iOS
After offering in the US, YouTube is making picture-in-picture (PiP) mode free for all users around the world.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app can now generate Google Docs, PDF, Word, and other files
You can now ask the Gemini app to directly generate “downloadable and ready-to-share files.” Google wants you to “quickly move from a brainstorm to a complete file without ever leaving the Gemini app.”
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s ‘Search’ bar now lets you ‘Ask Google’ and AI Mode
Google’s expansion of AI Mode continues today with an integration into the Search bar on Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos ‘Wardrobe’ digitizes your closet and helps find what to wear
Motorola today announced its 2026 flip-style Razr lineup with a new AI-powered Google Photos feature called “Wardrobe.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet gets gradient icon redesign that subtly glows
Google Wallet is the latest first-party app to get a gradient icon, but this redesign is quite subtle in the grand scheme.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app modernizes camera & media controls, Gemini voice assistant gets speed upgrades
Google is ending April with a rather sizable Home app and Gemini for Home voice assistant updates.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini replacing Google Assistant on Android Automotive for 4 million GM cars
Following Android Auto, Gemini is coming to GM cars with Android Automotive (officially known as Google built-in).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Translate is now 20 years old, adds pronunciation practice
Google Translate launched on April 28, 2006. To mark its 20th anniversary, Google is adding a pronunciation tool to Translate for Android.
Expand Expanding Close