An upcoming change to Google Wallet on Android will see payment notifications originate directly from the app instead of Play services.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet notifications will be sent directly from the app [U]
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.
Lenovo announces phone-sized Chromebox Micro for commercial displays
Besides productivity use cases, ChromeOS also has a footing in digital signage and kiosks. Lenovo is embracing that with the Chromebox Micro, or what Google calls the “first compact Chromebox for organizations worldwide.”
Expand Expanding CloseGmail spam detection has received its ‘largest defense upgrades in recent years’
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.
Expand Expanding CloseReport: Google delays Gemini launch from next week to January
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.
Expand Expanding Close‘Messages by Google’ is now just ‘Google Messages’
In addition to getting seven new features yesterday, “Messages by Google” was quietly renamed to “Google Messages.”
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s underrated ‘Reading mode’ beats Pixel 8 ‘Read aloud’
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 Clock for Wear OS gets some UI tweaks
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.
Expand Expanding Close[Fixed] Gmail facing a second day of email delivery delays
Following yesterday’s issues, Gmail is facing another round of email delivery issues and delays, but the impact might be more limited.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google Messages Profile images will replace your contact photos
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.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Watch’s mechanical lookalike now comes in Google-y colors
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.
Expand Expanding Close[Fixed] Gmail issue responsible for big delay in email delivery
An issue with Gmail this morning (PT) may result in your sent emails not being delivered as fast as they normally would be.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages marks 1 billion RCS users with Photomoji, Custom Bubble colors, more
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.
Expand Expanding CloseWear OS can soon start Assistant Routines, Google Home app getting Home/Away controls
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.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music rolling out 2023 Recap with ‘Your album cover’
Following Apple Music and Spotify, YouTube Music’s 2023 Recap is rolling out. This summary builds on the personalized story format from last year.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle and Canada reach deal to avoid removing local news sites from Search [U]
Google announced today that Search, News, and Discover will be “removing links to Canadian news publications” in response to a new law.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps rolls out new colors on Android, iOS, and web
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat rolling out a wild navigation redesign on Android, iOS
Following the web, Google Chat is getting a big redesign on Android and iOS to accompany its new icon.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app Preview Program adding custom camera clips, garage door detection
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home rolling out first-gen Nest Cam Outdoor support in preview
Following the Indoor variant in August, the Google Home Preview Program is now rolling out support for the Nest Cam Outdoor (1st gen).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play names best Android, Wear OS, & tablet apps of 2023
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive rolling out new default ‘Home’ page on the web
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive for iPhone adds built-in document scanner
Google Drive is bringing the document scanner that was just redesigned on Android to the iPhone and iPad for the first time.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Weather should really be its own app
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.
Expand Expanding CloseDuet AI’s latest feature is Enhanced Smart Fill in Google Sheets
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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