With the launch of Android 14 on Wednesday, Google marked the occasion with a new statue that makes a nod to the dessert codename.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Android 14 statue goes all in on Upside Down Cake
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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 releases Pixel Magnifier app, can also adjust flash brightness
After debuting on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google’s new Magnifier app is now available to download in the Play Store. It lets you “magnify small text, see object details, or zoom in on faraway text like street signs or restaurant menus behind a service counter.”
Expand Expanding CloseGboard removes ‘Keyboard height’ setting for ‘Resize’
After introducing “Resize” in recent weeks as a more visual way to customize appearance, Gboard has removed the old “Keyboard height” setting.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app AMA for feature requests, feedback now open
The Google Home product team is hosting a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session and wants to know: “What are the features most important to you that you would like to see next?”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive adding new ‘Activity’ feed for comments, requests
Google Drive on the web is getting a new “Activity” feed that “shows all pending access requests, recent comments, and approvals.”
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 [Gallery]
Google’s next release of Android 14 QPR1 is now available and we are diving into Beta 2 to find what new features have been introduced.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 QPR1 Beta 2 rolling out for Pixel
Google is rolling out Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 to Pixel phones, Tablet, and Fold today ahead of the December launch.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 gets generative AI wallpaper creator
As first shown off at I/O 2023, Google will let you create custom wallpapers using generative AI, and it’s first debuting on the Pixel 8. This is meant to give your phone a truly custom background.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 with October security patch rolling out for Pixel
Following this morning’s announcement, Android 14 is now rolling out to the following Pixel devices: 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, and Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 adds sideways swipe to switch between personal and Work Profile in apps
With the launch of Android 14 today for Pixel, Google is highlighting new features for business and enterprise customers, like updates to Work Profile.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 debuts new Magnifier app, Recorder adding AI summaries
Besides a new Thermometer app, Google is introducing a new Magnifier app with Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The Pixel’s excellent Recorder app is also getting a “Summarize” feature for recordings later this year.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Assistant on Pixel 8 ignores ‘umm’ & summarizes, Gboard gets multilingual voice typing
Google Assistant is debuting a handful of new features on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, including letting you speak in a more natural manner and article summarization.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Pixel Watch 2 bands: Metal Slim, Mesh, and Active Sport, plus Medical ID Tag
With the Pixel Watch 2, Google is introducing three bands and updating existing straps with new colors.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Watch 2 drops wireless charging for contact pins
With the Pixel Watch 2, Google is moving away from wireless charging and instead using a pin-based connector that Fitbit owners will be familiar with.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 and 8 Pro Face Unlock works for payments, more
In a big upgrade, Face Unlock on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can authorize Google Pay NFC transactions, banking, and other app sign-ins.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 Pro Thermometer works on objects, under FDA review for people
The most striking (and curious) hardware addition on the Pixel 8 Pro is a thermometer that, at launch, can “measure the surface temperature of everyday objects.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 will get 7 years of Android OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
As we previously reported, Google is significantly increasing how long the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will get software updates, promising seven years.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 Feature Drop: Fold Dual Screen Interpreter, Tablet, and USB-C updates
With the launch of Android 14, Google is rolling out an October Pixel Feature Drop that particularly benefits the Fold and Tablet. It’s coming a month later than expected, with many of the additions part of the broader OS update.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Android 14, rolling out today to Pixel
While there are a handful of meaningful Pixel additions and changes, Android 14 is not a particularly flashy launch, with Google choosing to refine the mobile OS, just like last year’s release.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces Pixel Watch 2: 24-hour battery with AOD, stress tracking
Alongside the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google today announced the Pixel Watch 2 with meaningful upgrades across performance, battery life, and health capabilities.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces ‘Assistant with Bard’ for Android and iOS
In addition to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google announced “Assistant with Bard” today. This is a preview of what’s to come, with the two phones picking up other voice improvements in the short term.
Expand Expanding CloseMade by Google 2023 Live Blog + News Hub: Pixel 8/Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and more
After months of leaks and teases, Google today is fully detailing the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, as well as the Pixel Watch 2, at Made by Google 2023.
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Pixel 8 and 8 Pro 256 GB pricing leaks out
With the US Pixel 8 and 8 Pro coming in at $100 more, Google is reportedly lowering how much it costs to upgrade to the 256 GB model.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Pixel Watch 2 pin-based charger and retail box leak, pricing unchanged
Ahead of tomorrow, new Pixel Watch 2 leaks reveal a new charger, as well as new retail packaging. We also now have US pricing for the upcoming Google wearable.
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