YouTube Music is addressing a big issue with the permanent miniplayer by adding a “Dismiss queue” button.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music now lets you ‘Dismiss queue’ after miniplayer redesign
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 Messages adds prominent badge for RCS chats [U]
Google is continuing its move to more explicitly label “RCS” in Messages with a very prominent badge noting which conversations are eligible.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Bard now in Europe, supports 40+ languages, pinning chats, and more
Google is giving Bard its “biggest expansion to date” by coming to Europe and Brazil, as well as supporting additional languages. The AI chatbot is also getting new productivity and personalization features.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle kicks off public testing of NotebookLM, previously Project Tailwind
Previewed at I/O 2023 in May, Google today is rolling out its “AI-first notebook” with a new name: NotebookLM. It was previously called “Project Tailwind,” though the old icon remains in use.
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More Blockchain, NFT Android apps coming to Google Play with new policy
To support and allow for blockchain-based content (such as NFTs) on the Play Store, Google is releasing a new policy with which apps have to be compliant.
Expand Expanding CloseAt a Glance widget getting big Material You redesign [Gallery]
Google is readying a big Material You redesign of the Assistant At a Glance widget for Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app rolling out ‘Finance Watchlist’ stocks widget [U]
Somewhat surprisingly, the Google Search app on Android now offers a “Finance Watchlist” stocks widget.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle apps that need a few more tablet optimizations
Google’s first-party tablet apps are in a good place right now and meaningfully contribute to the Pixel Tablet experience. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, and here are a few suggestions.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Gmail ‘Offer times you’re free’ tool streamlines calendar scheduling
Google is rolling out a new Calendar tool in the Gmail web client that makes it easier and faster to schedule meetings.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 14 Beta 4 [Gallery]
Following last month’s big update with lockscreen clocks and shortcuts, Android 14 Beta 4 for Pixel devices is now available.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Calendar makes Material You widgets official
After completing the Tasks migration and introducing tablet optimizations, Google Calendar for Android is next adding Material You widgets.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 14 Beta 4, Pixel Tablet and Fold included
Android 14 is nearing its public launch with Beta 4 available today for the latest Pixel devices, including the new Tablet and Fold. (Like last month, the actual release was delayed.)
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store summer deals boost old Pixel flagship trade-ins for 7 and 7 Pro
In time for Amazon Prime Day, the US Google Store is kicking off summer discounts and savings. Boosted trade-ins when buying a Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are of particular note.
Expand Expanding CloseWear OS 4 for the Google Pixel Watch nears
We spotted last week that Google is readying a beta program for the Pixel Watch and Wear OS 4 with Android 13 is now getting closer.
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Google News offering free 4-month New York Times trial
Google News is letting users “Try a New York Times News subscription. 4 months, for free” if they sign-up using “Subscribe with Google.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogler leading XR OS quits, citing ‘Google’s unstable commitment and vision’ for AR
In late 2021, Google hired Meta’s AR operating system head to lead a similar effort for an “innovative AR device.” Mark Lucovsky has now stepped away from that with a rather scathing indictment of Google’s commitment to and vision for AR.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube wants to hear your complaints about its Premium subscription
As it has done for the smart TV experience and Music, YouTube is now asking for feedback about YouTube Premium with a poll on top issues and complaints.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can swipe on Google Search results to save and share
As part of the Search Generative Experience, Google made it so that hovering over a result gives you convenient shortcuts. On mobile, you can swipe right on Google Search results to quickly share and save.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle beta testing new Pixel Call Screen, possibly with conversational AI
Pixel Call Assist is one of Google’s differentiating phone features and the company is actively beta testing new Call Screen capabilities.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Docs for Android will open straight into edit mode
Google is making a change to what it calls the “First Open Experience” that will launch Docs in edit mode, with Sheets and Slides also getting a “more creation-focused experience.”
Expand Expanding CloseA brief review of the Threads Android app
9to5Google has a rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up to get it early in your inbox, or continue reading 9to5Google Log Out below:
Expand Expanding CloseSnapped Pixel Fold gets teardown autopsy with close look at screen, hinge [Video]
The Pixel Fold did not survive a durability test, and a subsequent teardown autopsy explains why that was the case, while we get a good look at the foldable screen.
Expand Expanding CloseOfficial Google and YouTube accounts join Threads
Besides the ballooning user base – 70 million sign-ups as of Friday morning – being a good indicator of the success that Meta is having with Threads, Google, YouTube, and other official accounts are now on the social network.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos adds 12 new video effects for Pixel, Google One
While we wait for Magic Editor, Google Photos is adding new effects to make videos “pop” with one of 12 different styles that just requires a tap.
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