After launching in early access this March, Minecraft for Chromebooks is officially launching today in a notable boost for the platform’s gaming ambitions.
Expand Expanding CloseMinecraft for Chromebooks officially launches
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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 Photos for Android getting settings redesign
The settings page for Google Photos on Android has always been particularly overwhelming, and it’s now seeing a much-needed redesign.
Expand Expanding CloseSource: YouTube Music planning more apps, including for Apple TV and Garmin
The most full-featured YouTube Music experience today is found on Android and iOS followed by the web. Google is now planning to release more YouTube Music apps and integrations for third-party devices.
Expand Expanding CloseOpinion: Why AR is the future despite Apple Vision Pro backlash, and one thing Google Glass did right
Apple just gave what I’d consider to be our first realistic look at what’s possible and achievable in augmented reality with today’s technology. Saying and believing “AR is the future” might bias me, but I think the backlash that has since emerged is short sighted, unfairly cynical, and missing a bigger picture, which I do think was caused by a miscalculation in Apple’s Vision Pro presentation.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to sign into Fitbit with your Google Account, rolling out now
Fitbit is moving away from its own account and password system to just use Google’s. This provides a number of benefits and is rolling out now.
Expand Expanding CloseBellroy is making a leather Google Pixel Fold case [Gallery]
Like with other recent Google phones, Bellroy will be making a leather case for the Pixel Fold next month.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat adding Smart Compose on the web
We’re expecting a big update to Google Chat in the future, but until then, the existing web app is adding Smart Compose to make writing messages “faster and easier.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch June 2023 update rolling out
While it’s delayed for Pixel phones, Google is rolling out the June 2023 Pixel Watch update today, and it should be a bigger quarterly release.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Recorder web app updated with editing capabilities
After getting a Material You refresh in April, Google has updated Pixel Recorder on the web with audio editing capabilities.
Expand Expanding ClosePasskey support for Google Workspace accounts rolling out
After announcing personal account support last month, Google is now rolling out the ability for Workspace and Cloud customers to use passkeys.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Watch can also turn off to protect against heat
Like Google’s phones, the Pixel Watch has countermeasures to protect against the heat that are especially relevant as the summer (in the northern hemisphere) gets underway.
Expand Expanding CloseFrom Google Home to WhatsApp, Wear OS apps have come a long way
Wear OS 3 was announced a little over two years ago. Since then it has seen flagship devices with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 and the Google Pixel Watch being notable devices that have pushed the platform forward. With Wear OS seeing 5x growth since 2021, it’s no wonder that the app ecosystem, both first and third party, has come a long way.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 7 Pro is $699 for Father’s Day after $200 discount
Following the last offer that ended in mid-April, Google is now discounting the Pixel 7 Pro by $200.
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Chrome’s new Maglev compiler leads to latest Speedometer, Jetstream increases
Google’s continued work to speed up Chrome sees its new Maglev just-in-time compiler boost browser performance across various benchmarks.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google AI features would you pay for?
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 CloseGoogle starts rolling out image generation in Slides, more Duet AI for Gmail and Docs
Google is expanding Workspace Labs with a trio of new features across Gmail, Docs, and Slides, including image generation.
Expand Expanding CloseAhead of Pixel Watch 2, Google explains how Fitbit’s cEDA stress tracking sensor works
We reported earlier this week that the Pixel Watch 2 would feature a continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor for stress tracking. Google is now out with a post today explaining how “Fitbit’s Body Response feature to detect stress.”
Expand Expanding CloseGmail for Android and iOS improving search with ‘Top results’
Google is rolling out an update to Gmail search that will show “Top results” first to help “you find exactly what you’re looking for much faster.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Bard adds precise location support for better local results
After a big May with several sizable updates, Google Bard is kicking off June by adding support for precise location to get “more relevant responses.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle more widely rolling out Fuchsia to 2nd-gen Nest Hub
A little over a week after Fuchsia rolled out to those enrolled in the Preview Program, Google is already updating 2nd-gen Nest Hubs in the stable channel.
Expand Expanding CloseIt’s now the ‘Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga’ as Google makes German marketing push
The NBA Playoffs were “Presented by Google Pixel” this year and Google is now continuing that marketing strategy in Germany with football (soccer) and the Frauen-Bundesliga.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can now set up the Google Tasks Assistant migration
As previewed last September, Google Tasks is replacing Reminders and getting Assistant integration. Google is now more widely rolling out the ability to switch over and complete the migration.
Expand Expanding CloseWear OS getting new Keep and Spotify Tiles, Google Wallet transit cards
In the coming weeks, Google is rolling out a trio of new features for Wear OS watches, including several new Tiles.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid getting new Google TV, News, and stocks widgets for the summer
The Android team’s quarterly release of new features is rolling out today. You can find the Wear OS additions here, but most of them, like new Google widgets, are for phones and tablets.
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