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.
Made for Fitbit accessories have been approved by Google and meet “compatibility standards.” The latest is a Wasserstein 3-in-1 charging dock for an iPhone, AirPods, and Fitbit watch or tracker.
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Ahead of the Pixel Tablet and Fold launch next month, Google is rolling out an update to Recorder that offers a UI that’s better optimized for large screens.
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In hindsight, this was inevitable: YouTube Music is testing a “Samples” tab that looks to show music video-focused Shorts.
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We reported in mid-April that the Pixel Tablet was coming in four colors. Google only announced three at I/O 2023, and here’s the Pixel Tablet in its fourth hue: black.
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This week on Alphabet Scoop, we talk about the latest Pixel rumors. We reported on the Pixel Watch 2 and a big software update for Pixel Buds Pro, while the Pixel 8 Pro looks like it will have a temperature sensor.
For better or worse, adding an IR temperature sensor to the Pixel 8 Pro is Google-y. The company has a history of peculiar hardware additions.
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Following the announcement earlier this month, Google looks to be more widely rolling out Fuchsia to 2nd-gen Nest Hubs enrolled in the Preview Program.
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At I/O 2023, Google previewed a number of upcoming features for Bard and image support is now rolling out.
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Google Marketing Live is essentially I/O for advertisers, and the 2023 edition sees a number of generative AI features coming to ads, as well as how they’ll look in SGE.
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From the desktop New Tab Page, Google prominently emphasizes how you can “Customize Chrome,” and the UI for doing so has been recently updated to leverage a side panel.
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After a big lawsuit several years ago, Uber is partnering with Waymo to add robotaxis to its ride hailing app.
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We’re still waiting for Gboard to roll out its toolbar redesign, but until then, Google is working on a new “Resize” UI.
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Google announced Reading mode in December and the Android app is now getting its first big update that adds background playback support.
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Besides the upcoming addition of unskippable and pause screen ads, the YouTube app on Android and Google TV in Q1 2023 gained support for more Assistant voice commands.
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Google One is continuing its recent push to increase subscriber security and privacy by adding a simple tool in the Android app that lets users check their IP address.
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I think everyone is hoping that the Pixel 8 Pro’s infrared sensor does more than just temperature. Camera applications are the big desire, but we have no evidence to support that yet.
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Announced last month, the redesign of the Google Fi Wireless companion app is now rolling out.
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Google recently made a tweak to Gmail on the web that updates the search bar and activity status indicator design.
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After rolling out two Pixel Buds Pro updates since the July 2022 launch, Google is planning a more sizable one that adds Clear Calling.
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As announced last week, a big functionality update and redesign to Google Home for Wear OS is now rolling out with version 2.66.
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The Doodle for Google 2023 contest opened in January with an “I am grateful for…” theme, and public voting is now open.
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Besides the upcoming feature that turns your Pixel and other Android phones into a dashcam, the Personal Safety app is rolling out Google Assistant voice integration.
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The Pixel 7a uses an “all-new midframe architecture” that results in Google claiming that it is the “most durable A-series yet,” especially against drops, while the design also makes it better for repairs.
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As part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), Google announced a number of updates across Android, Chrome, and other services, including an image Q&A feature in Lookout.
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