After adding a ‘plus’ menu to the homepage, Google is updating the AI Mode UI on desktop web with a new greeting and model switcher.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates AI Mode homepage with new model switcher, greeting
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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.
Gemini Deep Research can now generate images, charts, and simulations
After detailing upcoming updates last week, the Gemini app has a new Deep Research capability that will let AI Ultra subscribers “visualize complex information instantly” with images and more.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out update for original Pixel Buds Pro
Google on Monday evening announced a new firmware update for the original Pixel Buds Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Mous Pixel Watch 4 Charger is the first 3rd-party dock with ‘official’ hardware
Mous has released the first official, third-party dock for the Pixel Watch 4. It comes just over two months after the wearable launched with its new charging system.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Docs for Android rolls out Material 3 Expressive redesign [U]
Following the editor updates in August, the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides homepages are now getting a Material 3 Expressive redesign.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s December 2025 Google System Updates [U]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseApple TV app update brings Google Cast support on Android
An update to the Apple TV app on Android phones and tablets today finally introduces Google Cast support, thus closing a big functionality gap since the launch earlier this year.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle letting you customize Discover using prompts with ‘Tailor your feed’ Lab
Google is testing a new “Tailor your feed” Labs experiment that lets you tell Discover exactly “what you want to see.”
Expand Expanding Close[Fixed] Google Weather for Wear OS breaks on Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch
Back in September, Google stopped offering its Weather app for new Wear OS 6 devices. Google Weather has now stopped working on the original Pixel Watch and other devices due to a bug.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Search homepage adds a ‘plus’ menu
Historically, google.com does not change very often. After adding an AI Mode shortcut earlier this year, there’s now a ‘plus’ menu on the Google Search homepage.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Phone beta rolling out ‘urgent’ Expressive Calling that can break through DND
Following the announcement at the start of this month, Phone by Google’s new “Expressive Calling” feature is beginning to roll out for beta users.
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Pixel Launcher device search replaced by Google app [U: Not a bug]
A curious bug today sees Google app device search replace the modern Pixel Launcher experience.
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Stackable Play Points promo takes another $200 off Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL
Similar to YouTube TV, Google is offering some Play Points members a $200 discount on the Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL that can be used in conjunction with the current Google Store holiday offers.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live rolling out microphone mute button
Besides Search Live, Gemini Live is also rolling out a pair of updates today that should result in “less talking over each other” and “more smooth chatting.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updating Search Live with Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio
Google today announced the latest version of Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio. In addition to Google Translate for live headphones translation, AI Mode’s Search Live will benefit from these model upgrades.
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Yes, the Google Home app now has M3 Expressive’s short bottom bar [U]
Material 3 Expressive switched back to a shorter bottom bar, but not all apps — like Google Home — adopted that at launch. That has now changed.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Translate rolling out live translation using Gemini with any headphones
Google Translate is rolling out new features that leverage Gemini, including live translation with headphones.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out richer, more visual Google Maps results
Google is rolling out an update to the Gemini app today that better displays information pulled from the Google Maps extension.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces experimental ‘Disco’ browser with ‘GenTabs’ powered by Gemini 3
Google Labs today announced “Disco” as an experiment to “shape the future of web browsing.” The first flagship feature of this AI browser is the Gemini 3-powered “GenTab.”
Expand Expanding CloseUpgraded Deep Research coming to Gemini app, agent now available for devs
Google today announced a “significantly more powerful Gemini Deep Research agent” that will soon be available in consumer apps and is now available for developers.
Expand Expanding CloseNew AT&T Connected Life security system uses Google Home, Nest hardware
In addition to their ADT partnership (and investment), Google is working with AT&T on its new Connected Life security system.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Phone app starts rolling out ‘Keep portrait mode’ setting
To address how Phone by Google recently gained a landscape calling screen, the dialer app is now offering a setting to “Keep portrait mode on calls.”
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for iPhone rolling out built-in Gemini integration
After teasing in September, Google Chrome for iOS is now more widely rolling out a built-in Gemini experience.
Expand Expanding Close‘YouTube TV Plans’ coming in 2026 with sports, genre-specific bundles
Following the last round of negotiations, Google announced today that its cord-cutting service is getting a big update in 2026 with “YouTube TV Plans” that will offer “over 10 genre-specific packages.”
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