Last week, some Wear OS users noticed that Google Wallet was requiring them to enter their PIN code before enabling tap-to-pay. Google tells us that this is just a bug, and no changes are being made to the “authentication requirement” for Pay/Wallet on Wear OS.
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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 Pixel, Nest ‘Warranty Helper’ shows all your device serial numbers
Google Support now offers a Warranty Helper for Pixel and Nest to “check your warranty coverage, find solutions to common device issues, start a return, repair, or replacement.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Podcasts shutting down internationally in June
Following the US depreciation in April, Google Podcasts is shutting down for international users this June.
Expand Expanding CloseSource: 4K Chromecast with Google TV sequel is coming with new remote
Back in March, we reported that Google is working on a new Android-powered Chromecast, and 9to5Google can now confirm that it will be the sequel to 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV 4K.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Contacts rolling out ‘Organize’ tab to replace ‘Fix & manage’
After removing the navigation drawer last month, the next Google Contacts for Android update replaces “Fix & manage” with “Organize.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 15 Beta 1.1 with NFC fix, more
Google is rolling out Android 15 Beta 1.1 today with a handful of bug fixes. It follows the last milestone two weeks ago. You can install using the factory image or on-device OTA.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle widely rolling out new April OTA for Pixel 7, Fold, and 8 owners [U]
Google today released new Android 14 QPR2 builds with the April 2024 security patch for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro, though there isn’t an on-device OTA update at the moment.
Expand Expanding CloseSecond Pixel April update fixes cellular network issues, OTA rollout remains limited
Google is rolling out a second April update for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro. The out-of-cycle OTA addresses network issues that some Pixel owners have been experiencing.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet for Wear OS might soon require PIN code before tap-to-pay
Following more frequent authentication on Android phones, Google Wallet for Wear OS might be requiring PIN code entry before allowing tap-to-pay transactions.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages needs a setting to turn off Screen and Reaction Effects
While I like Google’s particular brand of whimsy, the Messages app should really add an in-app setting to turn off its animations and other expressive effects.
Expand Expanding CloseI want the Moto X double twist camera shortcut to come back… for Google Lens
My technological “how often do you think about the Roman Empire” is the double twist shortcut introduced with the Moto X that would launch the camera from anywhere, including when the screen is off.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 006: What’s in your (Google) Wallet?
Welcome to the sixth episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk about Android 15 Beta 1, widgets, and Google Wallet.
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Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro leaks in real-life images with 16 GB of RAM [Gallery]
Following renders back in January, there’s now a leak of real-life Pixel 9 Pro images showing off the new design language.
Expand Expanding CloseSundar Pichai on merging Android and Pixel teams, Google DeepMind, more
Sundar Pichai is out with an internal email today detailing the big “Platforms & Devices” reorganization of Android, Chrome and Pixel, as well as other company-wide changes.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s big Android/Chrome & Pixel reorg is about faster AI updates and launches
It remains to be seen how the new combined Android and Pixel division will actually work in practice, but this is what Google has said so far about its AI future.
Expand Expanding CloseCiti adds support for Google Pay virtual cards on Chrome, Android
At I/O 2022, Google announced the ability to mask your physical credit card with a virtual number, and Citi cards are now supported.
Expand Expanding ClosePocket Casts getting new redesigned widgets on Android [Gallery]
Pocket Casts for Android has long offered a single widget and an upcoming update will overhaul it, while introducing two new options for your homescreen.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 Beta 1 feedback survey for Pixel now open
Following the initial beta last week, Google is taking the first round of Android 15 Beta feedback — besides the NFC issue.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages will let you record a 3-second ‘Selfie GIF’
After adding a custom camera, Google Messages should be in the process of rolling out “Selfie GIFs.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Arts & Culture gets dark theme — your move Opinion Rewards
With Google Arts & Culture getting a dark theme today, one of the last first-party holdouts has folded.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps will suggest transit, walking alternatives next to driving routes
Ahead of Earth Day, Google Maps is adding a handful of features to make traveling more sustainable, like offering transit and walking alternatives instead of driving.
Expand Expanding CloseJust all the Google Wallet updates and changes
Since the beginning of March, Google Wallet has seen a somewhat uncharacteristic flurry of updates with both new features and behavior changes.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages moves RCS ‘provided by’ status in settings
A small change to Google Messages settings moves where you can find who’s providing your Rich Communication Services (RCS).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive website getting a dark theme [U: Official]
On the web, only a few Google apps and services offer a night mode. Google Drive is now the latest to introduce a dark theme.
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