Google’s environmental reports for the Home Speaker include a look at how the new Gemini device is made and images of the internals.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home Speaker uses 99% less adhesive than Nest Audio [Gallery]
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.
What new Google Messages features are rolling out [June 2026]
Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages starts rolling out custom ‘Chat themes’ [U]
Google Messages is finally giving Android users more customization and personalization options with “Chat themes.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini’s new Google Play Store integration lets you chat to find Android apps, games
As previewed at I/O 2026, the Gemini app on Android now integrates with the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out first Fitbit Air firmware update
Following two big Google Health app updates, the Fitbit Air is getting its first post-launch firmware update.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Shorts player adding Clear Screen mode & 2x playback, removes dislike
YouTube today announced a number of updates to the Shorts player meant to “create a more intuitive Shorts experience.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Finance now available as dedicated Android app
After beta testing got underway last August, the AI-powered redesign of Google Finance is now launching alongside a new Android app.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini in Chrome adds ‘Select from screen’ tool as Gemini 3.5 Flash gains computer use
Gemini in Chrome now lets you focus a prompt with a new “Select from screen” tool, while developers can tap into Gemini 3.5 Flash computer use capabilities.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 [Gallery]
With Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 today, Google is rolling out a second wave of bug fixes for Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Intelligence makes brief Pixel 10 series appearance on Android 17 QPR1 Beta
Google today is rolling out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5, and it’s mainly just a bug fixer except for the inclusion of the Gemini Intelligence logo.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 QPR1 Beta 5 rolling out for Pixel
Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 less than two weeks after the release with a number of bug fixes for Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV Streamer update adds Google Home Speaker support, more
Following the rollout two weeks ago, Google has shared what’s new in the latest Google TV Streamer update.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome Autofill rolling out deeper Google Wallet integration
Google is introducing deeper integration between Google Wallet and Chrome Autofill to further streamline the experience of filling out forms on the web, like flight check-ins or parking payments.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store Prime Day: Big deals on Pixel 10, Watch 4, Fitbit, & more
The Google Store is kicking off nearly a week of deals that coincide with Amazon Prime Day 2026. There are notable deals on Pixel phones, Watch, and Fitbit.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Health 5.02 rolls out: Expanded stats view, Hourly activity, & more [U]
Google Health’s work to address issues and make improvements to the redesigned Android and iOS app continues today with version 5.02.
Expand Expanding CloseiOS 27 will add inline replies & photo reactions to Android-iPhone RCS
iOS 27 will introduce the next big update to Android-iPhone messaging with support for inline replies and photo reactions.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini overlay gets expanded ‘plus’ menu to do more without opening app
Following last month’s big redesign, Google continues to tweak the Gemini overlay on Android and has now expanded the plus menu.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle preps Pixel ‘Audio Memory’ that ambiently tracks your ‘important conversations,’ like AI notetaker pins
Google is working on a new feature called “Audio Memory” for Pixel phones that will “keep track of what you hear throughout your day.”
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Wear OS 7 for the Pixel Watch [Gallery]
Following Tuesday’s announcement, Google is rolling out the June 2026 Wear OS 7 update to the Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2.
Expand Expanding CloseYes, the Pixel Launcher search bar is now slightly taller
If the search bar at the bottom of the Pixel Launcher looks ever so slightly different, it’s because Google made things a tiny bit taller.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live can now access your past chats Memory, Connected Apps info
Following the big Neural Expressive redesign and new voices last month, Google has updated Gemini Live with Memory access.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid developer verification on track for September, ‘Verifier’ service will soon auto-install
Google today published an update on Android developer verification, which is set for its initial launch later this year and will continue into 2027.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini for Android using Bubbles to let you multitask & continue chats
After adding Dynamic Color earlier this month, the Gemini overlay on Android is now using Bubbles to help keep track of conversations.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Screenshots no longer exclusively uses on-device AI
Like Magic Cue late last year, Pixel Screenshots is moving beyond just using on-device AI to leverage cloud processing.
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