As of Monday afternoon (Pacific Time,) Twitter for Android is down in an outage that appears specific to that client.
Expand Expanding CloseTwitter is currently down for some Android users [U: Fixed]
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.
Pixel Watch does not support Fitbit Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications [U]
The Pixel Watch does not have the full complement of health features found on even an entry-level Fitbit tracker. Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications are not officially supported on the Pixel Watch, but the functionality looks to be available for some people.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Clock 7.4 updates timer UI and tests buttons for ending alarms
Google Clock 7.4 is rolling out a new interface for timers, while the update is also testing a tweak to how you turn off alarms.
Expand Expanding CloseBig US banks planning digital wallet to compete with Apple and PayPal
In the US, the biggest banks already work together on Zelle money transfers, and now they’re planning a digital wallet to compete with the likes of Apple, PayPal, and Google.
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Google Search gets ‘The Last of Us’ easter egg
From Ingenuity to Twosday and Wordle (a year old as of yesterday), Google Search loves its easter eggs, and the latest – creepily – marks HBO’s excellent The Last of Us.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music ‘Listening Room’ beta program launching [Update: Sign-ups closed]
To “help shape the future of YTM,” the YouTube Music team is launching a “Listening Room” program to give selected users early access to features and provide feedback.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Account switcher on the web gets Material You redesign
After debuting in Messages on Android, the Google Account switcher on the web is getting a Material You redesign.
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Google Clock 7.4 and Calculator 8.4 rolling out
Google is rolling out minor updates to its Calculator (version 8.4) and Clock (7.4) apps on Android.
Expand Expanding Close$499 Pixel 7 and $749 Pixel 7 Pro deals end Sunday [U]
Following the Pixel Watch and Nest Wifi Pro deals, Google has brought back Black Friday pricing on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle layoffs are wide-ranging as Larry Page, Sergey Brin consulted on AI future
Google today announced it was laying off 12,000 employees, or just over 6% of its workforce. As of September 2022, Alphabet had 186,779 employees. The layoffs impacted many departments and roles within Google and Alphabet.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 13 QPR2 Beta 2.1 rolling out with Bluetooth and 5G fixes for Pixel
Similar to last cycle, Google is rolling out Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2.1 for Pixel phones as a bug fixer today.
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Pixel Live Wallpapers 2.1 ‘isn’t compatible’ on older phones [Update: Fixed]
Google last week released version 2.1 of Pixel Live Wallpapers, but the Play Store says the app is no longer compatible on older Pixel phones.
Expand Expanding CloseSmart Lock becoming ‘Extend Unlock’ as Wear OS Watch Unlock ‘upgrade’ requires Android 13
We’re still waiting for the ability to use Wear OS to unlock Android devices and Chromebooks. Watch Unlock was demoed earlier this year, and ongoing work reveals how Smart Lock will be sticking around as “Extend Unlock.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle planning slew of AI products for I/O 2023, Pixel ‘wallpaper maker’ in works
In announcing layoffs, Sundar Pichai said Google is “getting ready to share some entirely new experiences for users, developers and businesses.” One report reveals what those Google AI-backed products are, and it includes a “wallpaper maker for the Pixel smartphone.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos might soon always show RAW images in the main feed
On Pixel phones, enabling the Camera app’s RAW+JPEG capture results in an on-device “Raw” folder. Google Photos might soon offer a more integrated experience for RAW images in the app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Voice removes Smart Reply on Android and iOS
After introducing the feature last February, Google Voice for Android and iOS have removed Smart Reply suggestions that appeared at the bottom of messages.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit was never teasing its own Wear OS smartwatch, just the Pixel Watch
As part of the Wear OS 3 announcement at Google I/O 2021, Fitbit co-founder James Park said something that was widely interpreted to mean that a Fitbit-branded Wear OS watch is coming. That’s not the case, and that tease was only ever referring to the Pixel Watch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet hardware devices can now join Zoom calls
Announced last year, Google Meet and Zoom interoperability for enterprise customers with hardware devices is rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseSage, Sand, and Sky Nest Audio sold out in the US
Announced alongside the Pixel 5 in September of 2020, the Nest Audio’s colorful options are currently sold out at various US retailers.
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Nearby Share branding comes to Files by Google
The Nearby Share sheet is due for a Material You redesign, but until then its presence in the Files by Google app is getting more prominent.
Expand Expanding CloseNew YouTube Music Library removes ‘Downloaded songs’ playlist
YouTube Music finally rolled out its big Library redesign last week, but some users are taking particular issue with how the update removes the “Downloaded songs” auto playlist.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages E2E encryption for group chats currently limited to 21 people [Update: 100]
Google recently finished rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for group chats in beta, but the Messages capability currently has a 21-person limit.
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Box for Google Workspace adds Calendar integration
The Box for Google Workspace Add-on is getting a new Google Calendar integration that lets enterprise users access files from event invitations.
Expand Expanding CloseMill is a $33/mo trash bin by a Nest cofounder that reduces food waste
After leaving Apple, Matt Rogers founded Nest with Tony Fadell and stayed at Google for several years following the acquisition. Mill is a new company from Rogers that offers a “kitchen bin” with a monthly subscription that can “de-stink your kitchen, stop wasting food, and make a positive impact.”
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