Google is now rolling out the Pixel Watch’s March 2023 update two weeks after it was originally expected, and it’s a sizable release.
Expand Expanding CloseBig Pixel Watch March 2023 update rolling out: AOD, alarms, faces, and more
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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 rolls out March 2023 update to Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, 6a
Last Monday, Google rolled out Android 13 QPR2 with the March 2023 security patch to the Pixel 4a-5a and the 7 series. This March update is now rolling out to the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps redesign of voice recorder UI [Gallery]
Google introduced voice message transcription with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro before later making it available to older generations. Google Messages is now improving the creation experience with a redesign of the voice recorder UI in development.
Expand Expanding Close‘Wi-Fi Labs’ appear in Google Home app for some
Some Google Home app users are seeing “Wi-Fi Labs” for their Nest Wifi router to try out experimental features. This might be an internal capability that was accidentally made available outside the intended test pool.
Expand Expanding CloseExtended Google Store sale drops Pixel 7 to new low of $449, more
Ahead of spring, the US Google Store has kicked off a new sale that takes $150 off both the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, as well as the 6a.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Markup vulnerability lets some screenshots be un-redacted, un-cropped; fixed by March update
Besides the Samsung Exynos modem issue, Android 13 QPR2 with the March 2023 security update fixes a vulnerability with the Pixel’s Markup screenshot tool.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music can now auto-download your recently played songs
YouTube Music on Android can now “automatically download recently played songs” with a new setting.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps is testing a clever ‘Recents’ sidebar on the web
Compared to Maps for Android and iOS, Google makes relatively few visual updates to the Maps website. Google Maps is now testing a sidebar on the web that provides convenient access to recently viewed places.
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Google Messages adds contact photos to conversation threads
After bigger changes to “RCS” branding and read receipt icons in recent weeks, Google Messages for Android is adding a contact’s profile photo to the top of conversations.
Expand Expanding Close9to5Google Log Out: The shape and color of Google AI
9to5Google has a rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up to get it early in your inbox, or continue reading 9to5Google Log Out below:
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Studio rolls out podcast support and tools for Creators
Ahead of podcasts coming to YouTube Music, YouTube Studio has rolled out the necessary support and Creator tools for it.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Contacts for Android gets navigation rail and dual-column tablet redesign
As we’ve been expecting, the latest Google app to get a tablet redesign is Contacts for Android.
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Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
Qualcomm’s latest chip is the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 with a focus on “legendary experiences” and bringing “in-demand flagship features” to the 7-series.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle: Turn off VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling due to severe Exynos modem vulnerabilities on Pixel 6, more
Google’s Project Zero team discovered severe 0-day vulnerabilities with the Samsung Exynos modems used on the Pixel 6 and 7, Samsung phones and wearables, and other devices that warrant disabling VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling until patched.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 is rolling out today to continue the preview cycle ahead of a June stable release.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV gets price hike to $72.99 per month
After previewing Multiview earlier this week, YouTube TV announced a price increase today to $72.99 per month.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 7a leaks continue with prototype available on eBay
Google’s upcoming midrange phone thoroughly leaked in recent days, and a Pixel 7a prototype has now appeared on eBay for the wild price of $2,550 (at the moment).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fi testing 7-day trial with eSIM, free data, and hot spot
To attract prospective subscribers, Google Fi is testing a seven-day trial of its service that takes advantage of eSIM support on Android and the iPhone.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 13 QPR3 Beta 1 rolling out to Pixel phones
Following the stable launch of QPR2 on Monday, Google is rolling out Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 today to Pixel phones.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle publishes its Generative AI ‘prohibited use policy’ and other terms
Ahead of generative AI coming to Gmail and Docs, as well as third parties, Google has published a “prohibited use policy” for those using its upcoming products and capabilities.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle makes new Messages read receipt icons official, invites feedback
After testing in October, Google Messages looks to be widely rolling out a redesign of read receipts with icons replacing words (sent, delivered, and read).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Travel website to stop creating trip summaries
From 2016–2019, the Google Trips app made for a great little utility that grouped together travel details and stored everything offline. Some of that functionality lived on in google.com/travel after the Android and iOS client was deprecated, but trip summaries are now going away this year.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 renders leak 6.2-inch screen and smaller frame [U]
Following yesterday’s Pro leak, renders of the Pixel 8 have now emerged and show a similarly rounded design, but without the new camera bar sensor.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music for Android preps support for podcasts
YouTube announced last month that podcasts are coming to YouTube Music, and we’re now seeing the Android app add the necessary support with version 5.48.
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