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.
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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.
New 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.”
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit ending Pandora and Deezer support on Sense, Versa 2/3 in March
Compared to its predecessors, the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 already lack music playback. Fitbit is now set to remove Pandora and Deezer from the Fitbit Sense, Versa 3, and other older devices in March.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit step and heart rate data is appearing in Google Fit
Back in November, we noticed how Health Connect was responsible for combining Fitbit heart rate and Nest Hub Sleep Sensing data. Google Fit is now showing Fitbit step, distance, and full heart rate data.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases Stadia Controller update to enable Bluetooth
As promised last week, Google is now letting you update the Stadia Controller to enable Bluetooth (Low Energy) support.
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Pixel 7 bug sees phone freeze when watching fullscreen YouTube and YouTube TV
In using the Pixel 7 since the October launch, one occasional issue some people have encountered is the Google device freezing and locking up when watching fullscreen YouTube.
Expand Expanding CloseDigital Wellbeing preps Focus Mode ‘holidays’ and removes work on live wallpaper
The latest beta version (1.5) of Digital Wellbeing is rolling out with one upcoming addition and the removal of an in-development feature.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel’s Security & privacy showing erroneous ‘Add a screen lock’ alert
If checking the Pixel’s Security & privacy menu returns a “Google Account may be at risk” alert encouraging you to “Add a screen lock,” you’re not alone today.
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Fitbit still rolling out 3.73 update to fix Charge 5 and Luxe sync issue on Samsung
For the past few weeks, Samsung’s Android 13 update has resulted in the Fitbit Charge 5 and Luxe not being able to sync.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV offering big 4K Plus discount for some; from $4.99/mo for two years
In June of 2021, YouTube TV launched “4K Plus” with three key additions, but is now drastically discounting the monthly add-on for select subscribers.
Expand Expanding Close3rd-party Twitter app ‘suspensions are intentional,’ still no public communication
On Thursday evening, third-party Twitter clients stopped working in a move that many have come to conclude was intentional. A report now confirms that this was the case.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle preps Fast Pair low-battery notifications for styluses [APK Insight]
Since its launch, Fast Pair has grown beyond Bluetooth headphones to smartwatches and Matter smart home devices. Fast Pair’s next device category looks to be the stylus ahead of the Pixel Tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseDoodle for Google 2023 contest opens with ‘I am grateful for…’ theme
Google this week invited K-12 students in the US to create a Doodle for its Search homepage. For 2023, the Doodle for Google theme is “I am grateful for…”
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS 109 rolling out with a tweak to how Android apps launch
ChromeOS 109 is rolling out over the next few days as a smaller update in terms of user-facing changes, though there are a handful of tweaks.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases Worm Game as one last Stadia title before the shutdown
Stadia is set to shut down on January 18, but Google is releasing one last game, and it’s technically a first-party title: Worm Game.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle workaround lets you run Play Games beta on unsupported PCs
In bringing Play Games to open beta last year, Google lowered the minimum specs requirement. The company is now providing a workaround for accessing the Play Games for PC beta on unsupported hardware.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 13 QPR2 Beta preps ability to change the Pixel’s lockscreen shortcuts
Pixel phones offer two lockscreen shortcuts that are locked to Google Wallet and Home, but Android 13 QPR2 reveals possible work on letting users change that.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Project Relate gets wider Play Store availability, Material You redesign
Google announced Project Relate in late 2021 as a way for people with speech impairments to create a personalized speech model. The Project Relate app is now seeing wider Play Store availability.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play promotes TikTok landscape mode for Android tablets
As Google encourages Android developers to update their apps for large-screen form factors, the Play Store today is highlighting TikTok’s new landscape mode for tablets.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Nest partnership helps build ‘Community Solar’ farms to lower your electric bill
Google — specifically “Nest Renew” — is partnering with Pivot Energy on a Community Solar program for those living in Colorado and Illinois.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store starts 2023 with LTE Pixel Watch discount [U: Ends Sunday]
After a holiday season with only one discount, the LTE Pixel Watch is now $30 off at the Google Store and other US retailers.
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