In addition to crowning the best overall Android application and game of 2022, Google Play today named the best Wear OS, tablet, and Chromebook apps.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle names best Wear OS, Chromebook, and tablet apps of 2022
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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 Play lists best Android apps and games of 2022
As the year starts to wind down, Google Play is naming the best Android apps and games of 2022. This includes Users’ Choice and 20 “Best of” categories. These lists are localized, and you can browse your country by tapping the “Best of 2022” banner at the top of the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle makes one of its iOS apps available on the Mac App Store
While Apple Silicon-powered Macs can run most iOS apps, the vast majority of developers have opted out. Google did that in late 2020, though it recently made its AI Test Kitchen iPhone/iPad app available on the Mac App Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store Black Friday 2022: Chromecast and Nest deals end Wednesday
The US Google Store will kick off its Black Friday 2022 discounts next week, and the highlight is $150 off the Pixel 7 Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for iOS now lets you quickly open links from other apps in Incognito
Google has added a nifty feature to Chrome for iOS that gives you the option to quickly open external links from other apps using Incognito. It’s especially useful on shared devices.
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Google Store ‘Shopper Hopper’ attempts to make up for the loss of Flappy Bird on your Pixel 7
In removing support for 32-bit apps, old games are one of the more surprising app losses reported by Pixel 7 owners, but the Google Store — of all places — is trying to make things up with “Shopper Hopper.”
Expand Expanding CloseYes, Google changed the Messages ‘sent’ sound: Do you prefer the old or new beep?
In addition to an updated icon, Google Messages has a new “sent” sound that more people are now encountering on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 7a renders reveal updated camera bar and other design revisions
With the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro out in the world, attention now turns to the next Google launches in 2023. Besides the rumored “Pixel Fold,” the Pixel 7a is also expected, and renders today reveal more of the same.
Expand Expanding CloseChromecast with Google TV 4K update to October 2022 patch rolling out
The first post-Android 12 update is rolling out to the Chromecast with Google TV 4K today, and it brings devices to the October 2022 security patch level.
Expand Expanding CloseRumor: Google working on Gmail and Calendar apps for Wear OS, Pixel Watch
In the lead up to the Pixel Watch, several first-party apps were overhauled and launched to invigorate Wear OS, and Google is planning to continue that momentum with Gmail and Calendar.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle spent $4.6 million on Pixel 4 radio ads that the FTC has deemed deceptive
A lawsuit by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and seven states today alleges that radio ads for the Pixel 4 featured “made up testimonials by radio personalities.”
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung tablets on Android 13 still don’t have a two-column notification shade
Android 13 is more widely rolling out on Samsung tablets and follows Android 12L earlier this year. The taskbar was that update’s biggest addition, and we hoped to see more tablet UIs — namely a two-column notification shade and lockscreen — but that’s not the case with Samsung’s Android 13 update.
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Google Pixel Watch LTE gets first ever discount at $50 off
While the Wi-Fi model is on sale at all retailers, the LTE Pixel Watch has stubbornly remained at $399.99 this holiday season. The first discount for the LTE Pixel Watch is now here.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat would you change about Google’s Pixel Watch faces?
Google did a good job providing a range of default watch faces on the Pixel Watch. Having lived with the first-generation wearable for an extended period, we have some design thoughts and improvements in mind.
Expand Expanding CloseIs Wear OS ever going to get a full Gmail or Google Calendar app?
One constant between Android Wear to Wear OS 3 is the lack of dedicated Gmail or Google Calendar applications on watches. Amid the flurry of new devices and hardware advancements, it’s increasingly worthwhile for Google to rethink its reliance on rich notifications for key actions.
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Gmail for web getting improved and more contextual search results
Improved Gmail search is an evergreen user request, and Google last introduced better search suggestions courtesy of updated ML models. Gmail is now using recent searches to improve results in the web app.
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Pocket Casts lets you customize Android 13’s media player, adds per-app language support
After adding support for the Android 13 media player last month, Pocket Casts is now letting you customize what actions appear in the notification.
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Chromecast with Google TV gets bundled with a Stranger Things toy this Black Friday
Cheap streaming dongles are found everywhere — often in bins near checkout lines — during the holiday shopping season. In what I can only assume is an attempt to stand out, you can now buy a bundle that includes the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and a Stranger Things toy.
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The Pixel Watch’s Sunrise and sunset complication is broken
The Pixel Watch has a good number of default complications out of the box, but the one for “Sunset and sunrise” has broken for most, if not all, users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages tests letting you react with any emoji
After testing new delivered/read indicators and a photo picker redesign, Google Messages is beginning to roll out full emoji reactions for some users.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Wifi Pro updates detailed as Google Home app speed test issue found
As promised, Google has rolled out an update for low Nest Wifi Pro speeds with PPPoE settings, while an issue with the Home app’s built-in speed test has been identified.
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YouTube TV offering free HBO Max and Cinemax preview until next week
Long before the launch of Primetime Channels in the main app, YouTube TV let you directly subscribe to other streaming services, and it’s now offering a free HBO Max and Cinemax preview.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube releases in-depth podcasting guide with best practices
YouTube is already a big home to podcasts, and the Google platform is slowly working to provide a more optimized experience. An official “Podcasting on YouTube” guide has now been released with best practices.
Expand Expanding CloseFirst Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 update rolls out: Screen cover gesture and on-wrist calls
A month after release, Fitbit is rolling out the first Sense 2 and Versa 4 update today with a trio of welcome features.
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