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.
Android 13 brings a rather sizable update to the end-user Work Profile experience and Android Enterprise management experience for IT administrators.
Expand Expanding Close
After first debuting on the Pixel 6 last October, Quick Phrases are now available on the Nest Hub Max to skip the “Hey Google” hotword when issuing commands and asking questions to Assistant.
Expand Expanding Close
Announced over three years ago at I/O 2019, Google today rolled out the final Pixel 3a and 3a XL update. May 2022 was officially the cut-off date for guaranteed Android version and security updates, but Pixel phones have historically gotten one more release after that.
Expand Expanding Close
The first update to Android 13 after last month’s launch is rolling out today with the September security patch for the Pixel 4/XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, and 6 Pro.
Expand Expanding Close
Following last month’s launch, the first update to Android 13 is rolling out this September and addresses five issues for Pixel phones. Meanwhile, the Pixel 6a update won’t be arriving until later this month
Expand Expanding Close
Google this morning announced that it will be hosting its Pixel hardware event on Thursday, October 6.
Expand Expanding Close
In an ideal world, all Android apps would use Custom Tabs over in-app browsers (WebViews). Google is now making it more apparent when you’re “running” a Chrome Custom Tab (CCT).
Expand Expanding Close
Since Fitbit already announced its “fall lineup,” the emergence of a new fitness tracker is quite odd. However, the Google-owned company is already working on the “Charge 6” and Fitbit’s next tracker looks identical to the previous generation.
Expand Expanding Close
Around the time Fuchsia widely rolled out to the Nest Hub Max, Assistant Smart Displays gained a “Search” shortcut, which is now curiously opening Google․com directly.
Expand Expanding Close
The Southwest has been facing record heat with 100-degree temperatures since the middle of this week, and it’s expected to continue into Labor Day. In checking the Pixel Weather app over the past few days, it’s become clear that the main widget was not properly designed to show temperatures over 100.
Expand Expanding Close
Today, you can touch-and-hold Pixel Buds Pro to cycle through Active Noise Control (ANC) or use the app. An upcoming change will make it easier to change ANC with the Pixel Buds app, while Google’s newest headphones are set to get a “Volume balance” feature in a future update.
Expand Expanding Close
In a case study, the Android Developer Relations team today detailed recent improvements and optimizations made to TikTok for Android.
Expand Expanding Close
Back in May, it emerged that Google was working on built-in snore and cough detection for Android, and new evidence shows that this tracking capability will be offered through Digital Wellbeing.
Expand Expanding Close
Announced for international markets at the end of July, Asus today opened Zenfone 9 pre-orders for the US via Amazon, though there are currently some things to note.
Expand Expanding Close
An update to the new, merged Google Meet app last week brought back the blue Duo icon as some people were confused by the transition, which is now continuing with a new account switcher and other changes.
Expand Expanding Close
In announcing Steam support earlier this year, Google also said Chromebooks were getting a “games overlay” for Android titles to make them playable with keyboard and mouse. ChromeOS 105 introduces an early Alpha of these game controls.
Expand Expanding Close
Back in March, Google announced that it would allow Android apps to use their own payment system as long as Play Store billing was offered alongside it. Google Play is now letting non-gaming developers around the world sign up for the User Choice Billing pilot, while naming which markets it will be tested in.
Expand Expanding Close
The only way to use classic Hangouts today is the website, but that’s set to go away in November. Ahead of that, Google is advising people to download Hangouts history via Takeout “because some of [their] conversations or portions of conversations won’t automatically migrate from Hangouts to Chat.”
Expand Expanding Close
Smartphone makers are increasingly moving production out of China given geopolitical tensions and disruptive factory shutdowns (due to pandemic lockdowns) – with Google doing so for the Pixel 7 – but it will still need the country for foldable manufacturing.
Expand Expanding Close
Last week, SpaceX and T-Mobile announced that it would bring direct satellite connectivity to smartphones, and Google said today the next version of Android (14) will “support our partners in enabling all of this.”
Expand Expanding Close
September 2022 brings five games to Stadia Pro in a decrease from last month, which just added a seventh title today.
Expand Expanding Close
With the addition of the developer-generated Data safety section this year, Google Play removed the old list of app permissions. The Play Store is now reversing this decision in response to user feedback and will have both coexist.
Expand Expanding Close
Lenovo is kicking off IFA 2022 and its holiday lineup with the IdeaPad 5i Chromebook, as well as a ThinkCentre M60q Chromebox Enterprise.
Expand Expanding Close
Google launched Android 12L back in March, but it’s only just making its way to existing devices. Lenovo is now the first to announce an Android 12L tablet with the “Lenovo Tab P11 (2nd Gen)” coming next year.
Expand Expanding Close