Following rumors, Google announced today that it has acquired microLED startup Raxium to join the Devices & Services team.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle acquires microLED startup Raxium to boost hardware team, likely for AR
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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.
Sources: Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 to bring back side button, here’s a first look
Back in March, we revealed that Fitbit is working on a pair of new smartwatches. 9to5Google can now report that the next two Fitbit wearables will be the Sense 2 and Versa 4, as well as some of their hardware details.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 QPR3 Beta 3 now available for Google Pixel phones
In what should be the final preview before the public launch next month, Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 is now rolling out to Pixel phones.
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Google Docs and Sheets getting native integration with SAP S/4HANA Cloud
At today’s virtual Workspace Summit, Google announced an expanded partnership with enterprise software giant SAP that sees Docs and Sheets integrate with S/4HANA Cloud.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Go no longer deemed necessary, app shutting down later this year
YouTube Go was first announced in 2016 as a lightweight Android app that’s optimized for lower-end hardware and constrained cellular connectivity. YouTube announced today that it was shutting down the Go app “beginning in August.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle explains why your Pixel isn’t getting the Android 12/13 Beta after enrolling
For the first time (in the modern era), there are two active Android Beta Programs, as well as the stable channel. Google explained today why there’s occasionally no Android 12 QPR3 or Android 13 Beta OTA immediately after signing-up your Pixel.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Assistant in Chrome, powered by Duplex, can now auto-change stolen passwords
At I/O 2021, Google announced that Assistant would help you change stolen credentials. This Google Assistant-branded, Duplex-powered capability for changing passwords is now rolling out in Chrome for Android.
Expand Expanding CloseApple Music 3.10 beta for Android adds built-in Sleep Timer that surpasses iOS
After introducing better widgets, Apple Music for Android is getting an in-app Sleep Timer that offers extensive options.
Expand Expanding CloseAmazon Alexa devices can now view livestreams from 2021 Nest Doorbell and Cams
Following last year’s introduction of revamped Cams and Doorbell, Google is now letting Amazon users control 2021 Nest products with Alexa.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Docs adds customizable dropdown menus and table templates
Smart canvas is Google’s push to boost integrations between its family of Workspace apps. In Google Docs, dropdown chips and table templates are the latest additions meant to boost productivity.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 May security patch rolling out to Google Pixel, factory images & OTAs live
The Android 12 May security patch is rolling out to the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro today. This should be the last update for 2019’s budget phones.
May’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro update primarily improves haptic feedback
Like last month, the May security update is rolling out for the Pixel 6 series on the same day as all other supported Google devices.
Expand Expanding CloseReport: Meta’s over $799 Cambria AR/VR headset described as ‘Chromebook for the face’
Meta has been teasing Project Cambria as a high-end mixed reality headset for some time now, and a new report describes it as a “Chromebook for the face.”
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May Pixel ‘Curated Culture’ wallpapers mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
For May, like last year, the Pixel’s Curated Culture wallpaper is marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Travel site now lets you find hotels near specific sites, nearby car trips, more
Google’s unified Travel site is adding a number of new features to help “plan your summer travel” across Flights, Hotels (including searching near specific sites), and the Explore capability.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Hub getting deeper Google Fit and Fitbit integration to see step count, other stats
At the moment, Google Assistant’s health integrations are limited to asking about sleep. Moving forward, you’ll be able to see steps, calories burned, and other activity metrics from Fitbit or Google Fit on the Nest Hub.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Translate for Android rolls out two versatile Material You widgets [U]
Following the iOS app in March, Google Translate for Android now has a homescreen widget that follows the latest Material You design language.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music ‘Listen again’ shelf drops carousel for denser grid [U]
YouTube Music is breaking up the visual monotony of the Home feed on Android and iOS with a new grid design for the “Listen again” shelf.
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No, you don’t actually have $500 of Google Store credit following erroneous UI tweak
As of late, the Google Store has undergone a few tweaks, but the latest change unfortunately results in people thinking they have $500 of store credit available to them.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome on Android rolling out customizable toolbar shortcut in rare UI change
Google has historically been very cautious about changing Chrome’s interface and layout given the extremely large user base. That said, one such change might be underway in Chrome for Android with the addition of a customizable toolbar shortcut.
Expand Expanding CloseSources: Pixel Watch is powered by a 300mAh battery and offers cellular connectivity
While the look of Google’s upcoming Wear OS device has thoroughly leaked, many questions about the internal hardware powering it remain. Sources now tell 9to5Google that the Pixel Watch will have cellular connectivity and how long the battery might last.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings back the blobs with simplified, black-and-white ‘Noto Emoji’ [Gallery]
Google has created a new emoji (variable) font with “Noto Emoji,” whose defining characteristic is a black-and-white design that tries to capture the “simplicity” of the format – and also happens to bring back the blobs.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Launcher preps search shortcuts for Maps, Play Store, and YouTube
With Android 12, the Pixel Launcher introduced a new on-device search experience at the top of the app launcher. While it’s temporarily gone from Android 13 Beta 1, the Pixel Launcher is working on search shortcuts beyond the Google app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle previews I/O 2022 schedule, ‘What’s new’ keynotes, and sessions
With I/O 2022 just two weeks away, Google this afternoon previewed the schedule for its developer conference.
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