YouTube Music tests ‘Dynamic queue’ that changes as you listen
After rolling out support for Android 13’s redesigned media controls, YouTube Music this week is also testing a “Dynamic queue.”
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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.
At a Glance and Android System Intelligence add data personalization settings
Besides revealing work on support for Ring doorbell notifications, the latest version of Android System Intelligence gives you control over data used for At a Glance and other smart features.
Expand Expanding CloseHere are the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 with slick, refined designs [Gallery]
9to5Google reported that Fitbit is working on a pair of new smartwatches in March and two months later revealed the product names, as well some elements of the design. We now have a detailed look at the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit app redesigning charts to make health stats easier to view
The Fitbit app has remained visually unchanged in recent years, but a redesign of charts shakes up how the mobile client presents distance, sleep, and other data.
Expand Expanding CloseHangouts on Air is back as Google Meet brings YouTube livestreaming to free Gmail
The ability for Google Meet to YouTube livestream is rolling out to personal Gmail accounts and several other Workspace tiers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle giving Pixel Superfans $20 off Pixel Buds Pro
With the Pixel Buds Pro going on pre-order today, members of the Pixel Superfans program are getting $20 off the $199.99 headphones when purchasing from the Google Store.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 6a has fantastic, Dynamic Color-friendly wallpapers [Download]
This might sound overly hyperbolic, but the Pixel 6a includes the best collection of wallpapers Google has ever released, and you can download them for your phone right now.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet for Wear OS will get more features as update breaks button shortcut for some
At launch, the new Google Wallet app is just focused on tap-to-pay on Wear OS, but more functionality is coming later this year. Meanwhile, the update is causing issues for the double-tap button shortcut on some watches.
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The Google Weather Frog no longer wears a mask
Google’s adorable Weather Frog started wearing a face mask in August of 2020. Earlier this week, the protective equipment was removed from the character that appears in Google’s Search app on Android.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6a (with free Buds A-Series) and Pixel Buds Pro pre-orders open in Europe, Asia
The Pixel 6a is now available to pre-order in Europe, and it comes with a free pair of Pixel Buds A-Series. Pixel Buds Pro is also now available for pre-order ahead of next week.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit updates Charge 5 with GPS battery drain fix and ‘Find Phone’ app, Fitbit Luxe too [U]
Fitbit is rolling out an update to the Charge 5 today to add a “Find Phone” capability that was previously exclusive to its line of smartwatches.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music for Android is working on a sleep timer [APK Insight]
A sleep timer to pause playback after a specified increment is in the works for YouTube Music. This has been a long requested feature, especially since Google Play Music offered one ages ago.
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Android 13 Beta 4 feedback survey now open for Pixel owners
With the launch of Android 13 Beta 4 last week, Google said the “official release is next” but before that Pixel owners can leave feedback on what should be the last survey.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet launches on Android and Wear OS with update to old Pay app [U]
As announced at I/O 2022 in May, Google Wallet is rolling out today as an update to the old Google Pay app (which has the multi-color ‘G’ and “Pay” on a white background).
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Google Calendar combating invite spam with ‘Only if the sender is known’ option
Touted as a way to keep your “Calendar free from spam,” Google is adding the ability to only have events appear if they come from a known sender.
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Google Photos brings photo and canvas prints to Canada, Europe
The Google Photos Print store, which is most known for books, is expanding its offerings in Europe and Canada. This applies to photo and canvas prints that have been available in the US and other places for sometime now.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music updated to support new Android 13 media controls
One of the major visual changes in Android 13 is a redesign of media controls, and YouTube Music has just been updated to support the new style.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos website starts showing the backup quality of every image
The tweaks and small additions to Google Photos continues with the Info pane on the web getting a rather useful “Backed up” section.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung announces next Galaxy Unpacked event for August 10
Samsung today confirmed that its next Galaxy Unpacked event is set for Wednesday, August 10. Foldables, wearables, and earbuds are all expected at the 9:00 a.m. ET keynote.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet adding support for anonymous questions and poll responses
With the Duo migration underway, Google continues to add more enterprise-focused features to Meet. The latest lets Google Meet participants ask questions and answer polls anonymously.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Docs getting edit notifications that alert you to additions and removals
In addition to comments, Google Docs will soon alert you to content additions and removals with edit notifications.
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Android now supports DNS-over-HTTP/3 with Google Play system update
Android 9.0 Pie in 2018 introduced DNS-over-TLS (DoT) and the mobile OS now supports DNS-over-HTTP/3 (DoH) thanks to a Google Play system update (Mainline).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle will start testing AR prototypes in the real world next month
I/O 2022 closed with a very unexpected look at the company’s augmented reality efforts. Google announced today that it will “test AR prototypes in the real world” starting in August.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle explored some wild Chrome icons during the redesign
With version 100 in late March, Google released a Chrome icon redesign across the desktop and mobile apps. An interview today with the team behind the revamp shares some interesting details about the process.
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