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 sees Discover as a way to “catch up on your interests and the world,” and is rolling out two updates that allow for better personalization (“Follow on Google”) and variety.
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Google today is rolling out another September 2025 OTA update for the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL.
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Outside of Chrome, Drive, and Quick Share, Google rarely makes native desktop apps with everything usually being based in the browser. That’s changing today with a new experimental “Google app for Windows.”
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At Made on YouTube 2025, Live streaming got several notable updates for both Creators and audiences alike.
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At Made on YouTube 2025, the Google video site announced a slew of new AI features that Creators will soon be able to use. Here’s what’s new for YouTube Music and Podcasts.
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Following the web, the Gemini app on Android and iOS has rolled out the “Tools” redesign of the prompt bar and suggestions in recent days.
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After introducing scheduling last month, the Google Home app is getting another round of Nest Thermostat updates, especially for existing users in Europe.
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In addition to Miami, a new Google Store is coming to Washington, DC. Meanwhile, the Google Store has kicked off a 27th birthday promo.
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The Nano Banana image editing model has been a hit for Google, and presumably the reason that Gemini for iPhone is the top free app in the US App Store.
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Over a week after Android 16 QPR1 went stable, Google is now beginning to roll out the “No Data Wipe” OTA update to Beta 3.1 testers.
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After testing first got underway in November, YouTube Music is now rolling out a big Now Playing redesign on Android and iOS.
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After releasing with Wear OS 3, the Google Weather app is now going away with Wear OS 6, though there are some caveats.
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In a rare outage, Google Maps is down and will not load as of 1 p.m. PT on Thursday. This is impacting the Android and iOS apps.
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After testing in Public Preview, Google Home for Android and iOS is now getting a “significant upgrade” to the household automation editor.
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Gmail is following up improved order tracking with a new “Purchases” view and more relevant Promotions tab ahead of the upcoming holiday shopping season.
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Following the web, Gemini is beginning to roll out the latest prompt bar redesign on Android and iOS.
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Google today announced “AI Plus” as a new subscription tier “designed to empower people in emerging markets to do more with Google AI, for less.”
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After launching in late 2024 / early 2025, the Google Store’s Pixel Referral Program is back for the Pixel 10 series.
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The Gemini homepage on desktop and mobile web has rolled out its Tools redesign, while Nano Banana continues to be a hit for Google.
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On the Pixel 10, Daily Hub brings together your calendar, Magic Cue, and other suggestions. Google is now pausing the public preview of Daily Hub to improve the experience.
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Following yesterday’s Home Depot leak, Google’s upcoming camera lineup continues to appear in stores, and we now have more details about the Nest Doorbell 2K, like the exact resolution.
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Following the new Audio Overview formats last week, NotebookLM is rolling out Flashcards, Quizzes, redesigned Reports, and more learning tools today.
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After previously being limited to Cameras and Automations, the Google Home web app now lets you control other smart “Devices.”
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The Gemini app finally supports audio uploads on Android, iOS, and the web for expanded file analysis options.
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