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 wants to make Gmail your new “home for work” by consolidating email, Chat, and Meet into one browser window, as well as mobile app. That said, the company will maintain standalone applications for messaging and video calling, with Google Chat testing a web client redesign.
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Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft — Google’s plan is not yet clear — are all working on augmented reality wearables. Samsung’s work on AR possibly leaked today, but there are many unknowns about “Glasses Lite.”
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Back in September of 2019, Google announced that its browser was adding a convenient way to organize open pages. Tab Groups fully rolled out on desktops a year later, and is now beginning to come to Chrome for Android with a new grid layout.
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The underlying experience of using Wear OS saw small changes late last year in the form of new Tiles and a revamped Fit workout UI, while the H-MR2 update continues rolling out. An even smaller tweak today sees Google change up the “No notifications” message that Wear OS users frequently see throughout the day.
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Google Analytics is down and facing a “service disruption” for some users this evening. For those affected, the stats tool is blank and not loading any data.
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The Mandalorian remains a big hit half-way through its sophomore season. Google has partnered with Lucasfilm on a free Android app to bring iconic and realistic moments to life using AR and 5G.
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The current Made by Google lineup is visually defined by a front-facing camera in the top-left corner of the screen. You get used to it over time, but those bothered by the Pixel 5 hole punch can now hide it on Android 12.
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In 2012, YouTube opened a “Space” in London where Creators could access state-of-the-art studios and classes. YouTube Spaces will not be reopening once the pandemic ends as the video company switches to hosting more Pop-up events.
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Motorola offers the most affordable phones on Google’s MVNO with a trio of devices launching this week. Google Fi is also introducing a promo where new Unlimited plan customers can get 50% off their first three months of service.
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As a preview — rather than beta, Android 12 DP1 is “for developers only” and not focused on new user-facing features. That said, we’ve flashed the first Developer Preview factory image to chronicle all the new features.
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The first preview of Android 12 is focused on adding underlying system features for developers, but there are a handful of user-facing changes. For example, Android 12 significantly revamps the Markup tool with the ability to add text and emoji to screenshots.
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In addition to highlighting what’s new, Google today provided a launch schedule for Android 12. There will be eight releases in total before public availability sometime after August.
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Later this year, Google’s mobile operating system will get a massive visual overhaul and more privacy controls. The months-long process to a consumer release starts today with the Android 12 Developer Preview.
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Following yesterday’s news that HDR and offline downloads are coming as add-ons, YouTube TV announced a new Entertainment Plus bundle today that gives you access to three cable networks for $29.99 with some savings.
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As announced in December, Apple TV is now available globally on the Chromecast with Google TV. The new app allows you to watch original Apple TV+ content, as well as access existing iTunes movie and television show purchases.
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Google launched Crisis Map eight years ago as a way to visualize emergency and weather-related data. In an email to users, the company announced today that its shutting down the standalone website next month.
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As more and more students use Google Classroom, the portal is adding an offline mode on Android for those with limited internet connectivity. There are also a number of other improvements to the mobile apps and management experience.
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Chromebooks are doing very well amid distance learning, and Google is doubling down on that with 40 new Chrome OS devices built for education coming this year. Meanwhile, Chrome OS 89 in March will add a native screen recording tool.
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Google’s rebrand of G Suite to Workspace in October first rolled out to businesses, with the promise that personal and nonprofits users would follow later. Google Workspace for Education is rolling out next with more editions that better suit the needs of schools from pre-K to the PhD level.
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As distance learning continues, Google Meet is rolling out a handful of new features, including emoji reactions to help students better express themselves and more moderation controls for teachers.
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Ahead of upcoming Australian legislation that would require payment for linking, Google signed a three-year partnership with News Corp that will bring publications from three countries into News Showcase.
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Last month, we learned that Chromebook shipments grew over 4x amid the pandemic and shift to distance learning. That demand in 2020 has led Chrome OS to overtake macOS in worldwide sales.
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The Nest Audio was unveiled at last year’s Launch Night In livestream and was immediately discounted when buying a 2-pack. The Google Store is now taking $20 off individual purchases.
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Paying for YouTube across the main service and Music lets you download content for offline access. YouTube TV will soon let you download media for offline access.
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