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.
As rumored last week, Google today announced that it will require all Android apps downloaded from the Play Store to use its billing system for in-app purchases (IAPs). The company also noted how its own first-party apps will adapt to this.
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The Pixel 4a launch in August also introduced a new “Eclipse” background. Ahead of new phones being announced this week, Google is rolling out a Pixel Live Wallpaper update that adds “Pinball” for the Pixel 4a and presumably Pixel 5.
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Google was first incorporated on September 4, 1998, but the company has long marked that occasion on September 27. Like last year, Google Stores around the world are celebrating the 22nd birthday with discounts and various offers.
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After the retail packaging was revealed last night, the Chromecast with Google TV has been unboxed. We get a very good and up-close look at the device just under a week before the September 30 announcement.
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Recent versions of the Home companion client have added a slew of new features. A server-side update now appears to remove the interface for triggering Assistant Routines from the Google Home app.
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After a day of Chromecast with Google TV leaks, the Nest Audio is getting its own unboxing. This is a more straightforward hands-on, but did reveal the presence of touch controls.
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At 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, several Google and YouTube services were impacted by an approximately 20-minute outage. After the issue was resolved, Google shared a brief technical explanation of what happened.
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Google Fiber customers today can get up to two Google Wifi routers for free as part of their subscription. The Alphabet ISP is now letting customers bring their own router as part of the set-up process.
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Over the past several months, Google has introduced more and more functionality for the Snapshot feed. You can now open Assistant Snapshot directly from the Android homescreen, thanks to a new shortcut that is rolling out.
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Just under a week before Google’s Launch Night In, Amazon is hosting a hardware event to discuss its latest smart home offerings. The retailer kicked off its announcement with a new line of Echo smart speakers that look exactly like the Nexus Q.
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Last night, retail packaging for the Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Audio leaked, with the latter actually appearing on a store shelf. A leak of the entire “Launch Night In” lineup this morning shows the green Pixel 5 and Google TV UI.
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Last week, we learned the name of Google’s upcoming smart speaker, while official renders also emerged. With seven days to go until the official announcement, the Nest Audio has been spotted on store shelves as well as the packaging for Chromecast with Google TV.
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To the left of most Android homescreens is a personalized feed of articles, YouTube videos, and — increasingly — AMP Stories. Google Discover is now offering episode recommendations from Google Podcasts for some users.
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Since the start of this year, Google has added a number of useful resources about how to get around amid a pandemic. A new Google Maps layer now works to show COVID-19 case trends “in an area so you can make more informed decisions.”
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Work from home (WFH) has thrown work-life balance out the door for many, but Google wants to help you better manage that with a “Workday” Assistant routine. Meanwhile, it’s rolling out Gentle Sleep and Wake to all smart lighting.
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The Pixel 5 was thoroughly leaked yesterday in official renders, and the Pixel 4a 5G is now getting a similar treatment, thanks to a reputable specs leak.
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In addition to announcing new games coming this week, Google today detailed how Stadia accounts can soon be linked to Community Forum logins as part of a broader revamp.
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Back in July, Google announced the Device Access program to let third-parties, as well as individuals, access and manage Nest devices. A key part of this is the Device Access Console, which is now available.
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Last week, Google’s video conferencing tool launched a 49-person grid and background blur. Google Meet is now integrating with Jamboard to add a digital whiteboard for visual and collaborative brainstorming.
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Besides loading articles quickly, AMP is being leveraged to create a visual medium for sharing content online. Google is now bringing Web Stories to any WordPress site with the wide launch of a new creation tool.
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YouTube today announced a series of changes to how age-restricted videos work on its platform. The Google company will be leveraging machine learning in this review process, while YouTube videos meant for those over 18 will not play on third-party sites.
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Since the launch last November, the only way to get a Stadia hardware bundle has been through the Google Store. Now, Stadia Premiere Edition is coming to Best Buy, but online only.
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Following Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Audio last week, official Pixel 5 renders have now leaked ahead of the September 30 event.
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In August, Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 732G and later teased that 5G was coming to its 4-series next year. Qualcomm is now ending the month by announcing the Snapdragon 750G.
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