Android 17 Beta 1 was supposed to launch today, but Google has since pulled the release.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle cancels today’s Android 17 Beta 1 release
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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.
Google says the Android 17 Beta is coming soon
Following the release of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 earlier today, Google has revealed that the Android 17 Beta is starting soon.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 patch
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 is rolling out to Pixel devices today. This patch comes almost four weeks after the last release, and is surprisingly not Beta 3.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Coach preview expanding internationally, coming to iOS
After the initial Public Preview in October, Google is bringing its Fitbit personal health coach preview to international Premium users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle ‘Results about you’ Search removal tool now covers Social Security & IDs, more
As part of Safer Internet Day, Google Search is rolling out a pair of updates to Results about you and the non-consensual explicit images removal tool.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini on Android desktop will have persistent icon, keyboard shortcut
When the Android desktop interface leaked last month, there was a Gemini icon in the status bar. We now know a bit more about that persistent access.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV Plans launch this week from $55/month with $65 Sports Plan
After teasing in December, “YouTube TV Plans” are rolling out this week as cheaper alternatives to paying $82.99 per month for over 100 channels.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music lyrics now require a Premium subscription
After testing in recent months, YouTube Music looks to be widely rolling out a Premium paywall for lyrics.
Expand Expanding CloseNotebookLM app adds slide and infographic customization
Google’s work to make the NotebookLM mobile app as full-featured as the website continues with Slide Deck and Infographic customization.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini’s Google Messages, iMessage, and WhatsApp problem
Google has set out three tentpoles for Gemini: personal, proactive, and powerful. The company made big strides on the first pillar with Personal Intelligence, but there’s a very obvious blind spot with messaging.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini ‘Tools’ redesign comes to Android & iOS as ‘My stuff’ drops preview
Following the web earlier this week, Gemini is giving the Tools menu on Android and iOS a redesign. There are also changes to My stuff in the side panel.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle starts dedicated Android Canary subreddit
Google has steadily released new Android Canary builds since July, and now has a new dedicated community for the program on Reddit.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle airing Gemini ad at the Super Bowl: ‘New Home’ [Video]
At the Super Bowl — sorry, I mean “Big Game” — this Sunday, Google is airing an ad all about the Gemini app.
Expand Expanding CloseAlphabet reports Q4 2025 revenue of $113.8 billion
Alphabet today announced Q4 2025 earnings with $113.8 billion in revenue. These numbers range from October to December and wrap up the fiscal year.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces Pixel 10a with completely flat camera, pre-order Feb 18
Google this morning officially announced the Pixel 10a via a video teaser emphasizing the updated design.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini ‘screen automation’ will place orders, book rides for you on Android [APK Insight]
It’s been clear for a while that Google is working to let Gemini control your Android phone, and we now have some details on how this “screen automation” will work.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 February 2026 update rolling out: No Pixel bug fixes
The year in updates continues with the February 2026 security patch for Android 16 QPR2 on the Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app Tools menu adds ‘Labs’ section, Personal Intelligence toggle
As the Gemini app picks up more features, Google is improving organization of the Tools menu on the web with Experimental Labs.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR3: Pixel adds Adaptive Connectivity auto-switch, battery settings
With Android 16 QPR3, Google is introducing more granular Adaptive Connectivity settings on Pixel phones.
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Google reduces Nest Cam ‘Video not available’ error with Home app 4.8
Version 4.8 of the Google Home app widely rolled out today with a “foundational fix” for the “Video not available” error with Nest Cams.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Phone app rolls out ‘Keep portrait mode’ call setting on Android
After testing in December, Phone by Google has now rolled out a “Keep portrait mode on calls” setting to prevent automatic landscape rotation.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 10 and Pixel Watch 4 discounts return to the Google Store
After the inaugural 2026 deals, the US Google Store has brought back the same discounts on the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch 4.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV for Android updated with new icon style
Following the Live guide redesign earlier this month, YouTube TV for Android now uses the new YouTube icon style.
Expand Expanding CloseShould you downgrade to Google AI Plus?
Google AI Plus came to the US this week as the more affordable alternative to AI Pro, which previously served as the entry point to premium Gemini features. Whether it’s worth downgrading comes down to how you use Google AI.
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