Following the macOS launch in April, Google is bringing the Gemini for desktop app to Windows.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings Gemini for desktop app to Windows
Author
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.
Android rolling out passkey transfers between password managers
Google announced today that Android now offers a system-level way to transfer passwords and passkeys between credential managers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle upgrades all Gemini side panels in Workspace to have the same features
Gemini in Google Workspace can now “complete complex, cross-app tasks” from whatever app you’re working in.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 gets early September update, not Android 17 QPR1 [U: OTA images]
We’re expecting the stable release of Android 17 QPR1 in September. Before that, Google is rolling out an out-of-cycle update to the Pixel 11 series with a September 2026 security patch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolls out Keep Notes integration on Android
Following the September 2026 Android Drop announcement last week, Google Messages is widely rolling out its new Keep Notes integration.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app makes Daily Brief free in the US
After introducing at I/O 2026 in May, Google is making Daily Brief in the Gemini app available for free in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome starts two-week release cycle with version 153
As previewed earlier this year, Google Chrome is now operating on a two-week release cycle.
Expand Expanding CloseWhere Google Wallet state IDs are available on Android
States across the US are slowly rolling out support for adding your driver’s license or ID to the Google Wallet app on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini overlay gets bubble minimization and multitasking on Android
The Gemini overlay on Android now has a multitasking option that gives you a floating bubble shortcut when you Minimize.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Clock rolls out redesign of Timers with presets on Android
Following the new app icon, Google Clock has rolled out a redesigned Timers tab. This follows yesterday’s update to the Now Playing app.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Spark rolling out Google Photos control for automated editing, sharing, & more
The latest first-party app that Gemini Spark can control is Google Photos. The personal agent can “handle complex, multi-stage workflows” with your library.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to check if Motion Assist has rolled out to your Android 17 phone
Following the announcement on Tuesday, Google is slowly rolling out Motion Assist to phones running Android 17.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s WeatherNext 3 AI model in Search, Gemini has ’50% more accurate precipitation forecasts’
Google today announced WeatherNext 3 as its “most advanced and accurate global weather AI model,” with immediate benefits for Search and Gemini.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Gmail Live, Docs Live, and Keep Live
Following the announcement at I/O 2026, Google is rolling out Gmail Live, Docs Live, and Keep Live this week. After testing in recent months, these voice capabilities are now generally available.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini 3.8 Flash rolling out three weeks after last release
After the last model release three weeks ago, Google today is rolling out Gemini 3.8 Flash. This marks the third Flash update in three months.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Pixel Watch 5 September update
Following last month’s launch, Google is rolling out the first update (September 2026) for the Pixel Watch 5 today.
Expand Expanding CloseSept. 2026 Android Drop: Find Hub ‘Remembered’ list, Motion Assist, & Keep in Google Messages
Google today is rolling out the September 2026 Android Drop with a number of major features.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 series can now join the Android 17 QPR2 Beta
Following the initial Friday release, Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is now available for the Pixel 11 series.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet hardware dropping ChromeOS for Android
As we wait for consumer Googlebooks to launch, Google shared today that it is “transitioning [its] Google Meet hardware portfolio from ChromeOS to Android.”
Expand Expanding Close‘Look up’ app for Googlebooks appears on Play Store, currently works on phones
Following Magic Pointer and Desktop Camera, Google has now released a “Look up” app for Googlebooks.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pics is Workspace’s new ‘pro-level’ AI image creator & editor
Following the announcement at I/O 2026 in May, Google Pics is launching in general availability today.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s August 2026 Google System Updates [U]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV Streamer gets $50 price increase
Google has quietly raised the price of the Google TV Streamer to $149.99.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome’s Android navigation bar redesign has too much chrome
I quite like how Chrome for Android’s main interface has essentially remained the same since 2012. The consistency is refreshing as everything else on my phone changes. While I’m open to modernization, the latest attempt at a redesign suffers from too much chrome.
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