The latest Gemini Connected App is Google Wallet for “information and personalized insights based on your saved info.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adding Google Wallet integration for ‘personalized insights’
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.
What’s new in Android’s September 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 CloseGemini fully replaces Google Assistant on Android
At the start of September, the Google Assistant deprecation on mobile got underway. It now looks to be widely rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app starts rolling out big side panel simplification, settings redesign
The next big update to the Gemini app on Android and iOS is beginning to roll out with a focus on simplifying core navigation.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds app update lets Gemini control audio and settings
With the Pixel 11 launch, Google promised a big Pixel Buds update in September. We’re now starting to see Gemini audio controls with the latest Pixel Buds companion app update.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app replacing Gems with skills in November
In 2024, Google introduced Gems as “custom versions of Gemini.” The Gemini app will soon replace Gems with “skills.”
Expand Expanding CloseWhat new Google Messages features are rolling out [September 2026]
Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle combines Material 3 Expressive & Liquid Glass on the iPhone [Gallery]
With Liquid Glass now a year old, Google apps on iOS are beginning to incorporate the translucent material alongside its Material 3 Expressive design language.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Health 5.09 rolling out: Cardio Load from third-party workouts, more
Following yesterday’s announcement, Google Health 5.09 is rolling out with support for the new Health Guardian features on the Pixel Watch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings back Android Dev Summit with Android 18 ‘powerful new graphics features’ tease
The Android Dev Summit is returning in 2026 after Google’s last focused developer conference in 2022. Additionally, the agenda comes with a mention of Android 18.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolls out new swipe for timestamps & reply gesture
Following the long-press menu, Google Messages is widely rolling out new ways to access timestamps and direct replies.
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Pixel Weather homescreen widget adds manual refresh button
Following last month’s icon update, Pixel Weather is getting a slightly more substantial update with a refresh button for the homescreen widget.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 for Pixel
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 is now available for Pixel devices, barely a week after Beta 5 launched.
Expand Expanding CloseBig Pixel VIPs widget redesign starts rolling out
Following the version 2.0 update rolling out earlier this week, Google is now beginning to launch the Pixel VIPs widget redesign announced in the September Feature Drop.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s Create My Widget ‘app’ detailed on phones, Googlebooks
Create My Widget will debut in early October on Googlebooks. Ahead of that, a Play Store listing details what the interface will look like, including on Android phones.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome now saves scroll position, filled forms when sending tabs between devices
Google today announced a trio of new study-focused Chrome features, with the most notable being how the browser will now save scroll position when you send tabs between devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out blood pressure & insulin resistance, more on Pixel Watch 3, 4, 5
As previewed during last month’s Pixel Watch 5 launch, Google is now starting to roll out blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality metrics.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos rolling out Redact tool, Mood filters, & more
Google Photos is rolling out a handful of new features, including a Redact Markup tool and “Moods” on Android.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 starts testing ‘Call for Me’ to have Gemini phone on your behalf
Following Direct My Call and Hold for Me, Google is introducing “Call for Me” on the Pixel 11 series.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Beam 3D meeting booths coming to co-working spaces
Google today announced the latest expansion of its 3D meeting booths, including a partnership that brings Google Beam to co-working spaces in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube announces Custom Feeds, GIF comments, and ’Your podcast lineup’
At Made on YouTube 2026 today, YouTube announced a slew of new features. We’ve highlighted the capabilities that will impact the viewer experience over the coming months.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music adding corner access to ‘Ask Music’ with Gemini
As part of Made on YouTube 2026, a handful of updates to YouTube Music that are coming later this year were previewed.
Expand Expanding CloseQualcomm announces the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6
Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 to power the next generation of Android smartphones.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel VIPs 2.0 redesign starts rolling out with fullscreen look
Following last week’s Feature Drop, Pixel VIPs 2.0 is beginning to roll out, and it brings more changes than just the widget redesign.
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