Following desktop in July, Chrome for iOS and Android’s New Tab Page now has a shortcut for AI Mode, as well as Incognito.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome New Tab Page adds AI Mode, Incognito shortcuts on Android
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.
Gemini redesign moves model switcher into the prompt bar
Google is widely rolling out the next Gemini app redesign that brings the model switcher into the prompt bar to consolidate controls.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube video player redesign & new icons roll out to Android, iOS
Following the announcement last week, the video player, icon, and app-wide redesign is now widely rolling out to YouTube for Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseThere is so much of Samsung’s One UI on the Galaxy XR [Gallery]
Since December, I’ve been under the impression that Galaxy XR would be Samsung hardware and Google software (like a modern day Google Play edition). That is not the case, with the first Android XR headset fully themed with Samsung’s One UI.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fi details how HD calling works
Alongside the series of announcements earlier this week, Google Fi made official HD calling. Its absence has been a long-standing and noticeable complaint from subscribers.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music rolls out new icon set with cartoony thumbs up [U]
The YouTube family of apps have their own design language, and the latest change is an updated icon set that is widely rolling out to YouTube Music.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to add a Play Points card to Google Wallet
Besides seeing your status in the top-right corner, Play Points can now be viewed in Google Wallet for Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store directly lists Pixel Buds replacement cases, single earbuds
The Google Store is making it easier to replace lost Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel Buds 2a components.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung teases Android XR glasses with new partnerships
Alongside the headset launch today, Samsung also teased glasses powered by Android XR as it works on multiple extended reality form factors.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s Galaxy XR is the first Android XR headset, available now for $1,799
After previewing last December as Project Moohan, the Samsung Galaxy XR is now available as the first headset running Google’s new Android XR operating system.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard now lets you hide the period and comma keys
After widely rolling out the “Font size” setting last week, the latest Gboard for Android update lets you hide the period and comma keys.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fi adding RCS to Messages for web, more premium Wi-Fi, and HD calling
Google Fi is getting a series of notable updates in the coming weeks that improve messaging, browsing, and calling, with Google AI playing a role.
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Find Hub app hits 1 billion downloads on Google Play Store
Following the rebrand this year, the Find Hub app has reached over 1 billion downloads on Google Play.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet adding Live Updates support for flights, trains, & more
Following the Material 3 Expressive redesign earlier this month, Google Wallet will be adopting Android 16’s Live Updates “for key travel journeys.”
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 rolling out for Pixel
Following last week’s release, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 is rolling out as a patch for Pixel devices that failed to boot if “Enable desktop experience features” was enabled before installing.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store now sells refurbished Pixel 8 from $489
After restarting the program last October, the US Google Store is now selling a refurbished Pixel 8, while details about the Pixel 8 Pro are here.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini removes ‘@Google Maps’ & ‘@YouTube’ apps for direct integration
Gemini is cleaning up its apps, previously known as extensions, for more direct integrations that don’t require invoking @YouTube or @Google Maps.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolling out account menu redesign
The account menu was the last non-Material 3 Expressive aspect of Google Messages and it has now been updated.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live native audio more widely rolling out on Android
As announced alongside the Pixel 10 launch, Gemini Live is more widely rolling out native audio output for a “more responsive and expressive conversation” on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Mini and Audio lights switching to new Gemini colors
Ahead of Gemini for Home early access coming at the end of October, Google is rolling out a firmware update that brings new light colors to the Nest Audio and Mini.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Camera 10.1 rolls out Material 3 Expressive redesign [U]
After debuting on the Pixel 10 (version 10.0), Google is rolling out the Pixel Camera 10.1 update to older devices with a handful of Material 3 Expressive tweaks.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Stores offering 50% discount on some Pixel repairs this Saturday
Ahead of International Repair Day this week, Google Stores are marking the occasion with a “special offer” on a limited number of out-of-warranty Pixel repairs.
Expand Expanding Close[Fixed] It’s not just you: YouTube was down in widespread outage
As of Wednesday afternoon (PT), most users cannot watch YouTube videos, with various playback errors popping up.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 [Gallery]
Android 16 QPR2 is a big quarterly update coming in December, with Beta 3 rolling out today for Pixel devices.
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