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 today announced Gemini 3 with the goal of bringing “any idea to life.” The first model available in this family is Gemini 3 Pro with the rollout starting today for the Gemini app and AI Mode.
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As announced last month, Google Fi Wireless is now rolling out AI-enhanced audio on Android and iOS.
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After adding shopping features last week, Google is now upgrading AI Mode’s travel capabilities with Canvas.
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Google DeepMind and Google Research today announced WeatherNext 2 as its “most advanced and efficient forecasting model.” Notably, it’s helping power forecasts in Google’s consumer apps, including Pixel Weather.
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Google announced its new design language in May. Material 3 Expressive redesigns have been rolling out to Google apps since then, but the Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR1 launch really kicked things off. Here’s our list of what’s available and still to come on Android phones.
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Google is giving two of its Workspace apps quality-of-life improvements, starting with unread dots in Gmail.
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Following the last redesign in September, the Gemini app has a new look for its homepage and conversations, starting on Android.
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Google is updating the Gemini app today with a better way to use photo-to-video generation by adding visual ingredients.
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As part of the November 2025 Feature Drop, Google is bringing the Journal app introduced this generation to the Pixel 8 and 9 series.
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Following the Material 3 Expressive redesign in August, Google Clock 8.3 is rolling out with a solid background for alarms and other tweaks.
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Google is rolling out Home app 4.3 for Android (not yet widely available) and iOS (already live) today as a more sizable update.
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After announcing in September, Google is now widely rolling out Call Recording on Pixel phones that lack AI-powered Call Notes.
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Following last week’s big mobile update, NotebookLM is back with Deep Research and Microsoft Word support.
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Following the Pixel Feature Drop on Tuesday, we’re now beginning to see Notification Summaries go live.
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Google is getting ready for holiday shopping with a handful of new features led by agentic AI checkout and calling.
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After work got underway earlier this year, Google Messages is beginning to roll out @mentions in group chats.
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In August, Google announced that it will require developer verification to install Android apps, including through sideloading. That’s continuing, but Google is working on a solution for “experienced users.”
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After testing in recent months, Google is going ahead with a dedicated “Images” tab in the Search app on Android and iOS.
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After a head start last week, the Google Store is now previewing its main Black Friday 2025 deals. Additionally, Google has launched a store redesign.
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After testing since last year, Waymo is ready to start rolling out freeway driving in three cities for public riders.
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After previewing in August with the Pixel 10 launch, Gemini Live native audio output is now available on Android and iOS.
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Following the editor updates in August, the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides homepages are now getting a Material 3 Expressive redesign.
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With the November 2025 Feature Drop, Google announced AI Notification Summaries for the latest Pixel phones. The capability is rolling out now, and here’s how it works.
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Outside of Gemini, work on the Google Home app continues today with “Improved device controls” in the Public Preview program.
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