The Gemini app on Android has redesigned voice input to take after social messaging apps.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini for Android redesigns voice input to be like audio memos
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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.
Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Blur, & more
Google today rolled out Android Canary 2603 with a number of user-facing changes compared to the latest Android 17 Beta 2.
Expand Expanding CloseThis is Android’s new ‘advanced flow’ for sideloading apps without verification, includes one-day waiting period [Gallery]
Later this year, Google is introducing new Android developer verification. For power users, Android will offer an “advanced flow” to disable the verification requirement.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app making ‘Temporary chats’ easier to start
After introducing last August, Google might make the Gemini app’s Temporary chat feature much more prominent.
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Pixel Weather tweaks widget as new icons come to Google Clock 8.6
Google has made a pair of weather tweaks to Pixel Weather and the Clock app (version 8.6).
Expand Expanding CloseGemini screen automation rolling out to Pixel 10 series
Following availability on the Galaxy S26 last week, Gemini screen automation is now rolling out on the Pixel 10 series as part of the March 2026 Feature Drop.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Gemini for Home voice assistant is now more concise, faster, & better at alarms/timers
Google is back with a second big update to Gemini for Home this month that notably improves the voice assistant.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit improves sleep tracking, new Sleep Score and health records coming
Fitbit today announced a number of new features coming to the Public Preview, starting with improved sleep tracking.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Personal Intelligence to free Gemini, Chrome, & AI Mode users
Following the announcement in January, Google is now bringing Personal Intelligence to free users in the Gemini app, Gemini in Chrome, and AI Mode.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can now add the bookmarks bar to Chrome on Android tablets, foldables
Google is updating Chrome on Android tablets and foldables to be more like the desktop version by adding the bookmarks bar.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out modem update for original Pixel Watch
Following the last release in October, Google is rolling out a modem update for the original Pixel Watch released in 2022.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Translate rolls out new homescreen widgets on Android
Following the Gemini updates last year, Google Translate for Android is getting a set of new homescreen widgets.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app starts rolling out quick access to AI Mode history
The Google app on Android is rolling out convenient, persistent access to AI Mode history for a more integrated experience.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet fully replaces legacy Duo calling
Google Duo is now fully gone, with the company completing its migration to Google Meet as its sole video calling service.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini screen automation for Android apps has free, AI Pro usage limits
Google has started rolling out Gemini screen automation on the Galaxy S26, and this capability has usage limits like other Gemini app features.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Pixel Camera 10.3: 100x ‘Pro Res Zoom’ renamed
Google is rolling out the first update to Pixel Camera of 2026, though version 10.3 is a minor release.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini rolls out overlay redesign that adds full Tools menu [U]
The latest Gemini overlay redesign gives you access to more of the prompt box and Tools menu anywhere on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome for ARM64 Linux devices coming Q2 2026
Following Mac and Windows versions, Google Chrome will soon support ARM64 Linux devices.
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Google Nest Wifi Pro rolling out March 2026 update
As mentioned in the “What’s new in Google Home” changelog earlier this month, the Nest Wifi Pro is getting a March 2026 update.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit app drops Material 3 Expressive’s floating toolbar
As Fitbit continues to preview its personal health coach, the redesigned app is getting interface tweaks that swap out a key Material 3 Expressive component.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps rolling out conversational ‘Ask Maps’ chat
Google Maps today announced “Ask Maps” to answer your “complex, real-world questions a map could never answer before.”
Expand Expanding Close‘Immersive Navigation’ is the biggest Google Maps driving update in a decade
Google Maps is giving its driving experience the “biggest update in over a decade” with Immersive Navigation that redesigns visuals and offers “more intuitive guidance.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Play Games Sidekick and Game Trials
Back in September, Google previewed Play Games Sidekick. This experience is now beginning to roll out, with Google sharing a number of Android updates at the Game Developers Conference today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages starts rolling out Trash folder
Google Messages is getting a nice quality-of-life update with a simple Trash folder.
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