Besides gaining 2.5 Pro yesterday, the Gemini app is finally doing a better job of remembering what model you selected.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Gemini app will now always remember what model you picked
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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.
Pixel Watch adds app icons to Wear OS Tiles
A tweak that coincides with the Wear OS 5.1 update briefly introduces app icons to Tiles on the Pixel Watch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolls out text field redesign
After spending 2024 cycling through different looks before reverting to the original for some reason, Google Messages has widely rolled out a redesign of the text field.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play safety measures coming to Android in 2025
Google today previewed upcoming safety features coming to Google Play and Android apps in 2025.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini 2.5 Pro is Google’s ‘most intelligent AI model’ with thinking built-in
Following updates to the models that are available for all users, Google today announced Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) for Advanced subscribers and developers. Like before, Google is doing another mid-year/model update.
Expand Expanding CloseFree Gemini users can now access Gems on Android, iOS
Following the announcement earlier this month, Gems, or custom versions of Gemini that users can create and customize, are now more widely available for free users on the Android and iOS app.
Expand Expanding CloseReport: ‘Pixie’ was a canceled Pixel assistant that became Pixel Screenshots, more
Ahead of the Pixel 9, Google was rumored to be working on a “Pixie” assistant. That never launched, but a recent report reveals what happened.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet on Android and Wear OS supporting Aliro smart lock standard
In November of 2023, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) announced Aliro as a new standard for smart locks, and Google Wallet is now adding support.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle expands Search AI Mode access to free users on waitlist
Google announced the new Search AI Mode at the start of March, and waitlist access is now expanding beyond Google One AI Premium to free users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on how to clean Pixel Buds Pro 2 mesh that ‘can greatly affect’ audio quality
Earlier this month, Google shared more detailed instructions on how to clean the “rear vent mesh” on the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app preps letting you generate 8-second videos with Veo 2
Last month, Google teased what’s coming next to Gemini Advanced, and work on letting Gemini app users generate video with Veo 2 is finalizing.
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Gemini Live’s Astra screen sharing has a nice glow to it
Over the past few days, more reports of Gemini Live’s Astra-powered screen and video sharing have emerged with a look at the UI and its familiar glow.
Expand Expanding CloseOn the year-long Google Photos redesign
The big development for Google Photos in the past year is the Gemini-powered “Ask Photos,” but that shouldn’t overshadow a series of redesigns that feels like it concluded with the simplified bottom bar that rolled out earlier this week.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates Circle to Search with transparent navigation bar [U]
Following the extended long-press and boosted vibration, Google’s next update for Circle to Search is a transparent navigation bar for Search results.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live’s Astra camera, screen sharing starts appearing on Android
As promised at MWC earlier this month, Google’s rollout of Project Astra-powered camera and screen sharing capabilities to Gemini Live is now underway.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle fixes missing Maps Timeline history, backups can now be restored
Earlier this month, some Google Maps users found that their Timeline location history was missing, but the company has now fixed the issue.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 046: Pixel 9aches and pains
Welcome to episode 46 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk all about the Pixel 9a.
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Google app getting ‘Activity’ tab for faster Search History on Android
Besides Search and Discover, the Google app on Android offers a bookmarking system that is now getting a fresh coat of paint as part of the “Activity” tab.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app redesigns ‘plus’ menu, adds Canvas on Android and iOS
Following the web introduction on Tuesday, Gemini Canvas is now rolling out to the Android and iOS app with a redesign of the plus menu.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out Audio Overviews to Android, iOS
As announced earlier this week, the Gemini app is getting the ability to generate Audio Overview podcasts, with Android and iOS users beginning to see this capability today.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music upgrades Quick picks with multi-song radio creator
First spotted in August, YouTube Music is now rolling out an upgrade to the Quick picks shelf that lets you create a radio based on multiple songs.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a lacks Pixel Screenshots, Call Notes due to RAM
Due to only 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a will not have Pixel Screenshots or Call Notes in the Phone app.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail rolling out AI-powered ‘Most relevant’ search update
Google is introducing “smarter search” to Gmail for Android, iOS, and the web that leverages “AI to show you the most relevant results, faster.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolls out Family Link redesign on Android
Following last month’s announcement, Google is now rolling out a redesign of Android’s Family Link app for parents. The goal is to bring the “most important tools and resources for managing screen time to the forefront.”
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