Due to only 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a will not have Pixel Screenshots or Call Notes in the Phone app.
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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.
Due to only 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a will not have Pixel Screenshots or Call Notes in the Phone app.
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Google is introducing “smarter search” to Gmail for Android, iOS, and the web that leverages “AI to show you the most relevant results, faster.”
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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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In recent weeks, Pixel Camera users have noticed that the WhatsApp Social Share shortcut is no longer available.
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Google Photos is more widely rolling out a simplified bottom bar that removes the “Memories” tab on Android.
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Google is testing a tweak to Gemini’s placement in Gmail for Android that restores the account switcher to its original placement.
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Over the past few hours, owners of the Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio haven’t been able to Cast any audio or video content.
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The Google Home app is finally adding the ability to double-tap to quick seek through camera history. This is currently part of the Public Preview program.
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After testing got underway in January, Gboard is now widely rolling out Undo and Redo buttons/shortcuts on Android.
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Two weeks after it started rolling out, Wear OS 5.1 is now available on all three generations of the Pixel Watch. Here’s everything new with the first update in four months.
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After previewing last October, Google Wallet will soon let supervised kids access NFC tap-to-pay on Android phones. Google announced it alongside the Pixel 9a today.
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Google today announced the Pixel 9a as its mid-range phone for 2025. We’ve had some hands-on time and it feels like its own design compared to past Pixel devices.
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Since launch, the Gemini app has required that you sign in with your Google Account to access. That’s no longer the case.
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After rolling out to a third of available devices two weeks ago, the Wear OS 5.1 update is now available for the LTE Pixel Watch 3 and 2, as well as the original Pixel Watch.
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Less than a week after the main release, Google is rolling out Android 16 Beta 3.1 to Pixel devices. Some of the addressed bugs impacted day-to-day usage.
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Following the Android announcement last week, Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant on Chromebooks.
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Google now maintains an updated list of third-party “Made for Google” screen protectors that have been certified and “tested to ensure compatibility with Pixel phones” and the fingerprint sensor.
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Google Play services is responsible for powering a great number of features on modern Android devices. Some Android users today have been getting a “Update Google Play services” notification today.
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Following last week’s model updates, Google is rolling out Audio Overviews and a new Canvas tool to the Gemini app.
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Ahead of Astra video and screen sharing later this month, Gemini Live is getting a more compact interface on Android.
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After introducing for Android in September, YouTube Music’s AI-powered “Ask Music” radio generator is now available on the iPhone and iPad.
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Less than two weeks ago, Samsung said to expect One UI 7 next month, and the Android 15 update is now set for Monday, April 7.
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Following last week’s fix for most users, Google is rolling out a Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio fix for those that factory reset their Cast streaming devices.
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After retiring the last two tests, Fitbit is back with the Personalized Sleep Schedule Lab.
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