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.
Besides expanded availability across apps, the double pinch gesture on the Pixel Watch 5 benefits from being able to “Customize actions” across music and alarms.
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Google announced today that tap to pay with Google Pay is coming to Walmart stores in the US.
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Following the Pixel 11 series earlier today, Google has released factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5.
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On the Pixel 11 series, Google has updated Gboard’s Writing tools with Gemini Intelligence to offer “Personalized suggestions.”
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With the Pixel 11 series hitting store shelves today, Google has released factory images for all the devices.
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Google is rolling out updates that let you customize Discover and the Google News audio briefing.
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With the launch of the Pixel 11, Google is rolling out a handful of updates to the Journal app that are already appearing on older devices.
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As the Pixel 11 series gets Rambler and Google’s new 3D emoji, Gboard is rolling out a new “Emoji size” setting to beta users.
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With the new phones this year, Google is introducing “Pixel search” as a “dedicated search companion designed to help you find personal information faster than ever.”
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With the back-to-school season underway, Google is introducing new study tools across the Gemini app and Search.
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The Pixel app updates continue today with Weather getting a new icon and some minor interface tweaks.
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Google is introducing a blue gradient ring around your Account photo to indicate whether you’re subscribed to a paid tier.
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The result of two changes made by Google means I’m using the Pixel Watch 5 in an entirely different way from the previous four generations, and it feels so futuristic.
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Historically, Google has set out to make helpful devices. The Pixel 11 Pro continues that with Gemini Intelligence, while introducing a new narrative about how you can use your phone less with HiLight.
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After three generations, Google dropped the built-in thermometer from the Pixel 11 Pro. However, like other first-party apps, the Pixel Thermometer app has a new icon.
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On Tuesday, Pixel Watch 1 owners encountered a Google Health error message about needing to update their wearable. Google has confirmed that this was a bug and that the original device remains supported.
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After previewing in May, Google has now finished rolling out Gemini in Chrome for Android users in the US.
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Following Journal and Recorder, the Pixel 11 update for the Screenshots app is here with the ability to filter “by date range and source.”
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The Android 17 QPR1 preview is surprisingly still active as Google today released Beta 9. This follows a big Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 on Friday.
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Google has hired Jacob Bank as VP of Product for Chrome. The announcement was made today, with Bank previously working at Google for six years.
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Google is rolling out an update to Find Hub on Wear OS that adds a “Find people” app to your watch. The experience was previously just for your devices.
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Following the Journal app last week, Google is rolling out an update to Pixel Recorder that brings the new app icon to older devices.
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Ahead of the Googlebook launch this fall, we now have a full look at the Desktop Camera application.
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Since the Pixel 8, Google’s camera-based face recognition has supported Android’s highest biometric standard. The Pixel 11 series now offers Face Unlock that “recognizes you more easily in low light.”
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