Google Messages RCS read receipts missing for some conversations
In the past week, Google Messages users have noticed that RCS read receipts are not working properly.
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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.
Google, Qualcomm will support 8 years of Android updates with latest chips
Starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm will offer device manufacturers (OEMs) the “ability to provide support for up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play Store rolling out ‘Collections’ app shortcut [U]
Instead of a homescreen widget, you can now launch Google Play Collections using an app shortcut.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app for iPhone gets homescreen redesign, auto-opens keyboard
Following Android in January, the Gemini app on iPhone has received a homescreen redesign that will auto-open the keyboard on launch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store Santa Monica opening March 7
As teased at the end of Made by Google 2024 in August, a Google Store is coming to Santa Monica and will open Friday, March 7.
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Google Drive adding video transcripts with search
After introducing auto-generated captions last year, Google Drive is now adding video transcripts on the web.
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Google replacing SMS with QR codes when creating Gmail accounts
SMS or text message-based two factor authentication (2FA) is not considered secure, and Google wants to replace that confirmation step with QR codes when creating a new Gmail account.
Expand Expanding CloseNew ‘Hey Gemini’ hotword and ‘Hey Google’ might coexist together on Android
Google might have the existing “Hey Google” hotword co-exist with a new “Hey Gemini” hotword that launches Gemini Live.
Expand Expanding CloseImagen 3 people generation starts appearing for free Gemini users
After rolling out document upload and analysis last week, Google is beginning to let free Gemini users generate images of people with Imagen 3.
Expand Expanding CloseDo you have a YouTube Music library?
More specifically, do you curate a music library in the streaming era? For the past few years, I’ve lived entirely in YouTube Music’s Home feed and rarely visit the dedicated Library tab. At this point, it doesn’t feel like I have a music collection anymore.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a leaks in Galaxy S25 Edge leak because why not
We’ve had Pixel phones leak in the back of rideshares and various forms of public transit, but the latest pre-release look at the Pixel 9a comes from a separate leak about the Galaxy S25 Edge.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages redesigns gallery + camera, adds ‘Original quality’ sending [U]
Google Messages has redesigned the UI for taking and sending pictures that permanently merges a live camera viewfinder with your gallery. As part of this, Google is also rolling out the ability to send pictures and videos in “Original quality.”
Expand Expanding CloseWill the real Android 16 please enter beta?
Welcome to episode 42 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about the iPhone 16e (and how it compares to the Pixel 9a), OnePlus Watch 3, and Android 16 Beta 2.
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YouTube Music is now descriptively naming My Mixes
A tweak to YouTube Music makes it easier to browse the auto-generated My Mix playlists with custom naming.
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Google Contacts tweaks account menu, sync status on Android
A small change to Google Contacts for Android makes explicit the current backup and sync status, while tweaking the account menu.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store stops selling Chromecast with Google TV
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K and HD are no longer available for purchase in the Google Store.
Expand Expanding CloseYou now have to say ‘Read my notifications’ with Google Assistant headphones
Following Pixel Buds in September, Google Assistant headphones from other manufacturers will “no longer automatically read unread notifications.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Deep Research rolling out to Google Workspace
Following the consumer rollout, Gemini Deep Research is now coming to Google Workspace tiers that have Gemini Advanced.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Fitbit Sleep Lab will find your ‘ideal’ wake and bedtime
In addition to “Sleep insights & tips,” Fitbit Labs is preparing a new opt-in “Sleep need” experiment that will find your “ideal bedtime and wake times.”
Expand Expanding CloseReport: YouTube ‘Premium Lite’ is for those that already have a music subscription
After testing in recent months, Google is reportedly proceeding with the launch of a YouTube Premium Lite subscription plan that has no music.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Phone app rolls out call interface redesign, history filters
Google today is out with a blog post recapping Pixel Call Assist features that also confirms the rollout of the call UI redesign and Recents filters.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet redesign adds Material 3 control sheet on Android, iOS
Google Meet is redesigning some controls on Android and iOS, with the goal to “organize features in a more intuitive way.”
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit rolling out Charge 6, Sense 2, and Versa 4 update
Following the last big update in July, Google is rolling out a smaller firmware update for the Fitbit Charge 6, Inspire 3, Sense 2, and Versa 4.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music making ‘Ask Music’ more prominent
YouTube Music’s “Ask Music” AI-generated custom radio stations are now more prominent in the Android app.
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