Following the redesign last month, Google has updated Circle to Search with a longer, more prominent vibration pattern.
Expand Expanding CloseCircle to Search update extends long-press and boosts vibration
Author
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 One AI Premium adds NotebookLM Plus, 50% student discount
As previewed in December, NotebookLM Plus is now officially available with Google One AI Premium, while the subscription now offers a student discount in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard’s Assistant voice typing toolbar is coming to Pixel phones
After introducing on the Pixel Tablet last year, Gboard’s Assistant voice typing toolbar is now available on Google phones.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Gemini 2.0 experimental models roll out to Gemini app
Following the announcement last Wednesday, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental and 2.0 Pro Experimental are seeing wider availability in the Android and iOS apps.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Assistant car mics might be shutting down soon
In 2019, Google introduced a new class of Assistant device that provided dedicated mics in your car. Five years later, Google looks to be shutting down the “Google Assistant on Car accessory.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store boosts Pixel 9 Pro discount to $200 for Super Bowl
To coincide with the Super Bowl 2025 commercial, the US Google Store is discounting the Pixel 9 series, as well as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a render leak provides a glimpse at the bezels
The Pixel 9a leaks continue today with an official-looking render that’s on the low-res side but provides an idea of the screen size and bezels.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Play Store showing repeat Android app updates
On Friday evening, the Google Play Store started showing Android users repeat app updates that they’ve already installed. This is not the first time that this bug has occurred.
Expand Expanding CloseImagen 3 in Gemini for Gmail, Workspace can now generate people
Google has rolled out a pair of Gemini updates for Workspace users that improves Gmail Q&A (inserting responses) and Imagen 3 (people generation).
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 040: OTAs and AI days
Welcome to episode 40 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about Gemini 2.0 and this week’s Pixel update.
Subscribe
Sponsored by Yaber: Check out Yaber’s latest projectors that combine exceptional image quality, powerful sound, and smart features to revolutionize your viewing experience. On sale now.
Expand Expanding Close
Chrome 135 on Android will improve autofill using third-party password managers [Updated]
Google is updating Chrome for Android next month with native third-party autofill support when using an alternate password manager.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps tests shrinking pins into small dots
If you have a lot of saved places, Google Maps can look a bit unwieldy with all those pins, and the app is now testing using small dots to address that.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s Live Caption panel adding Background transparency
After introducing Expressive Captions in December, the Live Caption panel on Pixel devices now offers a Background transparency setting.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps deleting sent RCS messages ‘for everyone’
Back in June, the GSMA Association responsible for RCS finalized the latest standard with features like the ability to delete a sent message, and Google Messages is readying support.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music might replace the Song/Video switcher
After introducing in 2019, YouTube Music might replace the Song/Video switcher at the top of the Now Playing screen.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app will automatically open your keyboard on Android
Google is implementing a small change wherein your keyboard will automatically open when the Gemini app is launched on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app’s built-in browser adds Auto Dark Mode on iPhone
After testing last year, Google app on iOS has rolled out an Auto Dark Mode for its built-in web browser.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini 2.0 Flash Thinking and 2.0 Pro Experimental rolling out to Gemini app
Following the web, the Gemini app on Android and iOS are starting to get access to 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental and 2.0 Pro Experimental (if you’re an Advanced subscriber).
Expand Expanding Close
Pixel 9 ‘Reimagine’ images adding AI watermark
Edits generated by the Pixel 9’s Reimagine feature inside the Google Photos Magic Editor will now be watermarked with SynthID.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Pixel 9 Super Bowl 2025 ad is all about Gemini Live
At Super Bowl 2025, Google is airing a Pixel 9 and Gemini Live ad called “Dream Job.” This is in addition to another Google Workspace with Gemini ad campaign.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle starts testing new Search ‘AI Mode’ internally – Here’s an early look at it
As previously spotted, Google Search is working on a new “AI Mode” that offers a “persistent place” to ask more “open-ended / exploratory questions” and get generated AI Overview-style responses. Powered by Gemini 2.0, Google has begun testing this experience with employees.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Pixel Referral Program: $50 store credit, 10% discount [U]
The US Google Store is launching a Pixel Referral Rewards program: “Earn $50 in Google Store credit for each friend who buys a Pixel and they’ll get 10% off a Pixel phone.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adding 2.0 Pro and 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental
Google is following the consumer launch of 2.0 Flash with new preview models that will be available to test in the Gemini app: 2.0 Pro Experimental and 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos adding new grid customizations to hide clutter
Google Photos for Android is adding more granular customization options for the main grid of images and videos.
Expand Expanding Close