Chrome on Android has offered a Reading mode for several years now, and Google is now significantly redesigning it.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for Android rolls out always-available Reading mode redesign [U]
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 Photos for Android rolls out sticker creation
After rolling out to iOS in August, Google Photos for Android now lets you create stickers from your images.
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Google Photos rolling out shortcut to local folders
Google Photos for Android is adding a rather convenient shortcut to access your local folders from anywhere in the app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is winding down the Pixel Studio app
Pixel Studio was introduced in 2024 with the Pixel 9 alongside Screenshots and Weather. In light of other Google image generation features and integrations, Pixel Studio is going away.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages rolling out real-time location sharing
After we spotted earlier this week, Google Messages is beginning to roll out its new real-time location sharing powered by Find Hub.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 17 Beta 2 [Gallery]
Google today released Android 17 Beta 2 for Pixel devices. This comes less than two weeks after the first release.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is now rolling out Android 17 Beta 2 for Pixel
Less than two weeks after the inaugural release, Android 17 Beta 2 is already rolling out to Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out ‘Past Chats’ personalization to free users
Google is now beginning to roll out the “Past Chats” feature to free users of the Gemini app around the world.
Expand Expanding CloseNano Banana 2 brings Pro quality at Flash speeds, rolling out to Gemini app
Google today announced Nano Banana 2 as its latest image model rolling out now to the Gemini app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle details MCP-like ‘AppFunctions’ that let Gemini use Android apps
Following the Gemini automation announcement today, Google is detailing how all this works under the hood on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases ‘Gemini Enterprise’ mobile app, adds @Google Chat for Workspace
Last October, Google announced Gemini Enterprise for business users, and the mobile apps are now available. Meanwhile, @Google Chat is now available in the Gemini app for Workspace users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle teases ‘amazing things’ in Android 17
Google’s Sameer Samat took the stage at Galaxy Unpacked today and teased “amazing things” coming to Android 17.
Expand Expanding CloseScam Detection comes to Samsung’s S26 Phone app as Google Messages gets Gemini boost
At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, Google announced Scam Detection updates for calls and its Messages app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle upgrades Circle to Search with Gemini 3 for multi-search, bottom chat UI
Besides Gemini automation, Google today announced the latest Circle to Search features for the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini automation on Pixel 10, S26 can book rides and place orders
At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, Google announced agentic automation capabilities for the Gemini app on the Galaxy S26, as well as the Pixel 10.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages Details page brings back edit history
After losing with the broader Material 3 Expressive redesign, the Google Messages Details page has regained edit history.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages more widely rolling out circular read receipts redesign
In August of 2024, Google Messages started testing a circular redesign of read receipts. This has been slowly rolling out since then, and there now looks to be wide availability for beta users.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Premium Lite adds background play and downloads
Just under a year after expanding to the US, YouTube Premium Lite is adding background playback and offline downloads for “most videos.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle touts ‘Pixel Colors Through the Years’ – here’s a look back [Gallery]
With the Pixel 10a unveil last week, it’s officially a wrap on the Pixel 10 series. Before the next cycle begins, Google posted a fun “Pixel Colors Through the Years” infographic today.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s February 2026 Google System Updates [U]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps Find Hub location sharing integration
Real-time Find Hub location sharing is coming to Google Messages for a more integrated experience on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adds video templates to quick start generation
Following music generation last week, the Gemini app is upgrading video generation with templates.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle, Apple start testing encrypted RCS on Android and iOS 26.4
Google and Apple today announced that testing of encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone is now underway.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings full AI Mode prompt box to Chrome address bar
Following last month’s big Gemini in Chrome update, AI Mode in Google’s desktop browser is getting its own upgrade in the address bar.
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