Android 15 QPR1 update rolling out to Pixel 8-9 on T-Mobile, Google Fi
Following Thursday’s launch, Android 15 QPR1 with the December 2024 Feature Drop is rolling out to Pixel 8-9 devices on T-Mobile.
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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.
YouTube app rolling out translucent bottom bar on Android, iOS
YouTube announced a number of updates for its mobile app in October, and the translucent bottom bar with a frosted glass effect is now rolling out.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Screenshots update tweaks UI, adds filters & Circle to Search ‘Save’
Pixel Screenshots is getting a major Gboard integration with the December 2024 Feature Drop. Ahead of that, the required Pixel Screenshots version is here with some UI tweaks, auto-filters, and Circle to Search integration, but the “Show suggestions from your screenshots in other apps” functionality is not yet live.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Studio 1.4 rolling out with gen AI sticker creator, Gboard integration, more
With the December 2024 Feature Drop, Google announced that Pixel Studio was getting Gboard integration, but version 1.4 is a bigger update than that with the ability to directly generate stickers.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard Emoji Kitchen redesign lets you ‘Browse’ combos, rolling out
As announced last week with the Pixel (and Android) Feature Drop, Google is rolling out a redesign of Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen UI on Android.
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Google Maps Platform expanding free usage limits for developers
The Google Maps Platform is how third-parties can develop with Google Maps, and the company is now expanding its free usage limits. As of today, the platform is used by “over 10 million websites and apps.”
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music adds timestamp sharing, useful for podcasts
Following the main mobile app earlier this year, YouTube Music for Android and iOS can now share a specific timestamp.
Expand Expanding CloseFinal Google Store 2024 holiday deals: 50% off Pixel Watch 3 with Pixel 9
The US Google Store today launched what should be the final set of deals — as they run until December 28 — for the 2024 holidays.
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Android 15 QPR1 Pixel bug flips light, dark Themed icons – how to fix it
A bug in the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 on Pixel devices flips the light and dark Themed icons.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 033: Android 15 QPR1 + December Feature Drop
Welcome to episode 33 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop.
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Google sends out new round of Pixel Superfan invites
Amidst the December 2024 Feature Drop yesterday, Google sent out another round of invites to the Pixel Superfans program in the US.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos 2024 Recap rolling out with insights, Gemini, and more
With the year winding down, Google Photos is rolling out its 2024 Recap, which has two parts.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Docs testing Gemini-powered ‘Help me create’
In addition to the existing “Help me write” capability, Gemini in Google Docs is going a step further with “Help me create.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle wants to know what Gemini Extensions you need
As of this week, all the Gemini Extensions that have been previously announced are widely rolling out. Google is now asking Gemini users what other Extensions they want.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home testing ‘Help me create’ for custom automations
Following AI Camera Search, the Google Home app is testing another Gemini-powered feature with “Help me create” in the Android app to generate “custom automations to help you connect and control your smart home more conveniently.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 gets 10 fixes with Android 15 QPR1, OTA images live
The first big update to Android 15 is rolling out today with QPR1 and it contains a number of fixes for the Pixel 9 series and older supported Google phones.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet adds support for sixth state ID on Android
Following the last addition in August, Google Wallet for Android is now rolling out support for New Mexico state IDs.
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Google announces PaliGemma 2 vision-language model
After announcing Gemma 2 at I/O 2024 in May, Google today is introducing PaliGemma 2 as its latest open vision-language model (VLM).
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch Feature Drop: Live View and Cardio + Target Load expansions
The three generations of Pixel Watch are not getting an OTA update this month, but December 2024 Feature Drop does bring a handful of additions.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 QPR1 rolling out with December security update
With the December 2024 security patch, Google is rolling out the stable Android 15 QPR1 update and a Pixel (Feature) Drop for the 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Screenshots getting a smart Gboard integration, auto-filters, and more
As part of the December 2024 (Feature) Drop, Pixel Screenshots is getting a big upgrade that adds major integrations with other Google apps, including Gboard and Circle to Search.
Expand Expanding CloseDecember Pixel Feature Drop: Gemini Call Screen replies, Simple View, Identity Check, more
Google is rolling out the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR1 today, and it’s a rather sizable update.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini rolling out Spotify Extension on Android, adds ‘Chess champ’ Gem
Following Utilities, Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp, the Spotify Gemini Extension is rolling out today, while a Chess Gem is now available for Advanced users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Contacts redesigns Favorite widget on Android
After updating the Individual variant with message and call notifications, as well as shared location, earlier this year, Google Contacts has rolled out a redesign of the Favorite contacts widget.
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