YouTube TV is fully embracing the popularity and whimsy of its “Enjoy the zen” ad breaks (literally) with a dedicated channel.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV now has a 24/7 ‘Enjoy the zen’ channel
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 teases ‘AI Mode’ as new way to talk to Search [APK Insight]
Google is readying some sort of “AI Mode” for the Search app on Android that appears to be a new conversational and visual (or multimodal) experience.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages has a switching guide for Verizon Message+ users
Verizon Message+ is set to stop working in a few days (after a month-long delay), and Google is out with a brief guide for those switching to its Messages app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos rolling out ‘Undo device backup’ setting
The Google Photos mobile app is rolling out a new setting that basically lets you undo a backup, and “remove all of the photos and videos that are currently found on your device in Google Photos.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Extensions for Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp rolling out
Following the wide Utilities rollout yesterday, Google is rolling out the Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp Gemini Extensions. These integrations were announced in late October.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s GenCast AI weather model is better than today’s top forecast system
Google has been working on AI weather models for the past few years, and GenCast is its latest forecasting system with “state-of-the-art accuracy.”
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for Android has doubled its Speedometer score
Google today detailed how it spent the past two years improving the performance — especially on Speedometer — of Chrome for Android.
Expand Expanding CloseSpotify Wrapped 2024 launches with AI Podcast powered by Google’s NotebookLM
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here and features an AI Podcast that’s “Built with Google’s NotebookLM.” Two AI hosts from the viral note-taking/research tool “unwrap” your year in music.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app widely rolling out Utilities Extension on Android
The “Utilities” Gemini Extension has been rolling out over the past few weeks, and it’s now seeing wider availability in the Android app.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Recorder preps ‘Clear voice’ background noise reduction
Google is working on a “Clear voice” feature for the Pixel Recorder that will “Reduce background noise while recording for clearer speech playback.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages starts rolling out latest text field redesign
After abandoning the previous design a few months ago, Google Messages is back with another redesign of the text field.
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Google updating the Play Integrity API to work faster
Google is upgrading the Play Integrity API for Android app developers to be faster and more secure.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6-9 now lets you check device temperature after ‘Troubleshooting’ update
Following an update to the Pixel Troubleshooting app/service, the Pixel 6-9 can natively show “Device temperature.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini-powered Google Assistant is starting to answer some commands with new voice
Back in August, Google said it would be using Gemini large language models to improve Assistant on smart speakers/displays with better responses and a new voice. This is beginning to roll out for some users and commands.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet for Wear OS adding corporate badges, campus IDs, and more
Last December, Google Wallet gained support for loyalty cards and passes on wearables. Google Wallet for Wear OS is soon getting support for “access cards,” like work badges or student IDs.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV for Android gets resizable PiP-style miniplayer
Following the main YouTube app, YouTube TV for Android phones and tablets has a new miniplayer styled after picture-in-picture.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat is Google’s best four-color app icon? [Results]
After four days of voting, we have a winner in our single-elimination tournament for the best Google four-color app icon.
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Google Pixel Watch Bands discounted for Cyber Monday
For Cyber Monday 2024, the US Google Store and other retailers have discounts on various Pixel Watch Bands.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps app showing incident reports from Waze
As part of the redesigned incident reporting across all platforms, Google said Maps would show Waze reports for users to confirm while navigating. This is beginning to roll out.
Expand Expanding CloseFinals: What is Google’s best four-color app icon?
This is it! After 16 Android apps duked it out in a single-elimination tournament, it’s time to determine the best Google four-color icon.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch Concentric face update makes another appearance
While the Performance Loop Band is now available, Google still hasn’t released an update to the Pixel Watch Concentric face, which we now have another look at.
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Google Assistant Quick Phrases stuck on some Pixel phones
The Pixel 6 introduced Quick Phrases that let you answer calls and stop alarms without needing to say “Hey Google,” and there’s currently an annoying bug with the Assistant-powered experience.
Expand Expanding CloseSemifinals: What is Google’s best four-color app icon?
This is the semifinals of our best Google four-color app icon tournament.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Black Friday 2024 deals: $250 off Pixel 9 Pro XL, $329 Pixel Watch 3 45mm LTE
The US Google Store has launched its 2024 Black Friday deals. Discounts on Pixel devices will be available until December 2, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
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