Welcome to the quarterfinals of our best Google four-color app icon tournament.
Expand Expanding CloseQuarterfinals: What is Google’s best four-color app icon?
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 removing ‘Memories’ from bottom bar, now called ‘Moments’
Google Photos is rolling out a redesign that removes the “Memories” tab from the bottom bar, though the functionality remains intact with a new “Moments” name and location. This is starting to roll out on iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat rolling out audio ‘Huddles’ powered by Meet
As previewed in August of 2023, Google Chat is adding an audio-first meeting feature called “Huddles” that are described as being “instant-on.”
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Google files appeal in Epic case, set for February 2025
In losing the Epic lawsuit last December, a District Judge this October laid out a series of changes to Google Play. That was put on hold to allow the appeals process to play out, and Google today filed its opening brief to a higher court.
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You can now download VPN by Google on the Pixel Tablet
With Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, VPN by Google was pre-installed on the Pixel Tablet. Pixel Tablet owners on the stable Android 15 release can now download Google’s VPN via the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app for Android, iOS rolling out to Google Workspace users
Following the announcement in September, Google is allowing Workspace (work and education) users to access the Gemini app on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat is Google’s best four-color app icon? [Tournament]
For its biggest services, I don’t see Google deviating from four-color logos anytime soon. To that end, we have a knockout tournament to find out what you think is Google’s best four-color app icon.
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Nest Hub Max F22 update rolling out with Nest Cam-Home transfer
Last week, Google announced that the Nest Cam in the Nest Hub Max will soon be available in the Home app. This requires a Nest Hub Max firmware update, with version F22 rolling out now.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases Pixel Watch Performance Loop Band for $59.99
After months of leaks, Google has released the Pixel Watch Performance Loop Band aimed at being “your new run buddy.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Calendar rolls out full Google Tasks integration on Android
Following last week’s announcement, the new Google Tasks functionality in Google Calendar for Android is widely rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseSpotify Gemini Extension rolling out on Android
Following WhatsApp, the second third-party Gemini Extension is Spotify. The “play & search” functionality is similar to YouTube Music.
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Google Maps now does a better job of highlighting stairs
A nice quality-of-life improvement for Google Maps on Android and iOS are new stair “callouts” when getting walking directions.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in the November 2024 Google System Updates [U: 11/25]
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.
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The ‘Google Developer Program’ now has a paid $299/year ’Premium’ tier
The “Google Developer Program” was announced in May at I/O 2024 to offer “tools and resources to help you on your development journey.” The company is now adding a paid tier to this Google Cloud-centric program.
Expand Expanding CloseFossil Gen 6 gets rare Wear OS update
About a year after the last update, Fossil Gen 6 watches are getting a new Wear OS patch. Fossil announced this January that it was done making Wear OS (and hybrid) smartwatches.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Drive file picker redesigned on Android
The Google Drive file picker found in Gmail, Chat and other Workspace apps is getting a redesign on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos gets navigation redesign on the web with Collections
After introducing on Android and iOS in August, Google Photos on the web is now replacing the Library with “Collections.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle releases Android 15-based Wear OS 5.1 preview with watch speaker playback
Google’s next wearable release is Wear OS 5.1 based on Android 15, with a developer preview already available.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle completes Pixel Camera 9.6 rollout
Pixel Camera 9.6 started rolling out in mid-October with a handful of additions introduced with that month’s Feature Drop. This version should now be more widely available via the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseFull Google Tasks app coming to Google Calendar for Android
Google Calendar on Android is getting a more full-featured Google Tasks experience to make it “easier for users to stay on top of and organize their tasks.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps for Android, iOS get new version number system
From Gemini to a new location for weather and the teal accent color, Google Maps has seen a number of changes recently, with the latest being a new system for version numbers.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 032: For All Android. Always.
Welcome to episode 32 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about Android 16 Developer Preview 1 and the ChromeOS-Android rumors.
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Google rolling out last minute Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3.1 to Pixel
While Android 15 is already on QPR2 Beta 1, Google this afternoon released QPR1 Beta 3.1 for Pixel devices. This is a “minor update” with several bug fixes that comes almost a month after the last major release.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on why Pixel Buds Pro 2 uses custom Tensor A1, transparency mode plans
One of the more unexpected aspects of Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the use of a custom Tensor-branded A1 chip, with Google sharing a bit more on why it went that route today.
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