As previewed last week, Gemini Spark is now available in the US for Google AI Ultra subscribers.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Spark rolls out to Google AI Ultra in the US: How it works
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 adjusts Gemini’s new usage limits in response to complaints
At I/O 2026 last week, the Gemini app switched to compute-based usage limits. In response to “feedback about hitting limits too quickly,” Google today announced some changes.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Gemini Live voices rolling out, Android widget gets Neural Expressive icons
Following last week’s Neural Expressive redesign, the Gemini app is rolling out new voices for the main chat experience and Gemini Live.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel Buds app update brings new gradient icon
Besides new firmware for the latest earbuds, Google is also rolling out an update to the Pixel Buds app on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home can now use what cameras see as automation starters, Android widget improved
The latest Google Home update lets you tap into Gemini’s camera scene understanding for automations, while there are a slew of updates across the Home app and voice assistant.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle AI Mode and AI Overviews will highlight your Preferred Sources
After introducing for regular Search results, Google is bringing Preferred Sources to AI Mode and AI Overviews.
Expand Expanding CloseGradient Google icon redesign rolls out on iPhone and web [U]
Following our report last month, Google is beginning to roll out its gradient icon redesign for Workspace apps.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Health Premium joins AI Pro as weekly email redesigned
Besides the new mobile app fully rolling out today, Google Health is joining the Google AI Pro subscription.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out new settings for Search Services History & Personalized Recommendations
Google Search is adding two new settings related to your history and personalization. The aim is to provide users with “more control over saved history and personalized recommendations.” This is rolling out over the coming weeks, and users are beginning to receive email and in-app notifications.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on why it redesigned the Gmail and Workspace icons
While the new Google Workspace icons appeared throughout I/O 2026, Google did not discuss them during the keynote. The company has since provided more details about the redesign.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s May 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 CloseWhat Gemini features you get with Google AI Plus, Pro, & Ultra [May 2026]
To get more out of Gemini-powered features in first-party apps, Google offers AI Plus, AI Pro, and AI Ultra subscriptions. At I/O 2026 in May, the plans got updated usage limits.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android
As part of the Neural Expressive redesign, Gemini Live on Android can now access more first- and third-party “Connected Apps.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app for Mac adding ‘Spark’ agent and voice control this summer
At I/O 2026, Google previewed two major features for the Gemini app on macOS that are coming this summer.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet redesign launches as Google Pay lets you verify desktop purchases on Android
At I/O 2026, Google Wallet quietly announced and completed its big Android redesign. There are also new features for Google Pay and Wallet developers that end users will soon encounter.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Health 5.0 rolling out with new stats widget on Android
As telegraphed, Google Health is now rolling out as an update to the Fitbit app. On Android, Google Health 5.0 introduces a new homescreen Quick Access Widget.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 [Gallery]
At I/O 2026, Google rolled out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 for Pixel devices to continue the fast release schedule this cycle.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 QPR1 Beta 3: System UI adds more blur to Pixel
After introducing with the Material 3 Expressive redesign last year, Google is adding more blur to the system UI with Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 for Pixel
The two week cadence this cycle continues with Google today releasing Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 during I/O 2026.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle AI Studio can now build Android apps, Android Studio adds iOS app porting
Following The Android Show, Google made several developer announcements at I/O 2026, led by AI Studio’s new capability to build native Android apps.
Expand Expanding CloseDocs Live and voice AI in Google Keep let you talk to create, ‘Google Pics’ announced
Besides Gmail announcements, Google at I/O 2026 announced AI voice features for Docs and Keep. The company also unveiled “Google Pics” as the newest Workspace app.
Expand Expanding Close‘Gmail Live’ is a new way to search emails as AI Inbox comes to AI Plus, AI Pro
At I/O 2026, Google announced two big updates for Gmail, starting with a new Live voice search experience.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app now has compute-based usage limits as AI Ultra now starts at $100
Alongside all the feature announcements, Google announced that Gemini is switching away from daily prompt limits, while AI Ultra is now cheaper.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle gets ‘intelligent’ Search box redesign, information agents, mini apps, & more
Google Search received big updates at I/O 2026. For starters, AI Mode is now powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash globally and has over 1 billion users every month.
Expand Expanding Close