Following a Google One deal a few days ago, Play Points members can get a 30% discount towards the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 and 9 Pro get 30% discount with Google Play Points perk
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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.
Pebblebee Find My Device trackers for Android get first firmware update
In setting up Find My Device trackers, I just used Google’s app. However, to update firmware, you will need to download the manufacturer’s companion Android app, which is the case with Pebblebee trackers today.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 030: Sweet (Android) 16
Welcome to episode 30 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about how Google revealed that Android 16 is coming earlier than expected.
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Gemini side panel rolling out to Google Chat for Workspace
Following Gmail, Drive, and Docs/Sheets/Slides, the Gemini side panel is now available in Google Chat if you’re a paid Workspace subscriber.
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Gemini Advanced gets updated 1.5 Pro model
Following the last upgrade at the start of October, Google has updated the Gemini 1.5 Pro model used by Gemini Advanced.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages testing RCS read receipts redesign [U]
Following the last redesign in early 2023, Google Messages is testing a new look for read receipts in RCS conversations.
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Google One offering $150 Pixel 9 discount to some subscribers
In addition to the standard 10% back on Google Store purchases, some Google One members today are being offered $150 off the Pixel 9 series.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on why Pixel Weather doesn’t have Froggy
Pixel Weather has now widely rolled out to older devices, and this week’s Made by Google Podcast talks about the app’s design and why Froggy isn’t featured.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Android 15 QPR2 Beta for Pixel is starting soon
Besides the general Android 16 timeline provided today, Google is also sharing that the Android 15 QPR2 Beta gets underway soon.
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS 130 adds Recorder app, Studio-style mic, Help me read, docked PiP, more
ChromeOS 130 started rolling out on Tuesday, with Google’s changelog today confirming what’s new. Overall, this is a bigger release and delivers the second set of new Chromebook Plus features.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat the first Google Store in a mall looks like [Gallery]
Housed in a mall, Google Store Oakbrook outside of Chicago opens on Friday as the company’s fifth retail location for Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit products.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search widget regains custom colors theme on Android
Back in August, the Google Search bar widget was updated with Dynamic Color, and it’s now bringing back “Custom” colors.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Studio getting more Gemini to help app development
Besides providing an initial Android 16 timeline today, Google has a number of developer updates across Android Studio and the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 coming Q2 2025 as Google readies ‘more frequent SDK releases’
Google announced today that “Android will have more frequent SDK releases,” while setting a Q2 2025 release date for Android 16, which will soon see a developer preview.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Extensions for WhatsApp, Google Home, Phone, and Messages gradually rolling out
Following the Workspace additions in September, there are seven Gemini Extensions on Android, and Google is in the process of “gradually releasing” the next batch for WhatsApp, Google Home, Phone, and Messages. They replace the current Google Assistant fallback for those tasks.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps getting Gemini search, review summaries, and Q&A
With over 2 billion monthly users, Google Maps is adding Gemini to power a trio of experiences that do seem quite useful on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps adding weather disruption reporting & more detailed driving map
In addition to Gemini for search, summaries, and Q&A, Google Maps for Android and iOS are getting updates to improve the entire driving experience “from start to finish.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app finally gets Material 3 bottom bar on Android
The vast majority of Google apps have updated their bottom bar to the latest Material 3 design. The Google (Search) app did that last year before reverting, and it’s now back.
Expand Expanding CloseNintendo’s new music app is a clone of YouTube Music
Nintendo Music was announced today as an Android and iOS app that lets you “enjoy some Nintendo tunes,” but the UI looks a lot like YouTube Music over the years.
Expand Expanding CloseThe ‘Pixel Cap’ is technically Google’s newest wearable
The US Google Store has a new round of “Official Merch” and the “Pixel Cap” is pretty good. It follows the first batch introduced in April.
Expand Expanding Close2027 Pixel Tablet ‘3’ might have a second USB-C port
The first Pixel Tablet was released in 2023, and a new Tensor G6 leak today reveals that Google is planning another large screen device for 2027.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet for kids will be available in 2025 with Family Link
After debuting on the Fitbit Ace LTE, Google Wallet with tap-to-pay will be available next year for kids using Family Link-managed Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle widely rolling out Pixel Weather to Pixel 6-8a
As announced with the October 2024 (Feature) Drop two weeks ago, Pixel Weather is now available for the Pixel 6 and newer, including the Tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google Contacts Wear OS Tile rolls out on Pixel Watch
With the October Pixel Drop, the Pixel Watch got a pair of new features and the new Google Contacts Wear OS Tile is now available.
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