To coincide with the Super Bowl 2025 commercial, the US Google Store is discounting the Pixel 9 series, as well as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store boosts Pixel 9 Pro discount to $200 for Super Bowl
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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.
Pixel 9a render leak provides a glimpse at the bezels
The Pixel 9a leaks continue today with an official-looking render that’s on the low-res side but provides an idea of the screen size and bezels.
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Google Play Store showing repeat Android app updates
On Friday evening, the Google Play Store started showing Android users repeat app updates that they’ve already installed. This is not the first time that this bug has occurred.
Expand Expanding CloseImagen 3 in Gemini for Gmail, Workspace can now generate people
Google has rolled out a pair of Gemini updates for Workspace users that improves Gmail Q&A (inserting responses) and Imagen 3 (people generation).
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 040: OTAs and AI days
Welcome to episode 40 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about Gemini 2.0 and this week’s Pixel update.
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Chrome 135 on Android will improve autofill using third-party password managers [Updated]
Google is updating Chrome for Android next month with native third-party autofill support when using an alternate password manager.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps tests shrinking pins into small dots
If you have a lot of saved places, Google Maps can look a bit unwieldy with all those pins, and the app is now testing using small dots to address that.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s Live Caption panel adding Background transparency
After introducing Expressive Captions in December, the Live Caption panel on Pixel devices now offers a Background transparency setting.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps deleting sent RCS messages ‘for everyone’
Back in June, the GSMA Association responsible for RCS finalized the latest standard with features like the ability to delete a sent message, and Google Messages is readying support.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music might replace the Song/Video switcher
After introducing in 2019, YouTube Music might replace the Song/Video switcher at the top of the Now Playing screen.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app will automatically open your keyboard on Android
Google is implementing a small change wherein your keyboard will automatically open when the Gemini app is launched on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app’s built-in browser adds Auto Dark Mode on iPhone
After testing last year, Google app on iOS has rolled out an Auto Dark Mode for its built-in web browser.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini 2.0 Flash Thinking and 2.0 Pro Experimental rolling out to Gemini app
Following the web, the Gemini app on Android and iOS are starting to get access to 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental and 2.0 Pro Experimental (if you’re an Advanced subscriber).
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Pixel 9 ‘Reimagine’ images adding AI watermark
Edits generated by the Pixel 9’s Reimagine feature inside the Google Photos Magic Editor will now be watermarked with SynthID.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Pixel 9 Super Bowl 2025 ad is all about Gemini Live
At Super Bowl 2025, Google is airing a Pixel 9 and Gemini Live ad called “Dream Job.” This is in addition to another Google Workspace with Gemini ad campaign.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle starts testing new Search ‘AI Mode’ internally – Here’s an early look at it
As previously spotted, Google Search is working on a new “AI Mode” that offers a “persistent place” to ask more “open-ended / exploratory questions” and get generated AI Overview-style responses. Powered by Gemini 2.0, Google has begun testing this experience with employees.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Pixel Referral Program: $50 store credit, 10% discount [U]
The US Google Store is launching a Pixel Referral Rewards program: “Earn $50 in Google Store credit for each friend who buys a Pixel and they’ll get 10% off a Pixel phone.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adding 2.0 Pro and 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental
Google is following the consumer launch of 2.0 Flash with new preview models that will be available to test in the Gemini app: 2.0 Pro Experimental and 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos adding new grid customizations to hide clutter
Google Photos for Android is adding more granular customization options for the main grid of images and videos.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps for Android getting more customizable car icons
Google Maps is getting closer to Waze with the ability to customize your car icon when navigating.
Expand Expanding Close‘Mariner’ browser agent features coming to Google Gemini app in 2025
During the Alphabet Q4 2024 earnings call, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that some aspects of Project Mariner are coming to the Gemini app later this year.
Expand Expanding CloseAlphabet reports Q4 2024 revenue of $96.47 billion
Alphabet today announced Q4 2024 earnings with $96.47 billion in revenue. These numbers range from October to December, with the company also reporting fiscal year 2024 results.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 February update rolling out: Pixel Bluetooth, Android Auto fixes
Ahead of next month’s bigger update, the Android 15 February security patch is rolling out today for the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
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Deep Research comes to Gemini Android app
After debuting on the web in December, Deep Research is now available in Gemini for Android.
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