In addition to the Quick Insert menu, the latest set of Chromebook Plus features, including a new Recorder app, are rolling out over the coming weeks.
Expand Expanding CloseChromebook Plus getting Recorder app, Help me read, and more
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.
Android 16 described as ‘25Q2’ release, impact on Pixel update not known
The Developer Preview for the next version of Android usually gets underway in February and progresses to a Beta in April with the public release set for Q3. Work on Android 16 is fully underway and points to an earlier than usual “25Q2” release.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in the September 2024 Google System Updates [U: 9/30]
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 CloseGemini Live & new voices now available for all free users on Android
Earlier this month, Gemini Live started rolling out to free users on Android and it’s now, including the 10 voices, fully available in English. This follows the initial launch for Gemini Advanced subscribers in August.
Expand Expanding CloseRemoved songs coming back to YouTube and YouTube Music after SESAC deal
On Saturday, YouTube and YouTube Music lost a ton of songs, but a deal with SESAC has now been reached and removed content is soon returning.
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Android 16 is codenamed ‘baklava’ in early alphabet reset
While we wait for the public launch of Android 15, Google’s work on the next version continues. Android 16 looks to be codenamed “Baklava.”
Expand Expanding CloseNew Google Calendar illustrations roll out, dark themes included
As announced on Friday, Google Calendar for Android and iOS now have “refreshed illustrations.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds Pro 2 ‘Noise Control’ now live in Android 15 Volume menu
Following the launch of Pixel Buds Pro 2 earlier this week, Google is rolling out Noise Control to the Android 15 Volume menu.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds web app for updates & controls now works on Mac, Windows
Introduced last year for Chromebooks, the Pixel Buds web app now supports Mac and Windows.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube and YouTube Music missing songs due to expired ‘SESAC’ license
Due to a licensing dispute with SESAC, a ton of songs have been removed from YouTube and YouTube Music in the US. YouTube remains in “active conversations with SESAC and are hoping to reach a new deal as soon as possible.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s best design? The case for the Pixel Buds case
For the past 4.5 years, I’ve reached for the same case everyday to use my Pixel Buds. Handling the same shape so frequently means I rarely have to think about how to use it, especially one-handed. Figuring out which side is the front without looking to lift the lid is second nature as is moving to a bud as I put down the case on a surface and extract.
Expand Expanding CloseThis Google Shopping redesign feels quite different from Search
In 2021, the Google Shopping app on Android and iOS was deprecated for the web version. Google Shopping is now getting a rather notable redesign.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 026: All’s well that Google TV Streams well
Welcome to episode 26 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk all about our Google TV Streamer and Pixel Buds Pro 2 reviews.
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Gmail account switcher adds storage indicator on the web
A small tweak to Gmail on the web adds a prominent storage indicator and Google One shortcut to the account switcher.
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Dreams update for Android 15 Pixel phones rolling out via Google Play
For Pixel devices, Android 15 will introduce a new Home Controls screensaver. That experience is powered by the Dreams app, which Google just rolled out an update to via the Play Store for Pixel phones on Android 15.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet improves Wear OS app and expands website, Gmail integration
The latest updates to Google Wallet span the Wear OS app (passes), website, and Gmail integration (train tickets).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle has paused the Pixel Watch Wear OS 5 update [U]
Google has halted the rollout of the Wear OS 5 update for the first-gen Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 after some users had their devices soft brick.
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Gemini in Google Messages sends out welcome message
In addition to a dedicated FAB, another way Google Messages is encouraging Gemini usage is through a welcome message.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail rolling out Gemini-powered Contextual Smart Replies
Following the announcement at I/O 2024, Google is now rolling out Contextual Smart Replies to Gmail for Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store birthday sale in Europe: Pixel 9 with credit, 20% off code
In a reversal, the 26th Google Store birthday sale kicked off first in the US, and offers are now live in Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome 129 for Android themes the gesture navigation bar
With Chrome 129, Google is making a small tweak where Android’s navigation bar is now themed to every page.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle redesigns Gemini homescreen to be even simpler on Android
Following the changes earlier this week, the Gemini app is rolling out another redesign to the Android homescreen.
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[Fixed] Balatro now on Android, but ‘OR-FGEMF-20’ Google Play error in the way
Today’s launch of Balatro on Android is hitting an issue where users can’t actually purchase and download the game from the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseNotebookLM can now use uploaded audio and YouTube videos as sources
Earlier this month, Google launched Audio Overviews in NotebookLM that turn your notes into a podcast. The latest NotebookLM update lets you use audio files and YouTube videos as sources.
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