Ahead of CES 2025 officially starting tomorrow, Google announced that Gemini is coming to Google TV.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini is coming to Google TV in 2025
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.
Gemini getting ready to replace Google Assistant on Wear OS
Following phones, tablets, and earbuds, Google is next bringing Gemini to Wear OS watches.
Expand Expanding Close
Original Pixel Buds Pro almost 50% off in clearance sale
With the launch of Pixel Buds Pro 2 last year, the Google Store stopped selling the original pair. However, you can still find the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro at some retailers, with Woot selling them brand new today for $109.99 in a clearance sale.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat are your Gmail for Android pet peeves?
Gmail is one of my most used Android apps across personal and work contexts, but it’s far from what I consider to be a great experience.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Store now selling the Bellroy Pixel Watch Strap
After being listed last month, the Bellroy Pixel Watch Strap is now available for purchase on the US Google Store.
Expand Expanding Close2024 was a good year for personal Gmail, Google Calendar, and Workspace
Last year, I wished that Google iterated more on the personal side of Gmail, Calendar, and other Workspace apps. In 2024, Google made a number of updates to the suite of productivity apps that I benefit from and appreciate on a daily basis.
Expand Expanding CloseWhere Google Store Santa Monica will be located
At the end of Made by Google 2024, a Google Store in Santa Monica was teased and here’s where it will be located.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel is ‘official smartphone’ of Australian Open with real-life ‘Pixel Studio’
Following basketball and soccer (football) around the world, Google Pixel is now the “official smartphone of the Australian Open.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch Performance Loop Band now available at Amazon
Google makes 10 different bands for the Pixel Watch, but half are “Google Store exclusive.” Fortunately, the Pixel Watch Performance Loop Band is not.
Expand Expanding CloseThoughts on Google Voice’s future as 2024 had no new features
With only two days left in 2024, I would like to point out that Google Voice was not updated with any consumer-facing features this year.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store is still discounting Pixel Watch 3 by $50
With an eye towards New Year’s resolutions, the US Google Store is starting a new round of deals for the Pixel Watch 3 and Fitbit trackers.
Expand Expanding CloseReport: ‘Scaling’ Gemini for consumers will be Google’s ‘biggest focus’ in 2025
Just before the holiday break, CEO Sundar Pichai and other Google executives had a 2025 strategy meeting, with Gemini being the “biggest focus” looking ahead.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search AI Overviews testing new Gemini animation
Google is testing a new Gemini-aligned loading animation for AI Overviews in Search that is flashier and bolder than the current approach.
Expand Expanding CloseRecap: New Google Messages and RCS features launched in 2024
The biggest moment for Google Messages in 2024 was when the iPhone gained RCS support with iOS 18 in September. In terms of new features, there were some highlights but the biggest one — a redesign of the text field — was stuck in limbo. There are quite a few big additions in the pipeline.
Expand Expanding CloseRecap: The Pixel Watch and Fitbit in 2024
Now in its third year, the Pixel Watch experience remains quite consistent in 2024. Compared to Pixel phones, it’s harder to distinguish each generation’s hardware, while the software has changed even less.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube for Android testing ‘Play something’ FAB
After rolling out a round of design updates and new features to the mobile app, YouTube is testing a “Play something” FAB.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search gets a Squid Game easter egg
Season 2 of Squid Game was released on December 26 — in a choice, thematic decision — and Google Search is marking the occasion with an easter egg.
Expand Expanding CloseRecap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024
In 2024, Made by Google rolled out big updates with new features to Pixel phones on six occasions. The year saw everything from routine operating system updates to entirely new apps and even a rebrand.
Expand Expanding CloseThe first things you should set up with your new Google Pixel
Getting a new phone — be it your first or the routine upgrade — can be overwhelming given the variety of features there are to explore. We have a few tips on how to set up and get the most out of your new Google Pixel.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to set up your Pixel Watch 3: Top tips, faces, and more
Customization is one of the best aspects of a smartwatch compared to its mechanical counterparts. Google’s wearable is no exception, and here are some tips on getting started with the Pixel Watch 3.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s December 2024 Google System Updates [U: 12/23]
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 CloseYouTube Music wraps up new feature launches of 2024
In 2024, YouTube Music switched to quarterly “New Features Highlights,” but skipped the Q3 edition. Google is now back with a cumulative list to summarize the second half of the year in launches.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos tests prominent row of Favorites and other shortcuts
Google Photos is simplifying the bottom bar to three tabs, and another big design change tests a very prominent row of shortcuts.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle proposes Android, browser contract changes to address Search antitrust ruling
In addition to other remedies, the Justice Department in November shared that it wants Google to sell Chrome. Google today shared its own remedies proposal.
Expand Expanding Close