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.
With Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, VPN by Google was pre-installed on the Pixel Tablet. Pixel Tablet owners on the stable Android 15 release can now download Google’s VPN via the Play Store.
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Following the announcement in September, Google is allowing Workspace (work and education) users to access the Gemini app on Android and iOS.
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For its biggest services, I don’t see Google deviating from four-color logos anytime soon. To that end, we have a knockout tournament to find out what you think is Google’s best four-color app icon.
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Last week, Google announced that the Nest Cam in the Nest Hub Max will soon be available in the Home app. This requires a Nest Hub Max firmware update, with version F22 rolling out now.
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After months of leaks, Google has released the Pixel Watch Performance Loop Band aimed at being “your new run buddy.”
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Following last week’s announcement, the new Google Tasks functionality in Google Calendar for Android is widely rolling out.
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Following WhatsApp, the second third-party Gemini Extension is Spotify. The “play & search” functionality is similar to YouTube Music.
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A nice quality-of-life improvement for Google Maps on Android and iOS are new stair “callouts” when getting walking directions.
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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.
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The “Google Developer Program” was announced in May at I/O 2024 to offer “tools and resources to help you on your development journey.” The company is now adding a paid tier to this Google Cloud-centric program.
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About a year after the last update, Fossil Gen 6 watches are getting a new Wear OS patch. Fossil announced this January that it was done making Wear OS (and hybrid) smartwatches.
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The Google Drive file picker found in Gmail, Chat and other Workspace apps is getting a redesign on Android.
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After introducing on Android and iOS in August, Google Photos on the web is now replacing the Library with “Collections.”
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Google’s next wearable release is Wear OS 5.1 based on Android 15, with a developer preview already available.
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Pixel Camera 9.6 started rolling out in mid-October with a handful of additions introduced with that month’s Feature Drop. This version should now be more widely available via the Google Play Store.
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Google Calendar on Android is getting a more full-featured Google Tasks experience to make it “easier for users to stay on top of and organize their tasks.”
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From Gemini to a new location for weather and the teal accent color, Google Maps has seen a number of changes recently, with the latest being a new system for version numbers.
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Welcome to episode 32 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about Android 16 Developer Preview 1 and the ChromeOS-Android rumors.
While Android 15 is already on QPR2 Beta 1, Google this afternoon released QPR1 Beta 3.1 for Pixel devices. This is a “minor update” with several bug fixes that comes almost a month after the last major release.
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One of the more unexpected aspects of Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the use of a custom Tensor-branded A1 chip, with Google sharing a bit more on why it went that route today.
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Besides “Enhance Now Playing,” the latest version (V.13) of Android System Intelligence for the Pixel 9 reveals how Google is working to sports scores to the At a Glance widget.
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The Pixel’s background song recognition feature has not been updated in ages, but Google is now getting ready to “Enhance Now Playing.”
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Like with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 this hardware cycle, Google is emailing some owners a feedback survey about their experience with the Google TV Streamer (4K).
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The latest update to Google Chat lets you create “custom sections” in the sidebar to organize conversations as part of a “complete revamp of the left navigation experience” on the web.
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