The Pixel’s background song recognition feature has not been updated in ages, but Google is now getting ready to “Enhance Now Playing.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle to ‘Enhance Now Playing’ on Pixel, tweaks homescreen icon
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.
Google TV Streamer survey asks about issues, design
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).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chat redesigns sidebar with customization & ‘custom sections’
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle reportedly cancels Pixel Tablet 2 over profitability concerns
According to the latest rumors, Google will not be releasing a Pixel Tablet 2 next year.
Expand Expanding CloseDOJ wants Google to sell Chrome and possibly Android, more
The Department of Justice on Wednesday shared what steps it wants a US judge to take after Google was found to have a monopoly over online search.
Expand Expanding CloseNext Chromecast with Google TV update rolling out
Following the first Google TV Streamer patch last week, a new Chromecast with Google TV update is rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Maps Location History/Timeline change is still rolling out
Last December, Google announced a big change to how Maps Location History works. Your location “Timeline” is now being stored on your phone, with Google Maps still rolling out this update.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid gets new way to keep your apps logged in after device setup
Thanks to a new feature that Google is introducing for developers, Android can keep you logged in to apps on a new device.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9’s post-setup data copying coming to more Android phones in 2025
With the Pixel 9, Google introduced the ability to copy data from another device after the initial setup process, with other phones now set to get this feature in 2025 as part of Android Switch improvements.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music tests Now Playing redesign that reorganizes controls
YouTube Music last redesigned its Now Playing page in September of 2023 and some tweaks to controls are being tested.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Fi ends free Pixel Watch 3 LTE deal weeks early
Over the weekend, Google Fi subscribers could get the Pixel Watch 3 LTE for free, but the deal has now ended early.
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Google Wallet brings back Verification settings for transit [U]
Back in April, Google Wallet introduced Verification settings for Transit payments, but that Security preference has now disappeared.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 release schedule set, Beta starts in January
With the release of Android 16 DP1, Google shared the schedule for the Developer Preview and upcoming Beta.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages working on new in-app ‘Backup & restore’ system
For the most part, message backup on Android today is handled on the system-level by Google (One). Google Messages is now readying an in-app “Backup & restore” experience.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 DP1: Privacy dashboard gets 7-day history
With Android 15, Google elevated the Privacy dashboard into the main Security & privacy page, and Android 16 DP1 adds a 7-day permissions history.
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Android 16 DP1: Pixel 9 gets ‘Experimental mode’ display color
Android 16 Developer Preview 1 brings a handful of user-facing additions, but nothing major so far. On the Pixel 9, there’s an “Experimental mode” display color.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 16 Developer Preview 1 [Gallery]
The first developer preview of Android 16 is available today, and we are looking at DP1 to find what new features have been introduced.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6 and 6 Pro getting Android 16 DP1
Officially, Google only promised three years of Android updates, as well as two more years of security patches, for its 2021 Tensor flagships. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are now getting Android 16 Developer Preview 1, which bodes well for the public launch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Android 16 Developer Preview for Pixel
With Android 16 set to launch in the second quarter of 2025, Google is starting the Developer Preview for Pixel devices today.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can now ask Gemini to remember your preferences with memory feature
With a new remember feature available for Advanced subscribers, Gemini now has a memory of your “interests and preferences” that can be used to “provide even more helpful and relevant responses, tailored precisely to your needs.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Lens will factor location for shopping searches
With 20% of the 20 billion visuals searches every month focused on shopping, Google is updating Lens to use location for those queries.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit app gets foldable, tablet redesign on Android
Fitbit for Android has seen a number of design updates in recent weeks, and the latest introduces a tablet and foldable layout.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Weather rolls out Pollen count and ‘Immersive’ vibrations
As announced with the October 2024 Feature Drop, Pixel Weather now has a Pollen count card, as well as Immersive weather vibrations.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app support for Nest Cam IQ, Hub Max camera rolling out
The Google Home Public Preview Program is now rolling out support for the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor (2017), as well as the Nest Hub Max (2019).
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