Back in 2018, the Google app on Android introduced the ability to customize the Search bar widget, but a redesign takes away most of the options.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search bar widget redesign adds Dynamic Color, limits customization [U]
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 Advanced updated with latest 1.5 Pro model for improved reasoning
Last month, Google introduced Gemini 1.5 Flash to the free version of gemini.google.com. Gemini Advanced has now been updated with a “more capable version of Gemini 1.5 Pro.”
Expand Expanding CloseRick Osterloh says ‘very few’ Pixel users come from Samsung and Google’s hardware goal
Pixel and Android/Chrome lead Rick Osterloh was interviewed by Ben Thompson after Made by Google 2024 in a wide-ranging and interesting conversation.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube for Android testing a blurred bottom bar
Compared to other Google apps, YouTube maintains its own mobile design language. That looks to be continuing, with YouTube testing a blurred bottom bar on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseCalifornia licenses rolling out to Google Wallet in coming weeks
California today confirmed that residents will be able to add their driver’s license or state ID to Google Wallet (and Apple Wallet) “in the coming weeks.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live & new voices rolling out on Pixel, Samsung
As announced during Made by Google 2024, Gemini Live is rolling out and we’re seeing wider availability on Pixel and other Android phones today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search AI Overviews rolling out to six new countries, adding more prominent links
Following the US launch in May, Google Search AI Overviews are coming to six more countries, while links will appear in a new “right-hand link display.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Weather is officially coming to the Pixel Tablet
Pixel Weather is one thing existing users are particularly waiting for. So far, Google has only confirmed that the new weather app is coming to the Pixel Tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini can finally start Google Assistant Routines
In addition to all the developments yesterday, the Gemini mobile app now lets you trigger Google Assistant Routines on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseCertified 3rd-party leather bands are coming with Pixel Watch 3
“Made for Google” is the company’s accessory certification program. Uptick for wearables has been on the slow side, but Bellroy is making a leather Pixel Watch band.
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS 127 rolling out: More PDF editing, Reading Mode Read aloud
Google is rolling out ChromeOS 127 as a smaller update for Chromebook owners this month. It will be available in the coming weeks.
Expand Expanding CloseUnannounced Pixel Watch 3 Performance Loop Band leaks as ‘your new run buddy’
Yesterday, Google just showed new band colors and 45 mm sizes. However, a new Pixel Watch 3 Performance Loop Band is coming and we now know what it looks like.
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The Gemini button in Google Messages has gotten worse
Earlier this week, Google Messages more widely rolled out the ability to hide the Gemini button. That option came just in time as a new design — which may be a bug — for that FAB is a bit much.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet redesigns personal video calling, adds text chat, screen sharing, and more
Google Meet on Android and iOS is getting a big redesign of the personal video calling UI and experience — formally Duo — that doesn’t involve joining via meeting links.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro XL survives durability test as unboxing reveals new box design [Video]
JerryRigEverything has an unboxing of the Pixel 9 Pro XL ahead of next week’s launch, with Google’s largest phone surviving the durability test.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 QPR1 Beta for Pixel coming soon
Android 15 Beta 4.2 is the final preview release before a stable launch. Google is now preparing testers for the Android 15 December Quarterly Platform Release (or QPR1).
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 Beta 4.2 fixes Pixel camera issues, more
Almost a month after the “last scheduled update,” Android 15 Beta 4.2 rolled out earlier today with more Pixel fixes.
Expand Expanding CloseUS DOJ might ask for breakup of Google, like spinning off Android and/or Chrome
After Google was found to have a monopoly over online search, the US Justice Department will next offer proposals to a judge on how to remedy the situation. New reports today detail how the DOJ might ask for a breakup of Google, specifically Android and/or Chrome.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 adds a touch of Gemini to the new boot screen [Video]
In another sign that we’re in the Gemini era, Google has added the AI sparkle to the boot screen of the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Magnifier updated with text search, Live Transcribe adds dual-screen mode, more
With the launch of the Pixel 9 series, Google has a handful of accessibility updates and features, including an update to the Magnifier app.
Expand Expanding CloseRecorder app and Google TV Remote coming to Pixel Watch 3
Besides updating existing apps to show more content on the bigger screen, Google is bringing Recorder to the Pixel Watch 3. Google Home for Wear OS is also picking up some new features, like a Google TV Remote Tile.
Expand Expanding CloseWhen the Pixel 9, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 will ship
Besides launching the Pixel 9 with Android 14, another impact of Google’s decision to host its annual hardware event about two months early are the staggered ship dates.
Expand Expanding CloseHands-on: How the Pixel Screenshots app works [Gallery]
Pixel Screenshots is one of the headlining features of Google’s new Pixel 9 series. The app leverages on-device Gemini Nano with Multimodality to summarize your screenshots and make them searchable.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 adds Call Notes recording & transcription, free Satellite SOS for two years
The Pixel 9 series will get a “Satellite SOS” feature that lets you reach emergency services when you’re out of cellular connectivity, while Call Notes adds recording and transcription to the Phone by Google app.
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