Ahead of the holidays, Google is rolling out an update to the Fitbit Ace LTE that adds two new types of chats and other features to the app.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Ace LTE update adds Family & Sibling Chat, new watch faces, and game
Latest
Google says Gems are ‘one of the most used Gemini Advanced features,’ adds file upload
Gems, or custom instances of Gemini focused at specific tasks, can now incorporate files in their instructions for “more tailored and contextually relevant responses.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app redesigning media controls, adding ‘Member access’
In addition to “AI Camera Search” with clip descriptions, Google today detailed other upcoming Home app features, like a redesign of media controls.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome 131 for iOS adding new Google Drive, Maps integrations
With version 131, Chrome for iOS is picking up a handful of new integrations with other Google services like Drive and Maps. Most are already available in the Android browser.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home Gemini Extension more widely rolling out
As announced at the end of last month, Gemini’s Google Home Extension is now seeing wider availability this week.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Photos for Android switches to translucent status bar
If you updated Google Photos today and something looks different on your Pixel, it’s because Google went from a transparent status bar to a translucent one.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps moves the weather for a slightly cleaner map [U]
Earlier this year, Google Maps started showing the weather in the top-left corner, but that’s now being moved to another part of the Android app.
Expand Expanding CloseStandalone ‘Google Gemini’ app spotted for iPhone with Gemini Live
Since launch, Gemini on iOS has been part of the Google (Search) app. That’s about to change with at least one iPhone user today spotting a standalone “Google Gemini” app on the App Store that also lets you access Gemini Live.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Slides adding themed templates to ‘build presentations much faster’
After offering basic themes, Google Slides now has templates that “help users build presentations much faster.”
Expand Expanding Close
Yes, the Gemini dark theme has changed
Google has rolled out a number of small tweaks to the Gemini app UI in recent weeks, and the latest changes the dark theme on the web.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube rolling out playback speed redesign on Android, iOS
Last month, YouTube announced a host of new features. After the new miniplayer and settings revamp, YouTube is rolling out the fine-tunable redesign of playback speed controls in the Android and iOS app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Vids launches for Workspace customers
Following the April announcement and testing in June, Google Vids is now generally available for Google Workspace tiers.
Expand Expanding Close
Google renames Data Restore Tool to ‘Android Switch’
Google’s Data Restore Tool lets you migrate information when setting up a new Android device and it has now been renamed to “Android Switch.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out ‘Utilities’ Extension for phone control: Here’s everything it can do
As previewed back at I/O 2024 in May, Google is beginning to roll out the Gemini Utilities Extension that can “control your Android mobile device & apps.”
Expand Expanding Close
Google Messages moves Magic Compose button out of text field row
After adding Magic Rewrite to the grid of shortcuts, Google Messages is testing giving Magic Compose a more prominent position and button that is always visible.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Keep FAB redesign makes new notes a two-step process
A Google Keep redesign on Android today simplifies the bottom portion of the app by introducing a new FAB (floating action button), much like Google Tasks earlier this year.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Screenshots update adds grid density to homepage, app shortcuts
An update to Pixel Screenshots is rolling out with a number of UI tweaks, like doing away with the “All screenshots” view.
Expand Expanding Close
Google gives Song Search the four-color treatment
In the smallest of tweaks, the Google app’s Song Search shortcut has a new, modernized icon.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google Messages features are rolling out [U]
Like most Google apps, Messages A/B tests many features. However, it takes the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch these capabilities in stable even after they are announced. From various reports, Google itself, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini side panel rolling out to Google Chat for Workspace
Following Gmail, Drive, and Docs/Sheets/Slides, the Gemini side panel is now available in Google Chat if you’re a paid Workspace subscriber.
Expand Expanding Close
Gemini Advanced gets updated 1.5 Pro model
Following the last upgrade at the start of October, Google has updated the Gemini 1.5 Pro model used by Gemini Advanced.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages testing RCS read receipts redesign [U]
Following the last redesign in early 2023, Google Messages is testing a new look for read receipts in RCS conversations.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Discover tests Material 3 redesign of cards
Google is testing a Material 3 redesign of the Discover feed to the left of Android homescreens and in the Google app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on why Pixel Weather doesn’t have Froggy
Pixel Weather has now widely rolled out to older devices, and this week’s Made by Google Podcast talks about the app’s design and why Froggy isn’t featured.
Expand Expanding Close