Google Messages looks to be planning a sizable update to group chats, with the highlight being an ability to “join this group with this unique link or QR code.” 

It’s no secret that Google is planning to bring Gemini to Android Auto and, while that’s still not live, Android Auto 14.0 is now rolling out to all users and brings more hints that Gemini is just around the corner.

Last month, Google teased what’s coming next to Gemini Advanced, and work on letting Gemini app users generate video with Veo 2 is finalizing. 

Google has released the first Android Auto 14.0 update through its beta program and while there are no major user-facing changes, code behind the scenes continues work on temperature controls.

In an unexpected twist, Google has just started rolling out yet another Android Auto update in version 13.9, but don’t expect any major changes.

Google might have the existing “Hey Google” hotword co-exist with a new “Hey Gemini” hotword that launches Gemini Live. 

In addition to “Sleep insights & tips,” Fitbit Labs is preparing a new opt-in “Sleep need” experiment that will find your “ideal bedtime and wake times.”

Google has been preparing a “Battery health” settings page for Pixel since October of 2022, and work continues with Android 16 Beta 2.

In 2019, Google introduced a new class of Assistant device that provided dedicated mics in your car. Five years later, Google looks to be shutting down the “Google Assistant on Car accessory.”

Back in June, the GSMA Association responsible for RCS finalized the latest standard with features like the ability to delete a sent message, and Google Messages is readying support.

Back in November, Google redesigned Keep for Android to make note creation a two-step process. Google Keep is now readying a “Create text notes with a single tap” setting.

Google is rolling out the latest Android Auto update, v13.5, in beta which brings with it improvements to support for vehicles that are not cars, and more.

Following phones, tablets, and earbuds, Google is next bringing Gemini to Wear OS watches.

Google is readying some sort of “AI Mode” for the Search app on Android that appears to be a new conversational and visual (or multimodal) experience. 

Google is working on a “Clear voice” feature for the Pixel Recorder that will “Reduce background noise while recording for clearer speech playback.”

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.

The Pixel’s background song recognition feature has not been updated in ages, but Google is now getting ready to “Enhance Now Playing.” 

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.

Back in August with the Google TV Streamer and new Nest Learning Thermostat, Google revealed that Assistant is being upgraded with Gemini.

Google might let you hide your actual email address from Android apps with a new “Shielded Email.”

Google is rolling out another new Android Auto update and this one further prepares for a new form of media control, including a bunch of different radio stations.

The modernization of the Fitbit app continues with a redesign of the Weight stats page and logging experience, while Google is working on a new “Sleep Lab.”

Google updated Call Screen with contextual replies last December, and the Pixel Phone app is now readying “AI Replies” powered by large language models.