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.

Google is rolling out the next version of Android Auto, version 13.0, which doesn’t bring any user-facing changes, but does continue some work behind the scenes.

Google appears to be working on a couple of new Android Auto features, with further support for “local media” from your car continuing to be developed alongside hints that Gemini Live may be supported in the car.

Since launch, Google Messages has not allowed RCS on more than one phone number, but the app is now adding support for dual (multi) SIM.

After redesigning Recents on the homescreen, Files by Google now has a shortcut for Circle to Search when viewing images.

Following the leak earlier this week, the native Pixel Weather app is available for manual sideload. 

Work on bringing the Gemini assistant to more form factors beyond the web and phones continues with a new mention of “Gemini on earbuds.” 

One of the key points of appeal for Android Auto and CarPlay is the ability to control media from music and podcast apps, but both platforms currently ignore the car’s built-in radio. Soon, though, that may change.