9to5Google

Google’s Pixel 10a might be releasing much earlier than anyone expected, with a February release date in the works and a new “Berry” colorway also coming.

Google Wallet is getting a transaction history update that improves the core payments experience. 

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.

I’m a really big fan of how Google designs its smartphones, but if there’s one nitpick I have, it’s that the base Pixel phones keep getting a glossy glass finish on the back. After throwing a simple clear matte skin on the back of my Pixel 10 recently, I’m even more convinced Google needs to switch going forward.

It should come as no surprise that Google is hard at work behind the scenes on the software for Android XR glasses, but a new companion app has now surfaced in the latest Android Canary builds to show off some of that work in action.

In just under two months, Gemini app users around the world have generated 1 billion images using Nano Banana Pro.

The year in updates is getting underway with the January 2026 security patch for Android 16 QPR2 on the Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Google’s Pixel smartphones will probably never compete with the likes of Apple or Samsung on the global smartphone stage, but the growth remains, as Google Pixel reportedly grew by 25% in 2025.

The Google Home app is expanding what you can do with automations, with a new update adding support for more automation triggers and actions including robot vacuums.

Shopping appears to be one of the big pushes for AI in 2026, and Google is giving Gemini about as large as a boost as it could in this arena thanks to a new partnership with Walmart.

According to a new report, Samsung’s delayed Galaxy S26 launch will result in a release date for the whole series in mid-March.

Samsung is rolling out new wallpapers and themes for Stranger Things fans, though the additions seem to be locked behind a Netflix download.

Apple is officially adopting Google Gemini as the backbone of its AI-powered Siri upgrade, with the switch landing for customers “later this year.”

The foldable crease case has been cracked, apparently. One reputable leaker reports that Samsung is using a less rigid OLED support panel to change how the foldable series reacts to stress. Samsung’s result: a Galaxy Z Fold screen without the distracting crease.

The OnePlus Open is perhaps one of the best foldables ever released, which is why it’s been so confusing that a sequel never hit the market. Apparently, a “OnePlus Open 2” was on the table again for release in late 2026, but the device is said to be getting canceled.

CES 2026 was big for smart glasses, but you’re probably not picturing the type I’m referring to. Even Realities’ G2 smart glasses made an appearance at the show, and it appears that others are joining in on the fun.

The YouTube TV Live Guide redesign is now widely rolling out to the Android and iOS apps.

Smart glasses have been the tech dream we’ve been chasing for years now, and the technology is finally getting there. Better displays, improved hardware, and an ever-growing list of platforms for smart glasses were on full showcase at CES 2026, but I can’t help but look at them with a mind to what’s coming next.

Google is embracing “agentic shopping” wherein users can easily make purchases through the Gemini app and AI Mode.