Everything announced at The Android Show: Gemini Intelligence, Googlebooks, and more
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Google Home routines can now include your Fitbit stats
The Google Home app has added a new option to read out your Fitbit stats for the day when using routines on devices with Google Assistant.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenAI used YouTube videos to train GPT-4 against platform rules, but so did Google
Generative AI models are incredibly impressive, but they’re only as good as the data fed into them. Now, it’s been revealed that OpenAI used YouTube videos to train GPT-4, and YouTube says that was against the platform’s rules.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Watch 2 can now transfer health data to a new phone [U]
After missing the feature at launch, the OnePlus Watch 2 is now rolling out support for the ability to transfer health data.
Expand Expanding CloseChromecast with Google TV rolling out third update in four months
Following the addition of Fast Pair and the Audio output switcher at the end of February, a new Chromecast with Google TV update with the March 2024 security patch is now rolling out.
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Solar filters recommended for taking eclipse photos with phone cameras
Ahead of Monday’s total solar eclipse, the wide consensus is that “you’ll need to use a special solar filter to protect your camera” (via NASA) even on phones.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Auto has been forcing all navigation voice commands through Google Maps
For some users, a bug on Android Auto is causing all voice commands for navigation to be routed through Google Maps, regardless of the user’s preferences.
Expand Expanding CloseWill AI hardware prove to be anything more than novelty?
The past year has seen an explosion of AI tools and software, but over the next couple of months, we’re also going to be seeing a lot more AI hardware. Personally, though, I’m just wondering if any of it will become anything more than novelty.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV is broadcasting the best solar eclipse locations for free
The great solar eclipse of 2024 has quickly become a massive event, with likely millions traveling to the best viewing spots. However, even if you don’t plan on travelling, Google TV is offering a way to see the total solar eclipse from those best spots for free.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle app is once again testing a bottom search bar redesign on Android
The first time we saw a bottom search bar for the Google app was in 2021, while we enabled a modernized version in late 2023. Google is now testing a Material 3 bottom bar redesign with an integrated search field.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to take photos of the April 8 solar eclipse with your Android phone
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse is set to cast over North America, and it’ll be more than deserving of an incredible photo or two. This guide will give you the basics you’ll need to know about shooting on your Android phone to capture some of the best-looking images of 2024.
Expand Expanding Close‘Galaxy Watch FE’ name surfaces, suggesting an Apple-like smartwatch lineup
Samsung is apparently planning a “Galaxy Watch FE” to add to its lineup of smartwatches, which is becoming increasingly Apple-like.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel’s Now Playing needs to be thoroughly modernized
Now Playing on the Pixel is my favorite example of ambient computing that we have right now. Dating back to the Pixel 2 and 2 XL in 2017, it shows what song is playing on the always-on display, lockscreen and notification shade without requiring you to do anything. It’s “better than instant.”
Expand Expanding Close‘Snapdragon X Plus’ leaks as Qualcomm’s new Windows chip looks promising
Last year Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon X Elite, an ARM-based CPU for Windows that made big promises. While we’ve yet to see any laptops ship with the chip, things are looking up, and now the “Snapdragon X Plus” looks to be a potentially more affordable version of the chip.
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YouTube TV members can get 25% off the Pixel Tablet
YouTube TV has a history of sending free Chromecasts to subscribers, and the cord-cutting service is now offering a 25% discount on the Pixel Tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseSunbird, the security nightmare that tried to bring iMessage to Android, is returning
It’s pretty clear that iMessage for Android is not going to be an easy task, but one of the apps that tried to do it (before we found out that it was a terrible security nightmare), Sunbird, is giving it another shot.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Domains is now handing over domain controls to Squarespace
Following Squarespace’s acquisition of Google Domains last year, the company best known for its website builder is starting to take over controls of domains that customers purchased from Google.
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Android game and app deals: Goat Simulator 3, Mad King Ludwig, Sushi Spinnery, more
Your Friday afternoon edition of the best Android game and app deals courtesy of Google Play is now ready and waiting down below. Just be sure to also check out the deals we are tracking on SanDisk’s 190MB/s 1TB Extreme microSD card, Lexar’s brand new USB-C 2,000MB/s portable SSD, and this ongoing offer on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. But for now we are focused on the apps and getting some discounted Goat Simulator games in the palm of your hoof this weekend. Everything from the original right through until the new Goat Simulator 3 are on sale alongside Castles of Mad King Ludwig, The Sushi Spinnery, and more. Head below for a closer look at everything.
Read MoreSamsung’s Object Eraser gets a magnetic lasso option for precise object selection
The Galaxy S24 showcased a substantial AI portfolio for creating some cool photos. Now, it looks like the Object Eraser tool is getting a new magnetic lasso function to make editing much easier on Samsung’s One UI 6.1.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 004: Podcast about Google Podcasts
Welcome to the fourth episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk a lot about the death of Google Podcasts and do a quick recap of the week in Pixel.
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Is the Nest Hub still worth buying? [Video]
While the Nest Hub feels like a forgotten product due to the existence of the Pixel Tablet, it’s a unique and popular product that remains the sensible choice for most people’s smart home systems – here’s why.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel Buds Pro hit $140 in Friday’s best deals, Galaxy S23 FE $550, more
Google’s newest Pixel Buds Pro are even more compelling with new software features, let alone today’s price cut to $140. Those buds come joined by a discount on Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE, making the handset even more affordable at $550. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Expand Expanding Close‘Nothing Ear’ and ‘Nothing Ear (a)’ will be the ‘culmination’ of the series on April 18
After teasing an April 18 event earlier this week, Nothing has now officially confirmed plans to launch two new pairs of earbuds – “Nothing Ear” and “Nothing Ear (a).”
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Roku is toying with placing ads over your TV’s HDMI input
Roku is looking to monetize your TV in a new way, as the company is toying with the idea of placing ads over what’s coming in from an HDMI input.
Expand Expanding CloseHere are the Super Weekly Prizes from Google Play Points: Pixel & more giveaways
Last week, Google Play Points kicked off the chance to win a Super Weekly Prize. This giveaway features many Pixel devices and will run for a total of five weeks.
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