From 9to5Google · 40 stories
Pixel 11 Allows Users to Set Any Camera Look as Default via Hidden Setting
The Pixel 11 series includes a setting that enables users to set any Camera Look, not just the four standard options, as their default camera preset. This feature provides more control over photo processing styles directly from the camera app's settings menu. This matters to Pixel 11 users who prefer specific photographic styles to be active immediately upon launching the camera application.
Disney+ loses Google Cast support in Germany and Netherlands due to patent dispute
Disney+ has disabled Google Cast functionality in Germany and the Netherlands following a patent dispute with InterDigital. This injunction prevents users in these regions from casting content from the Disney+ app to their TVs. This is the latest impact of ongoing patent battles, which previously affected 4K HDR and 3D content availability.
Microsoft Confirms Xbox Game Pass App for TCL Google TV Models, Launching in Coming Months
Microsoft has confirmed it is developing an Xbox Game Pass app for select TCL smart TVs running Google TV, allowing subscribers to stream games directly. This marks the first official availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Google TV, though it appears to be exclusive to TCL models initially.
Google Clock for Android updates Timers tab with presets and UI changes
Google Clock for Android version 9.1 introduces a redesigned Timers tab via a server-side update. The update adds preset timers, modifies the number pad, and changes the display of multiple timers to a grid layout.
Google Home Update Improves Spotify Recognition, Broadcasts, and Smart Light Control
Google Home received an update that enhances Spotify command recognition, refines broadcast functionality, and adds granular voice control for smart light color temperature. This update addresses long-standing user experience issues within the Google Home ecosystem, improving daily interactions for users.
XGIMI Aura 3 Series UST Projectors Offer 4K 120Hz Output and Google TV
XGIMI unveiled its Aura 3 Series of ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors, the Aura 3 Pro and Aura 3 Max, at IFA 2026. These are the first 4K UST projectors to support 4K 120Hz output, integrating Google TV and targeting both home theater and high-refresh-rate gaming markets.
Anker consolidates Eufy, Soundcore, and other brands under two new Anker groups
Anker is merging its various product brands, including Eufy and Soundcore, into two new umbrella groups: "Anker for You" and "Anker for Home." This consolidation aims to simplify branding and will be implemented gradually as new products are released and existing ones are rebranded.
Android receives new features including Gemini integration with Find Hub and accessibility updates
Android has rolled out new features, including Gemini's integration with Find Hub for tracking physical objects, a Motion Assist accessibility feature, and a Gemini-powered Live Guide. These updates aim to enhance usability and accessibility for a broad range of Android users.
Govee Launches New Sky Ceiling Light and COB Strip Light 2 Pro with AI Features
Govee introduced new smart lighting products at IFA 2026, including the Sky Ceiling Light and COB Strip Light 2 Pro. These products incorporate AI for mood-responsive lighting and prompt-based light generation, expanding Govee's smart home lighting offerings.
MapQuest Rises in App Store Charts, Adds Android Auto Support
MapQuest has seen a surge in popularity, reaching top positions on iOS and Android app store charts, with usage increasing by approximately 50 times its normal rate. This resurgence is attributed to its refusal to update "Lake Ontario" on its maps following a US executive order, a stance that went viral. In response to renewed user interest, MapQuest is developing Android Auto support, having already implemented CarPlay.
Pixel Now Playing app updates interface with bottom sheet and Favorites tab changes
Google is rolling out an update to the Pixel Now Playing app, introducing interface tweaks such as a new bottom sheet for song actions and date/time stamps in the Favorites tab. These changes aim to improve one-handed navigation and provide more detailed history within the app.
Google Home v4.26 restores support for older Chromecast and Home Mini devices
Google has released Google Home v4.26, which resolves issues affecting the setup and functionality of older Chromecast models (2013, 2015) and the Google Home Mini. These devices experienced partial support breaks following a previous update in late July, primarily impacting the Android version of the Google Home app.
Google discontinues sales of refurbished Pixel 7 series devices from its store
Google has removed the Pixel 7 series from its 'Certified Refurbished' store offerings, leaving only Pixel 8 series and Pixel 7a devices available. This change occurs as the Pixel 7 series approaches its update end-of-life in late 2027 and precedes the expected addition of the Pixel 9 series to the refurbished program.
Google Pixel 10 and 11 devices receive AI-generated battery usage summaries
Google is rolling out "Battery usage summaries," an AI-generated feature for Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices that translates battery statistics into natural language. This update provides users with personalized overviews of their battery consumption, identifying power-intensive apps and monitoring background activity, which helps users understand and manage their device's power usage more effectively.
Samsung One UI 9.5 build reveals custom widget creator feature
An early build of Samsung's One UI 9.5 includes a custom widget creation tool, allowing users to combine information from different apps into a single widget. This feature is similar to one Google announced earlier for Pixel and Galaxy devices, indicating a coordinated effort to bring more customizable interface elements to Android.
YouTube updates TV casting, removing shared Wi-Fi requirement for account-based pairing
YouTube is rolling out changes to its app-to-TV experience, allowing users to cast videos without both devices being on the same Wi-Fi network, instead relying on shared account logins. This update introduces features like background interaction and Shorts consumption while a main video plays, streamlining the second-screen experience.
Google Meet Hardware Transitions from ChromeOS to Android
Google is migrating its Google Meet hardware portfolio from ChromeOS to Android to offer more device variety and hardware flexibility. Existing ChromeOS devices will continue to receive full software support, including security patches and ChromeOS releases, until at least 2030 for recent models.
Android Auto 17.6 tests Quick Settings and a 'Jimothy' weather Easter egg
Android Auto version 17.6 includes code for a new Quick Settings menu, starting with a "Do Not Disturb" tile, and an unreleased "Jimothy mode" Easter egg that displays weather animations. The Quick Settings feature is likely to be released, while the "Jimothy mode" is considered a temporary internal joke.
Google releases 'Look up' app for Googlebooks, temporarily available on phones
Google has released a new "Look up" app for Googlebooks, which allows users to highlight text and receive contextual information in a floating window. The app, intended for Googlebooks, is currently installable and functional on Android phones, a situation Google is expected to correct.
Pixel 11 Pro Video Boost feature causes static audio in recordings
Pixel 11 Pro users are reporting static audio issues when using the Video Boost feature, which processes video footage on Google's servers to improve quality. This bug, observed by multiple users, introduces static bursts every few seconds in recordings. Clearing the Google Camera app cache or disabling Audio Zoom may offer temporary relief.
Android Auto 17.6 update introduces redesigned green logo and matching accent color
Google released Android Auto 17.6, which updates the application's logo to a new green design and changes the settings menu accent color to match. This visual refresh is minor and primarily visible in the app switcher and settings, with limited impact on the end-user experience.
Google releases 'Froggy's World' mobile game accessible via Search weather results
Google has launched a new mobile game called 'Froggy's World,' which can be accessed by searching for "weather" on Google Search and tapping a play icon. The game involves helping Google's Weather Frog decorate its home by collecting tokens based on current weather conditions, which are then exchanged for decorative items.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 Introduces Status Bar Customization Options
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 adds new Status bar settings, allowing users to customize notification and system icons. This update provides more control over the visibility of icons in the status bar, enhancing user interface personalization.
Google Messages Introduces Custom Chat Themes and Backgrounds on Android
Google Messages officially launched custom chat themes and backgrounds for Android users, allowing personalization of individual chat bubble colors and wallpapers. This feature, requiring RCS, enables users to customize chat aesthetics privately without affecting the recipient's view.
Google Store trade-in error rejects Pixel 10 devices for Pixel 11 upgrades
The Google Store is experiencing an issue where trade-in credits for Pixel 10 devices are being rejected for users upgrading to Pixel 11, leading to unexpected charges. This problem appears to stem from Google's trade-in partner incorrectly identifying Pixel 10 devices as "Unknown or unsupported phone." The issue impacts customers who relied on the trade-in value for their Pixel 11 purchase.
Google Pixel Recorder app updates with new Pixel 11 icon design
Google is rolling out an update to its Pixel Recorder app, introducing the new app icon design previously seen on Pixel 11 series devices. This update primarily focuses on visual changes, aligning the app's appearance with Google's updated design language for first-party Pixel applications.
Google Keep for Android adds 'Find in note' search feature
Google Keep for Android has rolled out a new "Find in note" search feature, allowing users to search for specific text within individual notes. This update provides a basic text search capability directly within the note interface, improving usability for managing information in Keep.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold Fails Bend Test, Showing Durability Issues Persist
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold did not survive a bend test, breaking at the antenna line, despite Google's efforts to improve durability. This indicates a recurring design flaw in Google's foldable phone line, impacting user confidence in the device's physical resilience.
Motorola details Android 17 update features, including themed icons and stackable widgets
Motorola has outlined new features for its Android 17 update, which include the adoption of themed icons, stackable widgets, and improved notification management. This update brings features like themed icons that have been available in Android since version 12 to Motorola devices, enhancing customization and user interface consistency.
Samsung begins Wear OS 7 beta rollout for Galaxy Watch 8 series in Korea
Samsung has started rolling out the Wear OS 7 beta, based on One UI 9 Watch, to its Galaxy Watch 8 series in Korea. This update brings health-related features, Gemini's Raise to Talk, and UI tweaks to older hardware, with a wider stable release expected later this year.
Google's "Android Pulse" App Appears in Play Store for System Anomaly Detection
A Google app named "Android Pulse" (com.google.android.apps.pulse) recently appeared in Google Play Store updates, designed to detect anomalies in critical system resource consumption for Android OS and installed applications. This app provides diagnostic support for Android devices, helping Google identify issues related to battery, CPU, or memory usage.
Google Home bug disrupts shopping list integration with Google Keep for some users
A bug in Google Home is preventing some users from adding items to Google Keep shopping lists via voice commands, coinciding with the rollout of Gemini for Home. This issue disrupts a core voice assistant function for affected users, making it difficult to manage shopping lists hands-free.
Waze Real-Time Alerts to Integrate into Rivian R1 and R2 Navigation Systems
Rivian will integrate Waze's real-time alerts, including police sightings and speed camera reports, into the navigation systems of its R1 and R2 electric vehicles. This integration will be delivered via an over-the-air update, enhancing the in-car navigation experience for Rivian owners.
Google Maps traffic data bug affects Android Auto users
Google Maps is experiencing a bug preventing traffic data from displaying correctly, particularly for users on Android Auto. This issue, which previously occurred in July, impacts navigation by removing real-time traffic flow information.
Pixel Watch 5 Adds Customizable Double Pinch Gestures for Alarms and Media Controls
The Pixel Watch 5 introduces customizable double pinch gestures, allowing users to dismiss alarms, skip music, and control other functions, expanding on the previous model's limited snooze-only option. This update provides more user control over common interactions on the smartwatch.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold introduces 'App Handles' for enhanced multitasking
Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold now includes a new multitasking feature called "App Handles," which allows users to launch apps into floating windows from a dedicated dock. This feature, built on "Bubbles," provides quick access to frequently used applications via a swipe-up gesture, improving multitasking on foldable devices.
Pixel Camera App on Pixel 11 Introduces New Quick Access Sliders and Launch Mode
The Google Pixel camera app on the Pixel 11 series now includes redesigned "Quick access" slider dials and a new "Launch mode" setting. These updates provide users with more control over camera settings and initial app behavior, enhancing the native camera experience on the latest Pixel devices.
YouTube Premium Increases Subscription Prices Globally After Earlier US Hike
YouTube Premium is raising its subscription prices for users in various international regions, following a similar increase in the US earlier this year. These price adjustments, which are approximately 10-15%, will take effect for affected subscribers on or after September 23, 2026, impacting the cost of ad-free viewing and other premium features.
Pixel's 'Flip to Shhh' feature is broken for some users across multiple models
Google Pixel users from Pixel 7 to Pixel 10 models are reporting that the "Flip to Shhh" feature, which silences notifications when the phone is placed face down, is no longer working or available. The issue appears to be related to conflicting Digital Wellbeing versions, with no definitive fix currently available.
Narwal Releases Freo 20 Robot Vacuum with Advanced Mopping and Obstacle Avoidance
Narwal has launched the Freo 20 robot vacuum, featuring the FlowWash mopping system, 31,000 Pa suction, and TwinAI Obstacle Avoidance. This release aims to provide high-end cleaning capabilities at a lower price point than other flagship models.