From 9to5Google · 40 stories
YouTube Music testing fullscreen cover art for Now Playing feature
YouTube Music is testing a fullscreen cover art display for its Now Playing feature, expanding the artwork to occupy the entire screen. This redesign may impact user experience by changing how album art and song information are presented. The change is currently in testing and not yet broadly implemented.
Google to Increase Pixel Device Prices, Focus on Android RAM Efficiency
Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, confirmed that future Pixel devices, including the Pixel 11 series, will have increased prices due to supply realities. Concurrently, Google is undertaking a dedicated effort to reduce Android's memory requirements, potentially allowing future Pixel models to ship with less RAM while maintaining user experience.
Nothing reportedly exiting 12+ global markets and laying off 40% of staff due to struggling phone sales
Nothing is reportedly preparing to cease phone sales in over a dozen global markets, including parts of Europe, Japan, and the Middle East, following declining sales of its latest Phone (4a) and Phone (4b) models. This move is accompanied by significant layoffs, affecting approximately 40% of the company's workforce, including its R&D units in China and London. The reported market exits and layoffs indicate challenges for Nothing's smartphone business outside of its strong performance in India.
Google releases first firmware update for Fitbit Air
Google has initiated the first firmware update for the Fitbit Air, improving its functionality. The update includes bug fixes and enhancements to exercise tracking capabilities following earlier Google Health app updates.
Google Reduces Chrome for Android Scroll Jank by 48%
Google has reduced scroll jank in Chrome for Android by 48% between 2023 and 2026, addressing sudden page stutters or jumps that occur when a device fails to present a frame on time. This improvement enhances the mobile web experience for users by making scrolling smoother and more consistent.
Android Auto Updates: WhatsApp Calling Enhanced, Google Maps Speedometer Rolling Out
Android Auto is receiving two updates: Meta has refreshed WhatsApp to allow hands-free calls, call history access, and favorite contacts directly from the car's screen using voice commands. Concurrently, Google Maps is beginning to roll out a live speedometer feature to Android Auto users, a functionality previously available on other platforms and Android phones.
Samsung unveils Android XR glasses with 9-hour battery life
Samsung announced its upcoming Android XR smart glasses, developed with Google, featuring a 9-hour battery life on a single charge. This battery capacity is notable compared to Meta’s display smart glasses, which last up to 6 hours, although Samsung’s glasses do not include a built-in screen.
Google updates Gemini for macOS with Neural Expressive design and AI Mode on Android
Google has updated its Gemini app for macOS to include the Neural Expressive design language, previously seen in Android. The redesign enhances the app's interface with new icons and navigation elements aimed at creating a consistent user experience across platforms.
Gboard launches M3 Expressive redesign for shortcuts on Android
Gboard is rolling out a redesign of the shortcuts page using Material 3 Expressive, introducing larger icons and pill-shaped containers. This update enhances the user interface, making it more visually accessible and intuitive for users. Changes include a new layout with horizontal swiping and modified elements like a close ‘x’ button replacing the back button.
Google Meet launches homepage redesign with meeting agenda view
Google Meet is introducing a redesigned homepage that centralizes meeting agendas and essential artifacts. This update aims to enhance organization and preparation for meetings, making it easier to access relevant information and materials.
Galaxy S26 Ultra update enhances Privacy Display for picture-in-picture videos
The One UI 9 update for Galaxy S26 Ultra enables Privacy Display filtering for picture-in-picture videos. This allows on-screen media to be visible only to the primary user, enhancing privacy while using specific apps like YouTube.
Google Photos introduces toggle between classic search and Ask Photos
Google Photos has launched a toggle feature that allows users to switch between classic search and Ask Photos. This update enhances user experience by providing flexibility in search methods, encouraging exploration of the AI-powered capabilities.
Snapseed Camera for Android Expands Features With New Updates
Snapseed for Android introduced several updates starting with version 4.0.8, adding grid lines, levels, and geotagging features to its camera. The subsequent 4.1 update massively expanded RAW format support and added undo/redo functionalities within tools. The updates improve user experience and functionality, especially in professional photography settings.
Google Pixel Watch bands discounted to around $10 from various retailers
Select official Pixel Watch bands are now discounted, with prices starting at around $10. Discounts are available through sellers like Amazon and Best Buy, indicating a cyclical trend in pricing.
OnePlus to Integrate Fully with Oppo's ColorOS, Dropping OxygenOS
OnePlus is discontinuing OxygenOS, integrating all devices with Oppo's ColorOS starting with Android 17 updates. This change reflects OnePlus's operational shift and consolidation under Oppo, continuing software support but significantly altering OnePlus's brand identity.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 to use Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, leaked images reveal
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 will now feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, marking a shift from Exynos. This change indicates improved performance and AI capabilities for the smartwatch.
Google Pixel and Nothing see rapid growth in Indian smartphone market
Google Pixel and Nothing emerged as the fastest-growing smartphone brands in India in Q2 2026, despite an overall market decline. Nothing experienced a 105% year-over-year growth, while Google Pixel grew by 68% in the ultra-premium segment, due to effective marketing and retail strategies.
Redmagic Astra 2 Android tablet priced at $699, launching in August
The Redmagic Astra 2 tablet launches in August, priced starting at $699 for the 12GB/256GB model. With a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and 9-inch AMOLED display, it competes against high-end options like Lenovo's Legion Tab.
Google Contacts introduces 'Your info' card for phone number sharing on Android
Google Contacts app has added a 'Your info' card feature to display user's contact information prominently. This change allows users to easily share their information, including their primary phone number, enhancing convenience for Android users.
Google Health Outage Disrupts Sync for Fitbit and Pixel Watch Users
On July 15, a seven-hour Google Health outage disrupted data sync for Fitbit and Pixel Watch users worldwide. The issue has been resolved, and users can recover data from local storage. The outage's cause remains unknown but highlights reliance on cloud services.
Motorola Faces Criticism Over Confusing Software Update Promises for Edge 70 Max
Motorola released the Edge 70 Max with unclear software update commitments, promising security updates through 2031 but only "up to 3 years" of OS updates. This inconsistency complicates consumer understanding of support timelines, highlighting ongoing issues with Motorola's update policies across regional markets.
Walmart Adjusts Google TV Hardware Lineup Amid Stock Changes
Walmart is shifting its Google TV streaming stick production from SDMC to Skyworth, as indicated by an FCC listing. The $29.98 FHD Google TV stick, which disappeared briefly from Walmart's website, signals potential changes. Additionally, the Onn 4K Pro Google TV box, priced at $59, has been restocked for in-store purchases but remains elusive online. These shifts indicate potential restructuring in Walmart's streaming hardware strategy.
Google opens temporary Pixel Care+ enrollment for Pixel 9 and 10 owners
Google has launched a limited-time open enrollment for Pixel Care+ for Pixel 9 and 10 owners until August 2, 2023. This plan includes unlimited accidental damage coverage and various repair benefits, which is significant for users seeking device protection beyond the standard purchase period.
Google unveils Gemma 4 optimized for Pixel 10's TPU
Google announced the Gemma 4 E2B model, optimized for use with the Pixel 10's Tensor Processing Unit. This update expands the device's capabilities for AI-driven tasks, emphasizing offline usage and multimodal interactions.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 to feature 20W wireless charging upgrade
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will support 20W wireless charging, a significant upgrade from the previous model's 25W wired rate. This change is critical for staying competitive in the foldable market. Wireless charging improvements have not occurred in several generations of Galaxy Z Fold devices.
Samsung One UI 9 with Android 17 Brings Enhanced Customization for Galaxy Phones
Samsung's One UI 9 update, based on Android 17, introduces extensive customization options for Galaxy phones. New features include customizable dock backgrounds and multi-finger gestures, alongside a revamped Quick Settings panel. Enhanced accessibility features and a network speed indicator are also added.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 scheduled for release later this year
Samsung is reportedly set to launch the Galaxy SmartTag 3 Bluetooth tracker in the coming months. This device is anticipated to improve upon the previous model, potentially incorporating UWB connectivity, enhancing tracking capabilities within the SmartThings ecosystem.
Samsung teases Galaxy Watch 9 features ahead of July 22 launch
Samsung has released teasers for the Galaxy Watch 9, highlighting new health features, a titanium design, and a Snapdragon processor. The watch aims to enhance personalized health tracking and activity monitoring, addressing both fitness and wellness.
9to5Google launches Inbox newsletter focusing on tech news
9to5Google has launched a new newsletter named Inbox, aimed at providing concise tech news updates. It will publish issues on Tuesdays and Thursdays, summarizing key technology stories and highlights from around the web.
Google Pixel 11 series appears on FCC with five models listed
The FCC has published listings for five new Google Pixel 11 devices ahead of the launch. This includes model numbers presumed to relate to the Pixel 11 series, featuring new capabilities and a MediaTek modem instead of Exynos.
Google AI Mode on Android adds chat history search feature
Google AI Mode now allows users to search their chat history directly within the Android app. This update enhances user experience by making it easier to revisit previous conversations, which was previously available only on the web.
Google releases 'Magic Pointer' app for Googlebook to Play Store
Google has launched the 'Magic Pointer' app on the Play Store, designed for its upcoming Googlebook devices. The app enables users to select items on their screen and receive contextual AI suggestions, utilizing the Gemini AI for enhanced interactivity.
Baseus launches PicoGo Air magnetic power bank compatible with Pixel 10
Baseus has launched the PicoGo Air, a thin 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank designed for the Pixel 10. Its slim profile, measuring under 7mm thick, enhances portability while offering a lower charging limit of 22.5W compared to Qi2 standards. This product expands the options for Pixel 10 users seeking compact charging solutions.
Google to Rebrand Pixel Magic Cue as Gemini 'Proactive Assistance'
Google is rebranding its Magic Cue feature to 'Proactive Assistance' under the Gemini brand. This change reflects an effort to unify Google's assistive technologies, maintaining core functionalities while enhancing its identity within the Gemini ecosystem.
Google Gemini app team reveals top user requests and progress updates
Google's Josh Woodward requested feedback for the Gemini app, sharing the top ten user requests and current progress. Key issues include improving Google Workspace integrations and enhancing tool reliability, which are vital for user satisfaction and overall functionality of the app.
Google Chrome 150 for Android introduces dedicated back button
Google Chrome version 150 for Android introduces a dedicated back button, enhancing navigation options. This change, previously available on iOS, simplifies the user experience by providing an alternative to gesture navigation.
Google Store begins selling Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 as part of Play Store promotion
The Google Store has started promoting the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 alongside its products. This unexpected collaboration reflects the close partnership between Google and Samsung, though it may confuse consumers regarding branding.
Nvidia Shield TV (2019) reportedly discontinued at major retailers
The Nvidia Shield TV (2019) has largely gone out of stock at major retailers and is marked as discontinued by some. While Nvidia has stated there are no plans to stop production or support, the absence of the base model could indicate a potential shift in the product line amidst competitive market pressures.
Gemini updates Nest Hub with redesigned weather and knowledge visual responses
Gemini for Home enhances the Nest Hub and Smart Display with redesigned visual cards for weather and knowledge queries. The updated interface utilizes Material 3 design principles and offers improved responsiveness for sports updates and follow-up questions.
Google Home app update adds Suggested Automations and camera enhancements
Google Home app v4.20 introduces Suggested Automations to simplify smart home setups and enhances camera features. Users can now begin automations with ready-made suggestions, improving accessibility for new users and streamlining device interactions.