From 9to5Google · 40 stories
Google Maps Rolls Out 3D 'Immersive Navigation' for Android Auto
Google Maps has launched its 3D 'Immersive Navigation' feature for Android Auto, enhancing visual clarity and navigation. The update provides detailed 3D visuals of buildings and lanes, coupled with AI-guided voice navigation. It aims to improve navigation experiences, particularly in urban areas.
Nothing Denies Market Exit, Confirms Layoffs and AI Business Unit
Nothing cofounder Akis Evangelidis denied reports of the company exiting global markets and inaccurate sales figures for its Phone (4b), stating the device sold nearly 30,000 units on its first day. Evangelidis confirmed a reorganization of teams, including the creation of an AI-native business unit, which has impacted some positions, though the scale of reported layoffs was disputed.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Card Offering Cashback on Samsung Purchases
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Card, a new credit card offering up to 5% cashback on Samsung product purchases. The card, issued by Barclays and operating on Visa, integrates with Samsung Wallet and provides varying cashback rates for different purchase types. It aims to enhance customer loyalty by rewarding users for spending on Samsung devices and services.
Google Pixel 11 and 11a to Debut with Tensor G6 Using TSMC's 2nm Process
The upcoming Google Pixel 11 series will be the first to feature the Tensor G6 chip using TSMC's new 2nm process, ahead of Apple's iPhone 18. The Pixel 11a will also use this processor, which includes a new MediaTek modem aimed at improving connectivity and power efficiency.
Signal Beta Allows Linking Android Devices to One Account
Signal's latest beta introduces the ability for Android users to link a secondary phone or tablet to a single account without needing multiple phone numbers. This feature aligns Signal more closely with competitors like WhatsApp, allowing synchronized chat history across devices. The feature, currently in beta and expected in a future stable release, enhances flexibility for Signal users.
Motorola Edge 70 Max Sets Benchmark with 25W Wireless Charging and Qi2 Support
Motorola has launched the Edge 70 Max, its flagship Android phone with a massive 7100mAh battery and groundbreaking 25W wireless Qi2 charging. This innovation positions it as the first Android device with built-in Qi2 magnets at this power level, challenging previous cap limits and potentially influencing the broader smartphone market.
Google Expands Gemini in Chrome to UK Users
Google has expanded its Gemini feature in Chrome to users in the UK, continuing its international rollout. Gemini, previously limited to certain subscriptions, offers AI-based summarization and integration with Google services. This feature, now more widely available, enhances user interaction with content and other Google apps directly in the browser.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Launched with Privacy Display and AI Features
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring a new privacy display with restricted viewing angles and integration of multiple AI chatbots. The device, priced at $1,299, comes with multiple configurations and stackable discounts, driving increased production to meet demand. This launch is significant as it addresses user security while keeping pace with competitive flagship offerings.
Google Search Usage Reaches Record High After World Cup Match
Google Search set a new all-time usage record following the World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt. This significant spike occurred right after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory, highlighting Google's continued dominance in real-time search amidst growing competition, particularly from AI tools. The record was noted for its occurrence during a fiercely contested World Cup match, drawing global interest.
Google Revises Android Bench with New Framework and LLMs
Google updated its Android Bench ranking system, incorporating the Harbor framework to evaluate AI models specifically for Android development. The bench now includes eight new large language models, with changes allowing developers to submit tasks for model evaluation. Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro now ranks fifth, trailing behind newer models.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 Sees Price Hike to $399 Amid Hardware Cost Increases
Google's Pixel Watch 5 is set to launch at $399, showing a $50 increase over the previous model due to rising material costs. Leaks suggest it will be released on August 20 with multiple size and variant options. This pricing shift aligns with broader industry trends and highlights the impact of global memory shortages.
Google Search Console Now Tracks Social Media Traffic
Google has introduced a new feature in Search Console called 'platform properties'. It allows content creators to track which search terms direct users to their social media profiles and YouTube content. This update provides detailed insights into clicks, impressions, and traffic trends, aiding creators in understanding audience interactions and enhancing their visibility across various platforms.
Blender 3D Modeling App to Launch on Android in First Half of 2027
Blender, a 3D modeling suite, is developing an Android application targeting a release in the first half of 2027. This initiative aims to bring professional 3D modeling capabilities to Android tablets and the new Googlebook platform, while iPad support remains on hold.
Google Pixel devices reportedly experiencing NFC bug affecting contactless payments
Multiple Google Pixel models, from Pixel 8 to Pixel 11 Pro XL, are reportedly experiencing an NFC bug that prevents contactless payments through Google Wallet and transit terminals. This issue appears to be software-related, as NFC functionality works for other purposes, and Google has not yet provided a fix.
Samsung Galaxy Buds On leak reveals open-ear design, 'Auto Volume,' and gesture controls
Official-looking renders and app details for Samsung's "Galaxy Buds On" have leaked, showing an open-ear clip design and features like "Auto Volume," head gesture controls, and voice memo integration. This leak suggests an upcoming release for the new earbuds.
Google Maps Renames Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' for US Users Following Executive Order
Google Maps has updated its display for users in the United States, renaming "Lake Ontario" to "Lake America" following an executive order by President Trump and an update to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). This change aligns with Google's policy of reflecting official government name changes for bodies of water, while users in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario." This is the second such renaming, following "Gulf of America" in February 2025.
Vivo X Fold 6 foldable phone launches globally with a 200-megapixel main camera
Vivo's X Fold 6, a foldable smartphone, is launching internationally after its initial release in China. The device features a 200-megapixel main camera and a 6,900mAh battery, but its aspect ratio and visible screen crease are noted as older design choices.
Google Images Revamps Homepage with Personalized Gallery and AI Features
Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a redesigned homepage. The update introduces a dynamic, personalized image gallery and includes AI features like image generation via Nano Banana 2 Lite. These changes aim to enhance user engagement and improve the visual search experience.
Google Play introduces Usage-Based Billing and new subscription options for developers
Google Play is adding new subscription features for Android developers, including Usage-Based Billing for generative AI apps, Multi-Quantity Subscription Purchase for organizations, Mixed Carts for combining subscriptions and one-time products, and Cross-Developer Bundling. These changes provide developers with more flexible monetization models and are rolling out via an Early Access Program.
XREAL Aura Android XR glasses receive over 10,000 reservations, early-bird deal ends
XREAL announced that its Aura Android XR glasses have surpassed 10,000 reservations since June, indicating demand for the upcoming device. The early-bird reservation deal, which offered a $199 credit for a $99 deposit, has concluded, though $199 deposits are still available.
Gemini AI integrates with Google Wallet for personalized insights from saved data
Google's Gemini AI is integrating with Google Wallet, allowing users to retrieve information and personalized insights from loyalty cards, event tickets, boarding passes, and linked financial accounts. This integration enables Gemini to answer queries about travel details, loyalty numbers, spending habits, and budgeting, initially rolling out to personal Google Accounts in the US.
Google Messages Rolls Out New Long-Press Menu with Precise Text Copying
Google Messages is widely rolling out a new long-press menu in conversations, replacing the previous top toolbar. This update allows users to precisely copy specific parts of a message, rather than only the entire message.
Disney+ and Hulu Increase Subscription Prices for Most Plans
Disney+ and Hulu have raised prices for most of their subscription plans, with ad-free options seeing the largest increases. This adjustment makes the Disney+/Hulu bundle more competitive against individual service subscriptions.
Peacock Raises Streaming Prices Across All Tiers, Up to $3 Per Month
Peacock has increased prices for all its streaming plans, with the ad-supported Select tier now $8.99/month, Premium at $12.99/month, and the ad-free Premium Plus at $19.99/month. These changes take effect for new subscribers on August 18 and for existing subscribers after September 17, marking the service's latest price adjustment.
Pixel Watch 5 Leak Shows No Chip Upgrade, But Increased RAM
A Google Play Console listing for the Pixel Watch 5, codenamed "godric," indicates it will retain the Qualcomm SW5100 chip, similar to previous models. However, the device is expected to feature 3 GB of RAM, an increase from 2 GB, which could support new Gemini Intelligence features.
9to5Google launches membership program 9to5Google Pro
9to5Google has launched a membership program named 9to5Google Pro, aimed at enhancing community interaction and content offerings. Subscribers will gain access to ad-free podcasts, a dedicated Discord server for discussions, and tiered benefits that expand with membership growth.
Google revives Android Dev Summit in October 2026, teases Android 18 graphics features
Google is bringing back the Android Dev Summit in October 2026, featuring sessions on AI, Android XR, and app foundations. The event also includes the first mention of Android 18, highlighting new graphics capabilities in Jetpack Compose and Android 18.
Chrome Bug on macOS Causes Extension Load Delays, Google Investigating
A bug in recent Google Chrome updates is causing extensions to load slowly on macOS, with some taking up to 60 seconds. Google is aware of the issue and is investigating, impacting user experience for tools like password managers.
Valve open-sources Lepton tool for porting Android games to Linux and Steam Frame
Valve released Lepton as an open-source tool on GitHub, enabling developers to port Android-native games to Linux and the Steam Frame. This allows Android VR games, including those from Meta Quest, to run on Valve's new $1,059 Steam Frame VR headset.
Samsung Gallery rolls out Google Photos sync, replacing OneDrive integration
Samsung Gallery is rolling out an update that enables direct synchronization with Google Photos, replacing its previous OneDrive integration. This change allows users to back up photos and videos from their Samsung Gallery directly to Google Photos, aligning with similar integrations on other Android devices.
Google Classroom experiences widespread outage affecting users
Google Classroom is experiencing a widespread outage, with reports spiking on Downdetector. This incident affects only Classroom, while other Google Workspace applications remain operational.
Google's Noto 3D Emoji Roll Out to Android Devices Beyond Pixel
Google's Noto 3D emoji are expanding beyond Pixel devices to other Android phones and Google apps. The design prioritizes "emotional clarity" and simplified details based on research indicating that excessive anatomical details and props hinder emotional processing and comprehension.
Google releases Android Bench 2.0 for evaluating AI on complex development tasks
Google released Android Bench 2.0, an updated benchmark designed to evaluate AI models on more complex, long-horizon Android development tasks, moving beyond simple bug fixes to include feature additions and app conversions. This update introduces continuous scoring to assess functionality, visual fidelity, and regressions, providing a more nuanced evaluation of AI agent capabilities in software development.
Honor unveils MagicOS 11 (Android 17) with Liquid Glass design and device compatibility list
Honor officially announced MagicOS 11, its Android 17 update, featuring a new design language and performance improvements. The company also released a list of devices eligible for the beta and stable update, impacting a wide range of Honor smartphone and tablet users.
Google Home Integrates Model Context Protocol (MCP) for AI Agent Connectivity
Google has introduced Home MCP, allowing AI coding agents like Claude and Codex to connect with the Google Home ecosystem. This integration enables AI agents to interact with smart home devices and data, offering advanced automation and contextual understanding for users.
Google launches Home MCP for AI agent integration with smart home devices
Google introduced Home MCP (Model Context Protocol), enabling AI agents like Antigravity, Claude, and OpenClaw to interact with Google Home smart devices and event history. This development allows AI agents to analyze smart home data, manage devices, and create custom dashboards, expanding the capabilities of personal AI in home automation.
Google confirms Pixel phones exploited by modem vulnerability, patched in September 2026 update
Google confirmed that a limited number of Pixel phones were targeted and exploited through a modem vulnerability, CVE-2026-58704, which allowed remote privilege escalation without user interaction. This vulnerability was patched in the September 2026 security update, making it critical for Pixel users to update their devices.
Google's Dreambeans AI-powered personalized feed now free for US Google Accounts
Google's experimental Dreambeans app, which generates personalized daily stories using AI, is now available for free to Google Account users in the US. Previously, it required a subscription to Google AI Ultra or AI Pro, and it uses data from various Google services to create customized content and AI-generated artwork.
Google introduces ADB Wi-Fi 2.0 for more reliable wireless Android debugging
Google released ADB Wi-Fi 2.0 as part of Android 17, featuring a new server stack, smarter network handling, and improved discoverability in Android Studio. These updates aim to make wireless debugging more reliable and faster for Android developers.
Google System Updates July 2026 Introduce New Features Across Android Ecosystem
The July 2026 Google System Updates introduce new features for Android devices, enhancing in-app purchase experiences, improving screen layouts, and expanding audio permissions for WebViews. Additionally, these updates enhance the Android Credential Manager on TVs, aiming to improve both user interaction and developer efficiency. The changes affect Play services, Play Store, system apps across various devices such as phones, tablets, and TVs.