From 9to5Google · 40 stories
WhatsApp Introduces @all Mentions, Enhanced Polls, and New Group Creation Features
WhatsApp has rolled out new features for group chats, including an "@all" mention to notify all members, expanded poll options with end times and anonymous voting, and the ability to create new groups from existing ones. These updates provide users with more communication tools and administrative controls within the messaging platform.
Nothing Launches Phone 4A Pro with Aluminium Body and LED Screen Matrix
Nothing has released the Phone 4A Pro, a £499 aluminium-bodied smartphone with a large camera island featuring an LED matrix. The device is distinguished by its notable design among mid-range offerings and is positioned above the regular Phone 4A. Meanwhile, the Phone 4B, a budget model, introduces the 'B-series' as a more affordable option but will not be available in the US.
Nothing Launches Ear 3A Buds with Audio Recording at $99 Price Point
Nothing introduced its new Ear 3A wireless earbuds for $99, featuring an Audio Snapshot feature for recording audio and calls. The earbuds also come with improved ANC and built-in storage. They connect recordings with the Nothing X app for further functionality.
Trevor Noah to Host Made by Google 2026 Event Featuring Pixel 11 Pro and Watch 5 Teases
Google announced Trevor Noah will host the Made by Google 2026 event on August 12th at 6 p.m. ET in New York City. The event will feature various celebrities and athletes, and Google briefly teased the Pixel 11 Pro with HiLight active and the Pixel Watch 5.
Honor Launches "Robot Phone" with Automated Pop-Up Camera Gimbal in China
Honor has launched its "Robot Phone" for pre-order in China, featuring an automated pop-up camera gimbal made of titanium that can rotate 360 degrees and includes AI subject tracking. The device integrates a 200MP camera with 4DoF stabilization and starts at approximately $1,500, offering new capabilities for smartphone photography and videography.
Nothing Releases Ear 3A Earbuds with Transparent Design and Improved Features for $99
Nothing has launched the Ear 3A earbuds, priced at $99, featuring a transparent design, 12mm dynamic drivers, and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). The new model maintains Nothing's visual identity and offers enhanced sound quality with adjustable EQ, though some users may experience minor issues with adaptive ANC and call quality.
Ring Releases Peephole Cam 2K, Upgrading Resolution and Design for $99
Ring has launched the Peephole Cam 2K, an updated version of its peephole doorbell camera, featuring 2K video recording, a slimmer design, and a starting price of $99.99. This new model replaces the 2019 Door View Cam and is designed for easy installation without drilling, making it suitable for renters.
Google Open-Sources Redesigned 3D Noto Emoji for Cross-Platform Use
Google announced the redesign of its entire emoji collection into a 3D format called 'Noto 3D', which will first be available on Pixel phones. These newly designed emojis, debuting with Android 17 later this year, have been open-sourced, allowing developers to incorporate them into various applications. It marks a shift towards greater cross-platform consistency while retaining some of Google's original design ethos.
XGIMI Launches Elfin Flip 4K Projector with Portable Features, Lacks Battery Power
XGIMI introduced the Elfin Flip 4K, a 4K laser projector equipped with Google TV, priced at $999. While marketed as portable with features like automatic keystone correction and a 3.4-pound design, it lacks an internal battery, limiting outdoor use. This projector includes a built-in Harman-Kardon speaker and a tiltable design, making it suitable for various indoor placements.
Nintendo to Shut Down Mobile Game Mario Kart Tour by September 2026
Nintendo will terminate Mario Kart Tour, its mobile racing game, on September 30, 2026, without offering an offline version. This decision marks a shift in Nintendo's mobile gaming strategy. The game, launched in 2019, stopped updates in 2023 and will completely cease operation.
Google Releases Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 Fixing Multiple Bugs for Pixel Devices
Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 for Pixel smartphones, addressing several bugs and achieving Platform Stability with finalized APIs. The update includes fixes for spell checker language selection, Quick Settings media carousel, and Wi-Fi SSID display issues. It is available for a wide range of Pixels, excluding the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, which will end with QPR1 updates.
Android 17 QPR2 allows Pixel users to customize Quick Settings layout
Android 17 QPR2, released in a Canary build, introduces a feature for Pixel users to reorder elements within the Quick Settings shade. This update provides six layout combinations for the Brightness bar, Tiles, and Media player, offering more personalization for the user interface.
Google Pixel Journal app updates with cloud-based Private AI Compute and UI changes
Google is updating its Pixel Journal app, introducing cloud-based Private AI Compute for auto-formatting features and making several user interface adjustments. This update extends AI capabilities beyond on-device processing while maintaining privacy safeguards, impacting users of Pixel devices.
Google Health 5.06 Update Adds Coach Control and Map Fixes
Google Health 5.06 is rolling out on Android and iOS, allowing users to control the visibility of Health Coach guidance in the Today tab. This update provides options to either display full coaching insights or only activity and sleep summaries, addressing user preferences for app interface customization.
8BitDo Releases FlipPad Compact USB-C Game Controller for Android and iOS at $29.99
8BitDo has launched the FlipPad, a compact game controller for Android and iOS devices, priced at $29.99. This controller connects via USB-C and features a hinge design for temporary screen access without disconnection, targeting mobile emulator users.
Google Meet Expands AI-Powered 'Take Notes' Feature to In-Person Meetings
Google Meet is rolling out its Gemini-powered 'Take Notes' feature for in-person meetings on Android, web, and iOS, previously limited to online meetings. This expansion allows users to generate transcripts, summaries, and action items from physical gatherings, saving them to Google Drive.
Samsung reportedly cancels variable-aperture camera for Galaxy S27 due to cost and size
Samsung has reportedly decided against reintroducing variable-aperture cameras in its upcoming Galaxy S27 series, despite earlier rumors. The decision was influenced by higher manufacturing costs and the increased thickness required for the camera module.
Gemini AI Assistant Adds Over a Dozen New Connected Apps
Google's Gemini AI assistant is integrating with over a dozen new applications, including Ticketmaster, Angi, and Zocdoc, which will roll out in the coming weeks. This expansion allows Gemini to connect with more external services, increasing its utility across various digital tasks for users.
Google's Tensor G6 chip for Pixel 11 uses TSMC's 3nm process, not 2nm as rumored
Google's upcoming Tensor G6 chip, set to debut in the Pixel 11, will be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process, contrary to earlier rumors of it being the first 2nm smartphone chip. This clarification from Google's VP of Hardware confirms the process node for the new chip, which includes CPU, TPU, ISP, and security chip upgrades.
Pixel 11 Series in US Remains eSIM-Only, Except for Pro Fold Model
Google's Pixel 11 series in the United States continues to be eSIM-only, following the Pixel 10 series, meaning physical SIM cards are not supported on most models. This decision aligns with the broader industry trend towards eSIM adoption, which Apple initiated years prior. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is an exception, retaining a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM support.
Pixel Watch 5 Introduces 2nd Gen Active Band Made from HNBR to Reduce PFAS
Google's Pixel Watch 5 features a new "2nd Gen Active Band" made from Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) with a soft-touch coating. This material change aims to reduce the presence of PFAS "forever chemicals" by over 99% compared to the previous fluoroelastomer bands, aligning with industry efforts to move away from these substances.
Beeper introduces chat merging for contacts across multiple messaging apps
Beeper has released an update that allows users to merge conversations with the same contact from different messaging applications into a single chat thread. This feature aims to simplify communication by consolidating interactions with individuals regardless of the platform used. The update also includes customizable backgrounds on Android, message sorting, poll support, new languages, and limited free access to previously paid features.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE specifications and higher price leak ahead of expected September launch
Specifications for Samsung's Galaxy S26 FE have leaked, showing largely unchanged hardware compared to its predecessor, the S25 FE. Despite the minimal upgrades, reports indicate a price increase of €50, bringing the starting cost in France to €799.
Google Sheets iOS icon updated with 180-degree rotation, aligning with app interface
Google updated the Sheets icon for iOS by rotating it 180 degrees, moving the x- and y-axis indicators to the top-left and repositioning the secondary sheet. This change aligns the icon's visual representation with the actual appearance of Google Sheets. The update is currently exclusive to the iOS version of the app.
Google Messages Beta Updates Long-Press Menu and Introduces Partial Text Copying
Google Messages is rolling out a redesigned long-press menu in its beta version (20260731_00_RC00) that moves options from a top toolbar to a floating menu, improving one-handed use. This update also adds the ability to copy specific parts of a message, rather than the entire text, and introduces expanded chat theme options.
Audeze Releases Maxwell 2 ANC Gaming Headset with Planar Magnetic Driver Noise Cancellation
Audeze has announced the Maxwell 2 ANC, a new flagship gaming headset that integrates active noise cancellation (ANC) with its planar magnetic drivers. This release is significant as it addresses the engineering challenge of maintaining sound quality with ANC in planar magnetic headphones, a technology Audeze states is unique in the industry.
Google Photos 7.85 for Android Adds Shimmer Toggle, Material 3 Redesign, and AI Camera Shortcut
Google Photos for Android version 7.85 introduces a setting to disable the "shimmer" effect that highlights subjects for sticker creation. The update also includes a Material 3 Expressive redesign for some settings pages and adds a camera shortcut for AI templates like Remix and Photo to video, allowing users to quickly capture new images.
Gemini on Wear OS receives new overlay design for Pixel Watch, aligning with Android UI
Gemini on Wear OS is rolling out a new overlay design for Pixel Watch, mirroring the Neural Expressive interface found on Android phones. This update changes how Gemini appears on the smartwatch, displaying over the current watch face instead of opening a full application, which improves visual consistency across devices.
Google develops AI-generated lockscreen clocks for Pixel phones in Android Canary
Google is developing AI-generated lockscreen clocks for Pixel phones, as revealed in Android Canary 2608. This feature allows users to create unique digital clock designs using AI prompts or image references, similar to AI wallpapers, and could offer more customization options for Pixel users.
Android Canary 2608 for Pixel devices adds Quick Settings layout customization
Google released Android Canary 2608, which introduces the ability to customize the Quick Settings layout on Pixel devices. This update allows users to reorder elements like the Brightness bar, Tiles, and Media player, offering six possible combinations.
Google Chrome for Android rolls out dual navigation bars with integrated Gemini button
Google Chrome for Android is rolling out a new interface featuring dual navigation bars and a dedicated Gemini button. This update changes the browser's layout, placing the URL and basic controls at the top, and new tab, tab management, and Gemini access at the bottom, impacting user interaction with the browser.
Google Home update adds support for viewing third-party cameras from Wyze, Eufy, and others
Google Home's latest update expands support for viewing live feeds from third-party security cameras, including brands like Eufy, Tapo, Wyze, Reolink, and Nanit, directly within the Google Home app. This update aims to provide more consistent integration for smart home users who utilize various camera brands alongside their Google Home ecosystem.
Nothing plans to release six smartphones in 2027, doubling its 2026 output
Nothing announced plans to launch six new smartphones in 2027, which is double the three devices released in 2026. This expansion aims to offer a wider range of smartphones and increase sales volumes by 50% next year.
Samsung Releases New Magnetic Accessories Despite Lack of Built-in Qi2 in Galaxy Phones
Samsung has introduced new magnetic accessories, including the "Dual Magnet Holder Slim" and "360 Stand Magnet," for its Galaxy phones. This release occurs even though recent models like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Galaxy S26 series do not feature built-in Qi2 magnetic charging technology, requiring users to purchase compatible cases to utilize these accessories. The design of Samsung's camera bump also creates compatibility issues with square magnetic accessories, which some case manufacturers are addressing.
Nothing's CMF brand uses AI-generated images for new earbud marketing, drawing backlash
Nothing's CMF brand utilized AI-generated imagery for the marketing of its new CMF Clip Pro open-ear earbuds, leading to significant online criticism and the deletion of some images. This incident highlights the growing public animosity towards "AI slop" in marketing and the challenges companies face in balancing AI adoption with consumer perception.
Netflix 4K Playback Now Supported on Google Chrome for Windows 11 and Chromebooks
Netflix has updated its support to allow 4K content playback through the Google Chrome browser, specifically on Windows 11 and Chromebooks. This expansion provides more options for users to access high-resolution streaming, though it remains limited to specific operating systems and hardware configurations.
Google Home to restore Familiar Faces alerts on Walmart Onn cameras via firmware update
Google Home is preparing a firmware update to fix a bug that temporarily disabled Familiar Faces alerts on Walmart's Onn cameras. This fix will restore a advertised feature for users of these Google Home-integrated devices.
OnePlus 15 and most other products sell out in US following shutdown announcement
OnePlus has sold out of the OnePlus 15 and most other products on its US website, following an earlier announcement that it would cease operations in major markets. This marks the effective end of direct sales for most OnePlus devices in the United States, though some products remain available through third-party retailers.
Google Clock 9.0 Introduces Live Updates for Timers and Stopwatches on Pixel Devices
Google Clock version 9.0 now includes Live Updates for timers and stopwatches on Pixel devices running Android 16+. This feature changes how notifications appear in the status bar, lockscreen, and always-on display, providing real-time counts and larger controls.
Galaxy S27 Ultra reportedly to ship with one less telephoto camera due to cost-cutting
A new report indicates the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra will remove one of its telephoto camera sensors, specifically the 3x zoom lens, leaving it with a single 5x telephoto camera. This change is attributed to efforts to reduce manufacturing costs, potentially impacting the device's photographic versatility.