From 9to5Google · 40 stories
Readers highlight notable missing features in Google Pixel phones
A recent poll of 9to5Google readers identified key missing features in Google Pixel phones, including backup and restore options akin to iPhone's seamless transfer. Additional feedback also highlighted limitations in homescreen and lockscreen management, indicating a need for more customizable features.
Leaked videos reveal Samsung's Galaxy Glasses design and features
Leaked videos showcase Samsung's Galaxy Glasses, highlighting their slim design and control features. The glasses, resembling Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, include touchpad sensors and camera controls, enhancing integration with Android devices.
Samsung Galaxy Watch to Replace Vascular Load with Blood Pressure Trends
Samsung will remove the Vascular Load feature from Galaxy Watch, pivoting to blood pressure trend monitoring starting with One UI 9 Watch update. This change affects US users and focuses on broader, ongoing health trends over individual measurements.
Google Pixel users report Wi-Fi and gaming issues after Android 17 update
Some Google Pixel users are experiencing Wi-Fi disconnects and gameplay lag after updating to Android 17. These issues contribute to ongoing frustrations with network performance and device stability following major Android releases.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and S26 Ultra models receive significant discounts
Samsung is discounting all Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra models by $350, with open-box units up to $456 off. Additionally, the Galaxy S26 Ultra sees a $350 price drop on both Amazon and Samsung's official site.
Google discontinues Nest x Yale Lock, pushes Yahoo Matter Smart Lock
Google has removed the Nest x Yale Lock from its Store, moving to the Yale Matter Smart Lock. The change marks a shift, as Google is no longer selling any smart locks directly.
Samsung Messages to Shut Down July 6, Transition to Google Messages
Samsung will discontinue its Messages app on July 6, transitioning users to Google Messages. This shift follows a trend away from Samsung's proprietary app in favor of RCS and Google's offering as the default messaging platform.
Google Pixel users report missing calls with phones not ringing
Google Pixel owners report that their devices are failing to ring for incoming calls, resulting in missed calls. This issue, affecting primarily those on Android 17, has prompted users to suggest partial resets or changes in the Google Phone app settings as potential fixes.
Google discusses Android 17 features and introduces Android Halo
Google's Sameer Samat outlines key features of Android 17, including the Android Halo concept for AI interactions. The focus shifts away from AI terminology to user benefits, despite many features being AI-driven.
Apple's iOS 27 and Google's Android 17 Introduced: Key Features Compared
Apple has launched iOS 27 and Google has released Android 17, showcasing significant customization features in each OS. Notably, iOS 27 offers enhanced lockscreen and homescreen widget customization options compared to Android 17, which has limited customization capabilities.
Google Health releases CLI for data access and custom tool building
Google Health has released a command-line interface (CLI) for accessing health data and developing tools. The CLI supports over 40 health metrics, allowing users to automate data management and integrate with AI agents.
Anker's Eufy launches SmartTrack Card E40 for Android Find Hub at $34.99
Anker's Eufy has launched the SmartTrack Card E40, its first tracker for the Android Find Hub, priced at $34.99. After delays since its initial announcement in 2024, the tracker aims to compete in a growing market for tracking devices that utilize Android's dual-network configuration.
Lenovo teases Legion Y700 Infinite tablet with OLED and 5G support
Lenovo announced the upcoming Legion Y700 Infinite tablet, featuring an OLED display and 5G connectivity. This new variant adds significant enhancements over its predecessors and may cater specifically to the gaming community in China.
Google launches 'Signatures' app for Pixel and select Android devices
Google is rolling out a new 'Signatures' app aimed at storing digital signatures on Pixel and select Android devices. This app is part of the June 2026 Play system update, although its exact functionalities and integrations remain unclear.
Retroid Pocket 6 adds official support for LineageOS
The Retroid Pocket 6 now officially supports LineageOS, enabling users to upgrade from Android 13 to a version based on Android 16. This update offers significant performance improvements, enhanced battery efficiency, and access to regular security updates.
Android 17 introduces Motion Assist to reduce motion sickness in vehicles
Google is rolling out Motion Assist, a new feature in Android 17, designed to mitigate motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. This feature uses the device's sensors to display moving dots on the screen, synchronizing with vehicle motion to counteract sensory discrepancies that cause nausea.
Oura Introduces Smaller Ring 5, Focuses on Design and Wearability
Oura has launched the Ring 5, a significantly smaller and lighter version of its predecessor, the Ring 4. The new ring maintains its existing health tracking features but emphasizes design enhancements over functional upgrades. It requires a subscription for complete access, impacting consumers evaluating compact smart wearables.
Plaud Launches Plaud One AI Earbuds with eSIM-Enabled Case for Standalone Recording
Plaud has released the Plaud One Explorer Edition, AI-enabled earbuds available for preorder at $250. These earbuds and their charging case can record and transcribe conversations, integrating with the Plaud Agent to generate work products like emails and documents, and feature built-in 4G connectivity for standalone operation.
Samsung Launches Galaxy SmartTag 3 with Pet Activity Monitoring and Cross-Platform Support
Samsung has released the Galaxy SmartTag 3, its third-generation Bluetooth tracker, featuring a squircle design that is 35% smaller and 33% lighter than its predecessor. The device offers extended battery life of up to 550 days in normal mode and 790 days in power-saving mode, and introduces pet activity monitoring capabilities. It also supports cross-platform compatibility, including iOS, and will be available in the US in November for $29.99.
Bose Introduces Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connectivity
Bose has released its first wired earbuds in 11 years, the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, featuring active noise canceling and a USB-C connector. This reintroduces a wired option for users seeking to avoid battery dependency while still benefiting from modern noise cancellation technology.
Sony Reintroduces WH-1000XM4 Headphones as WH-1000XM4C with Updates
Sony has re-released its WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, featuring minor improvements such as a new sound profile, a 10-band EQ, and Bluetooth 6. Priced at $300, the WH-1000XM4C maintains the compact design and QN1 processing chip of its predecessor, offering a lower price point compared to the original release. This reintroduction expands Sony's headphone lineup, which also includes the new midrange WH-CH730N and another budget-friendly option.
Google Releases Special Edition Pokémon Sleep Fitbit Air for $129
Google has launched a special edition Fitbit Air, inspired by the Pokémon Sleep game, featuring a "Sleepy Blue" colorway and a sleeping Pikachu print. Available for preorder at $129 in the US and Japan, the device ships on September 15th and integrates with the Pokémon Sleep app to track sleep data, coinciding with Pokémon's 30th anniversary.
Light Unveils $299 Minimalist Flip Phone, the Light Flip, Launching in 2024
Light has announced the Light Flip, an affordable, minimalist flip phone priced at $299. Slated for early 2024 release, it combines retro design elements with modern features, excluding distracting apps to target users seeking simplicity. It retains tactile qualities, harking back to classic models like the Moto Razr.
Roku Increases Streaming Hardware Prices by Up to $50 Across All Models
Roku has raised prices on its streaming hardware, with some devices increasing by as much as $50, due to an ongoing memory shortage. This change affects all Roku models, including the Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra, and follows a similar price adjustment by Apple for its devices.
Xreal Releases Budget-Friendly A01 Plus AR Glasses for $299
Xreal has launched the A01 Plus AR glasses for $299, aimed at cost-conscious consumers seeking an affordable AR experience. These glasses, designed for media consumption, offer dual-layer Micro-OLED displays with 1,600-nit brightness and weigh 62 grams. While they lack some features of pricier models, the A01 Plus provides a budget option for portable gaming and movies.
Google's Gemini App to Replace 'Gems' with 'Skills' Starting November 2026
Google's Gemini app will replace its "Gems" feature with "skills" starting November 17, 2026. This change allows for more accessible invocation of custom instructions and the use of multiple skills simultaneously within the Gemini conversational experience.
Google Phone app restores Contacts tab to bottom bar navigation
The Google Phone app is reintroducing the Contacts tab to its bottom navigation bar, placing it between Home and Keypad. This change reverts a previous Material 3 Expressive redesign that moved Contacts to the navigation drawer, indicating user preference for direct access.
Motorola briefly teases 'Signature 27' phone, potentially for US market
Motorola's website briefly displayed a banner for a new phone called 'Signature 27', a successor to the 'Signature' model. The banner appeared on the US site, suggesting a potential US release for the device, which the previous 'Signature' model did not receive.
Xiaomi 18 Pro to feature enhanced Privacy Display functionality compared to Galaxy S26 Ultra
Xiaomi confirmed its upcoming 18 Pro smartphone will include a "smart privacy screen" feature, similar to the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display. Xiaomi's implementation offers greater versatility, supporting floating app windows, split-screen mode, and lockscreen notifications, which expands the utility of privacy-focused display technology.
North Carolina to launch digital driver's licenses, with Apple Wallet support by early 2027
North Carolina announced it will introduce mobile IDs later this year, allowing residents to store a digital driver's license on their iPhone. Initially, the ID will be available in the official NC Wallet app, with Apple Wallet support planned for early 2027. This expansion adds North Carolina to a growing list of states adopting digital IDs in Apple Wallet.
CMF Launches Clip Pro Open Earbuds with Smart Dial Case for $99
Nothing's sub-brand CMF has released its first open earbuds, the CMF Clip Pro, priced at $99. These earbuds feature a clip-style design for situational awareness, 10.8mm drivers, and a charging case with a "Smart Dial" for controls, offering 10 hours of battery life per charge. This launch expands CMF's audio product line with a new form factor.
Google Search Introduces Live Game Feed and Fantasy Football Integration for NFL Season
Google Search has launched new features for the U.S. football season, including a Live Game Feed for real-time updates, expanded player and league statistics, and the ability to link fantasy football accounts from Yahoo Fantasy and Sleeper for tailored recommendations. These updates provide users with more detailed and real-time information about games and players, with the Live Game Feed for professional football available on mobile in the U.S. in English, and collegiate support and global availability planned for later this month.
Huawei Launches Mate XT 2 Trifold Phone with Inward-Folding Design and Privacy Display
Huawei has released its Mate XT 2 trifold smartphone in China, featuring an inward-folding design and an optional privacy OLED display, similar to Samsung's recent innovations. This launch marks Huawei's adoption of design elements previously seen in Samsung's foldable and flagship devices, indicating a convergence in foldable phone technology and privacy features.
RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro Rugged Phone Features Detachable Action Camera
RugOne, a Ulefon brand, launched the Xsnap 7 Pro, a rugged smartphone with an IP68 and IP69K rating. The device features a detachable rear camera that functions as a standalone action camera, recording up to 2.7K resolution at 30fps and offering up to 40 minutes of video recording on a single charge. It debuted at MWC 2026 and will be available globally in October for $999.
Ugreen Launches Local AI Smart Home Ecosystem with HomeAgent and MasterAgent Hubs
Ugreen has introduced a new smart home ecosystem centered around local AI hubs, HomeAgent and MasterAgent, designed to process data on-device rather than in the cloud. The lineup includes security cameras, a smart picture frame, and a smart speaker, aiming to provide privacy-focused smart features. The MasterAgent MA100, powered by Nvidia's Jetson Thor, offers up to 2,070 TOPS of AI performance and costs $20,000.
Sony expands ULT Tower speaker line with three new models, starting at $450
Sony introduced three new ULT Tower party speakers: ULT Tower 5, ULT Tower 7, and ULT Tower Max. This expansion offers more affordable options and a new high-end model, broadening the product range for consumers seeking large-scale audio solutions.
Google TV Streamer price increases by $50 to $149.99
Google has raised the price of its 2024 Google TV Streamer by $50, bringing its cost to $149.99 on the Google Store and Best Buy. This price adjustment is attributed to increasing RAM component costs, which have also affected other Google Pixel and Nest products.
Samsung schedules August 27 event for new Galaxy S26 family addition, likely S26 FE
Samsung announced a virtual event on August 27 to introduce a new device in the Galaxy S26 series, which is anticipated to be the Galaxy S26 FE. This event will likely showcase a budget-oriented smartphone with an updated design but similar internal specifications to its predecessor, potentially alongside new tablets and earbuds.
Google Play Integrates Venmo as a Payment Option for Apps, Games, and Subscriptions
Google Play has added Venmo as a payment option for purchases including apps, games, add-ons, and digital content. Users can now link their Venmo account to pay for subscriptions and in-app content using their Venmo balance or linked payment methods, expanding payment choices within Google's services, including YouTube.
Sunbird Relaunches iMessage App for Android on Google Play Store
Sunbird has relaunched its iMessage for Android application on the Google Play Store, making it publicly available after a beta period and a three-year hiatus. The app aims to provide iMessage functionality, including blue chat bubbles, reactions, and high-quality video, to Android users, despite previous security concerns that led to its temporary shutdown in 2023.