Yes, the Gemini icon is now bigger and brighter on Android
If you noticed something different after updating the “Google Gemini” app on Android, it’s the icon getting a little bit bigger and brighter.
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Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
Google Keep widget redesign matches new Android guidelines
At the start of March, Google discussed the latest in widgets, including what a high-quality design looks like. Google Keep is now redesigning and modernizing one of its Android widgets.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live camera, screen sharing will work on ‘any Android device’
Besides the weekend confirmation that camera and screen sharing in Gemini Live is still rolling out, Google has now confirmed that it will be available on “any Android device with Gemini Advanced.”
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit rolls out Health Metrics redesign on Android
After starting last week, Fitbit for Android has now widely rolled out a redesign of the Health Metrics stat page.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps group chat upgrade with invite links & QR codes, @mentions
Google Messages looks to be planning a sizable update to group chats, with the highlight being an ability to “join this group with this unique link or QR code.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play Store not showing Android system app updates [U]
In what could be a bug or behavior change, the Google Play Store is not showing available updates for system-level apps.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail wants to simplify how companies send E2E encrypted emails
For its 21st birthday, Gmail wants to make sending end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) emails much easier for companies in regulated industries.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates Play Books with Dynamic Color
Play Books was one of the last Google apps to get a Material You redesign in February of 2024, and it now has Dynamic Color theming.
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Google Fi subscribers on iPhone finally have RCS with iOS 18.4
With the launch of iOS 18.4 today, Google Fi subscribers can finally enable RCS (Rich Communication Services) on the iPhone.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s March 2025 Google System Updates [U: 3/31]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps redesigns directions overview with arrival time on Android
Google Maps has made a small redesign to the heavily used directions interface that provides an overview of trip details.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel adding ‘Battery health assistance’ for long-term use, starting with Pixel 9a
Google this year is introducing “Battery health assistance” on Pixel devices to help “extend their usability.”
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Google Slides getting new sidebar, building blocks, and more
Google Slides on the web is getting a rather notable addition with a new right sidebar that provides quick access to creative tools, including some new ones.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 10 Pro Fold leaks in first renders [Gallery]
Like with the other rumored phones in the 2025 lineup, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold does not appear to be getting major changes, according to leaked renders today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is still rolling out Astra camera and screen sharing to Gemini Live
Besides making 2.5 Pro (experimental) available to all users, Google on Saturday provided an update on Gemini Live’s Astra camera and screen sharing capabilities.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is surprisingly rolling out Gemini 2.5 Pro (exp) to free users
In a rather unexpected move, Google announced Saturday that it is rolling out the latest 2.5 Pro (experimental) model to all (free) Gemini app users.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google Messages features are rolling out [March 2025]
Like most Google apps, Messages A/B tests many features. However, it takes the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch these capabilities in stable even after they are announced. From various reports, Google itself, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Nest teases ‘more helpful home devices in the coming months’
In discontinuing the Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock yesterday, Google Nest reiterated its commitment to “building devices for the home.”
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The Pixel Weather map is currently missing
After introducing a search and view capability earlier this week, the Pixel Weather app has lost its 6-hour radar map as of Friday.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 047: Where Is My Pixie? Way out in the…
Welcome to episode 47 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about the rumored “Pixie” and its relationship to Gemini, as well as Android AOSP changes.
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Google Play ‘Collections’ feed elevates the App library
Google introduced a new “Collections” feature powered by the Play Store last year, and it’s now better highlighting the “App library” aspect.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Weather now lets you search and view cities instead of saving
In addition to a new version earlier this month, a recent server-side update changes Pixel Weather search so it no longer adds/saves cities by default.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet rolling out Dynamic layouts that modernize the grid
Google Meet is getting a big update with Dynamic layouts that better frame people and video feeds
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit will delete data if you don’t migrate to Google Account by 2026
The Fitbit migration to Google Accounts started in 2023, and will be mandatory in February of 2026 to continue accessing your health data.
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