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  • [Update: Rolling out] Google adds UV Index to Wear OS Weather app and as complication

    July 2022

    At the end of last year, Google modernized the Wear OS Weather Tile alongside other updates to the platform. In that vein, Wear OS is now getting a UV Index complication for watch faces.

  • Android Auto adding touchscreen-based quick replies

    July 2022

    As a part of its latest Android announcements, Google is announcing new features for Android Auto. Rolling out soon, Android Auto will add support for touchscreen-based quick replies for message notifications.

  • Android Auto for Phone Screens stop working for some users

    July 2022

    Google’s ambitions in the car led to Android Auto being redesigned a couple of years ago, mostly to positive feedback. However, the version of Android Auto on phone screens was meant to shut down at the time and has been on life support ever since.

  • Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is a solid Nest Cam alternative

    July 2022

    Security cameras around your home are a no-brainer way to feel a bit safer, but having them indoors is something that some users may not feel comfortable with.

  • Arlo expands Google Assistant support w/ smart display alerts

    July 2022

    One of the most capable Google Nest competitors is Arlo, which offers a lot of similar hardware and some of the best Google Home/Assistant integration out there.

  • Assistant 'Continued Conversation' broken on Pixel 6 & older

    July 2022

    One of the best features of the new Assistant is Continued Conversation, where your Pixel’s microphone briefly stays open after a response has been given to allow follow-ups.

  • Assistant 'Quick phrases' will let you skip 'Hey Google'

    July 2022

    Back in April, we told you about an in-development “Guacamole” feature that will let you use Assistant without hotwords. This Google Assistant capability will launch as “Quick phrases,” and we now know more about how it works.

  • Assistant Driving Mode adds Bluetooth auto-launch

    July 2022

    With Android 12, the “Android Auto for Phone Screens” experience is going away in favor of Google Assistant. That transition is happening for more users as of late, while Assistant Driving Mode can now auto-launch when it connects to your vehicle’s Bluetooth.

  • Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard adding BT auto-launch

    July 2022

    Back in November, Assistant Driving Mode started rolling out as part of Google Maps. Google today is making official the new “dashboard” experience coming to Driving Mode, while the Assistant capability is set to get wider availability and a new way to launch.

  • Assistant Driving Mode in Google Maps early preview arrives

    July 2022

    Last May at I/O 2019, Google announced a replacement for Android Auto’s current phone screen experience. Google Assistant Driving Mode is now here as an early preview inside Google Maps.

  • Assistant Driving Mode on Android 12 gets homescreen

    July 2022

    Assistant Driving Mode was announced at I/O 2019 to replace Android Auto on phones. It was supposed to launch that summer but was delayed, and is now happening with Android 12.

  • Assistant Snapshot disappearing from Google app for some

    July 2022

    Assistant Snapshot carries forward the legacy of Google Now, though its prominence is diminished compared to the previous feed. Its standing might be further de-prioritized following a pair of worrisome changes to Snapshot in the Google app and Assistant.

  • Calls on Assistant devices will be limited to Google Contacts

    July 2022

    Google Home devices have long let users place phone calls with just their voice. An upcoming Assistant change will restrict that calling capability to numbers saved in your Google Contacts.

  • Galaxy Watch 4 may delay Google Pay, Assistant support

    July 2022

    Samsung products have always been a bit tricky when it comes to voice assistants since the company has its own Bixby offering but usually is required to still support Google Assistant alongside it.

  • Galaxy Watch 4: Wear OS, $249, releases August 27

    July 2022

    Following its reveal at Google I/O earlier this year, Wear OS 3 is officially making its debut today with the return of a major name.

  • Gboard gets 'enhanced voice typing' w/ new Google Assistant

    July 2022

    After we first spotted in August, Gboard is now rolling out an “enhanced voice typing” experience that features the new Google Assistant found on the latest Pixel phones.

  • Gboard, Assistant working on new 'hands free' voice typing

    July 2022

    Google last year made speech transcription on Pixel devices work on-device and in real-time. Gboard is now working on “hands free” voice typing that is more than just speech-to-text and builds on the new Google Assistant.

  • Google 'Snapshot' homescreen comes to life w/ new tool

    July 2022

    Google Discover has filled the spot on the left-most panel of many Android homescreens for years now, but it replaced a tool that had some genuinely useful functions.

  • Google Assistant - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google Assistant routines are a great way to automate home functions through voice commands, and slowly they’re getting smarter. Now, Google Assistant is rolling out a new routine trigger that allows routines to start when you dismiss an alarm.

  • Google Assistant 'Family Bell' is now available on Android

    July 2022

    With the busyness of the holidays, it’s easy to lose track of all the things that need to be done, both at home and while out and about.

  • Google Assistant adds personalized Your News Update audio

    July 2022

    Since 2016, Google Assistant has let you ask for and hear the news. Users previously had to manually curate publications and sources, but a new “Your News Update” feature handles that work for you.

  • Google Assistant adds support for Daylong Routines

    July 2022

    Earlier this week, some Google Home users got the option to add delayed starts to macros. Google has now updated Assistant with support for “Daylong Routines” that allow actions to automatically trigger at different times over the course of a day.

  • Google Assistant commands on Wear OS have been broken

    July 2022

    After years of neglect, Wear OS is finally getting a boost this year with the Wear OS 3 upgrade, now available on the Galaxy Watch 4.

  • Google Assistant driving mode brings optimized UI w/ suggestions feed

    July 2022

    Google Assistant is already available in Google Maps, but it’s now getting an optimized driving mode. This presents a feed of suggestions like directions and music.

  • Google Assistant Driving Mode gets homescreen shortcut

    July 2022

    Back in October, Google added a Bluetooth-based auto-launch for its Android Auto replacement. The latest way to launch Google Assistant Driving Mode is through a simple homescreen shortcut.

  • Google Assistant Family Bell coming to phones, get checklist

    July 2022

    Ahead of the new school year, Assistant is gaining a handful of features to help families organize their day. Assistant’s popular Family Bell sees a pair of phone and visual updates, while Google Search is also adding study aids.

  • Google Assistant gains Material You, Dynamic Color support

    July 2022

    As we steadily edge toward the stable launch of Android 12, more first-party apps are gaining Material You tweaks including the Google Assistant.

  • Google Assistant gets rid of 'Your News Update' audio digest

    July 2022

    In November of 2019, Google upgraded Assistant’s “play me the news” capability with personalized audio digests. Google Assistant has now removed “Your News Update” and gone back to only offering standard sources.

  • Google Assistant losing Issa Rae 'Cameo Voice' next week

    July 2022

    In October of 2019, Google Assistant introduced an Issa Rae voice that responds to a subset of common queries, like the weather.

  • Google Assistant on KaiOS lose ability to send texts via voice

    July 2022

    While smartphones are increasingly approaching feature phone pricing, the latter category still has a place. As such, “smart” feature phones exist, and many are powered by KaiOS, though Google Assistant in recent months lost the ability to make calls and send texts through voice commands.

  • Google Assistant Reminders on Android gets dark theme

    July 2022

    Reminders on Google products are a bit convoluted with multiple ways to create them across Android and Assistant smart home devices.

  • Google Assistant will let you 'pay for gas' on Android Auto

    July 2022

    Google today has three car experiences, and all of them are seeing updates. The biggest is an upcoming “Hey Google, pay for gas” command, while Android Auto is getting new media and connectivity features.

  • Google creates separate Assistant settings page for 'Photos'

    July 2022

    The Google Assistant preferences page allows you to sign in and select what services to use on Smart Displays and speakers.

  • Google fixes Android Automotive Assistant emergency calls- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    With Android Automotive, you can control more car capabilities with just your voice. Google recently found a bug that prevented the Assistant in Android Automotive from calling emergency services and is now rolling out a fix.

  • Google Home will let you delay the start of Assistant Routines

    July 2022

    At the end of last year, Google thoroughly redesigned and simplified the process of creating Assistant Routines. That update introduced sunrise/sunset triggers, and Google will soon let you program a delay between when the command is given and the Assistant Routine starts.

  • Google infringed on Sonos patents, judge says

    July 2022

    Google and Sonos have been engaged in a semi-public feud over the past couple of years, which has seen some legal battles as well.

  • Google investigating Lenovo smart display software issues

    July 2022

    The first thought around Google Assistant smart displays is usually Google’s Nest Hub lineup, but there are some third-party options, too.

  • Google invests $22M in KaiOS, bringing Maps, YouTube, & Assistant to smart feature phones

    July 2022

    To bring the Next Billion Users online, Google has developed specialized apps like Tez and Files Go, while optimizing others for specific needs, like limited connectivity.

  • Google Now, Glass, & Wear: The mistake of watches being mini-phones

    July 2022

    Tomorrow will hopefully mark the beginning of the Apple Watch getting a serious competitor in the form of Samsung hardware running Google software.

  • Google offering Assistant users Home Mini 'Special Discount'

    July 2022

    Despite being almost four years old and having a successor, the Google Home Mini is still on sale. One measure to get rid of them is a “Google Assistant Special Discount” where you can get a Home Mini for $9.

  • Google promotes Nest Hub discount directly via Assistant

    July 2022

    Coinciding with the big Black Friday Week sale over on the Google Store, it appears that some Android users are seeing the Google Assistant promote the recently discounted Nest Hub at $49.

  • Google redesigns Assistant Routines with sunrise/set triggers

    July 2022

    Google is rolling out a big redesign of how you create and edit Assistant Routines, while at the same time adding the ability for these macros to be automatically invoked at sunrise or sunset.

  • Google splits Assistant Voice Match settings by devices type

    July 2022

    A year ago, Google streamlined Assistant preferences by switching to one unified list showing all features in alphabetical order. The latest step to simplify Google Assistant settings involves splitting Voice Match and other options by device type.

  • Google Stadia announced, a game streaming service for Chrome, Android, and TVs

    July 2022

    With Project Stream in October, Google’s rumored work on a game streaming service was all but confirmed. At the Game Developers Conference today, Google Stadia was officially announced and will bring console-quality games to Chrome, Android, and TVs.

  • Google's Stereo Pair feature is breaking volume controls

    July 2022

    Google Assistant-powered smart speakers have the very useful ability to play music in groups, but that functionality is taken a step further with a “Stereo Pair,” which puts two of the same speakers in a permanent group with shared volume and more.

  • Here’s how to turn on YouTube Picture-in-Picture for iPhone

    July 2022

    Back in June, Google started rolling out Picture-in-Picture support in YouTube for iPhone. It’s not widely available yet, but YouTube Premium subscribers can experimentally enable PiP in the mobile app today.

  • JBL Tour Pro+ review: $200 noise-canceling Assistant buds

    July 2022

    One of the downsides of Google’s second-gen Pixel Buds, as well as their mid-range successor the Pixel Buds A, is that there’s no noise cancellation.

  • Lenovo Smart Clock 2 Review: A better bedside companion

    July 2022

    There are dozens of Google Assistant speakers and displays out on the market today, but most really just serve that one purpose of being a voice assistant with some music and/or video features.

  • Lenovo Smart Clock Review: The Google Assistant bedroom

    July 2022

    Google Assistant is slowly making its way into every part of our lives, and I for one am not complaining. Since launch, I’ve had a Google Home or a Nest Hub somewhere in my bedroom for controlling my lights and alarms.

  • New Google Assistant settings start rolling out on Android

    July 2022

    Google has been working on a revamp of Assistant preferences since February. It saw some tweaks in February and April, but the Google Assistant settings redesign is now seeing a wider rollout.

  • New Google Assistant’s translucent UI disappearing on Pixel

    July 2022

    Besides on-device processing for faster commands, a new interface was one hallmark of the new Assistant that first debuted on the Pixel 4.

  • Pixel 6 debuting Gboard’s advanced 'Assistant voice typing'

    July 2022

    From November of last year to the first few months of 2021, Gboard tested “enhanced voice typing” on Pixel phones with the new Google Assistant.

  • Pixel 6 introduces advanced 'Assistant voice typing' in Gboard- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Since launching in 2019, the new Google Assistant (NGA) has let users issue commands much faster in a back-to-back, as well as offline, manner.

  • Review: The new Google Assistant on Pixel 4

    July 2022

    Google Assistant is what unifies the company’s first-party hardware across different form factors. Back in May, the company teased a “next-generation Assistant” that’s faster and more capable.

  • Rick Osterloh, other hardware execs don ‘Devices & Services’ title ahead of Google gaming event

    July 2022

    Google tomorrow will present the “future of gaming” at GDC 2019, with Project Yeti rumored to feature hardware. Ahead of that keynote, Made by Google appears to have expanded its purview to include “Services,” according to several new job titles.

  • Roku exec says nothing has changed w/ YouTube TV feud

    July 2022

    Earlier this year, a public spat broke out between streaming giant Roku and Google, with the popular YouTube TV service hanging in the balance.

  • Roku OS 9.3 adds support for voice commands

    July 2022

    Roku is one of the biggest TV platforms in the US with a good portion of its success coming from a barebones, simple offering.

  • Some Pixel 6 phones are pocket dialing, here's how to stop it

    July 2022

    Some Pixel 6 owners have found their phone spontaneously placing calls to contacts, and Google Assistant may be to blame. Here’s how to fix the issue.

  • Some Pixel owners in Canada can now use 'Hold for Me'

    July 2022

    The Pixel exclusive “Hold for Me” feature that allows you to utilize the Google Assistant to hold the line until you are ready now appears to be expanding into Canada.

  • What Assistant 'Quick phrases' on phones will let you do

    July 2022

    Last month, we detailed Google’s work on a feature that lets you skip Assistant’s hotword for select commands. On phones, Assistant “Quick phrases” work differently and in a somewhat more limited manner.

  • You can cancel alarms on Google Assistant just by saying 'Stop' without 'Hey Google' command

    July 2022

    Starting today, Google is making a welcome change to Google Assistant. You can now cancel alarms on Google Assistant and devices like the Google Home by just saying “Stop.

  • You can now directly ask Google Assistant for the UV Index

    July 2022

    UV Index data was added to the Wear OS Weather app back in April. Sometime in the past few months – if not weeks – Google Assistant started showing UV Index across all its platforms.

  • YouTube testing Google Assistant integration on Android

    July 2022

    Following iOS PiP and desktop download, YouTube is now testing the ability to “get suggestions for topics related to videos you’re watching” on Android that are powered by Google Assistant.

  • YouTube testing video downloads on desktop browsers

    July 2022

    On Android and iOS, YouTube Premium lets you store content for offline viewing. The ability to download YouTube videos is now coming to the desktop web as part of an experiment that paying subscribers can enable today.

  • YouTube TV coming to YouTube app on Roku as workaround

    July 2022

    A week after Roku removed the YouTube TV app for new users, Google is countering by bringing the cord-cutting service to the main YouTube client.

  • 'Lenovo Legion Play' puts Android on a handheld console

    July 2022

    Gaming on the go has gotten quite a boost, thanks to cloud gaming services, and it seems Lenovo has plans to cash in on that trend with a new piece of hardware.

  • [Update: Smart Display changelog] Google Home Hub testing new brightness, volume, & alarm controls in latest firmware

    July 2022

    Earlier this month, Google Assistant added a number of new features, including recipe cards and the ability to reply to Broadcasts on the Google Home Hub.

  • Ark: Survival Evolved on Stadia is a hot mess at launch

    July 2022

    Surprise! Months after it was originally slated to arrive, ARK: Survival Evolved has finally made its way to Google Stadia today, and as promised, it’s a free addition to the Stadia Pro lineup.

  • Ark's 'Lost Island' expansion is coming to Stadia soon

    July 2022

    The debut of Ark Survival Evolved on Google Stadia was delayed by months and arrived with a rocky start. A few months later, it’s not a bad experience, but there’s been a slight hiccup.

  • Assassin's Creed Valhalla gets 60fps framerate on Stadia

    July 2022

    Just after confirming it would launch Far Cry 6 without support for 60fps gameplay on Stadia, Ubisoft is bringing support for the better framerate to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in this week’s update.

  • Crayta is now fully free-to-play on Stadia

    July 2022

    Crayta, the current Stadia exclusive engine for both creating and playing video games, is going fully free-to-play. Last year, Stadia grew in an unexpected way by allowing players to enjoy fully free-to-play games on Google’s cloud hardware with no extra costs.

  • Destiny 2 is Stadia's first completely free-to-play game

    July 2022

    In Google Stadia’s biggest player outreach to date, Destiny 2’s base game is becoming entirely free-to-play — no subscription required — to match other platforms.

  • Digital Wellbeing apparently starting to roll out to Google Home users

    July 2022

    Google has had a strong focus over the past few months on its Digital Wellbeing initiative. This first started in Android Pie with a suite of new tools to track your tech habits.

  • Everything new in Android 12 DP3 [Gallery]

    July 2022

    The next version of Android remains focussed on developers until the first beta launches next month. With that in mind, we’re diving into today’s release of Android 12 DP3 to find all the new features.

  • Far Cry 6 on Google Stadia supports Stream Connect

    July 2022

    Ubisoft is launching its next AAA title on Google Stadia tomorrow, October 7. Far Cry 6 will follow a revolution against an oppressive rule, and players will be able to enjoy co-op on Google Stadia with support for Stream Connect.

  • Far Cry 6 will be locked at 30fps on Google Stadia

    July 2022

    Ubisoft has been one of the biggest supporters of Google Stadia to date, and also the source of some of the best quality ports on the platform too.

  • FIFA22 squads update for Stadia breaks player names on almost all teams

    July 2022

    A weird bug is leaving FIFA22 players on Stadia with broken squads and thousands of incorrect player names for almost every team in the game.

  • GeForce Now adds wider, unfinished Android TV support

    July 2022

    Nvidia GeForce Now was one of the first game-streaming services to hit the scene, and it was originally a huge selling point of the Nvidia Shield TV.

  • Ghost Recon: Frontline is coming to Google Stadia

    July 2022

    Ubisoft has just announced yet another game that’ll make its way to Stadia. Ghost Recon: Frontline will be headed to Google Stadia as a free-to-play battle royale.

  • Google adding six Stadia Pro games for December 2020

    July 2022

    After celebrating its one year anniversary, Google is marking the end of 2020 with six games joining Stadia Pro on December 1st.

  • Google adds five Stadia Pro games for January 2022

    July 2022

    January 2022 will see Google add five games to Stadia Pro in a slight decrease from the previous drop to kick off the new year in gaming.

  • Google adds five Stadia Pro games for November 2021

    July 2022

    November — the penultimate drop of 2021 — sees Stadia Pro add five games just like the month before. Update 11/10: Wavetale ($29.

  • Google adds five Stadia Pro games for October 2021

    July 2022

    October 2021 sees Google add five Stadia Pro games in only a slight decrease from last month’s particularly notable collection.

  • Google adds six Stadia Pro games for December 2021

    July 2022

    For the final drop of 2021, Stadia Pro is getting six games in a bigger month than usual that’s mostly in line with past December offerings.

  • Google adds six Stadia Pro games for September 2021

    July 2022

    Google added six games to Stadia Pro for September 2021 in a continuation from last month’s larger than usual drop. Update: On Thursday (9/9), PGA TOUR 2K21 ($59.

  • Google and others pledge to fight coronavirus misinformation

    July 2022

    The novel coronavirus — COVID-19 — has been spreading around the globe and things are only getting worse in many regions.

  • Google argues that it helpedSonos in countersuit

    July 2022

    Earlier this year, Sonos sued Google alleging patent infringement related to smart speakers. In a countersuit, Google is alleging that it contributed “substantial Google engineering resources” to help Sonos in the past.

  • Google Assistant adding Continued Conversation, Multiple Actions, & Pretty Please

    July 2022

    At I/O 2018, Google is announcing a slew of new Assistant features. In addition to custom voices, Continued Conversation, Multiple Actions, and updated family features are rolling out in the coming weeks and months.

  • Google Assistant Lists and Notes is a new dedicated app

    July 2022

    Our upcoming APK Insight of Google app 8.33 uncovered a URL for a new “Lists and Notes” web app that ties into the Google Assistant.

  • Google Assistant will soon broadcast only to specific rooms

    July 2022

    One handy trick Google Assistant offers is the ability to use your various Google Home and other speakers as a PA system through your home.

  • Google gets better at understanding natural Search terms

    July 2022

    Google today announced what it considers to be “one of the biggest leaps forward in the history of Search.” By applying a neural network-based technique known as BERT, the search engine will get better at understanding questions that are asked in a natural, everyday manner.

  • Google Home and Smart Displays will soon support replying to Broadcasts, add recipe cards, more

    July 2022

    Amid a series of hardware unveils at 10/9, Google announced several new features for Assistant. The Home View dashboard launched on the Google Home Hub and made its way to other Smart Displays, along with Digital Wellbeing.

  • Google Home Essentials: Kiwi Design Battery Base [Video]

    July 2022

    The Google Assistant is arguably the most powerful and the outright best digital assistant on the market — of course, we would say that!

  • Google honors Ignaz Semmelweis, hand washing pioneer

    July 2022

    As we are all facing the coronavirus pandemic together as a global community, Google is using its platform as the most popular search engine to replace its homepage logo in nearly every country around the world with a Doodle honoring Dr.

  • Google is killing confidence in the future of Stadia

    July 2022

    The future of Google Stadia has been in question since the day the platform debuted, and two years into its existence, that question continues to become more pertinent.

  • Google Play Movies & TV hits 1 billion installs on the Play Store

    July 2022

    Just a couple weeks ago, Google Play Newsstand hit the 1 billion install mark on the Play Store, and now another one of Google’s apps has achieved the same milestone: Google Play Movies & TV.

  • Google Play Movies & TV on iOS updated w/ AirPlay support, cellular streaming, more

    July 2022

    Google today has pushed a beefy update to its Play Movies & TV app on iOS that bumps it to version 2.

  • Google Play Movies arrive in 21 new countries

    July 2022

    [tweet https://twitter.com/GooglePlay/status/479994540091531264/] Google has opened up access to Google Play content in ton of new countries in recent months, but today we get one of the largest expansions yet with Google Play Movies arriving for 21 new countries.

  • Google Play Movies lands in 10 new Middle Eastern countries, Vietnam

    July 2022

    Google is continually updating its “country availability for apps & digital content” support document, and today it was updated with 11 new countries for Google Play Movies.

  • Google Play Newsstand reaches 1 billion installs on the Play Store

    July 2022

    At this point it’s just about once a month that an app on the Play Store manages pass 1 billion installs.

  • Google rolling out info cards to Google Play Movies in all countries

    July 2022

    Previously only available in the UK and US, Google announced today that it’s rolling out info cards for Google Play Movies in all countries that have access to the service.

  • Google sends 'Help stop coronavirus' tips in prominent PSA

    July 2022

    Google today sent out and is prominently advertising coronavirus tips from the World Health Organization. It follows other efforts as the company recognizes the “unprecedented moment” and its responsibility as an organization with tremendous reach.

  • Google Stadia first impressions: It works!

    July 2022

    Google Stadia launched to the world (or at least 14 of its countries) yesterday, and many of the early reviews painted a picture that Stadia just isn’t living up to any of its promises.

  • Google Stadia gets a new free-to-play game in Nine to Five

    July 2022

    Following its reveal last month, Google Stadia is adding a new free-to-play game. “Nine to Five” is making its debut on Stadia today in early access, completely free of charge.

  • Google Stadia gets two more free trials up to 2 hours

    July 2022

    Approaching the start of its third year on the market, one of the most exciting recent developments for Google Stadia has been the arrival of free trials on the platform.

  • Google Stadia is now available for LG WebOS Smart TVs

    July 2022

    As was promised at the beginning of the year, Google Stadia is now playable on the most recent generations of LG’s WebOS Smart TVs.

  • Google Stadia readying Android TV app

    July 2022

    Google Stadia officially launched its free tier yesterday, bringing gaming to a brand-new market of folks who may not have considered it before.

  • Here's every smartphone that supports Google Stadia

    July 2022

    Google Stadia support is the only thing standing in the way of being able to play triple-A videogame titles no matter where you are — provided you have an active Wi-Fi or data connection.

  • How to clean & sanitize your Android phone properly [Video]

    July 2022

    Now seems about the best time to teach you how to properly clean and sanitize your Android smartphone, as the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus heightens our awareness of personal hygiene.

  • How to improve your internet connection for Google Stadia

    July 2022

    Google Stadia, as a game streaming service that can run at up to 4k and 60 frames per second, is very demanding on your internet connection.

  • Jackbox Party Pack 8 is now available for Google Stadia

    July 2022

    Jackbox has just expanded onto its first cloud platform, Google Stadia, starting with its newest addition, Jackbox Party Pack 8.

  • Latest Google Play Movies & TV app update makes binge watching shows even easier

    July 2022

    Google today has updated its Play Movies & TV app to version 3.9 with a couple of new features and bug fixes.

  • LG Smart TVs gaining access to Google Play Movies & TV

    July 2022

    LG says that its line of webOS and NetCast 4.0 and 4.5 smart TVs are getting access to Google Play Movies & TV.

  • Outriders for Stadia gets overdue major update

    July 2022

    Square Enix brought its Outriders game to Stadia at launch earlier this year, but the game ended up mostly abandoned on the platform quickly after.

  • Stadia 3.38 preps 'Playability Tips,' TV controller upgrade

    July 2022

    Stadia 3.38 has begun rolling out to Android devices via the Play Store, and in it, we’ve found “playability tips” to help improve your connection, along with a hint at deeper support for the Stadia Controller in the Android TV app.

  • Stadia 3.41 hints at Dolby surround sound for Chromecast

    July 2022

    The latest update to the Stadia app for Android offers our first hints at Dolby surround sound coming soon to the streaming service.

  • Stadia 3.44 preps search revamp, stream spectating, more

    July 2022

    The latest update to Stadia for Android, version 3.44, is rolling out now via the Play Store and includes early work on a revamped search feature, livestream spectating, and more.

  • Stadia adds public parties to help you find a teammate

    July 2022

    Google Stadia is working on bringing more games to its platform, but another major negative of using the service is the lack of players when it comes to online multiplayer games.

  • Stadia app rolling out revamped search, streamlined login

    July 2022

    This week, Stadia’s mobile app received an update, bringing a much-needed search revamp along with some tweaks to the login process.

  • Stadia brings its 'direct touch' controls to iOS devices

    July 2022

    Earlier this year, Stadia debuted a new method of playing cloud games on Android by passing your touchscreen presses through to the game.

  • Stadia for Android finally gains party & voice chat

    July 2022

    Since Stadia launched in late 2019, the Android app has been the farthest behind in its playability, simply because it lacked the ability to talk with friends and strangers via voice and party chat.

  • Stadia Makers program is still ongoing w/ games in progress

    July 2022

    2021 had its ups and downs for Google Stadia, with the closure of Stadia Games & Entertainment being a major shakeup for the platform’s future.

  • Stadia moves to bi-weekly news, adds Doom Eternal feature

    July 2022

    Google is shifting “This Week on Stadia” to a slower release cadence, while also adding some Stadia-exclusive features to Doom Eternal and Serious Sam 4.

  • Stadia offers free Chromecast Ultra & controller w/ $60 game

    July 2022

    The latest promotion from Google Stadia offers a free Chromecast Ultra and Stadia Controller with the purchase of any $59.99 game from the streaming service.

  • Stadia rolling out option to join a game without an invite

    July 2022

    Google Stadia launched without a lot of its promised unique features, but over time those have arrived. What’s arguably worse, though, is that many basic features of other gaming platforms have also been missing.

  • Stadia streaming is perfect for Jackbox, except for voice chat

    July 2022

    The Jackbox Party Pack, a series of games meant to be played with friends both near and far, and Stadia, a platform with built-in YouTube streaming, seem like a match made in heaven, but the current voice chat options hold it back from perfection.

  • Stadia voice chat is now available on Android

    July 2022

    One of the most glaring omissions of the Stadia app for Android may soon be fixed as a Google support document details how voice chat will — and won’t — work.

  • Stadia's 2nd birthday brings $22.22 Premiere Edition deal

    July 2022

    Friday marks the anniversary of Stadia’s launch on November 19, 2019, and to celebrate the service’s 2nd birthday and what’s to come in 2022, Google is putting the Premiere Edition bundle on a steep discount.

  • Super Bomberman R Online is now free-to-play on Stadia

    July 2022

    Last month, Stadia entered new territory by making the base game of Destiny 2 entirely free to play. Today, Super Bomberman R Online is becoming Stadia’s second free-to-play game, making the battle royale action available for all.

  • WaveTale makes it debut as a Google Stadia exclusive

    July 2022

    During its world premiere event today, the creators of the SteamWorld series, Thunderful Games, announced a brand new IP that’s launching exclusively on Google Stadia.

  • Where are Google's Stadia hardware upgrades?

    July 2022

    We’re quickly approaching the second anniversary of Google Stadia’s launch, and the service has grown a fair bit in the time since.

  • YouTube launches 'COVID-19 news' panel in 16 countries

    July 2022

    To help you get the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 coronavirus, YouTube has now launched a dedicated news shelf in 16 countries.

  • YouTube TV details Tokyo 2020 Olympics watch experience

    July 2022

    As seen during the NBA Finals, Google aggressively uses sporting events to advertise its cord-cutting service. YouTube TV today detailed its Tokyo 2020 Olympics coverage and is using it as an opportunity to highlight the new 4K add-on.

  • YouTube will reduce video quality in Europe during pandemic

    July 2022

    As millions of people are now staying at home to curb the spread of the highly infectious COVID-19 outbreak, the internet is being pushed to its limits.

  • 'Movies Anywhere' will combine movie libraries across Google Play, iTunes, Amazon, and VUDU from multiple studios

    July 2022

    Buying movies digitally is a great way to build up a library, but there are a lot of places to buy from.

  • An app installed on OnePlus devices left root access open, poses potential security threat

    July 2022

    One of the biggest concerns with buying from smaller brands that many often overlook is security. Earlier this year BLU was revealed to have some serious security concerns, and even OnePlus has had issues revealed.

  • Android getting native Matter support via Play services

    July 2022

    Google’s 2021 Smart Home Developer Summit today sees a number of developments around Matter, including Android support via Play services. The announcements start with “Google Home” now serving as the name for the company’s entire smart home platform, developer program, and tools.

  • Chromecast with Google TV gets 'Year in Search' playlists

    July 2022

    Following the debut of its annual Year in Search recap video earlier today, Google is furthering the celebration with some playlists on Chromecast with Google TV.

  • Comment: Apple just nailed 4K pricing and upgrades, and Google should follow

    July 2022

    It’s 2017, 4K is everywhere. 4K TVs are getting cheaper, 4K projectors are constantly hitting the market, HDR is becoming more prevalent, and heck, we’ve even got 4K displays on smartphones.

  • Comment: Google Play Movies needs a way to upgrade purchased movies to better formats

    July 2022

    As DVD and Blu-ray sales continue to drop, more people are turning to online, digital subscription platforms like Netflix and Hulu to consume content.

  • Dec. Chromecast w/ Google TV update improves Dolby Vision

    July 2022

    Nearly six months after its last update, the Chromecast with Google TV is getting a handful of performance improvements today.

  • Free Google Play Movies 4K upgrades might be coming

    July 2022

    With the roll out of 4K HDR content on iTunes last year, Apple took the notable step of upgrading prior purchases to the higher quality free of charge.

  • Friday Five: 9to5Google's favorite Google Home features [Video]

    July 2022

    Google Home and various Assistant speakers are incredibly handy devices, and they offer a lot of incredibly cool features. Everyone has a favorite, so this week, I sat down with the rest of the team at 9to5Google to find out what their favorite features are…

  • FuboTV adds deeper Google TV integration

    July 2022

    Live TV streaming services are incredibly popular nowadays, and one of the better options out there is FuboTV. The service has been supported on Android TV for a while now, but this week, support has quietly been extended to allow Google TV to better integrate with FuboTV’s library.

  • Google app tests more conventional Search bar

    July 2022

    In addition to a bottom field, the Google app is testing a Search bar that appears at the very top of your screen.

  • Google apparently testing lower 4K movie pricing on Google Play Movies to match Apple

    July 2022

    Earlier this month Apple announced the 4K HDR-capable Apple TV, and along with that, the company revealed that it had worked with studios to match 4K pricing with that of HD.

  • Google Assistant on Google Home can finally Cast and control Play Movies & TV

    July 2022

    Since launch, Google Home has surprisingly lacked the ability to control content from Play Movies & TV. Today, Assistant smart speakers are finally adding support for Casting content to Chromecast-enabled displays and controlling playback through voice actions.

  • Google Home & Away Routines get new location trigger

    July 2022

    In late August, Google rolled out a pair of new features for Assistant Routines. Google’s Home and Away Routines for smart home devices now has a new arrive/leave location trigger.

  • Google Home 2.47.10 adds D-Pad controls for Android TV

    July 2022

    The latest Google Home version 2.47.10 is now rolling out D-Pad controls for even more precise management of your Android TV or Chromecast with Google TV devices.

  • Google Home app gets redesigned Photo Frame settings

    July 2022

    In addition to readying a new “Google Weather Frog” option for clock faces, the Home companion app now has a redesigned UI when choosing albums for your Nest Hub Photo Frame.

  • Google Home Wifi now lets you set 8-hour device priority

    July 2022

    After the latest update to the Google Home app, we’re still waiting for a Material You redesign, but version 2.45 now lets you set an 8-hour Wifi priority increment.

  • Google Play Movies & TV adds HDR casting to Nvidia Shield, Sony Android TVs

    July 2022

    After adding HDR casting support to the Chromecast Ultra about a year ago, Google is this week expanding the functionality to a few select devices, all powered by Android TV.

  • Google Play Movies & TV app to shut down in June

    July 2022

    After announcing Google TV last year, its predecessor had an unspoken expiration date. This week, Google has confirmed that it will kill off the Play Movies & TV app on several platforms in the near future.

  • Google Play Movies & TV dishing out free digital copy of X-Men movie to select subscribers (update)

    July 2022

    Google appears to be feeling generous yet again. Last week, the search giant treated a few of its subscribers to a free digital copy of Sandra Bullock’s critically acclaimed Gravity and now the company is continuing its push of complimentary films with free access to Fox’s X-Men.

  • Google Play Movies & TV for Android tweaks search bar

    July 2022

    There was talk last week of a possible redesign of Play Movies for Android TV. Until then, Google has rolled out a slight redesign of the search bar in Play Movies & TV on Android.

  • Google Play Movies & TV is offering Sandra Bullock's 'Gravity' as a free film to select subscribers

    July 2022

    Every now and then, the folks in Mountain View will throw us a bone in the form of some free entertainment from Google Play Music or Google Play Movies & TV.

  • Google Play Movies & TV now sends you to apps where content is available to stream

    July 2022

    Earlier this month, Google Play Movies & TV gained a new bottom bar design that elevated the Android app’s watchlist feature.

  • Google Play Movies & TV switches to a dark background in latest update

    July 2022

    The Google Play family of Android apps usually remain visually consistent with one another. However, recently, they have been diverging with Play Books and Play Newsstand gaining a bottom bar for navigation.

  • Google Play Movies & TV updated with picture-in-picture mode on Android O

    July 2022

    As development continues on Android O, more Google apps are beginning to support picture-in-picture mode. Play Movies & TV is the latest, with version 3.

  • Google Play Movies 4.2 adds a bottom bar, elevatesWatchlist, integrates Rotten Tomatoes

    July 2022

    The latest update to Google Play Movies & TV is widely rolling out with a bottom bar redesign that has been a long time coming for the Play family of apps.

  • Google Play Movies adds HBO Max to its watch directory

    July 2022

    The mobile app for Google Play Movies has a handy feature that monitors other streaming services to see if a movie or TV show you’re about to buy is already available for viewing.

  • Google Play Movies adds HDR playback on 4K movies on Chromecast Ultra

    July 2022

    Google has been a bit slow to fully adopt 4K into Google Play Movies, but things are finally starting to pick up steam.

  • Google Play Movies apparently prepares Dolby Vision HDR

    July 2022

    Google Play Movies is a fine way to buy and watch digital movies, but it’s long lacked support for Dolby Vision HDR.

  • Google Play Movies appears to be adding Dolby Vision HDR

    July 2022

    Google Play Movies is a solid marketplace for digital movies and TV shows, but it does lack support for some newer standards.

  • Google Play Movies casting support might be coming to Google Home/Assistant very soon

    July 2022

    My favorite feature of Google Home is the ability to cast media to my TV using just my voice. The feature launched with support for Netflix and YouTube, and has grown a fair bit since launch.

  • Google Play Movies delivers free 4K upgrades in the UK

    July 2022

    Google Play Movies has been a solid marketplace for purchasing movies and TV shows for a few years and, back in 2018, it also added free upgrades to 4K quality.

  • Google Play Movies expands availability to 37 new markets

    July 2022

    Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Gabon, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Senegal, Sweden, Togo, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zambia.

  • Google Play Movies for Android TV could get a revamp soon

    July 2022

    You’d think Google’s Android TV platform would get app updates for the company’s own service faster than anyone, but that isn’t always the case.

  • Google Play Movies for Daydream VR gets shut down

    July 2022

    We’ve not heard much about Daydream VR for a while now, and today Google is confirming some unfortunate news. No, it’s not killing the platform, but the Google Play Movies app for Daydream VR is officially shutting down.

  • Google Play Movies hints at renting TV shows

    July 2022

    Today, you can only buy TV shows outright, with most episodes starting at $1.99 and maxing out at $3.99. The latest version of Google Play Movies & TV hints that you’ll soon be able to rent entire seasons of shows.

  • Google Play Movies to add free films soon

    July 2022

    In the age of streaming, there are a ton of places to get plenty of content free of charge. Vudu, Sling TV, and many other platforms offer ad-supported content, and now it seems Google might be getting in on the action.

  • Google Play Movies upgrades SD/HD purchases to 4K for free

    July 2022

    Earlier this month, Play Movies & TV for Android hinted that Google was preparing to upgrade purchased films to 4K resolution.

  • Google Play Store adds 4K UHD movies, now available for purchase/rent in US & Canada

    July 2022

    Following a premature rollout last month, 4K movies are now available in the Google Play Store. First launching in the US and Canada, 125 movies ranging in price from $7.

  • Google Play Store prematurely rolling out 4K UHD movies starting at $24.99

    July 2022

    With Google already selling its first 4K streaming device with the Chromecast Ultra, UHD content is starting to makes its way into the Play Store.

  • Google Play will discount full TV seasons based on episodes you already own

    July 2022

    In line with other digital media stores, Google Play Movies & TV has a convenient feature that allows users to buy TV seasons at a discounted price if they already own existing episodes.

  • Google redesign moves Search bar to bottom of the screen

    July 2022

    With the Pixel 2, the Pixel Launcher was revamped to place the search field at the bottom of your screen. Four years later, the Google app looks to be readying something similar with a bottom Search bar redesign.

  • Google revamps Play Movies & TV on Roku w/ simplified design & nav, recommendations

    July 2022

    In March, Play Movies & TV received a big Android and iOS update that made it a hub to content found on other streaming apps, while last week Google Home gained the ability to control and Cast the service.

  • Google TV begins suggesting Stadia games in 'For you' tab

    July 2022

    Owners of the Chromecast with Google TV have begun to see recommendations for Stadia games on the “For you” tab, suggesting deeper integration between the gaming service and Google’s streaming box.

  • Google TV streaming services & apps: The full list

    July 2022

    Perhaps the most useful thing about the new Google TV platform is the ability to aggregate and organize content from a variety of different sources.

  • Healthcare providers can list accepted insurance in Google

    July 2022

    Over the past year, Google listings have gained more attributes and details to better let potential customers learn about a place before visiting.

  • Here’s everything new in Android O Developer Preview 2 [Gallery]

    July 2022

    Entering beta with Developer Preview 2, Android O is now stable enough to use as a daily driver. Major additions in this release include notification dots, visual changes, and fixes for bugs from the first release in March.

  • Hey Google, where are the rest of those Google Home features from I/O?

    July 2022

    Google I/O 2017 happened over half a year ago at this point, and a ton was announced at the company’s annual developer conference.

  • Hisense H9F brings Android TV w/ great picture quality

    July 2022

    Smart TVs are just about everywhere at this point and slowly but surely, Google’s Android TV is also breaking into that market.

  • Hisense U8G: Android TV performer w/ a top-tier display

    July 2022

    As Google’s Android TV platform continues to expand, the TVs running it are only getting better. For the past couple of months, I’ve been using the Hisense U8G that runs Android TV with a great display, and importantly, much better software performance than I expected.

  • How to connect your Google Play/iTunes account to Amazon and VUDU with Movies Anywhere

    July 2022

    Having all of your movies digitally is great because you can watch them almost anywhere. The most significant downside is that until now, you could only watch those videos within the app or service you purchased them through (unless it was a Disney movie).

  • Nest Cam Floodlight and indoor camera are now available

    July 2022

    Around two months after their announcement, Google is releasing the latest two cameras in its revamped Nest lineup. The Google Nest Cam Floodlight and Nest Cam Indoor are now available starting at $99.

  • Nest Doorbell (Battery) Review: Great, only if you can't wire

    July 2022

    Most smart home gear isn’t for everyone, but a smart doorbell is a piece of tech that arguably most folks should have installed.

  • Nvidia Shield TV (2015) gets updated to 5.0 w/ Android Nougat, Amazon Video, more [Updated]

    July 2022

    Update: Nvidia has removed the Upgrade 5.0 release notes from the Shield TV (2015) and has added them to the listing for the newly release Shield TV.

  • Nvidia Shield TV now supports 4K movies on Google Play, 4K Google Cast support

    July 2022

    The 2017 Nvidia Shield TV is one of the best set-top boxes you can buy, especially for 4K content. It’s one of the only Android TV devices to stream Amazon Video in 4K, and it pushes 4K HDR content without skipping a beat.

  • OnePlus 5T specs: Snapdragon 835, 6-inch 18:9 1080p display, 6/8GB of RAM

    July 2022

    The OnePlus 5T has gone official with its main new feature being its large 6-inch 18:9 1080p display. While this change doesn’t really increase the overall footprint of the handset over the 5, it did force the company to move the fingerprint sensor to the back of the device and stick to on-screen software navigation buttons.

  • Peter Dinklage's 'Rememory' is coming to Google Play Movies before hitting theaters

    July 2022

    Starring Peter Dinklage, Julia Ormond, and the late Anton Yelchin, Rememory is a new movie that will be available for free exclusively on Google Play Movies starting on August 24 before being released in select theatres on September 8.

  • Skyworth brings OLED Android TVs to the US

    July 2022

    As the platform continues to grow, Android TV is on some big names in the TV business. Skyworth has been a long-time partner of Google internationally, and now the company is bringing new OLED TVs with Android TV to the US starting at a pretty reasonable price point.

  • T-Mobile about to sell a Google TV dongle with Ethernet

    July 2022

    Google TV launched in late 2020 on the Chromecast, but it’s seen slow adoption in the time since with Sony, TCL, and Realme getting on board.

  • T-Mobile adds YouTube, Google Play Movies & much more to Binge On data free streaming

    July 2022

    T-Mobile is expanding its Binge On initiative that allows users to stream content in certain apps without using up their data allowance, and with today’s update YouTube and Google Play Movies are now officially supported.

  • TCL Google TV lineup updated w/ performance fixes

    July 2022

    TCL’s Google TV lineup hit a bit of a snag earlier this month when the company’s entire Google TV lineup was removed from Best Buy over performance issues.

  • TCL Google TV televisions coming in the next two months

    July 2022

    After expanding to Sony earlier this year, the next big name is about to join the Google TV train. Apparently, TCL is preparing to launch its batch of Google TV panels sometime in the next two months.

  • The OnePlus 5T can't stream HD video from Netflix, Google Play Movies, more

    July 2022

    Leading up to the announcement of its latest flagship, OnePlus was repeatedly in the news for different bugs and security loopholes found on some of its handsets.

  • Verizon Stream TV is a decent Android TV streamer: Review

    July 2022

    Like the Android platform it’s based on, one of the wonderful things about Android TV is that it can suit a variety of different hardware and software needs.

  • Verizon Stream TV soundbar shows up w/ Android TV 11

    July 2022

    As Android TV continues to expand, Verizon is stepping up to make another new Android TV device, but this time it looks to be a soundbar…

  • You can currently save 50% on any Google Play Movies purchase

    July 2022

    Google Play Movies & TV is one of the best sources for movies and TV shows online and as the year comes to a close, the service is offering a pretty sweet deal to anyone with a Google account ─ 50% off of any movie purchase.

  • You can now ask Google Home to cast Starz to your TV, but still not Google Play Movies or Hulu

    July 2022

    One of our favorite features of Google Home is the ability to cast video content to your connected TV with just your voice.

  • YouTube app will be removed from Roku in December

    July 2022

    The feud between Google and Roku rages on and it’s now escalating quite a bit. Following the removal of the YouTube TV app earlier this year, Roku and Google are once again failing to reach a deal, and the YouTube app will be removed as a result.

  • YouTube Music on Google TV gets better user library access

    July 2022

    Back in July, YouTube Music came to Android TV via the main YouTube app and a homescreen shortcut. The YouTube Music experience on big screen platforms, including Google TV, is getting an upgrade today that makes it more on par with the web and mobile clients.

  • 'New' Google Assistant requires gesture navigation on Pixel 4

    July 2022

    One of the key selling points of Pixel 4 is the fact that it has the much faster “new” Google Assistant on board.

  • Alleged 'Pixel Watch' renders offer an idea of the design

    July 2022

    A smartwatch in the “Made by Google” family is inevitable, and efforts to make it a reality have been a long time coming.

  • Analysis: What Google is working on beyond the Pixel 6

    July 2022

    While most Pixel fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — confirmed to be an overhaul of the Made by Google phone series — the Android 12 Beta includes clues to what Google phones will come after that.

  • Android 10 | Latest news, updates, more

    July 2022

    Arguably, the best feature of Android 10 is its dark mode toggle, allowing you to swap your phone and its apps over to a newer, darker theme.

  • Android 10 Privacy adds Device Personalization Services

    July 2022

    One aspect of Android 10 is increased Privacy protections like restricting location access to when apps are in use and centralized settings.

  • Android 11 TV will enhance games and more

    July 2022

    These are exciting times for Google’s Android TV platform as we approach the debut of the company’s own hardware. This morning, Google is announcing its plans for Android 11 on Android TV.

  • Android Auto | Latest news, supported cars, more

    July 2022

    You should always focus on the road when you’re driving a vehicle, but maps and music can make the journey better.

  • Android TV 12 Beta available today for ADT-3 as Google TV emulator launches

    July 2022

    Major updates for Google’s Android TV platform have historically been a lot slower than smartphones, but things took a big step in the right direction with the unexpected early release of the Android TV 12 Developer Preview.

  • Fossil cancels unannounced Diesel Gen 6 Wear OS watch

    July 2022

    According to new documentation, it appears that Fossil has canceled plans for a Gen 6 Diesel-branded Wear OS smartwatch. With this year’s release of the Gen 6 series, Fossil brought the massive upgrade of the Snapdragon 4100+ to its lineup of fashionable Wear OS smartwatches.

  • Galaxy Note 10+: Does the S Pen justify an $1100 price?

    July 2022

    The Galaxy Note series is Samsung’s option for power users and enthusiasts. Or at least, it was. The Galaxy Note 10+ is the biggest change we’ve seen to a Galaxy Note ever, but not because of the specs it packs or the features it has.

  • Google 'Connectivity Health' now 'Adaptive Connectivity Services'

    July 2022

    There are a number of background services needed to make Android devices run that present themselves as apps that update via the Play Store.

  • Google acquires North as Focals 2.0 smart glasses canceled

    July 2022

    The Made by Google hardware division this morning announced that it acquired North. This follows a report last week about the Canadian smart glasses maker looking for an acquisition amid dwindling resources.

  • Google addresses Pixel 2 XL display issues w/ 2-year warranty, update to boost saturation & added burn-in protections

    July 2022

    Since last week’s launch, the Pixel 2 XL has faced an onslaught of issues with its display. There are complaints about the screen’s lack of vibrancy, as well as burn-in issues already cropping up.

  • Google AI details Pixel 3's Super Res Zoom feature [Video]

    July 2022

    One of the most impressive camera tricks that Google introduced with the Pixel 3 last week is Super Res Zoom. The Google AI team behind the feature detailed the technical aspects today, and how Google wants to challenge the idea that digital zoom is “the ‘ugly duckling’ of mobile device cameras.

  • Google announces Wear OS 3 w/ Samsung, new apps, Fitbit

    July 2022

    At I/O 2021, Wear OS 3 was unveiled as a significant revamp — if not revival — of Google’s plans for wearables.

  • Google appoints new Assistant, News/Discover leads

    July 2022

    In June, Google appointed one senior vice president to oversee Search, Ads, and other big products. Prabhakar Raghavan today named new executives to lead Google Assistant and a handful of other teams.

  • Google Assistant is fully coming to Android Auto this week

    July 2022

    Along with the unveil of the new Smart Displays form factor last night, Google announced that “Assistant is coming to Android Auto.

  • Google Clock 7.1 rolling out w/ Material You widget styles

    July 2022

    With Android 12 Beta 5 last month, Google introduced Material You clock widgets. An update to Google Clock is rolling out today with a brand new widget and a grand total of five clock styles to choose from.

  • Google confirms 'eyes open' for Pixel 4 face unlock

    July 2022

    Following Made by Google 2019, it quickly emerged that face unlock on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL does not detect whether your eyes are open.

  • Google creates 'Labs' group focused on long-term projects

    July 2022

    An internal Google reorganization sees the company create a new group to oversee “high-potential, long-term projects.” Overseen by Clay Bavor, Google Labs includes AR & VR and Area 120.

  • Google details Android's 'Biometric API' for developers

    July 2022

    Biometric authentication has been a part of Android for a few years at this point, but times are changing and so is the way we log into our phones.

  • Google developing 'Augmented Reality OS' for AR device

    July 2022

    Compared to Apple and Facebook, Google has been very quiet about its plans for augmented reality glasses. That’s starting to change as Google is actively hiring to create an “Augmented Reality OS” for an unspecified “innovative AR device.

  • Google disabling Gmail, YouTube sign-ins on old Android

    July 2022

    Given the service-reliant nature, Google support for Android encompasses multiple layers. One such way is controlling Account access, and Google next month is ending sign-in support for very old versions of Android.

  • Google Drive Material You redesign adds X-shaped widget

    July 2022

    Last week, Google announced that Material You is actively rolling out to the key Workspace apps on Android, including Drive. The Google Drive redesign also brings along new widgets including a quirky and large X-shaped one.

  • Google Duo can now be installed on Android TV

    July 2022

    Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, video calling has reached new heights. As a result, Google recently announced that its Duo calling service would be coming to Android TV soon.

  • Google Home adds Nest Hello Quiet Time, Quick Responses

    July 2022

    After an update last month focused on Wi-Fi management, the latest version of the Google Home app greatly improves the Nest Hello experience with more controls.

  • Google now has a dedicated 'Google TV Community Forum'

    July 2022

    Google TV launched last year on the new Chromecast, and it’s now being integrated into more televisions. As those sets launch, a dedicated Google TV Community Forum is now available for user questions and support.

  • Google opens Play Store voting for 2021's best Android apps

    July 2022

    As the penultimate month of this year gets underway, the Google Play Store is opening Users’ Choice voting for the best Android content and media of 2021.

  • Google Pixel 2 Initial Review: Buy the bigger one [Video]

    July 2022

    Last year’s Pixel and Pixel XL replaced the Nexus lineup as the de facto flagships for stock Android purists, and they ended up being some of the best phones on the market.

  • Google Pixel bug that doesn't save photos to be fixed soon

    July 2022

    The camera is absolutely one of the biggest reasons for anyone to buy a Google Pixel device — regardless of generation. Unfortunately, these devices have been plagued with a strange bug which causes photos not to save.

  • Google Pixel Review: Android's new flag bearer isn't perfect, but it's one of the best phones ever

    July 2022

    We didn’t expect it to come as soon as it did, but Google’s first solely self-branded smartphone, the Google Pixel, is finally here.

  • Google Play Store lists best Android apps and games of 2020

    July 2022

    As the year comes to a close, it’s time for recaps and Google Play is ready with the best Android apps and games of 2020.

  • Google reveals Wear OS 3 update path for current watches

    July 2022

    At I/O 2021 in May, Google announced a total overhaul of its wearable platform. We’ve since seen the new OS previewed on an emulator, while Samsung has confirmed that the new Galaxy Watch will be the first to run it.

  • Google Search updates 'Top stories' with new grid design

    July 2022

    Over the past few days, you might have noticed that Google.com looks slightly different when searching for news. Google’s “Top stories” carousel on the desktop website has been revamped with a new grid-based organization structure.

  • Google talks smart glasses and how Tensor will help AR

    July 2022

    Google sharing some details on Tensor, its “first custom-built SoC,” was as important as today’s tease of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

  • Google TV letting you 'hide' shows from 'Continue watching'

    July 2022

    Android TV is set to receive even more features from Google TV in the near future, but the reverse is now also set to happen.

  • Google TV phone app prepares to add Android TV remote

    July 2022

    The Google TV app for Android has received an update that includes the beginnings of a universal remote to connect to Android TV devices, which could replace the long-outdated Android TV Remote Control app.

  • Google TV will get a new phone remote this year

    July 2022

    Android TV has long offered the ability to control your TV from a smartphone, but that app has faded into obscurity over time.

  • Google Weather widgets on Android 12 updated: More sizes

    July 2022

    Just before the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro event last week, the latest Google app beta introduced Material You weather widgets on Android 12.

  • Google will roll out an update to fix Pixel 3 memory issues

    July 2022

    Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are currently two of our favorite Android smartphones, but they have some significant flaws.

  • Google's Project Soli tiny radar unit can now recognize objects & materials [Video]

    July 2022

    Google first introduced us to Project Soli last year as miniature radar hardware that allows gesture control of devices. Earlier this year, it somehow managed to squeeze the tech into a smartwatch.

  • Here's the Google Photos homescreen widget on Android

    July 2022

    Android 12 brings with it a renewed focus on widgets as part of letting users better customize their devices to reflect them.

  • Hisense 2021 ULED lineup brings Android TV, Dual Cell

    July 2022

    During the Joel McHale-hosted, best tech event of all time today, Hisense unveiled its 2021 lineup of ULED TVs, most of which are running on top of Google’s Android TV platform.

  • Joel McHale's Hisense announcement is just great comedy

    July 2022

    In a year where the pandemic kept every product announcement online and mostly pre-recorded, it’s refreshing to see someone try something different.

  • Live Captions come to Galaxy S10, Note 10 w/ One UI 2.5

    July 2022

    As far as Android accessibility features go, Live Captions are a really powerful inclusion that was initially a Pixel 4 exclusive but has since come to more devices.

  • Material You apps: These apps support Android 12 colors

    July 2022

    Coming with Android 12 on Pixel devices, “Material You” is the next evolution of Google’s design language, and it brings with it the neat ability to customize colors to match your wallpaper.

  • Microsoft going after Chrome OS with Windows 11 SE

    July 2022

    Microsoft’s latest endeavor to replicate the success of Chrome OS is an operating system especially designed for K-8 classrooms. Windows 11 SE is cloud-first and meant to be simple for students, teachers, and school alike, while Microsoft is also releasing the Surface Laptop SE, which starts at $249.

  • OnePlus 7 Pro: A second opinion on one of Android's best

    July 2022

    The past couple of generations of OnePlus devices have been a mixed bag for me. The OnePlus 6 was great, but didn’t work on my preferred carrier.

  • OnePlus 7T review: What the OnePlus 7 should have been

    July 2022

    The OnePlus 7T is the finest ‘non-Pro’ OnePlus phone to date and having spent some serious hands-on time reviewing the device, there is no doubt in my mind that at $599 it will arguably be the affordable flagship to beat in 2019.

  • OxygenOS 10.5.4 rolls out to OnePlus 8, 8 Pro

    July 2022

    The OnePlus 8 series has been in the hands of reviewers, but yesterday a few lucky users were able to put in orders for the new smartphones.

  • Pixel 3 vs Pixel 3a: What you give up to save $400 [Video]

    July 2022

    The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL offer up a lot for their price tags, but what are you as a buyer losing compared to the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL?

  • Pixel 3 XL notch can be hidden w/ software option

    July 2022

    We’re already big fans of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL based on some hands-on time, but there’s no getting around some of Google’s design choices.

  • Pixel 4 Smooth Display update will work in more conditions

    July 2022

    Last night, early Pixel 4 owners discovered that the Smooth Display’s 90Hz refresh rate is tied to screen brightness. Google confirmed and explained that decision today while promising a Pixel 4 Smooth Display update in the coming weeks.

  • Pixel 5a down to $349 as part of Google Fi Black Friday sale

    July 2022

    The Google Store kicked off its Black Friday sales uncharacteristically early this year, and Fi is now following with a $349 Pixel 5a deal.

  • Pixel 6 & 6 Pro get out-of-cycle update, still November patch

    July 2022

    An update with the November security patch arrived for the majority of Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners at the end of October.

  • Pixel 6 Pro Review: The flagship Google needs right now

    July 2022

    2016 marked a major year for Google, with the launch of Assistant and its first self-made smartphone, the Google Pixel. It was a launch that changed the game for how we thought about Google’s hardware ambitions, but several generations in, things weren’t exactly working out all that well.

  • Pixel 6 Review: Arguably the best value in a smartphone

    July 2022

    The Pixel 6 series is a reinvention of the company’s smartphone lineup, and that’s obvious on the Pro. The standard model, however, takes a step back with a design that feels more Google-ly, with specs that hold up to that flagship and a price that arguably makes it the best deal for a smartphone today.

  • Report: Google is indeed working on AR smart glasses

    July 2022

    In recent years, Google has notoriously kept its work on augmented reality hardware secret. That has started to change recently, while a new report today provides explicit confirmation that “Google is working on a new iteration of smart glasses.

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: The near-perfect middle brother

    July 2022

    Samsung has been the king of the Android for years now, and it’s not slowing down by any means. In response to underwhelming sales of last year’s Galaxy S9, the company has launched the Galaxy S10, a family of powerhouse flagships that get a whole lot right.

  • Stadia 3.22 preps YouTube Premium promo & Bridge Mode

    July 2022

    The latest update to Stadia for Android points to a promo for YouTube Premium members and includes more work toward using your phone as a controller for Stadia on your TV.

  • Stadia set to gain AV1 codec, likely to reduce data usage

    July 2022

    A recent presentation featuring Google has outlined that Stadia is set to gain support for a new video codec, AV1, which should help improve quality and reduce data usage.

  • Wear OS | Latest news on Fossil, Moto 360, more

    July 2022

    What is Wear OS? Wear OS is Google’s wearable platform which is designed to run on watches. It’s based on a modified version of Android, designed by Google, and used on many third-party smartwatches from companies including Fossil, Mobvoi, and more.

  • Wear OS 3 gets another preview, shows off the new design

    July 2022

    Google’s Wear OS 3 update is live now on the Galaxy Watch 4 series, but it’s going to be a while until we see the update on any other products.

  • Wear OS gets redesigned 'System updates' screen

    July 2022

    In the second half of next year, a handful of existing smartwatches that run Google’s operating system will get updated to Wear OS 3 based on Android 11.

  • Where to buy Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL

    July 2022

    After months of leaks, Google has finally launched its Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL they’re available pretty much everywhere. Here’s where to buy the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

  • Wireless Android Auto arriving in 2018, JVC Kenwood bringing compatible units to CES 2018

    July 2022

    The past couple of years have seen a huge expansion of in-car experiences powered by our smartphones. In other words, more and more car makers and third-party head unit makers are adopting Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay.

  • YouTube interface on TVs gets a redesign

    July 2022

    YouTube has essentially the same app across TV platforms, and over the past week it’s been rolling out a revamped video interface to some platforms.

  • YouTube’s year-in-review ‘Rewind’ series ending

    July 2022

    With YouTube Rewind changing in recent years, including the lack of one in 2020, the Google video site said today that it’s ending the annual recap video, though a “different and updated kind of experience” might take its place.

  • 'Meowth' explained: the 'Pixelbook 2' that could have been

    July 2022

    Over the past several days, we’ve put the spotlight on two devices, ‘Atlas‘ and ‘Nocturne‘, both of which we have many reasons to believe could be unveiled next month as part of the next generation of Made by Google Chromebooks.

  • A quick peek at the Google Play Store with Material You

    July 2022

    Google officially announced the Play Store’s Material Theme in August 2019, while a dark mode came that October. Since then, pages like “Manage apps & devices,” settings, and navigation have been significantly revamped.

  • Android - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Android is Google’s mobile operating system, launched in September 2008, although its history technically began with the release of the Android alpha in November 2007.

  • Android 12 January security patch OTA for Pixel rolling out

    July 2022

    Following last month’s big update, the Android 12 January security patch is rolling out today for the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a.

  • Android apps: Install these on your new smartphone

    July 2022

    Just got a new Android smartphone for the holidays? If it’s your first one it could be a little intimidating so, to get you started, here are 5 apps you should immediately install or set up on a new Android device.

  • Android Basics: 10 settings to instantly enable on your phone

    July 2022

    Getting the most from your smartphone can be a confusing and frustrating process at times, but with just a few taps or tweaks, you can enable some settings to eke a little more from your Android.

  • Android TV 12 preview released months ahead of schedule

    July 2022

    Google’s Android TV is taking on new levels of importance thanks to a redesigned UI coming to some devices, and in turn, it looks like major updates might get a bit faster too.

  • Android TV and Google TV have over 80 million devices- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google has made a huge push over the past two years to put Android TV in the hands of more customers, and it sure seems like those efforts are paying off.

  • Android TV gets 'cinematic' homescreen ads and more

    July 2022

    Google’s Android TV platform has been growing at a rapid pace and, recently, has seen launches like HBO Max and Peacock which simply aren’t on competing platforms.

  • Android TV operator tier makes Google's platform attractive

    July 2022

    In the streaming market, Android TV is still far from the largest platform out there, paling in comparison to the mighty Roku.

  • Android TV sees 2x growth every year, 140 operators

    July 2022

    The past few months have shown that Google’s Android TV platform is growing incredibly fast. That growth, however, isn’t coming from consumer boxes.

  • Apple Music now works on Google Assistant speakers

    July 2022

    Apple Music hit the scene a few years back, and in the time since, has become a huge competitor in the streaming market.

  • Best Material You widgets to try on your Android 12 phone

    July 2022

    With the launch of Android 12, Google is massively improving widgets on phones after several years of many interactive homescreen objects remaining unchanged.

  • Chromecast loses info on Google Photos ambient mode

    July 2022

    Like the original Chromecasts that came before it, the latest model with its Google TV operating system has the ability to display your pictures from Google Photos.

  • Chromecast recommendations will improve w/ update

    July 2022

    The best part of Google’s new Chromecast is how easy the device makes content discovery. Now that feature is about to get even better as an update heading to Chromecast with Google TV will improve recommendations.

  • Chromecast rounded corners bug has apparently been fixed

    July 2022

    Rounded corners are a common part of mobile devices, but they’re definitely not something you want on a TV. Recently, though, a bizarre bug on Chromecast devices caused rounded corners to appear.

  • Chromecast w/ Google TV watchlist drops Netflix Originals

    July 2022

    The new Chromecast with Google TV brings some killer features for content management, specifically with its watchlist feature that works across services.

  • Download the new Google TV for Android

    July 2022

    In addition to big screens via the new Chromecast, Google TV is also aimed at Android devices. The new Google TV is beginning to roll out via the Play Store, but you can also download it now.

  • Fast Pair is coming to Google TV and Android TV soon

    July 2022

    Google’s Fast Pair system allows Android users to easily connect their headphones to smartphones and tablets, and going into 2022 it’s expanding.

  • Galaxy S21 FE is a tough sell when Pixel 6 exists

    July 2022

    Samsung’s first big release of the year has arrived with the Galaxy S21 FE. With odd timing and a high price, though, it feels like a tough sell despite, after a few hours using it, it seems like a solid device.

  • Google Assistant still top dog in 'IQ test' vs Siri and Alexa

    July 2022

    Give or take our own minor frustrations, the Google Assistant is generally accepted as the best voice assistant on the market today.

  • Google Duo's planned consumer merger with Meet fizzles out

    July 2022

    We broke the news last year that Google was eventually going to replace Duo by making Meet its only video calling service.

  • Google Nest Hub Max: Is 'Face Match' worth $229?

    July 2022

    Months after its reveal at Google I/O 2019, the Nest Hub Max is finally here. The larger cousin of the adorable original comes with a bigger screen and better sound, but the real killer feature is Face Match.

  • Google One gets Material You, Dynamic Color, & dark theme

    July 2022

    The Material You rollout continues with Google One getting a redesign that leverages Dynamic Color. However, the bigger update is a dark theme that replaces the previous bright look.

  • Google putting 'finishing touches' on Android 12 Pixel update

    July 2022

    While Android 12 is now available in AOSP today, Google did not release it to Pixel phones in an unprecedented departure.

  • Google reportedly requests foldable display from Samsung

    July 2022

    We reported last year that Google’s roadmap for future Pixel smartphones included a foldable model, and now there’s a bit more to add to the story.

  • Google rolling out Material You Wear OS Play Store redesign

    July 2022

    At the start of this month, a revamped Google Play started appearing on Wear OS. Google today officially announced this Material You redesign of the Play Store and that the ability to install Wear OS apps to your from your phone is rolling out.

  • Google Tensor shows Exynos roots, GPU/TPU in deep dive

    July 2022

    Google Tensor is the company’s first chip for smartphone, and in real-life use on the Pixel 6, it puts out an impressive show, even against flagship chips from Qualcomm.

  • Google TV 'apps-only' mode cleans up the homescreen

    July 2022

    Alongside the new Chromecast, the new Google TV experience debuts today with a brand new interface that goes heavy on personalized content recommendations.

  • Google TV 'Basic' mode strips away smart TV features

    July 2022

    Google TV is the company’s next effort to rule the living room, picking up on the progress that Android TV made over half a decade.

  • Google TV design needs these tweaks w/ updates

    July 2022

    Google TV offers a lot when it comes to content discovery and aggregation, and it even has a slick modern design, too.

  • Google TV now supports content from Peacock

    July 2022

    2020 saw the debut of two major streaming services in HBO Max and Peacock, and now the latter is finally adding full support for Google TV.

  • Google TV tests smaller app icons on the homescreen

    July 2022

    The best part of the Chromecast refresh is the Google TV interface that comes along with it, but as with any Google product, that UI is subject to change over time.

  • HBO Max adds 4K HDR support on Android TV, Chromecast

    July 2022

    HBO Max launched without support for Roku and Fire TV, but it did come with support for Google’s Android TV platform.

  • Here’s everything new in Android 12L Beta 2 [Gallery]

    July 2022

    The preview period for the first mid-cycle update (focused on foldables, tablets, and Chrome OS) to Android in years continues today.

  • Hisense adopts Google TV for its 2022 lineup

    July 2022

    As Google TV takes over the company’s strategy for the living room, Hisense is joining the club as it transitions from Android TV to Google TV on its 2022 lineup.

  • How to downgrade from Android 12 to Android 11 on Pixel

    July 2022

    If you are not content with Android 12 on your Google Pixel, it’s probably music to your ears knowing that you can downgrade your OS to a stable version of Android 11 if you encounter any major problems or just don’t like the substantial overhaul.

  • How to fix Chromecast w/ Google TV 'data may be corrupt'

    July 2022

    One of our favorite streaming devices available today is the $49 Chromecast with Google TV. However, since the device launched in September, quite a few users have run into a problem with the Chromecast with Google TV crashing and showing a “can’t load Android system, your data may be corrupt” screen.

  • Is Google's new phone the Pixel 4a (5G) or Pixel 4a with 5G?

    July 2022

    With the launch of the Pixel 4a in August, Google teased the two other phones that would make up its 2020 lineup.

  • Is Walmart onn 4K Android TV better than Roku?- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google’s Android TV platform has been around for nearly seven years, but it’s only taken on traction in the past two or three.

  • Leaked document points to Google Pixel foldable- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    As we try to make sense of Google’s 2020 Pixel lineup, an internal Android document reviewed by 9to5Google gives us our first glimpse of what to expect next year.

  • Material You on Pixel 6 shows Google's company-wide vision

    July 2022

    Compared to the last design language revamp, Google’s rollout of Material You is happening at a much faster pace. That Material You app update blitz comes amid a barrage of Pixel 6 advertising and that’s no coincidence.

  • Material You redesign rolling out to Google Messages

    July 2022

    The latest beta version of Google Messages widely introduces a Material You redesign, but the Dynamic Color aspect for Pixel devices running Android 12 is currently incomplete.

  • Motorola MA1 adapter brings wireless Android Auto to all cars

    July 2022

    Last year saw the emergence of dongles that let you use Google’s phone-powered car UI for navigation, messaging, and entertainment wirelessly even if your vehicle doesn’t support that natively.

  • Nest Hub hits a new all-time low, Chromebook deals, more

    July 2022

    Headlining today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is the Nest Hub at a new all-time low price, HP Chromebook 14 returns to Prime Day pricing, and Google’s official USB-C accessories are on sale.

  • Nest to Google Account migration live on web, mobile apps

    July 2022

    Announced at I/O 2019 amid a slew of other privacy commitments, Google Nest is starting the Nest to Google Account migration.

  • Pixel 4a: The the perfect palate cleansing smartphone

    July 2022

    I’ve used quite a few of the very best Android-powered smartphones over the past 18 months, but even after a brief stint I always feel the pull of the Google Pixel 4a.

  • Pixel 5a with 5G Review: Uncompromised $449 value

    July 2022

    Ahead of its launch, many believed the Pixel 5a would simply be a rehash of the Pixel 4a 5G. However, having used it, I now believe the Google Pixel 5a with 5G carries the torch of the Pixel 5 to counteract costly flagship phones.

  • Pixel 6 getting new Landscape & Art wallpapers [Download]

    July 2022

    Each new generation of Pixel has been accompanied by a delightful flurry of backgrounds, and Google’s upcoming flagships are no exception.

  • Pixel 6 update will fix dropped Wi-Fi, Pixel Stand set-up

    July 2022

    While the next Pixel 6 update is not arriving until later this month, Google today detailed what the January security patch addresses.

  • Pixel Now Playing redesign will add ability to favorite songs

    July 2022

    With the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Now Playing gained a manual lookup capability that appears as a search button on the homescreen.

  • Pixel Stand 2nd Gen: Unboxing and first impressions [Video]

    July 2022

    After a long wait since the official unveiling, the second-generation Pixel Stand 2nd Gen units are now finally arriving in the hands of early buyers.

  • Play Movies & TV watch directory adds Disney+ and Netflix

    July 2022

    Besides sharing duties with YouTube as Google’s digital store, Play Movies & TV serves as a fantastic directory for seeing where you can watch content online.

  • Skagen Falster Gen 6: The best of Wear OS' bad situation

    July 2022

    Wear OS is in a tough spot right now. On the one hand, the future looks brighter than ever, and Samsung is showing how good things can be.

  • Sony adds mini-LED to its Google TV lineup

    July 2022

    Sony is perhaps the longest partner for Android TV and Google TV, and the company’s latest Bravia lineup is bringing mini-LED, new and improved OLED tech, and a neat new “Bravia Cam.

  • Sony TVs get Apple TV app starting today

    July 2022

    Apple TV+ has been around for nearly a year at this point and, back at the service’s launch, the Apple TV app was confirmed to be coming to Sony’s Android TV models.

  • Unenroll Pixel from Android 12 Beta to get November update

    July 2022

    The November security patch was announced on Monday as the first update to Android 12 following its launch a few weeks earlier.

  • Wear OS can soon unlock your Chromebook, Android phone

    July 2022

    Following a big 2021 for Wear OS, Google is continuing the momentum with the upcoming ability for watches to unlock Chrome OS and Android devices.

  • Whitestone Dome screen protectors launch for Pixel 6/6 Pro

    July 2022

    After skipping the Google Pixel 4 and 5 series, Whitestone Dome has launched a line of tempered glass screen protectors for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

  • YouTube for Android TV passes 100 million installs

    July 2022

    Google’s efforts with Android TV OS seem to finally be in gear with new hardware, Google TV, and more. As the platform expands, the YouTube app for Android TV has just passed 100 million installs.

  • YouTube Kids surfacing over 100 'After School' movies

    July 2022

    After coming to the web, Apple TV, and Fire TV in recent months, YouTube Kids is today launching a month of “After School” programming to help parents keep children engaged amid COVID-19.

  • YouTube Music's Material You 'Turntable' widget appears

    July 2022

    At the start of last month, we enabled a new YouTube Music widget for Android that was first teased in Pixel 6 ads.

  • YouTube TV adding 5.1 Dolbly surround sound soon

    July 2022

    Alongside a new streaming tier added today, YouTube TV is debuting a new feature for its subscribers. Soon, YouTube TV will offer 5.

  • YouTube TV adds Docurama, CONtv, and Dove Channel

    July 2022

    In the latest way to increase your monthly bill, YouTube TV is adding just yet another collection of add-on channels to its ever-increasing library.

  • YouTube TV giving subscribers a free TiVo Stream 4K

    July 2022

    Google is offering some YouTube TV subscribers a free TiVo Stream 4K or Chromecast with Google TV. It’s not clear how widespread this promotion is or if it’s related to the Roku dispute where the streaming service said it was looking for replacement devices to give to current members.

  • YouTube TV is losing the 'Newsy' channel on June 30

    July 2022

    After announcing the rollout of surround sound and a new 4K streaming tier, YouTube TV is both losing and adding a new channel.

  • YouTube TV launches '4K Plus' add-on for $19.99/month

    July 2022

    As previewed earlier in February, Google today fully detailed the YouTube TV 4K Plus package. There are three big tentpoles for an additional $20 every month on top of the $65 base package.

  • Android TV — How it differs from Google TV, latest news

    July 2022

    The living room has always been a goal for Google and, following the success of its ultra-cheap Chromecast streaming dongle, the company launched a special version of Android designed for the TV which is still in use today.

  • Android TV 12: New features, designs, and more

    July 2022

    Android 12 has brought a ton of new changes to smartphones, as we’ve detailed over the past few months. However, Android TV and Google TV are known for providing most updates independent of system versions.

  • Android TV LineageOS builds published for some devices

    July 2022

    Android TV is based on the same OS on your smartphone, but generally speaking, major updates are far and few in between.

  • Android TV now works w/ Google Home speaker groups

    July 2022

    One of the best features of Google’s Assistant ecosystem is the ability to create speaker groups that play music throughout your entire home.

  • Assistant Guacamole lets you answer calls without Hey Google

    July 2022

    For the past several weeks, we’ve been tracking an Assistant feature codenamed “Guacamole” in the Google app. We can now report that “Guacamole” will let users perform time-sensitive Assistant “quick tasks” like answering calls or silencing alarms on your Android phone without having to first say “Hey Google.

  • Chromecast batteries are color-matched to the hardware

    July 2022

    Google’s new Chromecast goes on sale today for $49 with a new Android-based OS, a remote, and more. One detail you won’t get right away, though?

  • Chromecast gets a special Power + Ethernet adapter

    July 2022

    The new Google Chromecast has arrived, and it’s a better central hub for your entertainment center than ever before, but it lacks one big thing — Ethernet support.

  • Chromecast remote's YouTube button can be remapped

    July 2022

    Google’s new Chromecast brings along with it new software and a real remote. On that remote, there’s a dedicated button to open YouTube, but you can remap that Chromecast button to open other YouTube apps.

  • Chromecast w/ Google TV is built using recycled plastic

    July 2022

    Over the past two years especially, Google has been making a bigger push for sustainability with its products. Like its new Pixel and other Nest products, the new Chromecast is built using recycled plastic, and that’s the reason it’s not sold in black.

  • Chromecast with Google TV launches: 4K, Android OS, $49

    July 2022

    Google’s original Chromecast delivered a cheap, easy way to get content up on the big screen, but the market has changed a lot over the last seven years.

  • EA CEO says multiplayer is the biggest Stadia problem

    July 2022

    Stadia is in the midst of its second full year on the market, and a big bump in the road has been the closure of Google’s SG&E in-house studios.

  • Everything Google TV does that Apple says 'smart TVs don't'

    July 2022

    During its “Spring Loaded” event this afternoon, Apple revealed an updated version of its Apple TV set-top box with features new and old, but most notably with a remote that’s finally an actual remote.

  • Far Cry 6 Stadia pre-orders are now open, more

    July 2022

    One of the next major releases coming to Stadia is Far Cry 6, and ahead of launch, pre-orders for the game have gone live.

  • Google Assistant adds 'Family Bell' and precise Broadcasts

    July 2022

    With distance learning in effect for the upcoming school season, at least in the US, Google Assistant is adding a handful of features to ease the transition.

  • Google Assistant improves context understanding for timers

    July 2022

    Google today announced a trio of updates for Google Assistant that leverage AI to improve pronunciation accuracy and context.  Similar to how you can already teach Assistant to pronounce your name, Google is expanding this capability to contacts.

  • Google Assistant makes Hunter's ceiling fan a great choice

    July 2022

    Over the past several years, some smart home products have become ubiquitous. Smart light bulbs, robot vacuums, etc. As those products have gotten more popular, others have also become much more affordable.

  • Google Assistant smart displays - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    When not actively in use, many have their Smart Displays cycle through a carousel of pictures. These Assistant devices are closely integrated with Google Photos, but an “Experimental” option to use third-party services has long existed.

  • Google Fiber '2 Gig' launches in two cities w/ new router

    July 2022

    In September, Google Fiber announced a ‘2 Gig’ tier, and it’s now widely available in the first cities. As part of this, a Wi-Fi 6 Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router is provided to customers.

  • Google Fiber finally has a logo over a decade after launch

    July 2022

    Over the past few months, Alphabet’s Google-branded ISP has been rolling out 2 Gigabit Internet in existing cities. Google Fiber now has a new logo for Fiber and Fiber Webpass after previously just using a wordmark.

  • Google Fiber letting subscribers use their own Wi-Fi router

    July 2022

    Google Fiber customers today can get up to two Google Wifi routers for free as part of their subscription. The Alphabet ISP is now letting customers bring their own router as part of the set-up process.

  • Google Fiber now recommends Philo for lower-cost TV streaming

    July 2022

    Earlier this year Google Fiber dropped its TV offering and decided to instead offer streaming services to its customers. Now, Google Fiber is partnering with the affordable Philo TV as its third option.

  • Google Fiber saw 32% uptick in demand during pandemic

    July 2022

    The last year has seen many more people turn to the internet for work, learning, shopping, socializing, and entertainment. Google Fiber reports that its networks nationwide saw an approximately 32% increase in demand.

  • Google hasn't discontinued Chromecast following new model

    July 2022

    Seven years after the original, there’s a new Chromecast on the market that finally fulfills a request people have had since the original by adding a remote.

  • Google Home 2.27 brings long-awaited Android dark theme

    July 2022

    At this point, nearly all of Google’s first-party apps have dark modes. There are some glaring exceptions to this, but fortunately version 2.

  • Google Home 2.28 adds OnHub router support, Meet invites

    July 2022

    The latest update to Home companion app introduced a slew of new features like a dark theme, unified camera page, and more Android 11 integration.

  • Google Home adds Broadcast Replies and Pretty Please

    July 2022

    With the holiday season underway, Google is announcing a slew of new features for Assistant speakers and Smart Displays. This includes the Pretty Please feature for families announced at I/O 2018, Assistant notes and lists integration, Broadcast Replies, and visual lyrics for the Home Hub.

  • Google Home app gets redesigned Wi-Fi 'Devices' tab

    July 2022

    In addition to a new Nest/Google Wifi update, the Google Home app is getting the last few remaining Wifi-related features from the old client that’s set to be deprecated.

  • Google Home app loses ability to manually trigger Routines

    July 2022

    Recent versions of the Home companion client have added a slew of new features. A server-side update now appears to remove the interface for triggering Assistant Routines from the Google Home app.

  • Google Play Movies to add HDR10+ support in 2020

    July 2022

    Google Play Movies has become a fairly good destination for buying digital movies and TV over the years and, apparently, it’s going to be adding support for HDR10+ sometime in 2020.

  • Google shows how Nest Thermostat integrates w/ Home app

    July 2022

    One of the key aspects of the new Nest Thermostat is full integration with the Google Home app. It reflects how the company’s smart devices are moving towards one app, with that experience fully detailed today.

  • Google Stadia enables Android TV support [Video]

    July 2022

    We’ve been tracking the progress of Google Stadia’s arrival on Google’s own Android TV platform, but it’s been a slow process. Today, though, there’s good news.

  • Google Stadia now works w/ controllers on Android TV

    July 2022

    Google Stadia has been expanding its list of games and features rapidly as of late, but Android TV support has still remained pretty quiet.

  • Google TV app gets YouTube TV integration, redesign

    July 2022

    Ahead of the launch of an in-app remote that’s due for some time soon, the Google TV app for Android is getting some updates in the coming days.

  • Google TV celebrates Star Wars Day w/ May the 4th row

    July 2022

    This week, Star Wars Day is upon us with sales on merch, fun experiences, and this year even a new TV show in the animated The Bad Batch Clone Wars spin-off.

  • Google TV is gaining a dedicated 2020 Tokyo Olympics page

    July 2022

    Just in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to begin on Friday, Google TV is gaining a page dedicated to helping you watch the games.

  • Google TV remotes: These will be used in 2021 [Gallery]

    July 2022

    Google TV is set to see a huge expansion over the next year, with massive partners such as TCL and Sony already on board.

  • Google's Android TV dongle may have a shortcut button

    July 2022

    Ahead of its eventual launch, we’ve learned a few core details about Google’s upcoming first-party Android TV dongle, “Sabrina.” Today, a firmware dump from the device reveal some main specs from Google’s Android TV dongle, as well as revealing a handy shortcut button on the remote.

  • HBO Max ad tier goes official w/o 4K, downloads, more

    July 2022

    After teasing it for a few months, HBO Max has just debuted its more affordable, ad-supported streaming tier that costs $9.

  • How to turn off Android TV's homescreen ads, 'staff picks'

    July 2022

    After being announced earlier this month, Android TV’s new “cinematic highlights” — aka homescreen ads — are now rolling out widely to Android TV users, pushing sponsored content, “Staff Picks,” and more.

  • How to watch Academy Awards nominees w/ Google TV

    July 2022

    With its new Google TV platform, the focus is all about helping you find and organize content easily. Ahead of the Academy Awards this weekend, Google TV is now showcasing films that have been nominated for an Oscar this year.

  • New 'Hey Google' Assistant command helps you wash hands

    July 2022

    One thing that’s universally recommended to help stop coronavirus is frequent hand washing. In partnership with the World Health Organization, there’s a new Assistant command to make sure you do it properly with “Hey Google, help me wash my hands.

  • New $129 Nest Thermostat fully integrates w/ Google Home

    July 2022

    Following in the vein of other product announcements this year, Google today announced the new “Nest Thermostat.” At $129.99, it’s the first Nest smart appliance to really match the aesthetic of the company’s recent Assistant products.

  • New Chromecast w/ Google TV & Stadia Controller discount

    July 2022

    The Stadia for Android and Google TV app officially launches today — though we’ve been using it for a few days through a simple workaround.

  • No, a new Chromecast did not just pass through the FCC

    July 2022

    A “Wireless Streaming Device” from Google passed through the FCC on Thursday, which many have taken to mean a new Chromecast is on the way, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

  • Nokia T20 review: Basic but simultaneously brilliant [Video]

    July 2022

    The world of affordable Android tablets is one fraught with problematic performance and poor build quality. That isn’t often a problem when all you want is a video viewing machine, but while the Nokia T20 tablet is firmly at the affordable end of the spectrum, it’s a solid option.

  • Resident Evil Village arrives on Google Stadia

    July 2022

    As the gaming news drought continues, there’s some good news on the Stadia front. This week, Resident Evil Village arrived on Stadia alongside a major Outriders update and more.

  • Roku expands live TV guide, adds 'save list'

    July 2022

    Google TV is the company’s biggest push against the likes of Roku and others, and it arrived with some great competitive features.

  • SmartMi standing fan offers Google Assistant, battery power- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    As summers just keep getting hotter, most of us are looking for ways to cool down our homes conveniently. While you could pick up something like a Nest Thermostat or Ecobee to do that job, sometimes something as simple as a standing fan does the job.

  • Sonos Roam is a nearly perfect portable Assistant

    July 2022

    Google Assistant is available on devices of all shapes and sizes, but the vast majority of useful smart speakers that support it are designed to be used in one place, indoors.

  • Stadia - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    What is Google Stadia? Stadia is a streaming service that leverages Google’s vast cloud infrastructure to deliver AAA and indie games alike over the web without needing specialized gaming hardware.

  • Stadia 3.12 prepares referral bonuses, Google TV, more

    July 2022

    The latest update to the Stadia app for Android, version 3.12, includes references to new referral bonuses, an exclusive avatar, and continued work on Google TV support.

  • Stadia 3.2 teases Hailstorm, works toward voice chat, more

    July 2022

    The Stadia app for Android has received an update to version 3.2, containing another tease of Project Hailstorm and progress toward voice chat, Android TV, and much more.

  • Stadia for Android readies store filter, voice chat, Google TV

    July 2022

    The latest update to the Stadia app for Android includes work toward filters for the store, the ability to voice chat with friends, the much-anticipated Google TV app, and more.

  • Stadia for Android TV adds 4K HDR w/ latest update

    July 2022

    Google Stadia is quickly approaching a year on the market, and so far, it still hasn’t made its official debut on Google’s own Android TV platform.

  • Stadia performance continues to improve on Android TV

    July 2022

    We’ve been tracking the progress of Google Stadia on Android TV for months at this point, and to date, there has been quite a bit of progress.

  • Stadia product head John Justice has left Google

    July 2022

    Google is a sprawling company with 139,995 employees as of the first quarter of 2021. Recent personnel changes have seen new executives lead Assistant, News/Discover, Search, and Payments, while there have also been a handful of high-profile departures.

  • Stadia to let you use your phone & more as controller for TV

    July 2022

    Stadia for Android is preparing a new “bridge mode” to use your phone and connected accessories as a controller to play games on your TV.

  • Stadia will be available on some older LG TVs

    July 2022

    Stadia is set to make a couple of platform expansions in 2021, including LG’s WebOS as announced at CES 2021. In a further announcement, LG has clarified what TVs will be getting access to the Stadia app, and there’s both good news and bad news.

  • Super Animal Royale is Stadia's next free-to-play game

    July 2022

    Super Animal Royale, a cutely vicious 2D battle royale, is coming soon to Stadia as its next free-to-play game. Since last November, Stadia has been slowly building up a library of fully free-to-play games, allowing anyone with a Google Account — in a supported country — to play games anytime anywhere.

  • TCL says Android TV 11 update is coming this year

    July 2022

    Roku is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of TCL’s TV lineup, but the company has been producing Android TV-equipped models for a few years now.

  • This is the new Google Fiber TV Box w/ 4K streaming & wireless currently in testing

    July 2022

    Google is still very much working on Fiber hardware and software despite announcing that expansion is being paused from the time being.

  • TikTok is coming to Android TV, but with some problems

    July 2022

    Over the past year, TikTok has taken the world by storm with addictive content that you can sink hours into. Now, it’s even easier to spend too much time on the platform.

  • Ubisoft bringing Rainbow Six Siege and For Honor to Stadia

    July 2022

    This morning, Ubisoft has announced a variety of new games and expansions coming soon to Stadia and other platforms, including Rainbow Six Siege and For Honor.

  • Walmart Android TV streamers get an official release window

    July 2022

    Thanks to leaks and listings that have oddly been left public, we know that Walmart is working on two of the most affordable Android TV devices in the US.

  • You can now create temporary speaker groups on Nest Hubs

    July 2022

    Given the affordability of smart speakers, having a device in every room is now a common occurrence. Google is now making it easy to dynamically create speaker groups directly on Nest Hubs and Smart Displays.

  • Amazon Prime Video coming to Chromecast, Android TV

    July 2022

    Here’s a shocker. Google and Amazon are settling their feud and officially making a move that’s awesome for consumers. Amazon Prime Video is coming to Chromecast and Android TV.

  • Android TV 12 is now available, but only on one device

    July 2022

    A bit behind its launch on smartphones, Android 12 has just officially launched on Android TV. Unfortunately, it’s unclear when it will actually arrive on consumer devices.

  • Android TV apps can be installed from your phone

    July 2022

    Google’s Android TV platform is picking up steam with bigger commitments from the company itself as well as exciting new hardware releases.

  • Android TV AV1 support is reportedly mandatory in 2021

    July 2022

    Google’s Android TV platform powers set-top boxes, dongles, projectors, and even TVs themselves. As the shift to Google TV has been ongoing, Google is laying down a new requirement for all new Android TV devices — they must support the AV1 streaming codec.

  • Android TV made 'strong gains' as smart TV market grows

    July 2022

    Google has had a renewed interest in the TV market over the past year or two, and it seems those efforts are paying off.

  • Android TV Watchlist, recommendation features announced

    July 2022

    The arrival of Google TV has pushed the direction of Android TV, for better or for worse. Following a redesign based on Google TV earlier this year, more features are coming over to Android TV, including support for the watchlist and more.

  • Android TV will be replaced by Google TV

    July 2022

    The Android TV platform has been growing pretty rapidly over the past few years, but a lack of the company’s own hardware made many wonder what its future had in store.

  • Chromecast with Google TV adds 'Year in Search' panel

    July 2022

    A week after the launch of its annual Year in Search recap video, Google is enhancing and furthering the yearly celebration with a prominent playlist on Chromecast with Google TV.

  • Disney+ app launches for Android, Chromecast, Android TV- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The long-awaited arrival of the Disney+ streaming service is finally here. Disney+ has finally arrived for users in the United States bringing tons of content along with it, and now the official Android app has debuted for smartphones, tablets, and Android TV.

  • Future Google TV remotes may support a profile shortcut

    July 2022

    Google TV just announced support for user profiles this week, but it seems that feature is already getting special treatment. The maker of Google’s reference design remotes for Google TV and Android TV just revealed that the option is there for Google TV remotes to have a shortcut for user profiles.

  • Google easter egg celebrates ship freed from Suez Canal

    July 2022

    Over the past week, the eyes of the world have been on the Suez Canal, which has been blocked closed by a single ship, the Ever Given.

  • Google Home 2.46 brings Android/Google TV remote

    July 2022

    As promised last month, the Google Home app now features a built-in remote to control your Android/Google TV. Starting on Android, you no longer have to use the Google TV app or the included physical remote to control your television.

  • Google Home app gets Android TV remote on Android, iOS

    July 2022

    A few months after its reveal at Google I/O 2021, Google started rolling out its new Android TV remote in the Google TV app last month.

  • Google Nest Hub Max: Mostly succeeding at everything

    July 2022

    Google’s Nest Hub is easily one of the best smart displays on the market (and with record low prices as of late), but that makes selling a much more expensive version pretty difficult.

  • Google Play Movies & TV

    July 2022

    As DVD and Blu-ray sales continue to drop, more people are turning to online, digital subscription platforms like Netflix and Hulu to consume content.

  • Google Search gains Fresh Prince of Bel-Air easter egg

    July 2022

    While the usual way for Google to celebrate or commemorate a bit of culture is to give it a homepage Google Doodle, sometimes the company will put longer-lasting easter eggs for specific search terms.

  • Google Search honors Alex Trebek with Jeopardy easter egg

    July 2022

    This month saw the passing of Alex Trebek, the longtime host of Jeopardy and a global icon. To honor Trebek’s life and legacy, Google Search has introduced a simple Jeopardy-themed easter egg.

  • Google TV 'Watch with Me' series starts w/ Laverne Cox

    July 2022

    Google TV is all about curated content recommendations, often cycling out rows of curated content around upcoming franchises or events. Now, Google TV is adding a new “Watch with Me” row that will see celebrities recommending their favorites.

  • Google TV adds integration with Pantaya for Spanish content

    July 2022

    A silent update has rolled out to Google TV this week, adding yet another service to the list of integrated apps.

  • Google TV adds Pluto TV integration on Live tab

    July 2022

    Google TV is expanding its homescreen integration with another service this week. Rolling out starting today, the free live TV service Pluto TV is adding integration with the “Live” tab on Google TV.

  • Google TV adds support for Crunchyroll library

    July 2022

    Arguably the best part of Google TV is its ability to find the content on various streaming services so you can easily find where to stream the TV show or movie you want to watch.

  • Google TV app gets a new remote design on Android

    July 2022

    A very long overdue update to the phone-based remote for Android TV and Google TV devices was finally released in the past few months, and Google is already revamping the new app with an updated design.

  • Google TV app update offers latest look at upcoming remote

    July 2022

    The latest update to the Google TV app, in many areas still known as Play Movies & TV, gives us our best look yet at the upcoming phone-based remote for Android TV devices.

  • Google TV can notify about watchlisted movies available for free

    July 2022

    One of the core benefits of the Google TV app – in many areas still known as Play Movies & TV – is how it connects all of your many streaming services together under one hub.

  • Google TV could expand to India, teaser suggests

    July 2022

    The next generation of Android TV, Google TV, is currently limited to just a few major countries, but the platform’s biggest growth potential is in other parts of the world.

  • Google TV free channels could be coming in the near future

    July 2022

    Google TV is built as a content delivery vehicle for the various streaming apps out there now including Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, and others, but it seems Google might have loftier ambitions.

  • Google TV in-app remote arrives on Android, doesn't work

    July 2022

    The Google TV app on Android has gained an in-app remote for some, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to work just yet.

  • Google TV is a 'top priority' amid new marketing push

    July 2022

    After floundering for a few years with a seemingly directionless Android TV, the launch of Google TV has apparently lit a fire under the company to take over more of the streaming industry.

  • Google TV now supports Kocowa for content searches

    July 2022

    As its list of supported streaming apps continues to expand, Google TV is starting to add search integration with more niche services.

  • Google TV preps to support profiles w/ personalized home page

    July 2022

    Google TV appears to be getting ready to support separate profiles on its home page, complete with tailored recommendations. About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store.

  • Google TV profiles delayed, rolling out in the 'coming months'

    July 2022

    Google TV is all about the ability to sift through the huge number of TV shows and movies available on various streaming services.

  • Google TV puts greater emphasis on Android app integration

    July 2022

    While I/O 2021 is over, Google today released a pair of interesting talks about “Getting your app ready for Google TV” focused on integrations.

  • Google TV rolls out in-app remote, expands to 14 countries

    July 2022

    After leaving its original Android TV remote app to waste for years, Google is finally remedying the situation. Following a false start yesterday, the Google TV app remote is now available, and the app is coming to more countries too.

  • Google will post security bulletins for Android TV OS

    July 2022

    Security patches have proved a valuable tool for keeping Android devices secure, but Android TV OS devices are often an afterthought in this process.

  • Google's new Android TV in-app remote requires an update

    July 2022

    Google TV’s in-app remote that arrived earlier this week begins working after an update on Android TV devices. For months, we have been anticipating the arrival of an in-app remote for Android TV devices, which officially arrived on Android yesterday via the Google TV app — or the Play Movies & TV app in areas where the rebrand hasn’t occurred.

  • Google's new Chromecast works with USB hubs

    July 2022

    Google’s latest Chromecast isn’t as basic as its predecessors. This time around, it’s running on an Android operating system that opens up just how far you can push the streamer.

  • Google’s Year in Search 2021 recap is about healing [Video]

    July 2022

    While YouTube Rewind has been retired, Google still has its Year in Search recap, and the 2021 edition is focused on the theme of healing.

  • Hands on: Google's Android TV remote designs are delightful

    July 2022

    TV remotes can end up being a deeply personal thing and the design matters. Some remotes feel cheap in the hand or have buttons that don’t feel nice to press.

  • Hands on: Stadia for Android TV replaces Chromecast Ultra

    July 2022

    Since the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV back in October, it’s been downright bizarre that Stadia, Google’s premier game streaming service, was not available on the company’s newest streaming hardware.

  • HBO Max launches w/ Android, TV, and Chromecast apps

    July 2022

    Streaming TV has become incredibly popular over the past few years, with service after service hitting the web. Today, the latest major offering has landed in the form of HBO Max, a service with thousands of hours of content, original programming, and more, and it’s available now on Android, Chromecast, Android TV, and other platforms.

  • Here's how the new Android TV phone remote will work

    July 2022

    After years of neglecting the feature in its older app, Google announced this week that it will finally replace the old Android TV remote app experience, and now, we’ve got a few more details on how that will work for Android phones and iOS devices too.

  • Hisense has no immediate plans to adopt Google TV

    July 2022

    Android TV has seen hefty growth over the past few years, recently with a big boost in the United States. Helping to lead that charge is Android TV built into smart TVs.

  • How to watch Thanksgiving day football on Android

    July 2022

    Thanksgiving Day football is here, and that means just about everyone and their brother in the US will want to watch the games.

  • Marvel uses Android TV to push Shang-Chi film

    July 2022

    Google has raised some controversy over the past year or two with the wide rollout of “Cinematic Highlights” for recommended content on the homescreen of Android TV and Google TV.

  • NBC Peacock TV launches on Android, Chromecast

    July 2022

    As the streaming wars continue to heat up, NBC Universal is today launching its option, Peacock TV. The new service will be the eventual home of hits like The Office and Parks and Recreation and now, it’s available on all of Google’s platforms.

  • New Android TVs get 6 free months of Peacock Premium

    July 2022

    NBC is giving away six free months of Peacock Premium to new owners of Android and Google TV devices in a long-running offer that will be available all of next year.

  • Peloton Android TV app now works w/ heart rate monitors

    July 2022

    As most of us have been stuck at home the past few months, exercise has ended up mainly at home. Peloton debuted an official app for Android TV earlier this year, and now it’s getting a big upgrade with support for heart rate monitors.

  • Philo adds deeper Google TV integration w/ 'Live' tab

    July 2022

    The biggest selling point of Google TV is how the platform integrates with nearly 40 different streaming services, and there’s no better integration than what some live TV services get.

  • Play Store Material You redesign starts rolling out

    July 2022

    Google’s Material You rollout continues with the Play Store over the last 24 hours, but this redesign is not too visually encompassing ye and availability is quite limited.

  • Realme Google TV stick launches in India

    July 2022

    After a few teases in recent weeks, Realme has officially launched its new streaming stick, bringing the first Google TV device to India.

  • Realme Google TV stick set to launch on October 13

    July 2022

    Google TV made its debut first on the Chromecast streaming dongle, but in the year since, we haven’t seen anything beyond full-size televisions running the platform.

  • Realme's Google TV stick is coming to Europe next month

    July 2022

    Google TV is slowly expanding, with the platform being used recently by Realme in its first streaming stick. Now, Realme is bringing its Google TV stick to Europe, and it’ll be competitive against Google’s Chromecast on pricing.

  • Samsung is stick with Tizen for TVs, not adopting Android

    July 2022

    Google and Samsung announced a major collaboration that brought the “best of Tizen” to a revamped Wear OS. While Samsung is saying goodbye to Tizen in its wearables as a whole, the company isn’t ready to move away from the platform in its TVs.

  • Shang-Chi star shares his watchlist on Google TV

    July 2022

    Google TV is expanding its celebrity-hosted “Watch with Me” feature, with Marvel’s Shang-Chi star Simu Liu bringing his watchlist to the platform today.

  • Sony adopts Google TV on 2021 Bravia XR lineup

    July 2022

    Sony has been using Google’s Android TV platform for over six years now, but going into 2021, the company is making an adjustment.

  • Sony Bravia TVs w/ Google TV are now available from $949

    July 2022

    After launching on the new Chromecast last year, Google TV is seeing its first expansion. Sony Bravia TVs are now available in the United States with Google TV on board.

  • TCL 4-Series gets Google TV starting at just $350

    July 2022

    Google TV debuted on super affordable hardware in the latest Chromecast dongle, and now it’s inching its way to the most affordable TVs.

  • TCL Google TV 2021 lineup starts at $599

    July 2022

    TCL is best known for its Roku TVs here in the US, but the company has also been selling Android TV models for the past year or so here, and for a while now internationally.

  • TCL Google TV impressions: Far from slow

    July 2022

    Google TV came to life on last year’s Chromecast, then expanded to Sony’s pretty-darn-expensive Bravia TVs earlier this year. Now, though, the platform is coming to something more affordable.

  • TCL Google TV line pulled over performance issues

    July 2022

    Google TV’s plans to expand in the smart TV market are taking a hit this week, as TCL’s entire Google TV lineup has been pulled from Best Buy over performance-related issues.

  • TCL starts selling Android TV models in the US

    July 2022

    Roku has been the biggest player in the US when it comes to smart TV platforms, but Google’s Android TV hasn’t given up the fight.

  • TCL X9 comes with Google TV, 8K mini-LED panel

    July 2022

    TCL just unveiled its first batch of televisions with Google TV built in last month, but now the collection is expanding.

  • The Google TV Setup app is now listed on the Play Store

    July 2022

    The Google TV Setup app has quietly arrived on the Play Store, even though it comes pre-installed on devices such as the Chromecast with Google TV.

  • There's still hope for Google TV and Netflix

    July 2022

    Google TV’s promise of aggregating all of your content in one place is ambitious and useful, but it comes with the caveat of requiring cooperation.

  • TikTok Google TV and Android TV app now supports the US

    July 2022

    The short-form video app and global phenomenon TikTok is expanding further on Google TV and Android TV, bringing the app to users in the US and Canada.

  • Xbox Game Pass Android TV support starts to show up- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Cloud gaming is expanding in huge ways right now, and Android TV saw a big release there last month with the debut of Google’s Stadia platform on Android TV and Google TV devices.

  • YouTube on Android TV tests autoplay videos on homepage

    July 2022

    YouTube on Android TV and Google TV devices are now seeing a limited rollout of autoplay video previews for all content on site.

  • 5 reasons the Chromecast with Google TV is worth buying

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV has quickly become one of the best streamers on the market by virtue of the new and improved interface, but it also has some darn good features and reasons to have one at the heart of your home entertainment system.

  • Amazon Music arrives on Chromecast with Google TV

    July 2022

    After picking up Apple TV earlier this month, Chromecast with Google TV is getting another new app. Amazon Music has just officially arrived on Google TV.

  • Android TV OS is on 110 million devices as of 2022

    July 2022

    While Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV are often the first thing people think of when it comes to home entertainment platforms, Google’s Android TV OS is growing quickly.

  • Apple TV app coming to Chromecast with Google TV in 2021

    July 2022

    On Android, Apple’s streaming service is currently only available on Sony televisions. That’s changing next year when an Apple TV app comes to Chromecast with Google TV.

  • Apple TV for Android TV plagued with crash, HDR issues

    July 2022

    As its subscription-based streaming service pushes forward, Apple brought its Apple TV app to Android TV earlier this year, with support for originals and your iTunes library.

  • Apple TV gets Google Assistant support on new Chromecast

    July 2022

    A few months after its debut, the new Chromecast with Google TV picked up support for Apple TV last week. An added bonus?

  • Apple TV now available on Chromecast with Google TV

    July 2022

    As announced in December, Apple TV is now available globally on the Chromecast with Google TV. The new app allows you to watch original Apple TV+ content, as well as access existing iTunes movie and television show purchases.

  • April Chromecast with Google TV update rolling out

    July 2022

    Google is rolling out a rather sizable April update to the Chromecast with Google TV that brings several fixes and a handful of new features.

  • Chromecast Buyer's Guide: Which is the right model for me?

    July 2022

    If you are looking to improve your home media setup and want a streaming stick or dongle, then you’ll no doubt be aware of the Chromecast series of devices, but which is right for you?

  • Chromecast w/ Google TV adds better support for Spanish

    July 2022

    A new update is about to make its way to owners of the Chromecast with Google TV that improves support for the Spanish language, specifically for those who speak the language in the United States.

  • Chromecast w/ Google TV costs less than new Apple Remote

    July 2022

    Apple’s Spring Loaded event this morning saw a number of product and service unveils. On the television and media front, the Apple TV 4K was revamped, but the real highlight was a new Siri Remote that addresses how frustrating the original is to use.

  • Chromecast w/ Google TV update reduces 'corrupt data' error

    July 2022

    On Friday, the Chromecast with Google TV received its first update of the new year, and it packs a handful of big changes.

  • Chromecast w/ GTV owners get 50% off Stadia Controller

    July 2022

    Stadia for Google TV officially launches today, and to celebrate, some Chromecast owners are getting a 50% discount on the Stadia Controller.

  • Chromecast with Google TV app freeze issue persists

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV has been a hit so far thanks to useful software features, a clean UI, and a reasonable price tag.

  • Chromecast with Google TV doesn't support Stadia at launch

    July 2022

    Google’s new Android-powered Chromecast has finally arrived, but unfortunately, it’s missing one key feature. At launch, Stadia won’t be available on the new Chromecast with Google TV or Android TV in general, for that matter.

  • Chromecast with Google TV feel slow? How to speed it up

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV is a great, affordable streamer with some awesome software, but its low-cost nature lends itself well to the device feeling super slow at times.

  • Chromecast with Google TV gets an HBO Max bundle

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV launched last year with a special bundle offer that delivered six months of Netflix access and the device for a cut cost, and now a similar offer is launching with HBO Max.

  • Chromecast with Google TV gets December security patch

    July 2022

    Google’s latest Chromecast is one of the best streaming devices out there today, and in the Android TV world it’s also one of the better supported.

  • Chromecast with Google TV gets HDR10+ certification

    July 2022

    As HDR standards have taken over, HDR10+ is the next big step in tech. This week, Chromecast with Google TV has been officially certified for HDR10+ support alongside some other devices and apps.

  • Chromecast with Google TV gets more prominent App search

    July 2022

    The last software update for the Chromecast with Google TV earlier this month added the underlying support needed for Stadia, as well as other tweaks and bug fixes.

  • Chromecast with Google TV gets official storage guide

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV offers a good user interface and experience but is rather hampered by only 8GB of storage.

  • Chromecast with Google TV issue may break speaker groups

    July 2022

    A useful feature of Google Assistant speakers and Android TVs is the ability to select a bunch of them to play the same audio simultaneously.

  • Chromecast with Google TV Review: Well-rounded streaming

    July 2022

    2020 has been quite a year, but outside of the obvious things, it’s also been notable for the barrage of streaming services that have changed how we consume TV shows and movies online.

  • Chromecast with Google TV tips: 10 tricks to know [Video]

    July 2022

    Google decided that the Chromecast needed its own unique flavor of Android TV to properly compete with the best streaming sticks on the market, which means quite a big shift in how you use the device.

  • Comment: I can't update apps on Chromecast w/ Google TV

    July 2022

    Google’s decision to only include a severely limited amount of storage in the Chromecast with Google TV is already standing in the way of updating my apps.

  • Discovery+ launches on Android TV, Chromecast, more

    July 2022

    2020 saw the debut of multiple streaming juggernauts and as the first week of 2021 begins, another new service is arriving.

  • Galaxy Z Fold 3 Review: Refinement is the name of the game

    July 2022

    Samsung is now at its third generation of flagship foldables, and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the pinnacle of its achievements to date.

  • GOOG Company - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    via nytimes.com Google released its earnings report from Q1 2013 today. Notably, Google’s consolidated revenues increased 31% over Q1 2013 with $14 billion gross income.

  • Google Assistant Broadcasts can now appear on phones

    July 2022

    Using Smart Displays and speakers as an intercom system is one of Google Assistant’s most popular capabilities. Google is now updating Assistant Broadcasts so that they appear on both Android and iOS phones.

  • Google Home app redesigns Chromecast device settings

    July 2022

    Back in November, device settings for the Nest Hub and Hub Max in the Google Home app were updated with a cleaner design and improved organization.

  • Google lets Fiber TV customers upgrade to free Chromecast

    July 2022

    Over the past few years, Google Fiber has been replacing legacy aspects of its service and streamlining. The latest allows Fiber TV customers that own a dedicated box to upgrade to a Chromecast with Google TV.

  • Google Pixel fold in 2022, cameras step down from Pixel 6

    July 2022

    The first foldable Pixel phone is set to arrive in 2022, and it will not use the same high-end camera sensors found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

  • Google TV 'Favorite App' shortcut discovered in update

    July 2022

    Overnight, an unexpected update hit the Chromecast with Google TV, bringing better HDR controls and a new security patch. Hidden within that update, though, was a possible upcoming feature for Google TV that, when enabled, gives users a “favorite app” shortcut.

  • Google TV 'Kids Profiles' are rolling out now to US users

    July 2022

    After being announced earlier this year, Google TV is getting its first inking of multi-user support. Kids Profiles are now rolling out to Google TV and, specifically, to the new Chromecast.

  • Google TV | Latest news, devices, updates, and apps

    July 2022

    Building on the company’s work to get on the big screen in every living room, Google TV delivers a new experience that’s remote-centric and built around keeping all of your content in one place.

  • Google TV app loses support for Netflix in watch directory

    July 2022

    The arrival of Google TV put heavy emphasis on the ability for users to manage all of their favorite shows and movies in one place, regardless of how many services they subscribe to.

  • Google TV homescreen adds Sling TV integration today

    July 2022

    For live TV streaming customers, one of the best parts of Google TV is its homescreen guide. However, that “Live” tab has, to date, only worked with YouTube TV.

  • Google TV kids' profiles added to Chromecast w/ Google TV

    July 2022

    The Google TV UI that ships on the new Chromecast has a lot of perks, but a lack of profile support is one complaint a lot of users have.

  • Google TV tests support for Assistant broadcast messages

    July 2022

    Google Assistant broadcasts are a very useful way to relay information to your family quickly, and it seems the company is working on expanding its reach just a bit further.

  • Google's Pixel foldable may look like the Oppo Find N

    July 2022

    The latest evidence we’ve discovered of Google’s Pixel foldable reveals a device that looks more like the Oppo Find N than the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

  • Hands on: SideClick for Chromecast with Google TV

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best streamers on the market today, but as with most add-on devices, it means adding another remote to the living room.

  • HBO Max adds restart on Android TV, 5.1 on Chromecast fix

    July 2022

    Before its debut on Roku and Fire TV, Google’s Android TV platform was one of the few ways to access HBO Max.

  • How to play Stadia games early on Android TV or Google TV

    July 2022

    Google is set to officially launch the Stadia for Android TV/Google TV experience on Wednesday, but a trick has been discovered to get playing today.

  • IMDb TV officially expands to Android TV, Chromecast

    July 2022

    The first streaming service you probably think of when Amazon is mentioned is Prime Video, but the company also runs the ad-supported IMDb TV.

  • June Chromecast w/ Google TV update adds 'Stadia support'

    July 2022

    Ahead of Stadia coming to Chromecast with Google TV on June 23, Google is rolling out an update to the streaming dongle that adds underlying support for the game streaming service and makes a handful of other improvements.

  • Netflix directory returns on Chromecast with Google TV

    July 2022

    After integration between Netflix and Google TV was shuttered last year, things are finally back on the repair. On Chromecast with Google TV, the Netflix directory is back in action.

  • Oppo Find N shows where Galaxy Z Fold 3 went wrong

    July 2022

    Foldable smartphones still feel like a technology of the future, despite having been real and for sale for over two years at this point.

  • Paramount+ arrives on Chromecast, Google TV, Android

    July 2022

    2020 saw some major streaming launches with HBO Max, Peacock, and the first full year of Disney+, too. Now, the latest major option is arriving with Paramount+, and it’s available today on Chromecast, Google TV, Android TV, and Android smartphones.

  • Phone Hub - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    For six months now, we’ve been patiently tracking progress on a new “Phone Hub” feature that is poised to make Chrome OS and Android devices “better together.

  • Rumor: Google's foldable might be called 'Pixel Notepad'

    July 2022

    On Wednesday, we found new Android 12L assets that suggest Google’s upcoming foldable could take after the Oppo Find N form factor rather than Samsung’s Galaxy Fold.

  • Samsung | New smartphones, Android updates, more

    July 2022

    Samsung is a technology conglomerate based out of South Korea that is responsible for some of the most popular smartphones in the world, including the Galaxy S and Galaxy A series devices.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Review: The complete package

    July 2022

    In the Android world, it’s hard to find a smartwatch as compelling as what Apple offers to its iPhone users. Samsung has tried to fill that void with its Galaxy Watch lineup, and for 2020, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the name of the game.

  • Stadia coming to Google TV & Android TV on June 23

    July 2022

    On June 23, full support for Stadia is coming to the Chromecast with Google TV, along with a handful of other Android TV devices.

  • Stadia for Chromecast w/ Google TV still isn't ready

    July 2022

    When the new Chromecast with Google TV launched in late 2020, the product came with the promise that Google Stadia would be supported sometime in the first half of 2021.

  • Super Bowl LV: How to watch on Chromecast, Android TV

    July 2022

    The biggest day in the NFL season has arrived. Later today, the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to crown this year’s champion.

  • TCL sells over 10 million Android TVs every year

    July 2022

    Google’s ambitions in the living room felt stagnant for a while, but the past couple of years have shown a lot of attention paid to the TV, and it seems to be paying off.

  • Unofficial LineageOS 18.1 brings Android 11 to Chromecast with Google TV- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Although still technically running Android 10, the Chromecast with Google TV can get a taste of Android 11 via an unofficial LineageOS 18.

  • Walmart Android TV remote does work with new Chromecast

    July 2022

    Walmart just launched a duo of Android TV streaming devices that are pretty standard but have two compelling selling points. For one, they’re both super cheap, and as a second point, the remote included with Walmart’s Android TV streamers looks really nice.

  • Walmart Android TV streaming devices finally go on sale

    July 2022

    It’s been absolutely no secret that Walmart has been working on a duo of Android TV streaming devices, but the lead-up to launch has been a little odd to say the least.

  • YouTube TV 5.1 audio for Google Chromecast coming later- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    At the end of last month, Google announced a 4K Plus add-on for its cord-cutting service. YouTube TV is also planning to add 5.

  • YouTube TV users can't sign in on Chromecast w/ Google TV

    July 2022

    Chromecast with Google TV and YouTube TV benefits from particularly tight integration stateside, though subscribers of the cord-cutting service are seeing an issue today where they can’t sign in on the streaming dongle.

  • 'Me at the zoo,' first YouTube video, protests dislike removal

    July 2022

    The first YouTube video was uploaded by co-founder Jawed Karim on April 23, 2005. That seminal 18-second “Me at the zoo” clip now contains a protest of YouTube’s decision to no longer publicly show dislike counts.

  • Adding mic + camera access to Quick Settings in Android 12

    July 2022

    Privacy is a very big concern among many consumers these days, and for a multitude of great reasons. Android 12 tried to address a couple of those issues, helping users to feel a little safer when using their devices.

  • Amazon tablet - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Amazon is in talks with books publishers about a new service that could enable customers to subscribe to Kindle books in bulk for an annual subscription fee, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

  • Android 12 Developer Preview: Releases, news and info

    July 2022

    Long before Google makes Android 12 available as a stable, user-facing release, it is available in a Developer Preview phase, so that developers are able to prepare their applications and make the necessary changes well ahead of the full release.

  • Android can now send links to Oculus Quest 2 VR headset

    July 2022

    The Oculus Quest 2 is one of the most affordable, and frankly, one of the best ways to experience VR, and it has a ton of games and features to boot.

  • Chrome OS's new Calculator will work on almost any device

    July 2022

    Google has rebuilt Chrome OS’s built-in Calculator app, making it available for all devices, not just Chromebooks. For years now, Chromebook owners have been able to use Google’s free calculator app.

  • Chromecast Ultra - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google yesterday announced the 4K Chromecast Ultra, a beefed-up $69 version of its ever-popular Chromecast media streaming dongle.  There isn’t really much to say with this little guy.

  • Cloud computing - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google’s reduction of energy use for servers and server cooling. Google wants businesses to make Google Apps their primary productivity suite, so the company is recruiting at full swing today with a new blog post that discloses a few stats about its energy efficiency.

  • Fitbit Inspire 2 - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The Fitbit Inspire 2 is a pretty simple fitness tracker, but it’s getting a handy new feature this week. With a new update, Fitbit Inspire 2 is integrating the Bluetooth finding tools of Tile to help you keep tracker of, well, your tracker.

  • Galaxy Watch 4 pairing is still complicated

    July 2022

    While Samsung’s past wearables have always offered great hardware and software, one reason I’ve been hesitant to call them “the best” is the frustrating act of using them with a non-Samsung phone.

  • Galaxy Z Flip 3 cover screen may get upgraded w/ this project -9to5Google

    July 2022

    The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the best-selling foldable smartphone to date, and it’s a device we really came to love during our time with it last year.

  • Gmail will stop supporting older versions of Google Chrome, Windows XP & Vista impacted

    July 2022

    Update: While Gmail on older versions of Chrome will continue to function after 2017, it will no longer be “supported for quality assurance and security” by Google.

  • GOOG - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google has made its decision to acquire Motorola Mobility public this morning, announcing the acquisition worth $12.5 billion via The Official Google Blog (that’s $40 per share, 60% higher than the company’s closing price as of Friday):

  • Google adds Street View images to Google Earth VR app

    July 2022

    The possibilities with virtual reality are endless, but even since the days of Google Cardboard, Google Earth has been one of the highlights for newcomers to the VR platform.

  • Google Chat gets built-in GIF search on the web

    July 2022

    Google continues to add more features to Chat as it becomes available for more and more people ahead of the classic Hangouts depreciation.

  • Google Chrome Web Store - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Chrome Web Store, the Google-operated repository of web apps for the Chrome browser, has expaneded to 24 new countries, Google announced in a blog post.

  • Google Cloud Platform expands to General Availability on Windows

    July 2022

    Google today has announced that its Compute Engine on Windows is expanding to General Availability. Google’s Cloud Platform allows users to deploy and operate a wide variety of technologies and today’s expansion to Windows will allow for more users to take advantage of the platform.

  • Google Docs comments being abused to send spam emails

    July 2022

    Have you received an email about a new comment in a Google Docs or other Google Workspace file you don’t recognize?

  • Google Docs down in partial Drive outage in mid-April

    July 2022

    If you’re having trouble with Google Drive services this morning, you’re not alone. Google Drive is experiencing a partial outage that’s bringing down Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for many users.

  • Google Earth - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bFdNFTq8Vw&feature=player_embedded] Sustrans, a British charity promoting sustainable transport, just announced that it partnered with Google to bring cycling routes to United Kingdom-based Google Maps users.

  • Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2

    July 2022

    If you haven’t been following (which, honestly, I don’t blame you), you might not know that Google has yet another Google Glass in the works.

  • Google Home 2.26 adds advanced Google Wifi app settings

    July 2022

    Last week, Google started rolling out the ability to import Google Wifi networks into the Home app. This is part of a bigger update that sees Google Home add the Wifi app’s “advanced networking” settings, which means you no longer have to use two clients.

  • Google Home Max officially discontinued and out of stock

    July 2022

    The Home Max, and Mini, launched in 2017 as the first expansion of Google’s smart speaker lineup. After three years, Google has officially discontinued the Home Max as inventory is depleted.

  • Google Home, Nest Hub white noise ambient sound changes

    July 2022

    People like using their Google Assistant Smart Displays and speakers to play white noise before sleeping. Google earlier this week changed the white noise ambient sound and there has been an onslaught of complaints from Home/Nest users.

  • Google is working to bring Material You to Chrome OS

    July 2022

    With Android 12, Google introduced Material You, a colorful third-generation of Material Design which will eventually expand beyond Android. To that end, Google has begun experimenting with bringing Material You design cues to Chrome OS.

  • Google Labs working on blockchain, distributed computing

    July 2022

    Back in November, Google created a new division focused on “high-potential, long-term projects,” like augmented reality. Google Labs now has a team working on blockchain and other related technologies.

  • Google Maps for Android adds dedicated Street View layer

    July 2022

    In addition to being a fun way to explore landmarks, Street View is useful for getting a detailed sense of where you’re going.

  • Google My Maps - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    With Google My Maps, you can customize Google Maps for your own unique personal uses. You can create a map, (on which you can then draw lines, shapes, or placemarks), import a CSV, TSV, KML, KMZ, GPX, or XLSX file with geographically-specific data, organize your map with layers to hide or show different kinds of content, and style your content with different colors, placemark icons, and line widths.

  • Google Photos storage bug 'inaccurately counted' uploads

    July 2022

    A Google Photos storage system “mistake” this year resulted in image and video uploads being “inaccurately” counted towards your cloud storage quota.

  • Google Pixel 7 - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The Pixel 6 has barely had its time in the spotlight, arriving in the hands of customers at the end of October, but there will always be a reason to keep our eyes on the horizon.

  • Google Pixel Buds - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google’s first two attempts in the massive wireless audio market didn’t go over super well, but its latest release in the Pixel Buds A-Series has been well received overall.

  • Google Safe Browsing - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    If you’ve ever been browsing the web and seen the above warning, you’ve probably done one of two things. You either quickly click the “Back to safety” button, or you navigate into the “Details” section to tell Chrome that it’s being a helicopter mom — and go about your “dangerous” browsing.

  • Google Store now sells discounted Nest hardware 'packages'

    July 2022

    In addition to picking up the Chromecast with Google TV, Nest Audio, Pixel 5, and 4a 5G today, the Google Store started offering hardware “packages” that provide a discount when buying multiple Nest products simultaneously.

  • Google Takeout - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google today in a blog post announced that it is closing down its first attempt at a social network, Orkut.

  • Google Trends - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google Trends is a great place to go if you want to know what the web is up to on any given day; it does a great job of showing you trending search terms—and charts that put a ranking on basically everything—from almost any country in the world.

  • Google's standalone Street View app adds Google Cardboard support in latest update

    July 2022

    If you aren’t yet aware, Google released a standalone Street View app for Android last month — and with it comes a showcase of all the best Street View imagery right at your fingertips.

  • Here's what C-Band 5G is, and what Android phones can use it

    July 2022

    Verizon and AT&T are starting to rollout out C-Band 5G coverage for their users in the US, bringing a whole new set of frequencies into the 5G game.

  • Honor Magic V is a bigger, slimmer Galaxy Z Fold 3

    July 2022

    The foldable market continues to heat up, as the success of Samsung’s recent attempts has pushed more companies to try out the space.

  • How does Google Photos Locked Folder feature work?

    July 2022

    With every photo you take backing up to the cloud, it’s a little hard to feel like much is private. Fortunately, Google Photos has a feature called Locked Folder that allows you to keep personal hidden away.

  • How to create a PDF from a document in Google Docs

    July 2022

    A PDF file is one of the most widely used document types. It can be shared across multiple platforms, compressed into a smaller size easily, and cannot be edited without leaving a digital footprint.

  • Image

    July 2022

  • It is now easier to navigate Street View in Google Maps on Android

    July 2022

    Street View is now a feature we take for granted in all our mapping services, but in 2007 it was a very ambitious effort by Google to photograph the world.

  • Lenovo Smart Clock - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google Assistant is slowly making its way into every part of our lives, and I for one am not complaining. Since launch, I’ve had a Google Home or a Nest Hub somewhere in my bedroom for controlling my lights and alarms.

  • LG Velvet Android 11 update starts rolling out in the US

    July 2022

    The LG Velvet is the company’s last mainstream premium smartphone, but even with the company pulling its resources from the smartphone business, updates are still rolling out.

  • Microsoft Edge tries to stop you from installing Chrome

    July 2022

    Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, and that pushes Microsoft and others to go to great lengths to make a dent in the market.

  • Mozilla Firefox - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Chrome and Android, the two crucial weapons in Google’s assault on mobile and desktop, are showing no signs of stopping. We already reported today that Android passed iOS globally.

  • Netflix now lets you skip show intros while streaming via Chromecast

    July 2022

    Netflix makes it ridiculously easy to get lost bingeing your way through episode after episode of your favorite TV show. When on that marathon, it’s nice to be able to skip the intro as the service lets you on multiple platforms.

  • New from Google: Paid web apps, drawings in web clipboard, latest breathtaking 45° imagery in Maps

    July 2022

    Stunning 45-degree views are now available in Maps for more places in the US and abroad. Never content with resting on its laurels, Google have been iterating their products at a pace faster than ever before.

  • New Google Pay focus is to be a comprehensive digital wallet

    July 2022

    Back in October, Google Pay canceled its plans for “Plex” bank accounts with an accompanying card. In an interview today, Google shared that Pay will now focus on becoming a “comprehensive digital wallet.

  • Past Fitbit Premium subscribers can redeem another free trial

    July 2022

    In recent years, Fitbit has offered a few months of free Premium when purchasing a new tracker or smartwatch. Subscribers that took advantage of that offer are now discovering that they’re eligible for another free trial.

  • Pixel 2 XL gains first custom ROM based on Android 12

    July 2022

    Sadly, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL will never officially receive Android 12 from Google. However, thanks to the wild world of custom ROM development, you’re now able to get the very latest OS update on 2017’s premier Pixel.

  • Pixel 4 root mods force enable Face Unlock, Motion Sense

    July 2022

    With the recent launch of the Google Pixel 4, many were excited by all of the things that the flagship phone could do, like Face Unlock and Motion Sense gestures.

  • Pixel 6 December update causes network issues for some

    July 2022

    Google’s Pixel 6 series saw a slightly delayed December patch that arrived earlier this week, but it seems the update is causing trouble for users in Europe as more and more user reports link the update to network issues.

  • Pixel 6 January patch: Has this update fixed common issues?

    July 2022

    Sadly, the regular December update for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro introduced a laundry list of issues and problems, which meant a later than usual January patch to resolve some high-level and a ton of low-level issues frustrating owners.

  • Pixel Live Wallpaper 1.6 turns on Android 12 Dynamic Color

    July 2022

    Wallpaper-based theming is the main highlight of Android 12 and Material You. However, Dynamic Color did not initially work with the Pixel Live Wallpaper collection/category, and an app update rolling out this week remedies that.

  • Reminder: Registration for Google I/O 2015 opens tomorrow (Update: Today!)

    July 2022

    Update: Google I/O registration is now open. Google I/O 2015 is right around the corner, scheduled to be taking place May 28th and 29th of this year at Moscone Center West.

  • Repainter hands-on: Make Material You yours [Video]

    July 2022

    One of the core components of the massive Material You overhaul added with Android 12 is that of Dynamic Color and while it has proved popular, third-party app Repainter takes this customization a step further.

  • Samsung confirms February event for Galaxy S22

    July 2022

    In a blog post from Samsung’s head of mobile business, the company has officially confirmed a February event for the Galaxy S22 and teased some areas of focus, too.

  • Take a virtual reality world tour with Google Maps for Android and Google Cardboard

    July 2022

    The world’s cheapest virtual reality headset may be just a bit of fun by Google, but the company hasn’t just put it out there and forgotten about it.

  • Tech Industry - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Update 2: It looks like Evan is on a roll right now — a second follow-up message is here to seemingly confirm a slew of additional, previously rumored specs: as per him, the Note 7 will sport a 5.

  • WhatsApp beta adds ability to mute videos before you send

    July 2022

    Sending videos on WhatsApp is set to get a little bit less annoying as the latest 2.21.3.13 is rolling out the ability to mute videos before sending on to a contact or group chat.

  • WhatsApp preps enhanced 'Mute Always' feature for chats

    July 2022

    WhatsApp might have plenty of features but is sometimes slow to adopt common options seen in rival messaging applications. Despite that, a “Mute Always” and enhanced expiring messages features look as though they are coming to a future version of WhatsApp.

  • Windows 10 May update breaks Google Chrome for some

    July 2022

    In May 2020, Microsoft released its latest significant update for Windows 10. As an unfortunate side effect of the May 2020 Windows 10 update, some users have reported notable issues with the Google Chrome browser.

  • Xiaomi Mi Box - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Since Android TV launched, it hasn’t seen a whole lot of success, and I think that’s been the fault of the hardware rather than the software.

  • YouTube Premium, Music quietly get discounted annual plan

    July 2022

    In recent weeks, YouTube very quietly introduced an annual plan for YouTube Premium and Music Premium. It currently features a rather notable discount compared to paying every month, but that ends very soon.

  • 9to5Toys Last Call: DJI Phantom 4 Drone $729, Yamaha 7.2-Ch. A/V Receiver $435, Bose Bluetooth Speaker $130, more

    July 2022

    Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

  • aapl - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Alphabet has today posted its Q4 2015 earnings and fiscal year 2015 results. The company reports revenue of $21.3 billion, which is up 18%.

  • AMD - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    After 10 years, Chrome OS has become the second-most popular operating system for computers in the world, and as a result, we’re seeing more players in the place.

  • Android 12: Recents highlights images for quick sharing

    July 2022

    The multitasking menu in Android 12 has been tweaked over the Beta period, but the layout is mostly unchanged. Google, however, has put a lot of work into making it easier to share content from Recents, and Android 12 Beta 4 adds image support.

  • Android Private Compute Services let features get updates

    July 2022

    With Android 12, Google announced the “Private Compute Core” to allow for “new technologies that are private by design.” The company shared more details today about Android’s Private Compute Services.

  • Artificial intelligence - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Photo: chromespot.com When Google announced (and later began rolling out) conversational search back in May, the company saw that as only the start.

  • BET+ adds integration with Google TV

    July 2022

    Google TV has been expanding its list of services since its launch over a year ago, and this week another option has been added.

  • Casio unveils a slightly cheaper addition to its Wear OS-based Pro Trek lineup

    July 2022

    Casio has long been on the Android Wear (and lately, Wear OS) train, and now the company is doubling down with the release of yet another Pro Trek smartwatch.

  • Chrome 81 - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    There are two types of people in this world — those who keep maybe three Chrome tabs open at most, and those who treat Chrome tabs like a running backlog of things you want to get done or look into but not right this second.

  • Fitbit - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The Apple Watch popularized the concept of “closing your rings,” and Google Fit has Heart Points. Meanwhile, Fitbit — by nature of being around for so long — more prominently emphasizes step counts and miles than competitors.

  • Fitbit rolling out Charge 4 update with on-device SpO2 app

    July 2022

    Fitbit announced the Charge 4 this month last year as its most advanced fitness tracker with built-in GPS and SpO2. Data from the latter sensor was previously only accessible in the Fitbit app, but users will soon be able to see the metric on-device.

  • Fitbit Sense, Versa 3 update: audible Google Assistant, more

    July 2022

    Fitbit revealed it was making a premium Wear OS watch at I/O 2021 last month. However, until that’s released, the latest Fitbit OS update is rolling out with a slew of updates for the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3.

  • Fitbit will make 'premium' smartwatches based on Wear OS

    July 2022

    Under Google, Fitbit is helping to provide the backbone of health tracking on the revamped Wear OS and, soon, Fitbit will be making its own premium smartwatches based on Wear OS.

  • Fossil Gen 6 - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The launch of the Skagen Falster Gen 6 earlier this year brought with it the reveal of a partnership between Amazon and Fossil that would bring Alexa to select Wear OS smartwatches.

  • freeform windows - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    In case you hadn’t heard, Android N adds a split-screen mode for phones/tablets and picture-in-picture for Android TV. As previously reported, it also has code references to a freeform mode that allows users to freely resize an app.

  • Google acquires Fitbit as it seeks to 'invest' in Wear OS

    July 2022

    After reports last week, Google has confirmed this morning that it will acquire Fitbit for the sum of $2.1 billion…

  • Google announces new Nest Hub with Soli 'Sleep Sensing'

    July 2022

    In deciding to not put a camera on what was initially called the Home Hub, Google made its first Assistant Smart Display ideal for nightstands.

  • Google Calendar letting you set split working hours

    July 2022

    Back in 2019, Google made the “Working Hours” feature in Calendar much more prominent to aid Digital Wellbeing efforts. Google Calendar is now adding support for split working hours, as well as creating repeat out of office (OOO) entries.

  • Google cancels I/O 2020 entirely in light of coronavirus

    July 2022

    Google earlier this month announced that it was not hosting a physical developer conference in light of coronavirus. I/O 2020 is now entirely cancelled and will not be taking place “in any capacity this year.

  • Google celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week with Doodle

    July 2022

    Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) this year comes amid COVID-19 driving remote learning around the world. Google is doing its part to celebrate teachers with a Doodle today and by offering more resources to educators.

  • Google completes Fitbit acquisition after more than a year

    July 2022

    In late 2019, Google announced a deal with Fitbit to acquire the company for over $2 billion, but in the time since, the deal has had to get the approval of multiple regulatory authorities.

  • Google Doodle celebrates the first day of the fall season

    July 2022

    Today’s Google homepage doodle offers a friendly, leafy reminder that today is the first day of the fall season, for the northern half of the world.

  • Google Goggles - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    In a report from the WSJ, a new study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh used facial-recognition technology in combination with data from Facebook accounts to successfully identify one-third of volunteer participants.

  • Google Home Max - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    After years of Google and Amazon duking it out over the smart home speaker market, Apple finally joined the party this month with the launch of its HomePod.

  • Google Lens - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    QR codes have been around for years, but they were underused in the time when they required a separate app to be installed in order to use them.

  • Google Nest Wifi - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    In its fourth year, Google Hardware is launching maturing followups to five major products. Our sources say to expect Google’s latest flagship smartphone, the Pixel 4, as well as a Pixelbook Go laptop, a second generation version of its Nest Mini and Nest Wifi connected home devices, and a followup to the Pixel Buds.

  • Google OnHub - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    I suspect most of us had the same reaction when Google announced its OnHub wireless router: it sounds impressive, but could it really be worth $200?

  • Google Opinion Rewards - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Project Ara has been very quiet this year, with the last we really heard from the Mountain View company being a “re-route” announced last year.

  • Google Photos to add feature for removing audio from videos

    July 2022

    Jane Manchun Wong is something of an app teardown extraordinaire, and today she’s back with a little tidbit about Google Photos.

  • Google Pixelbook Go - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    For years, Google has been the driving force behind Chrome OS, making expensive, but visionary hardware to light a fire under other OEMs to compete, with the Google Pixelbook being the case in point.

  • Google Play Pass added as freebie on Verizon Unlimited plan

    July 2022

    Play Pass is a subscription service by Google that grants Android users access to over 800 games and apps for a low monthly cost, but Verizon subscribers are about to get a bonus.

  • Google reveals 'next generation Assistant' w/ 10x faster answers, coming to Pixel 4 first

    July 2022

    Google Assistant is already a powerful tool, but at Google I/O 2019 the company just revealed an insane upgrade to the functionality.

  • Google rolls out app launcher, drawer on the Nest Hub Max

    July 2022

    In October 2020, a big Smart Display redesign that brought more interactivity, as well as a dark theme, widely rolled out.

  • Google TV app has a useful watchlist, replaces Play Movies

    July 2022

    Today, Google announced a new Chromecast and a new platform for the TV, the Android-based Google TV. Along with that, however, Google is also announcing a big change to how it handles your movies and TV shows.

  • Google Wallet - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Following its I/O keynote address today, Google just announced on its commerce blog that it will soon be integrating Google Wallet features into Gmail to allow users to send and receive money.

  • Google Wifi app shutting down in favor of Google Home

    July 2022

    As it stands today, Google has two distinct apps for managing your Google Wifi and Nest Wifi networks, with Google Wifi and Google Home.

  • Google will tell you when and how much of this month's solar eclipse you'll see with Eclipse America

    July 2022

    In case you weren’t aware, there’s a pretty major natural phenomenon set to pass over the United States later this month, a total solar eclipse.

  • Google's Home Hub to Nest Hub rebranding effort is a sticker on the box

    July 2022

    At I/O 2019, Google announced that all its smart home products going forward would be branded “Google Nest.” The first new product to launch is the Nest Hub Max this summer, while the Home Hub was immediately rebranded.

  • Google's Sundar Pichai on the metaverse: AR, immersive

    July 2022

    Compared to Meta, Microsoft, Niantic, and a slew of other metaverse announcements, Google has been very quiet about its augmented reality plans in general.

  • Hisaye Yamamoto: Google honors Japanese-American author

    July 2022

    As part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Google is honoring acclaimed Japanese-American short story author Hisaye Yamamoto. Life of Hisaye Yamamoto Hisaye Yamamoto was born on August 23, 1921, as the daughter of two Japanese immigrants, and part of a growing population of Japanese-Americans known as the “Nisei,” which loosely translates to “second generation.

  • How to contact Google support and give product feedback

    July 2022

    No Google app on Android or iOS is without bugs and issues. Fortunately, there’s a way you can contact support and leave feedback for Google app developers.

  • How to disable Bixby on the Samsung Galaxy S20

    July 2022

    In a world of voice assistants, Samsung has had its own option in Bixby since the debut of the Galaxy S8 a few years ago.

  • How to turn off YouTube TV's autoplay feature

    July 2022

    YouTube TV recently starting rolling out a new feature that plays content as soon as you open the app on your TV.

  • How to turn on dark mode on the Samsung Galaxy S20

    July 2022

    Dark mode is a popular way to ease eye strain, save on battery life, and frankly, it just looks cool, too.

  • How to use Google Pay with your Galaxy Watch 4

    July 2022

    The beauty of the Galaxy Watch 4 is that it’s the perfect companion to any Android device, not just Galaxy devices.

  • Microsoft Edge - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Microsoft’s Build conference revealed a new passion for cross-platform development today, and the theme has continued with the announcement of the company’s new Edge browser.

  • Microsoft Surface Duo reportedly getting Android 12L

    July 2022

    Microsoft’s Surface Duo debuted in 2020 as a unique take on a dual-screen device, but it launched with plenty of software issues that prevented it from being a success.

  • Nest Mini from $27 in today's best deals, plus ecobee SmartThermostat $200, more

    July 2022

    Today’s best deals include Google Nest Mini from $27, plus markdowns on various smart essentials like ecobee thermostats and door locks.

  • Nest Thermostats - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Nest has a press conference planned for June 17th, but Tony Fadell and company haven’t mentioned—nor hinted—up to this point what they might be working on.

  • New ‘Backup by Google One’ rolled out in Android Settings

    July 2022

    Back in July, “Backup by Google One” started rolling out as an expansion to the existing Android backup service. This more granular and expansive approach to storage is now more widely available.

  • New Nest Cam can't be streamed to TV via Chromecast

    July 2022

    Google’s updated Nest Cam products come with several advantages such as offline storage, battery power, and lower prices. However, they also come with some frustrating problems including the current lack of support for streaming Nest Cam video to Chromecast or Android TV.

  • Nvidia GeForce Now - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    This week, all the stars have aligned to bring tons of new games and features to the cloud gaming scene, whether that’s NVIDIA GeForce Now, Amazon’s Luna, or Xbox Cloud Gaming.

  • Nvidia Shield TV Pro - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Many Android TV devices don’t often get major upgrades, and the ones that do usually only get that level of support for a couple of years or so.

  • oxygen os - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The next device from OnePlus, which most assume will be called the OnePlus 2, is probably right around the corner—after all, the current-generation OnePlus One was announced over nine months ago.

  • Photo sphere - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0poff-mHQ4Q] As we covered earlier today, Google is getting ready to introduce a brand new lineup of Nexus branded devices for the holidays and to accompany the launch is Android 4.

  • Pixel 6 charging rate seems to never hit claimed 30W speeds

    July 2022

    One of the seemingly major upgrades that was supposed to come with Google’s Pixel 6 series was an improvement to charging speeds, bringing the max rate from 18 watts all the way up to 30 watts, beating out Samsung and Apple at the same time.

  • Pixel 6 trade-in values at the Google Store aren't too hot

    July 2022

    Trade-ins and financing are the name of the game for smartphones sold in the US, and Google is, of course, offerings those options for Pixel 6 buyers in its own Google Store.

  • Roundup: Best April Fools’ pranks yet including Google Panda & Moto Selfie Stick

    July 2022

    April Fools’ Day is often one of the more eventual days of the year for Google and other tech companies. This year appears to be no different as a variety of pranks have already appeared around the web.

  • Samsung Galaxy S9+ Review: Refining a top Android phone w/ cameras that rival the Pixel [Video]

    July 2022

    Samsung’s yearly “S” flagship is the biggest phone of the year in the Android world. Last year, the company completely overhauled basically everything with the debut of the Galaxy S8.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Samsung makes some of the best smartwatches for Android users, but they lack a lot of the Google apps that make alternatives more appealing.

  • Samsung Gear IconX 2018 Review: Not quite Android's AirPods, but an awesome alternative

    July 2022

    Truly wireless earbuds are growing in popularity quickly, but they’re far from perfect. While some have proven great, like Apple’s AirPods, others just aren’t.

  • Stadia fans rally behind Metacritic scores on the platform

    July 2022

    Google’s Stadia platform is still relatively new to the scene, and being a new gaming commodity entirely, it still struggles to get recognized in places where other established platforms are.

  • These are the best Android phones in late 2021

    July 2022

    The end of the year is often a great time to buy a new smartphone as holiday discounts abound. If you’re looking to get a new device, here are some of the best Android phones we’d recommend in late 2021.

  • Yahoo! - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google and other leading tech companies support USA Freedom Act to limit NSA powers Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL have all signed an open letter expressing support for the USA Freedom Act co-sponsored by Democrat Senator Patrick Leahy and Republican Representative Jim Sensenbrenner.

  • YouTube Music gets 'Save' queue to playlist from Play Music

    July 2022

    After first launching for iOS at the start of this year, YouTube Music is widely rolling out the “Save” queue to playlist feature on Android.

  • YouTube Music, Google Photos getting new Android widgets

    July 2022

    Following Gmail last week, Play Books, Google Photos, and YouTube Music are set to get new widgets on Android. As expected, YouTube Music is getting a “Recently Played” widget that consists of two rows.

  • 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Acer 15" Chromebook $160, USB Type-C cables from $7, more

    July 2022

    Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

  • A history of Google's attempts to beat iMessage

    July 2022

    Messaging is a core part of any smartphone, and it’s something that Apple has really nailed with the iPhone and iMessage.

  • Android 12 enables 5G with DSDS for Pixel 5, 4a 5G

    July 2022

    Since the Pixel 3a, it’s been possible to use a physical SIM card and eSIM simultaneously. However, Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) on the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 does not currently support 5G networks, though that’s changing with Android 12.

  • Android 12: Quick settings adds Google Pay, controls, power

    July 2022

    One of the many aspects of Android being revamped with Android 12 is the Quick Settings area. With Android 12 Beta 2, the Quick Settings area gains quick access to Google Pay, Google Home shortcuts, as well as a power button.

  • Android 13 to make media transfer easier w/ 'tap' feature

    July 2022

    While Android 12 is still rolling out to most folks, Google is deep in development on Android 13. According to a new report, Google is adding a “tap-to-transfer” feature to Android 13 for moving media between devices.

  • Android 13 will reportedly be better at QR codes

    July 2022

    QR codes are an excellent, if under-appreciated technology nowadays, but part of the difficulty for some has been the hurdles in scanning codes.

  • Android exec rebukes iMessage lock-in with RCS push

    July 2022

    Hiroshi Lockheimer oversees all of Google’s operating systems as Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems. In recent years, he has been very critical of Apple not supporting the RCS standard to make iOS messaging more interoperable with Android, and the latest salvo on iMessage is the harshest yet.

  • Chromecast Dolby Atmos issues with Disney+ may be fixed

    July 2022

    The Chromecast with Google TV has proven to be a hit among streamers thanks to wide-ranging support for streaming apps and standards, but Atmos has proven an issue for some.

  • Chromecast with Google TV | News, updates, where to buy

    July 2022

    The Chromecast has long been known as Google’s super-affordable streamer, but in 2021, it was revamped with a remote, new hardware, and an Android-based operating system with native apps.

  • Doodle for Google 2022 opens: 'I care for myself by...' theme

    July 2022

    Google starting today is inviting K-12 students in the US to create a Doodle for the Search homepage. Doodle for Google 2022 is looking for artwork that reflects “I care for myself by…”

  • Everything you need to know to use Google Pay

    July 2022

    Google Pay is a fantastic financial tool. Whether you need to send money, take care of contactless NFC pay, or even keep up with discounts on items you want, Google Pay has you covered.

  • Experiments with Google - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    The Chrome New Tab Page on desktop (Mac, Windows, Linux) and Chrome OS can be customized by third-party extensions so that users “discover something new every time [they] open a new tab.

  • Fitbit Charge 4 band is defective, the company confirms

    July 2022

    Fitbit is perhaps best known for its fitness trackers, and one of the latest models is the Charge 4. Launched earlier this year, Fitbit Charge 4 comes with several perks, but the company has now confirmed a slight defect with its band.

  • Fitbit Charge 4 goes official w/ GPS, Spotify, $149 price

    July 2022

    In its first product launch since being acquired by Google last year, Fitbit has today launched a new fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 4.

  • Fitbit Luxe | Price, release date, news, and more

    July 2022

    You probably know Fitbit best for its fitness trackers like the Charge 4, Inspire 2, and more. Those affordable devices are the ones that thrust Fitbit into the spotlight, but they’ve always been pretty simple.

  • Fitbit Sense ECG app now available in US, Europe

    July 2022

    The Fitbit Sense is the company’s first smartwatch with ECG support, and after gaining clearance last month, that app is now available to users.

  • Fitbit Sense gets a new silver variant, more official bands

    July 2022

    The Fitbit Sense is nearly a year old at this point, but with no successor on the horizon, it’s getting a slight refresh.

  • Fitbit Sense gets approval for its ECG feature

    July 2022

    Set to release in just a couple of weeks, the Fitbit Sense’s best feature is the ability to take an ECG reading.

  • Fitbit study wants to detect COVID-19 before symptoms start

    July 2022

    With the Google acquisition still under review, Fitbit is continuing with its existing product roadmaps. The company today announced a COVID-19 study to “help determine whether Fitbit can help build an algorithm to detect COVID-19 before symptoms start.

  • Future Wear OS watches flip the UI when worn upside down

    July 2022

    Google has shared that future Wear OS watches will be able to be worn upside down, perfect for those who are left-handed to wear their watch on their right wrist.

  • Galaxy Note 21 is not coming this year, Samsung says

    July 2022

    In case the lack of leaks and plethora of reports didn’t make it obvious enough, Samsung has officially confirmed tonight that the Galaxy Note series is taking a break this year, with no Galaxy Note 21 coming to market.

  • Galaxy S21 FE discount goes live on launch day, more

    July 2022

    All of today’s best deals include a launch day discount on the new Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. That’s alongside Hisense Android TVs at $400 off and Lenovo’s IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook at $449.

  • Gmail for iOS adding inbox widget as Google Meet gets PiP

    July 2022

    Google is rolling out a trio of productivity updates to its iPhone and iPad productivity apps. Notably, Gmail will get a homescreen widget, while iOS Picture-in-Picture is now available for Google Meet.

  • Google app bug opens all websites in Chrome/browser

    July 2022

    With the first beta channel release of 2022, the Google app introduced a bug that sees its Chrome Custom Tab break and all web pages open in your default browser on Android.

  • Google hypes Pixel 6 launch in Japan with potato chips

    July 2022

    Google is going all out to advertise its next flagship phone around the world. In Japan, it offered “Google Original (Potato) Chips” to highlight the new Tensor SoC in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

  • Google is bringing Nearby Share from Android to Windows

    July 2022

    While Chrome OS is Google’s “desktop” platform for laptops and other computers, many Android users turn to Windows for a more powerful operating system.

  • Google is done w/ tablets, laptops only from this point on

    July 2022

    Google’s efforts in the tablet space have rarely been successful, and we all thought the company had called it quits after discontinuing the Pixel C a couple of years back.

  • Google is not asking for iMessage on Android with RCS push

    July 2022

    After critical comments on Saturday, Android chief Hiroshi Lockheimer is back with some “thoughts and clarifications” on RCS and iMessage.

  • Google Jamboard - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Following a rebrand of all their work offerings under G Suite, Google’s enterprise team has just released its first hardware device. The Jamboard is a digital whiteboard aimed at team collaboration with a 55-inch 4K display and integration with all of Google’s cloud offerings.

  • Google Pay rewards and cashback, what's available?

    July 2022

    Google Pay is a useful way to pay in stores without a physical card and to exchange funds between friends, but after being revamped in late 2020, it can do more.

  • Google sets final timeline for killing Chrome Apps

    July 2022

    Back in 2016, Google announced that it was killing Chrome Apps in favor of the web. This process began with that category disappearing from the Web Store in late 2017, and Google now has a final timeline for the deprecation.

  • Google Station - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    India and similar developing countries in Southeast Asia and Africa are where Google expects the “Next Billion Users” to come online.

  • Google Street View - 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Google is marking World Oceans Day, on Monday, with underwater Street View imagery in three amazing locations: Bali, the Bahamas and back to the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Google's Fitbit acquisition has 'high level' of privacy risk

    July 2022

    Last year, Google announced that it had plans to acquire the popular wearable maker Fitbit, something that’s raised both hope and concern from users.

  • Google's Instagram story teases a white Pixel 4a prototype

    July 2022

    A recent Instagram Story posted by the official Made by Google account has given us a glimpse of what a white Pixel 4a could have looked like in the flesh.

  • Here's what Android 12L looks like on the Lenovo P12 Pro

    July 2022

    Google’s efforts to let Android better serve bigger screens is culminating in Android 12L, but the company’s decision to abandon in-house tablets leaves the upcoming version without a device to call home.

  • How to back up pictures and videos on Android with Google Photos

    July 2022

    Google Photos makes it extremely easy to keep all of your photos in one place, safely in the cloud. Whichever device you use, the service allows you to keep your photos backed up.

  • How to cancel YouTube TV subscription

    July 2022

    Does the latest YouTube TV price hike have you considering ditching the service? Follow along for how to cancel your YouTube TV subscription as well as pause it if you’d like to think things over.

  • How to view the data that Google has collected on you

    July 2022

    It’s hard to imagine using the internet without at least one of the many services that Google provides, but they do come at a cost.

  • Hundred Days adds Direct Touch support on Google Stadia

    July 2022

    Last year, Google debuted the ability for games to stream from the cloud with support for touchscreen controls, and now it’s expanding the feature to a new title.

  • iPhone RCS support won't mean iMessage works w/ Android

    July 2022

    Over the past year, Google has publicly pressured Apple to support Rich Communication Services. The latest salvo this weekend was the harshest yet, but RCS on the iPhone is not the panacea to Google’s historical messaging woes, nor will support lead to a transformatively better experience for Android users when interacting with their iPhone counterparts.

  • January 'Curated Culture' Pixel wallpapers are now available

    July 2022

    Made by Google is continuing its monthly drop of new “Curated Culture” Pixel wallpapers in 2022, though January’s additions do not coincide with a specific event/month/day.

  • Learn what's new in Google Play system updates for Android

    July 2022

    Google has begun sharing details of what’s new in each month’s Google Play system patch, the new update system for recently released Android phones, tablets, and more.

  • LG TVs in 2021 will offer Stadia and GeForce Now

    July 2022

    One of the biggest appeals of cloud gaming is the ability to play anywhere, and in 2021 that vision will be even closer to reality.

  • New Google Pay app is now available in 'early access'

    July 2022

    Following a teaser yesterday, a brand new version of the Google Pay app is now available on Android, but it’s in an invite-only “early access” version right now.

  • OnePlus 10 Pro hits China w/ second-gen Hasselblad camera- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    After a week of teasing throughout CES 2022, the OnePlus 10 Pro has now been unveiled as it officially launches in China.

  • OnePlus Buds Pro add 'Dual Connection' mode

    July 2022

    OnePlus Buds Pro may lack one of our favorite features fofr wireless earbuds, but they remain one of the better options out there for Android users today.

  • OnePlus Buds Pro ditch Google Fast Pair support

    July 2022

    The OnePlus Buds series delivered two solid pairs of truly wireless earbuds last year that were great options for all Android users thanks to the addition of Google Fast Pair support.

  • OnePlus Nord N200 discount drops to $210, plus more

    July 2022

    All of today’s best deals are headlined by a OnePlus Nord N200 discount to $210. That’s alongside the Wyze Cam V3 Spotlight falling to $38 and this ongoing Sonos Beam Gen 2 price cut.

  • Pixel 'SIM Manager keeps stopping' bug; how to fix it

    July 2022

    Over the past few days, some Google Pixel owners have been seeing an error message that says “SIM Manager keeps stopping,” especially on more recent Pixel models.

  • Pixel phones get Android 12 colors in boot animation

    July 2022

    Android 12 offers wallpaper-based colors to apps and the system, and it really shines in Material You’s design on Pixel phones.

  • Pixel phones prompted to download Android 12 update again

    July 2022

    The final version of Android 12 rolled out in mid-October with the November security patch serving as the first bug-fixer. Some Pixel owners today are being prompted to install the Android 12 OTA again in an update that does not appear to change anything.

  • Pixel Stand 2nd Gen review: Pricey Pixel power package

    July 2022

    Alongside the Pixel 6 series, Google unveiled an updated wireless charger designed for use with the latest smartphone series. A delayed launch meant that the Pixel Stand 2nd Gen was not available until a month after the release of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

  • Razr 3 specs include Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, more

    July 2022

    The Motorola Razr was the second foldable to hit the market in a meaningful way, but both the original and its sequel were plagued with flaws that hindered their popularity.

  • Roku adds 'Live TV Zone' w/ YouTube TV integration

    July 2022

    Seemingly sweeping the past year of feuding with Google under the rug, Roku is today adding a new “Live TV Zone” feature on the homescreen that includes integration with YouTube TV.

  • Samsung January 2022 update is rolling out now to these devices

    July 2022

    A new year brings with it a new batch of security updates, and Samsung is getting a headstart with its January 2022 security update by starting it on December 30.

  • Samsung will show off Exynos chip for the Galaxy S22 soon

    July 2022

    While Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon chip often gets all of the glory, Samsung produces its own Exynos line of processors that are often used in regions outside of the US.

  • Shazam Chrome Extension identifies what's playing in tabs

    July 2022

    Apple-owned Shazam has just released a Chrome Extension that works to identify what’s playing in your “Netflix or YouTube video, that Soundcloud mix or in a Twitch streamed video game,” but it doesn’t work for all users just yet.

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1: Every smartphone set to use the chip

    July 2022

    After Qualcomm announced and detailed the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, it didn’t take long for Android OEMs to confirm that they will slap the latest and greatest CPU in their smartphones.

  • Sony Xperia 5 III starts shipping in the US, just in time for its Android 12 update

    July 2022

    Sony is far from a bit name in the United States when it comes to smartphones, but the company’s Xperia lineup usually has a least a few options available in the US market.

  • stellar sound, software stumbles- 9to5Google

    July 2022

    Truly wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen in today’s market, with so many models releasing that you’re sure to find one that perfectly fits your needs and budget.

  • These Jeopardy contestants think that Marshmallow is a version of iOS [Video]

    July 2022

    We know that Android has an updates problem. In the most recent Android distribution report yesterday, we learned that Android Marshmallow has just barely edged past 10% adoption 8 months after it first started rolling out to devices.

  • These smartwatches are compatible w/ Wear OS 3

    July 2022

    Google has so far confirmed that only a handful of current and upcoming smartwatches will be upgradeable to Wear OS 3 later this year.

  • Too bad to be fake: Amazon's new Kindle Fire spotted? [Photo]

    July 2022

    The Verge just posted a purported image of the new Kindle Fire: We’re being told that a “pair” of Fires is likely — a 7- and a 10-incher — though it remains unclear whether both models will be introduced at the same time.

  • Why we're skeptical that Google planned Pixel 5 w/ Tensor

    July 2022

    In a recent video discussing the history of Google’s phones – well worth a watch! – YouTuber MKBHD shared a tidbit about the development of the Google Pixel 5.

  • You can skip the tutorial when setting up the Galaxy Watch 4

    July 2022

    Setting up a smart watch is even more frustrating than setting up a phone. Maybe it’s the little screen or the slow pairing process common to most Wear OS devices.

  • YouTube adds support for standard & 360-degree 4K live streaming, HBO working on Daydream app

    July 2022

    After adding support for 4K HDR video earlier this month, YouTube is today launching support for 4K live streaming in both standard and 360-degree videos.

  • Pixel 6 and 6 Pro get first custom ROM support

    Just a month after the launch of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, we now have the very first custom ROM for the duo in the guise of ProtonAOSP.

  • Pixel 6 and 6 Pro join official ARCore support list

    As expected, Google has now officially added the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro plus a further group of devices to the ARCore supported list.

  • Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 6 Pro: Which is the right choice? [Video]

    How do you choose between the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro? The flagship duo offers one of the biggest leaps in the Made by Google series to date, but we’re here to help you decide which device is right for you.