#Google+

Starting with Android, Google is imbuing its TalkBack service with Gemini powers. Users can ask follow-up questions about the contents of the images or the entire screen. Expressive captions are available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and can express the audio more accurately. Chrome is getting two new features — Page Zoom and easier PDF access.

Google is testing an "AI Mode" on its search page, which may replace the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. The feature, powered by Gemini 2.0, allows users to ask open-ended questions and receive answers through advanced reasoning. It is still under the early testing phase, but you can try it out via labs.google.com/search/aimode.le

Android 16 introduces Advanced Protection, a single toggle to activate all security measures. This includes new features like intrusion logging and existing ones such as theft detection and offline device lock. The feature ensures maximum security without the need to manually enable multiple settings.

Google's Gemini AI is expanding to WearOS, Android Auto, Google TV, and Android XR. The smart AI chatbot will replace Google Assistant on all these devices as the default voice model, enhancing voice interactions across devices. It will make daily tasks more convenient and users will be able to interact with it using natural language commands. 

Google is renaming Find My Device to Find Hub and is adding brand-new features to the same. The features include support for UWB tags like the Moto tag, Satellite Connectivity integration, and the ability to help you stay connected with Friends and Family.

Google has refreshed its iconic “G” logo for the first time in a decade. The updated design blends its signature red, blue, green, and yellow colors into a gradient instead of distinct sections. First spotted in the Google app on iOS, it’s now appearing on Android devices as well. The reason behind the change is unclear, but speculation ties it to Google’s upcoming Android event.

Google has launched a new "Simplify" feature in its iOS app, powered by Gemini AI. This tool helps users understand complex topics by summarizing highlighted text. It maintains accuracy while simplifying medical, scientific, and other difficult concepts, ensuring no details are lost.

Google accidentally leaked details of their new Material 3 Expressive design for Android. The redesign is based on extensive research and aims to be more energetic and user-friendly. It appears to be cooler and helps users find components faster, and improves accessibility for older users.

Google is revamping the Clock app with Material 3 Expressive, featuring a new font, elongated time selectors, and bigger floating action button. The new look is a shift from the rounder appeal to a more circular rectangular layout.

Google's search deal with Mozilla is under scrutiny by the Department of Justice. Mozilla CFO Eric Muhlheim testified that they would have to make "significant cuts" and and potentially the end of Firefox

Google is widely rolling out AI Mode in Google Search for free. Users don't need to join the waiting list to get access. That said, it's currently limited to US users only.

Google has announced that it will be holding a separate livestream event for Android ahead of Google I/O 2025. It's called The Android Show, and it will be about all the new things and future developments coming to Android. The event will be held on May 13 at 10 AM PT and the President of the Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, will be hosting it.

In a blog post published by Google yesterday, the firm has announced an Extended Repair Program for the Pixel 7a. Google states that it has identified certain Pixel 7a phones that might experience unexpected battery swelling and is offering free battery replacement to the units that might be eligible. Besides, Google is also offering appeasement. If your Pixel 7a is out of warranty, and you opt for appeasement, you can get $200 (USD) back in local currency or $300 off Google hardware discount code to purchase another Pixel off of the Google Store. If your Pixel 7a is under warranty, you can get $456 back in your local currency (except India and the US).

Google is in talks with its local contract manufacturers — Foxconn and Dixon Technologies, to move a significant part of Pixel manufacturing to India. As you may have guessed, this seems to more of a safety measure due to the uncertainty looming around the state of US tariffs. Although the partners produce 43,000 to 45,000 devices each month, reports suggest that the plan is to bump that number by making more parts in India. This includes the enclosures, chargers, fingerprint sensors and Batteries.

Google is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings in Messages. It's a feature that automatically blurs nude images in the app. The feature is a part of Android's System SafetyCore, and is gradually rolling out to all users. Upon receiving a sensitive image, the feature lets you choose to view or not view it, block the sender without viewing the image, or take you to a page that tells you why nude images can be harmful. Users can also blur it back by tapping a “Remove Preview” option.

The Google One AI Premium plan is now free for students starting today. The free premium which otherwise costs $19.99 can now be redeemed without any fees and will last until June 30th, 2026. It's worth noting that the offer is only available until June 30 this year. With this, you can enjoy all of Gemini's perks, including the latest Veo 2, 2 TB of storage, Gemini Advanced (2.5 Pro), NotebookLM Plus, and more.

Google received FDA clearance for Loss of Pulse back in February and is finally rolling out the feature to Pixel Watch 3 users in the US. For those unaware, as the name suggests, upon detecting no heart beat or a loss of pulse, the feature immediately rings emergency services to maximize the chances of saving the victim.

Google is working on a native app for its popular NotebookLM tool. The app could to have a similar interface to its progressive web app layout split into Sources, Chat, and Studio tabs. A dedicated app could make the feature more accessible, especially in developing regions.

Google has acknowledged the availability of Scam Detection on Pixel Watches. The feature is rolling out to Pixel Watch 2 and 3 starting today, and you can start using it if you have a Pixel 9. It's also worth mentioning that Scam Detection on Pixel Watches is only available in the US and in English language. Since Pixel Watches don't boast the hardware to run the models onboard, you need to be connected to your Pixel phone to use the feature. This is regardless of if you have an LTE or WI-Fi-only variant.

Google is rolling out AI Mode for free in the US. You need to enable AI Mode in Google Search via Google Labs. Besides that, you can also upload images and videos on AI Mode to perform visual searches.

The Pixel 10 series is expected to feature significant camera upgrades. The base model will have a triple camera setup with a 50MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and 11MP telephoto lens. The Pixel 10 Pro will have a 50MP main, 48MP telephoto, and 48MP ultrawide camera setup, with a larger zoom range.

YouTube may introduce a new feature allowing users to control sound quality in videos. The feature, found in the latest YouTube Beta app, will offer three audio presets: Auto, Normal, and High. However, it may be exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers, which could be a disappointment for non-subscribers.

In an FAQ published on the Android Developers Blog, Google has confirmed that lock screen widgets are coming to AOSP for tablets and smartphones after Android 16 QPR1. For those wondering when the update will hit AOSP, it's scheduled for late Summer 2025, which probably means sometime in September this year. Android expert Mishaal Rahman enabled Lock Screen Widgets on his device. The widgets can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen, just like on the Pixel Tablet.

Google Search has received a new AI Mode that is designed to handle multi-part questions where further exploration is required. It's powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.0 model. Currently, the feature is rolling out to Google One AI Premium subscribers.

Qualcomm is now allowing up to 8 years of Android updates on their latest Snapdragon processors. This decision, made in collaboration with Google, will enable devices to receive 8 years of security patches and updates without requiring additional effort from manufacturers.

YouTube's parent company Alphabet is planning to introduce a lower-priced subscription option, called "Premium Lite," which will offer an ad-free experience for non-music content at a reduced price. The new plan is expected to be available in the US, Australia, Germany, and Thailand.

The latest Android 16 Beta 2 update reveals a potential battery health feature, allowing users to view their battery's current capacity compared to a new one. The feature will be available in Settings > Battery > Battery health, and also includes options for charging optimization and recalibrating battery measurements.

The Pixel 9a will come in four colorways — Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and Rock Blue. The colors do pop off and look great, especially the Peony and the Blue. The latter is slightly closer to the iPhone 16's Ultramarine shade. Besides, we also get a look at the design, which suggests the previous leaks were indeed true.

PebbleOS was the heart of Pebble smartwatches and Google making it open-source means Pebble is back from the dead. Pebble's founder Eric posted that he and his small team have already started working on the next Pebble smartwatch and shared a feature set the watch will come with. This includes an Always-on e-paper screen, longer battery life, and dedicated buttons to control music.

Google is working on four Pixel 11 models all bearing (pun intended) bear-themed codenames. The codenames for Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold are cubs, grizzly, kodiak, and yogi. The Pixel 10a's codename is stallion. The Pixel 11 series is supposed to come out in Q2 2026.

Google is expanding its Circle to Search capability with a new Get Game Help feature. This will allow users to bring up Circle to Search, and use it to reverse image search a screenshot of your current game screen. However, it brings up a lot of questions related to its functionality and how effective it will be in practical use.

In the antitrust case, Google is proposing some remedies to end its monopolistic practices. It will unbundle Google apps and Android device manufacturers will have the freedom to choose Google apps individually. However, Google also maintains that it must be allowed to do deals with companies like Apple and Mozilla.