Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
Following the last release over two weeks ago, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is rolling out today for Pixel devices. It comes after Google released the first QPR2 Beta.
Since launch, Sleep Sensing on the 2nd-gen Nest Hub has only worked with Google Fit. With that app going away, Nest Hub sleep tracking will join Google Health.
Google now lets Android users automatically upload files and other downloads from their phone or tablet to Google Drive thanks to a new “Documents” backup.
Given that there was a two-year gap between the Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2, we’re due for “Pixel Buds Pro 3.” However, considering the latest leaks this week, that doesn’t seem likely with the upcoming Pixel 11 launch.
In late May, Google shared a roadmap of upcoming improvements for the Health app after the big redesign. After fourGoogleHealthupdates, here’s what’s left on the list.
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Ahead of the Pixel 11 launch, the Made by Google hardware division detailed how it’s impacted by the “severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis.” 9to5Google spoke this week with Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, about the situation and how that will affect what’s coming next month.
After launching in May with AI Ultra, Gemini Spark is now rolling out to Google AI Pro subscribers in the US. It will “soon” be available to AI Pro members in other countries.
