Google has just updated Gemini for Home with some crucial fixes that users have been asking for – yet some people still aren’t happy.

Many of Gemini for Home’s updates are in early access, and are for its voice assistant, which is available on the Google Home Speaker. The first improvement is for Spotify media selection, which has been improved to better recognise songs, playlists and artists.

Previously, Gemini for Home has found it difficult to understand specific commands for personal playlists, but this update means your listening experience should be smoother and with less faults. This also includes playing liked songs via Spotify, although Google states that ‘Personal Results’ will need to be enabled for this.

Next up is smart lighting adjustments and precision. With this new update, you can now use your voice to adjust your smart light to specific colour temperatures. For example, you can now ask Google requests like “Hey Google, make the living room lights 2700 kelvins” and this should change the lights to suit your preferences.

Another new update is for message broadcasting which Google states has now been made easier. Previously, broadcasting messages needed to be done in one long request which could be hard for Gemini for Home to follow, and often lead to miscommunication.

Now, message broadcasting is done in two parts. First, you’ll need to say “OK Google, broadcast message” and then you can follow up with what message you want it to say.

Google has also released updates to the Google Home app which improves controls for smart locks, temperature units and cameras. For smart locks, if you have a compatible European-style smart lock, you can now independently control latching and locking features.

For temperature control, the Google Home app, voice commands and Nest devices will now match your preferred unit of measurement, like Celsius or Fahrenheit. Google has also fixed Fahrenheit temperature rounding for iOS, as previously, half-degrees were rounded down on thermostat screens.

Security camera users have also received some handy updates, including less app crashes and clearer offline controls for iOS. For Android users, Google has fixed its live camera feeds which previously got stuck at a lower resolution. Now, live streams should be in full HD.

Despite these upgrades, many users are still unhappy as they feel that Google is ignoring some key issues with Gemini for Home. Google Home users have reported that the transition to Gemini has been hard, and have noted that simple functions like setting alarms and turning off lights have been harder than before.

Google has pushed an update to Android Auto that could solve some of the recently reported problems with the popular in-car software.

It all started earlier this summer, with an update to Android Auto 17.2. It seemed to introduce a little bit of instability. I found that myself, with occasional disconnections and unexplained behaviour – and it was widely reported amongst users.

The problems didn't seem to relate to any particular handset or car model, instead it was the software that was a fault. That was acknowledged by Mishaal Rahman from Google on Reddit, with information that a fix was in process.

Now the Android Auto team has updated the app to 17.4 which is said to fix those problems. Shared by a member of the Android Auto team on the Google Support pages, it advises updating the app to the latest version to fix the problem.

So while this latest version of Android Auto doesn't bring any new features, it should make it possible to use the features you already have.

A changing Android Auto

Android Auto has seen some fairly significant changes recently. That not only alters the visual design in some areas to fit in with Material 3 Expressive and more closely match the Pixel phone, but also the move to Gemin, as well as the introduction of Immersive Navigation.

Not all new Android Auto features land at the same time and here in the UK, I've seen Android Auto's Gemini function arrive, drop its logo back to the old microphone, and change its behaviour all in the space of a few months.

Currently when driving I have the old logo, but Gemini works, although it seems less comfortable getting into discussions than it did a few months back. That seems to be experience with Android Auto at the moment – it's a bit random.

I've seem similar with Waze running on Android Auto – sometimes I can see all the controls on the display, but on a recent long drive I found the speedometer was placed behind the incident button. This variability is one of the things that makes Android Auto frustrating.

At least with the latest update, Android Auto should be more reliable and actually work.

We're still waiting for some elements to appear in Android Auto, such as the support for video playback from apps, the evolution into Gemini Intelligence, and widgets. Unfortunately, the roll-out of these changes isn't on a fixed timeline, with some currently limited to the US.

Google is in the process of making changes to sideloading on Android with the aim of improving user security, while maintaining freedom of choice.

That sees verification of developers, apps, additional app stores, as well as a process for installation of apps from unverified developers. The latter, called advanced flow, is designed to maintain the freedoms of experienced users to install whatever they like on their phone.

The changes have come about for a couple of reasons. First, "sideloading" (where an app is installed directly on the device rather than from Google Play) is a route used by hackers and those with malicious aims, like scammers. Second, verifying additional app stores see compliance with the fallout from the Epic Games anti-trust case.

Using a post on Reddit, Google has explained the timeline for the changes and what the sideloading restrictions will mean.

How Android sideloading is changing

While millions of apps have already been verified (through Google Play and some outside Google Play), additional verifications are coming through the Honor App Market, Oppo App Market, Samsung's Galaxy Store, Palm Store, V-Appstore and GetApps.

This step will first happen in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, before spreading to global coverage in 2027. That will mean that installation of apps from verified developers and app stores will all be covered and shouldn't result in any changes for Android users.

The final step – which is the process that starts today – is the installation process for unverified developers. The aim here is a break the cycle of coercion, so a scammer can't (for example) phone you, say that your bank account is compromised, and tell you to install a remote control app, which they then use to take over your phone.

Instead, the "advanced flow" is a 24-hour process, giving some cooling off time that allows you to reevaluate that installation. It might just be an app that a friend developed that's totally fine, it might be that the break makes you realise you're being scammed.

Anyway, the process for the advanced flow is:

• In Developer Options, select "Apps from unverified developers".
• Toggle on "Allow apps from unverified developers".
• You'll be asked if someone is telling you to do this.
• Restart your phone, which cuts off any remote access or callers.
• Wait 24 hours, then return to "Apps from unverified developers".
• Choose whether to turn the setting on for 7 days or permanently.

These steps include a number of breaks to protect users so they aren't coerced into installing an unverified app on their device. The restart, the 24-hour break and the warning message take steps to highlight that installing an unverified app could be a risky process.

It's a one-time process, however, so if you're regularly installing apps from unverified developers, you don't have to constantly wait. However, if you are doing that (and enjoying one of the freedoms that Android has always been known for) then you're perhaps less likely to fall for a scam where someone else makes you install a malicious app.

The advanced flow will arrive as a gradual roll-out with an additional system service on your phone called Android Developer Verifier, which I found has already updated on my recent Android devices.

The result of Google's changes should mean that it's harder for tricksters to take over your phone, advanced users still have the freedoms they want, while regular users will just be able to get on with using their phone as normal.

The additional protections through the support of third-party app stores should provide the peace of mind that using those app stores is safe.

Hot off the back of launching a full swathe of Pixel 11 devices, Google appears to have revealed an unreleased product, with speculation it could replace the Fitbit Charge 6.

On an advert showing the range of Pixel devices, there's something that we've never seen before. While the Pixel 11 models are easily identified, along with the Pixel Watch 5, there's a slimmer device like a tracker, with a compact screen.

The Fitbit Charge 6 was launched in 2023 and exhibits a design that's more Fitbit than Google. It's a comprehensive tracker with a slimmer profile than the Pixel Watch, which leads us to think it's a logical replacement for the incumbent Fitbit.

What's interesting about this line-up of products is that the Fitbit Air (the most recent launch) isn't shown, which perhaps suggests that this isn't going to be a Fitbit branded device – perhaps it will carry Pixel branding instead.

The interface that it shows looks like a condensed version of the Pixel Watch, while the design fits in with curved-edge displays that we seen on Google's wearable devices.

The adverts were served up to Reddit users (via 9to5Google) and it's interesting to note that these both come from Google Australia. The device is shown in two forms, once with the strap spread out and once without.

That seems a little too deliberate to be an accident, with some speculation that the image was just thrown together with AI before being pumped out – which still might be the case.

We knew that Google was planning new Fitbit hardware in 2026 and that resulted in the Fitbit Air, but that might not be all that was planned. It could be that there's another device coming, with Google choosing to launch the more fully featured Pixel Watch 5, before turning its attention to a slightly more compact and affordable device.

The other thing to consider is that the Fitbit Charge was previously launched in September, so it could be that Google plans to stick to that date and get this new device out (let's call it the Fitbit Charge 7), so that it can get onto Christmas lists and benefit from Black Friday sales.

We don't have any other information about this device, but its appearance in this advert is certainly interesting.

Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 5 just yesterday and introduced a sizeable collection of health, fitness and AI upgrades at its Made by Google 2026 event.

These include improved GPS accuracy, new strength-training tools and a fresh suite of proactive Health Guardian features.

One of the most interesting additions is Breathing Emergency Detection, which Google describes as an industry-first smartwatch feature.

It is designed to recognise severe and persistent drops in blood oxygen associated with emergencies such as choking, severe pneumonia or accidental drug overdose.

However, you won't necessarily need Google's best smartwatch to use it.

Google has confirmed that Breathing Emergency Detection will also be available on the Pixel Watch 4 in a number of European markets, including the UK.

More than another health alert

The feature uses an AI-based algorithm to analyse signals from the watch's heart rate, motion and altitude sensors.

If it detects signs that your blood oxygen has fallen dangerously low and thinks you may have stopped breathing, it begins a staged series of alerts.

First, the Pixel Watch delivers a strong vibration and full-screen notification.

If you don't respond, an audible warning starts alongside a 30-second countdown.

Should that expire without a response, a connected phone or LTE-enabled Pixel Watch can automatically call emergency services.

An automated message then tells the emergency operator that a possible breathing emergency has been detected, explains that the wearer isn't responding and provides their location.

Google says the system also looks for low movement and checks for rapid altitude changes to reduce accidental activations.

It won't operate once you've been asleep for more than 30 minutes, partly to help distinguish emergencies from conditions such as sleep apnoea.

There are, naturally, some important caveats and small print that come with the feature.

The company says the feature may not detect every breathing emergency, isn't intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and emergency calling still depends on sufficient battery and connectivity.

Still, bringing one of the Pixel Watch 5's headline safety features to the previous generation is a welcome move, particularly when it doesn't appear to require owners to buy any new hardware.

The Pixel Watch 5 is available to pre-order now ahead of its 20 August release.

[via Notebookcheck, Google Blog]

The Google Pixel 11 family of phones is official, with four new handsets replacing last year's models – the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

They are available to pre-order in the UK now, and should ship from 20 August 2026. That includes from Google's own store, as well as all the main networks.

The networks are offering the Google Pixel 11 Pro with different deals depending on the tariff chosen. Here are some of our favourites so far.

We'll be updating this list with new deals and networks as they announce their own offers.

Google Pixel 11 Pro pre-order deals (UK)

You can also check out some of the best pre-order deals on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold below. We'll also be hunting more of those in the coming days too.

Google will host its annual Pixel launch event today, Wednesday 12 August, and things aren't as they usually are.

For starters, the event will kick off at 11pm BST (6pm EDT), so you'll have to stay up pretty late if you're in the UK. And it'll be hosted by South African comedian and talk show star Trevor Noah, so expect a few clever barbs along the way. You can watch it live below.

Of course, Jimmy Fallon hosted it last year in a weird chat show way, so we could get similar. Although Noah is better know for his political humour and sharp wit, so who knows?

Here's everything you need to know about Made by Google '26 and what to expect.

When will Made by Google '26 start?

Made by Google will begin at 6pm EDT today, Wednesday 12 August. That means it'll be shown from 11pm BST and even into the following day for some other regions.

Here are the times for your area:

• US West Coast: 15:00 PDT
• US East Coast: 18:00 EDT
• UK: 23:00 BST
• Central Europe: 00:00 CEST
• India: 03:30 IST (13 August)
• China (Beijing): 06:00 CST (13 August)
• Japan: 07:00 JST (13 August)
• South Korea: 07:00 KST (13 August)
• Australia (Sydney): 08:00 AEST (13 August)

How to watch the Made by Google Pixel 11 launch live

You can watch the entire show live via the video further up this page.

Alternatively, it will be streamed on the dedicated Made by Google YouTube channel.

What to expect

Hosted by Trevor Noah (The Daily Show, Grammy Awards) in New York, the Made by Google event will introduce a number of guest stars talking about the new product launches. These include Stephen Curry, Chari Hawkins, Alex Cooper, Ayami Nakajo, Shubman Gill, and Pink Pantheress.

They'll talk about and demo the devices launched today, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and the Pixel Watch 5 – all of which have been heavily rumoured and even officially teased over the last few weeks.

We might also see a new Pixel Tag – Google's first Bluetooth tracker.

We've already had a pretty good look at the Google Pixel Watch 5 ahead of its expected reveal at the Made by Google event on 12 August, but the latest leak suggests Google has borrowed more than just a few software tricks from the Fitbit stable.

According to a report on MyMobiles (in collaboration with OnLeaks), marketing material has surfaced showing a Stephen Curry special edition of the Pixel Watch 5, and it looks a lot like Google is recycling an idea it has already tried out on the cheaper Fitbit Air.

What does a Stephen Curry special edition Pixel Watch 5 look like?

The leaked slide is headed "Lock in like Stephen Curry". It pairs the standard 45mm LTE watch with a woven band in stone grey and taupe, trimmed in orange, complete with a "Stephen Curry" label and "#LockIn" branding.

Based on the report, it’s priced at €579.99 (around £500), an increase of roughly €31 (around £27) compared to what the regular 45mm LTE model is rumoured to cost.

That premium, and the entire concept, tracks closely with the Fitbit Air Special Edition Stephen Curry model, which launched back in May.

It cost $129.99 in the US, compared to the standard tracker's $99.99 price tag. Both bands lean on the same "Lock In" messaging, and both promise to survive a sweaty workout.

There's a catch, though. Google's own small print within this leak says the water-repellent coating is "not permanent" and may wear off with normal use. That caveat undercuts the one feature you’re paying extra for (except the collab, of course).

It's also said to be a limited run, so a UK or European release isn't guaranteed, though the Fitbit Air version did, so there is hope.

Nothing is official yet, but there are only a couple of days left to wait and considering the chip, display and battery life are all expected to be largely unchanged from the Pixel Watch 4, maybe a splashy athlete collaboration is exactly the kind of headline the Pixel Watch 5 needs.

Google Assistant launched way back in 2016, so there is a good chance you've come across it at some point. That might have been on an Android phone, an iPhone, a smart speaker, headphones or even a car through Android Auto. We could go on – the list of devices it's been available on is not insignificant.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. With Gemini on track to replace it – and doing so quickly – the company has confirmed the date Google Assistant will be shuttered on Android phones and smartwatches.

When is Google Assistant shutting down on Android?

Picked up by 9to5Google, an email has been sent to existing Google Assistant users, explaining that the service is “being discontinued” on mobile devices.

It also highlighted, just in case you haven’t been keeping up over the last couple of years, that Gemini is now the assistant experience on Android.

Google detailed in the email that Google Assistant will begin to be removed from devices starting on 4 September 2026, and that will include Android phones, Wear OS smartwatches, headphones and any cars “running Android Auto projected from a user’s mobile device”.

The company did say the process may take a few weeks, so you might have a few days grace. However, it’s time to start saying your goodbyes.

Google added in the email that after its removal, you will no longer be "able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on your phone, tablet, or paired devices”.

It also said: “We are committed to providing a smooth transition and are confident that Gemini will offer you an even more capable and helpful assistant experience."

Let’s hope that’s the case. We really did like Google Assistant.

Google will officially unveil its new Pixel 11 phone family and several other devices on 12 August at a Made by Google event, but let's face it, there'll be nothing left to unveil by then.

Not only have we now got a whole swathe of leaked images and information about pretty much everything that'll launch, Google itself is even getting in on the act. It has released a video teaser of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold that reveals the new foldable.

In it, you can see the new pill-shaped camera unit on the rear and little else, to be honest. But it looks extremely clean and could be a straight-forward, folding option for those who aren't ready to adopt Samsung's new Z Fold 8 form factor (or the forthcoming iPhone Ultra).

On top of this, serial online leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) recently posted a series of what looks to be official marketing images of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Made available on his new Leakermail Substack, they reveal more about the phone.

Over the last few days, he has also released leaked images of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL – the four phones expected to launch on 12 August.

And there are a couple of added extras too – of the Google Pixel Watch 5 and what looks like green versions of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, to match the new green colourway of the 11 Pro Fold.

Also expected to make an appearance during the Made by Google even next week is at least one Googlebook. The new laptop range will replace Chromebook and was announced just prior to Google I/O in May.

We've recently seen a leak of Googlebook devices from Lenovo, which suggests that something will be shown soon – the Made by Google event seems the perfect place.

Back to the phones though and as well as the official teaser, it is understood that pre-orders will open either during or immediately after the event.

Both Google and Best Buy in the US have countdown clocks, with Best Buy's stating that pre-orders start on 12 August. There's every reason to believe that will be the case in the UK and Europe too, maybe globally.

Just prior to its annual developer conference in May, Google effectively announced the death of the Chromebook and gave us a glimpse of what's to take its place.

Googlebook is coming with an all-new operating system and deep Gemini integration, and we'll see models from many of the manufacturers that have partnered with the tech giant in the past. Google even teased a first-party device.

However, now we have an even better idea of what the average Googlebook could look like – and it's not a million miles away from its predecessors.

Both Android Headlines and Digital Citizen claim to have got their hands on marketing images of a Lenovo Googlebook. The former includes a 2-in-1 tablet, too, alongside a dedicated mouse.

The Googlebook looks similar to former Lenovo Chromebook models, although there's one specific addition that draws our attention.

On the keyboard, between the function and alt keys is a "G" key in Google's font. This, it is said, is a Gemini key to bring up the AI assistant at a single tap.

The other interesting element can be found on the lid, with what looks to be a light bar. This is much like the LED "glow light" seen on the teaser version shared in May.

The images posted by Android Headlines also show a tablet 2-in-1 with a similar "glow light" next to the camera lens on the rear. It seemingly comes with a stylus and keyboard case.

The new "AI mouse" will reportedly also include a "glow light" strip and a dedicated AI button to bring up the assistant. It will be 59g, says Android Headlines.

According to Digital Citizen, the Lenovo Googlebook will support several connections and ports, including a couple of USB-C inputs/outputs and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There also seems to be a card slot and a full fat USB.

The timing of this leak suggests we'll see the launch of several Googlebook models soon, which will run on Google's new, currently unnamed OS. We expect to hear more during the 12 August Made by Google launch event.

We’re a couple of weeks away from Google’s next event, which is set to reveal the next generation of Pixel phones and Pixel Watch, but it looks like there could be another device making its debut, too.

According to a report on 9to5Google, the tech giant might finally be adding a Bluetooth tracker to its portfolio, competing with the likes of the Apple AirTag and Samsung Galaxy Tag.

Until now, Google hasn’t offered its own tracker despite being responsible for the Find Hub network on Android. It works with a number of third-party trackers, including Samsung and Chipolo, but this would be its first dedicated hardware.

What will the Pixel Tag offer?

The Google Pixel Tag has reportedly started to appear in online listings, featuring the model number GA12506. It’s claimed it will come in a “Fog Light” colour, and 9to5Google has managed to obtain an image of the tracker too.

Based on the image, the Pixel Tag will be oblong in shape, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Tag. However, it looks like it doesn’t have a built-in keyhole as Samsung’s model does. That might suggest you will need to buy separate accessories, as you do with the AirTag, to attach it to your keys.

There’s no information on whether the Google Pixel Tag will have a replaceable or rechargeable battery either, nor is it known whether it will use Ultra-Wide Band technology like the Apple AirTag and Samsung Galaxy Tag. Still, one of the online listings picked up by 9to5Google does offer a marketing description to provide some extra detail:

“The Google Pixel Tag smart tracker helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items using the secure 'Find My Device' network," it says.

"Never waste time searching for your keys, wallet or luggage again."

The listing goes on to describe the Google Pixel Tag as a "compact, lightweight and durable smart tracker that attaches discreetly to your most important items".

There's also a loudspeaker inside, to alert you to its whereabouts when lost.

As this is the first time the Google Pixel Tag has appeared in leaks, it’s not clear whether it will be announced alongside the Pixel 11 phones or released at a later date. With that launch happening on 12 August, though, at least it’s not too long to wait to find out.

A new flip phone has been unveiled as a way to offer minimalism to your pocket and, hopefully, your life. Light, the company best known for its distraction-free phones, has revealed the Light Flip. This is a modern take on the classic clamshell handset that's designed to be opened only when you actually need it.

Unlike today's foldable smartphones, there's no flexible display or cover screen demanding your attention. Instead, you get a physical keypad, a compact 2.8-inch OLED display and a tiny notification light on the outside.

That minimalist philosophy continues inside. Running the company's custom LightOS software, the phone skips social media, web browsing, app stores and AI assistants entirely.

Instead, you'll find practical tools including calls, texts, navigation, alarms, notes, podcasts, music playback, weather, a hotspot mode and two-factor authentication. The idea is to keep everything genuinely useful and to remove the features that encourage endless scrolling.

Light says the flip phone was created after repeated requests from customers – especially younger people – who wanted a better-built alternative to ageing feature phones without being dragged back into the smartphone ecosystem.

Closing the phone is intended to create a physical signal that you're switching off, rather than simply locking another glowing screen.

Despite its retro appearance, the hardware is actually modern. The Light Flip supports 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C charging, dual SIM via nano SIM and eSIM, a removable 1,800mAh battery and even retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.

There's also a 12-megapixel rear camera, and predictive T9 typing is joined by voice-to-text and audio messaging, to make communication straight forward too.

Available in six colours, the Light Flip is priced at $299 (around £220 / AU$460) and is expected to ship in April 2027.

Whether this becomes the ultimate antidote to smartphone overload remains to be seen. For anyone craving a calmer relationship with technology, this is one of the more refreshing phone launches for 2026.

If you have a first generation Google Home device, like the Google Nest Mini or the Google Nest Hub, you can now use Gemini Live. Thanks to a recent update, Gemini Live is now available on these older devices but there’s a slight catch – you’ll need a Google Home Premium subscription.

Google finally launched its new Google Home Speaker this year after six years of no new speakers or displays from the company. But while Google has its Nest Mini and Nest Audio after this new launch, users who still have these devices just got a handy update which means they don’t have to replace their gadgets any time soon.

As of 23rd July 2026, Google has given access to Gemini Live to its first generation smart speakers and displays. What’s better is Google has also increased Gemini’s conversation memory window to 15 minutes so you can ask Gemini follow-up questions within this time frame and the voice assistant can carry on the chat and understand the context.

But there is a bit of a catch with this new update, and that’s that you’ll need to have a Google Home Premium subscription, and be part of the Gemini for Home early access program. Prices on the Google Home Premium plans start at £8 / $10 a month for a standard plan or £16 / $20 a month for an advanced plan.

If this is all set-up for your old Google Nest devices, then you should be able to start using Gemini Live. All you have to do is say “Hey Google, let’s chat” to try it out.

Google has also introduced other upgrades and improvements to its Google Home app. Firstly, automations are now easier to create as you can save them without any starters. App navigation has also been improved so when you click on a device set-up or settings, you’ll be taken directly to the right page.

Other improvements include better labels for smart blinds, and passcode reminders for smart locks if you remove a member. Google has also fixed playback error updates for iOS users of the Google Home app, as well as video playback issues and missed battery alerts.

Google is clearly working hard to fix any issues which is a blessing to both old and new users, as even the new Google Home Speaker recently experienced some problems.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 could be in for an upgrade, with a listing for the device pointing to 3GB RAM. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a 50% upgrade compared to the Pixel Watch 4 and it's also 50% more than Samsung packed in the Galaxy Watch 9 that's just been announced.

Google's leaning towards RAM is the only real upgrade for the wearable device seems to point to one particular feature – Gemini.

On-device AI functions need plenty of RAM to keep things moving along and while the design, processor and display are all expected to be the same as previous years, the functionality, aided by Gemini, is likely to take a step forward.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll probably be aware that there's a components crisis in consumer technology at the moment, with prices skyrocketing because of the demands that have been put on the industry by rapidly expanding data centres and other AI functions.

That's one of the causes of price increases across a number of brands, but also makes it more remarkable that the Pixel Watch 5 will get this increase.

The details come from 9to5Google, with the Pixel Watch 5 listed in the Google Play Console under the codename Godric. Additional details point to the new Pixel Watch powered by the same Snapdragon SW5100 that was used to power devices since the Pixel Watch 2.

However, while this Snapdragon platform comes in a number of iterations, the CPU and GPU appear to be the same configuration as the Pixel Watch 4. That suggests it might not have more power – and the lack of the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip as found in the new Galaxy Watch 9 might leave some disappointed.

The Pixel Watch is popular for its minimalist design and easy-to-use interface, while the battery life is a common point of criticism. The fitness tracking is generally well regarded, with accurate heart rate tracking.

But the best thing about Pixel devices, whether that's phone, watch or buds, is the clean software approach and access to Gemini. Google designs Gemini to add value to its hardware and it often works best on those devices.

So, while the Pixel Watch 5 isn't going to be hugely different to the Pixel Watch 4, you can be fairly certain that it will have greater Gemini powers thanks to that additional RAM.

Google is expanding the number of ways to secure your Google account, adding a surprise addition – selfie videos. The industry as a whole is on a mission to replace passwords and passcodes with a wider range of sign-in methods, so now we have the selfie video.

Face has long been used to unlock phones – with Apple popularising the method with Face ID back in 2017 – but using your face to secure your Google Account makes a lot of sense.

That's because you're not going to write it down on a Post-It note stuck to your monitor, it's not going to be dog's birthday backwards or your mother's first pet name. Instead, it's a multi-faceted biometric.

Google isn't the first to turn to offer face verification for account access, it's popular with banking apps like Revolut. But Google says that you'll be able to use your face to get back into your account if you're ever locked out of it. Google describes it as an optional private backup for your password.

That's a great move, because if you've lost that Post-It note and you have no idea what your password is, you'll probably have your face with you to be able to unlock via the camera on any device.

Of course, there are huge privacy fears here, as this means Google is storing your literal face which provides access to your account. But the tech giant emphasises that it can be deleted at any time and it's only used for signing in.

Security assurances

There will be lots of security to keep it protected and if you're locked out, you'll be tasked with recording another video, with movements to prove that it's live, which will be compared to your face on record.

There's an interesting detail in Google's wording too, with the firm saying: "It’s used only for helping you sign in, unless you opt to share it for additional purposes."

There's no word on what those additional purposes are.

Google already loves faces: it was first to bring facial recognition to the Nest Hello in 2018 – as Familiar Faces – so it could announce who was at the door and it still uses that system in Nest cameras now. It also likes to link Google Photos to faces so it's easy to find people.

But I'm still interested in what "additional purposes" there might be. I'd love to be able to sign in with a video selfie on new devices rather than tapping in my randomised password every time.

On my first attempt to access the new service I was told that selfie video was not available for my account, so it's not exactly clear how this will roll out.

Google might be planning to link Google Maps to various other applications to take advantage of its Gemini -powered Personal Intelligence feature. That could see Maps having instant access to a lot more information and avoid frequent app switching.

Personal Intelligence was announced by Google at the beginning of the year. The Gemini system has access to information from across Google's apps like Gmail and Photos, so that Gemini (in all its forms) can be more useful.

Code has now been discovered in the Google Maps beta that points to the feature coming to the popular navigation app, which could reduce the number of steps you need to make when planning a route or trip.

As uncovered by Android Authority, there are code strings within the Google Maps beta that directly reference the new feature, saying "Supercharge Maps with Personal Intelligence".

There's a lengthier description, saying that information about reservations and flights will be available directly in maps. That could mean if you're trying to figure out where you're supposed to be, you don't have to jump back and forth into your calendar or start searching through Gmail.

This leans on Google's Connected Content Apps and it's something that Gemini can already do. For example, you can ask Gemini where you need to be today and it will pull that information from your Calendar.

Personal Information works across Contacts, Google Photos, Google Workspace (that's Gmail, Drive and Calendar), Search, as well as YouTube.

Android Authority speculates that Google is going to use the Ask Maps feature as the starting point for this. Ask Maps is the Gemini-powered conversational side of Google Maps. It's not universally available yet (I still have the old voice search in Maps in the UK), but it make sense for Google to use this.

With all these dots joined, you should be able to open Google Maps and access a wide range of information. You won't have to go and dig it out elsewhere and copy it to another app. That should speed up route planning and navigation, making things more seamless.

That's also thought to expand to things like accessing Google Photos to ask about places that you previously visited in the area.

Gemini can do some of this already and there is a big question mark over all of this: if every app is getting Gemini powers, why not just start every interaction in Gemini and have it supply the final Google solution that you need?

As this is currently in beta, there's no telling when it might appear on Android phones.

Google could be about to roll-out a speedometer feature in Google Maps on Android Auto, letting you see the speed limit at a glance. The feature has been available in CarPlay for a couple of years, while it's also available in Google Maps on Android phones.

Sometimes, the disparity between Android Auto's offering and the native Android offering is remarkable. There are a number of apps that have great features on the phone, that aren't supported through the projected version on Android Auto.

For example, Waze on the phone supports ETA sharing, but the Android Auto version does not. It's almost as though the developers forget that you're going to be using the app in a car.

That's how it's felt with Google Maps for some time, with the phone app offering a speedometer when driving, but Android Auto missing out.

Sure, if you're in a car then there's a speedometer in the dash, but sometimes you just want that information centralised – especially if you regularly drive between countries that use imperial and metric systems.

Well, it appears that the Android Auto system might finally be catching up with Apple CarPlay (which got it in 2024). Drivers on Reddit (via 9to5Google) are reporting that the speedo has appeared.

That speedo also appears to be linked to national signage, with a rectangular design in Canada and a round design in Europe. That will help glanceability.

The bad news is that this only seems to appear when navigating: if you're one of the many drivers who likes to keep the map open in Android Auto when just driving around, then you won't get the full experience. Hopefully, Google will offer it as a toggle option like it does with traffic.

The other bit of bad news is that currently this appears to be in the beta release, so there's no telling when it's actually going to roll-out to drivers. Google doesn't have a great history with bringing timely updates to Android Auto, so it wouldn't be a surprise if it takes some time to actually land in your region.

Google Maps seems to be adopting features from Waze. Seeing as both are owned by Google, it's sometimes hard to see why both still exist, instead of having one unified experience.

Google has now officially started talking about its Made By Google event, with an official teaser on the Google Store that shows off a brief glimpse at Google's new Pixel phones.

The image shows what we assume in the Pixel 11 Pro with its gold frame and camera surround on the rear which points out a difference in design to the previous device. It also shows off a new feature.

The big difference is that the Pixel 10 Pro isn't glass all the way across the camera bar, only the area surrounding the three lenses is glass, with the LED flash and temperature sensor sitting within a metal surround.

Now the whole thing is glass and where we'd expect to see the flash, we are instead treated to something new – the Pixel Glow array on the back of the phone. There's a colourful glow as it dances through Google's favourite red, green, yellow and blue colours that make up its brand identity.

The existence of Pixel Glow was first spotted in Android 17 beta code in relation to laptops as well as phones. It's thought, like Alexa's blue light or Siri's coloured swirls, that this is going to some sort of interactive notification feature.

Indeed, in the original leak of Pixel Glow, the description said it "uses subtle light and colour on the back of your device to inform you of important activity when it’s face down".

So this appearance in Google's official tease suggests that it's very much part of the plan for the Pixel 11. We're assuming that what Google has done is change the flash from white LEDs into coloured LEDs, so it's dual purpose. There's no sign of the temperature sensor, but I'm not sure anyone will miss that.

Exactly what you'll be able to do with Pixel Glow remains to be seen. It's a much more subtle indicator than something like Nothing's Glyph Matrix, but potentially suffers from the same problem: when you place your phone face down to avoid distraction, it's going to be there to distract you.

LED indicators have long been a hallmark of mobile devices. From the first BlackBerry phones with a red flashing indicator through to the flashing sides of the screen – especially on devices with curved edges – phones always seem to want to tell us that something is happening, even when on silent.

That might make sure you don't miss that important message, but whether it does anything else remains to be seen.

Google's future Pixel 11 phones have spilled out, revealing themselves through both FCC filings as well as a huge retailer leak. With an official announcement scheduled for 12 August, we're left wondering whether Google will have anything left to show.

Starting with the FCC filing, the first reveal we saw was for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, but now six of Google's expected phones appear to be in the FCC listings. This isn't a surprise, but it is great confirmation of what's coming.

The FCC listings, discovered by Droid Life, add to the GZDQ6 number of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to give us GPQQ7, GUJ0N, G7SWN, GBC0H and G4HCD.

It's thought that GPQQ7 and GUJ0N are Pixel 11 models, G7SWN is the Pixel 11 Pro, while GBC0H and G4HCD are thought to be the Pixel 11 Pro XL. Duplication might refer to different carrier models, some offering 5G mmWave and some not, while the latter models list support for UWB and Thread, while the first two (Pixel 11) do not.

That's enough of model numbers, however, because the huge leak from Amazon is a lot more interesting. This comes from 9to5Google with the discovery of placeholders for three listings that seem to have been published and subsequently retracted.

There are some inconsistencies in the listings, so they are worth approaching with caution. That reveals the Pixel 11 in Sterling, Moss, Fuchsia and Midnight colours, with a 6.3-inch 2424 x 1080 pixel resolution, 256GB storage and 12GB RAM and a price of $899, with the 512GB model at $1,019. There's a 4,985mAh battery.

The Pixel 11 Pro has prices starting at $1,099 for 256GB ranging up to $1,449 for the 1TB model, with a 6.3-inch 2856 x 1280 pixel resolution and 4,850mAh battery. Meanwhile the Pixel 11 Pro XL is said to have a 5,115mAh battery and come in Pine, Midnight, Dune and Light Fog. The XL starts at $1,299 and runs up to $1,649 for 1TB.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is said to have a 4,750mAh battery and come in Pine and Midnight colours. The prices are said to start from $1,899 and head all the way up to $2,249 for the 1TB model.

Here's a quick summary of those prices:

• Pixel 11 - $899 (256GB), $1,019 (512GB)
• Pixel 11 Pro - $1,099 (256GB), $1,219 (512GB), $1,449 (1TB)
• Pixel 11 Pro XL - $1,299 (256GB), $1,419 (512GB), $1,649 (1TB)
• PIxel 11 Pro Fold - $1,899 (256GB), $2,019 (512GB), $2,249 (1TB)

That gives us a full run of colours for the phone, with attached prices, but as these listings weren't supposed to be live, they need to be taken with a pinch of salt. The details that have been extracted are incomplete and the biggest changes – like the move to Tensor G6 or any changes to the cameras – are not detailed.

We're sure there will be further leaks coming for these phones: there's been a flurry over the last couple of days and there's still about a month to go until launch.

References to a Google Home Display have been spotted in the latest version of the Google Home app, according to a report from Android Authority. It hints that the company is working on a device with a large screen and built-in camera, making it similar to the Nest Hub Max.

The leak comes just weeks after Google finally launched its long-awaited Google Home Speaker, as well as following the discontinuation of selected Nest devices and Google's decision to cancel the Pixel Tablet 2. If the rumours are true, it has the potential to become the company's main smart home hub going forward.

For now, Google hasn't confirmed the device exists, and there's no information yet on its specifications, launch date or pricing. We will update you as soon as we know more.

Android Authority reports that the display's built-in camera could double as one of the best security cameras, storing up to three hours of video footage by default. Subscribers to Google Home Premium would reportedly be able to access up to 60 days of motion-triggered recordings or a continuous 24-hour video history covering the previous ten days.

The integrated microphone would also allow the device to record audio and respond to voice commands for controlling compatible smart home devices.

Google has scheduled a Made by Google event for 12 August, with invites being sent out for an event in New York. It's expected that the Pixel 11 series of phones will be announced alongside the Pixel Watch 5.

The timing of the event falls a little earlier than previous launches, with the Pixel 10 announcement on 20 August, but it can't be a coincidence that Google confirms its new launch event on the same day that Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is confirmed.

Google itself has remained rather quiet about the event – there are no teases on social channels – instead the invitation has been sent to media outlets in the US. Whether there will be a parallel events in different regions remains unknown.

The invite is for an evening event in New York, perhaps pointing to a celebrity host. The Pixel 10 launch featured Jimmy Fallon and was more like a chat show. There's every chance that the Pixel 11 launch will be the same.

The invite features a phone with a gold frame, with a design that's expected to be the same as the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 models. Rumours have pointed to a Pixel Glow feature, a light effect that's expected to range across a number of Google products.

By coincidence, a huge leak from Dealabs has spilled the beans on Google's new devices, pointing to the Pixel 11 coming in grey, black, pink and green colours, with the Pixel 11 Pro in white, black, pink and green. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is thought to come in black and green colours.

The storage is expected to be 256 and 512GB, with a model of the Fold available in 1TB capacity.

Prices are expected to be around €100 higher compared to the Pixel 10 series, which could see the Pixel 11 Pro starting at €1,199 / £1,079. The top spec Pixel 11 Pro Fold would cost €2,389 / £2,149 with the 1TB storage.

The Pixel 11 series is expected to have a new Tensor processor with enhanced Titan security chip, while it's expected to deploy Samsung's latest display tech with a brighter screen and more vibrant colours.

The Pixel Watch 5 is also expected to be announced alongside the new phones.

The smart home market has long been dominated by Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, but a new contender has recently entered the scene. Earlier this year, Sky officially launched Sky Smart Home as a separate service, bringing together smart home gadgets, a dedicated app and affordable monthly plans in one simple ecosystem.

Whilst it's still early days, I think Sky Smart Home has the potential to become a strong competitor to the big name brands, and below are the three reasons why.

1. It's far more affordable than many rivals

One of Sky Smart Home's biggest advantages is its pricing. Instead of asking customers to spend hundreds of pounds upfront, Sky offers a hardware-and-subscription bundle from just £5 a month. That significantly lowers the barrier to entry for anyone who's been tempted by smart home technology but put off by the initial cost.

2. It keeps everything in one ecosystem

Whilst Alexa, Google and Apple all support thousands of third-party devices, that flexibility can also make setup and management feel overwhelming. Sky is taking the opposite approach by focusing on a curated ecosystem that's easy to install and manage.

The new Sky Smart Home app brings together live video, motion alerts, cloud recording and device controls in one place, with guided setup, live technical support and straightforward subscription options. For people who value simplicity over endless customisation, that's a strong selling point.

3. It's only just getting started

At launch, Sky Smart Home centred around a smart doorbell, indoor camera and companion app, but the brand has already added additional devices, including leak detectors, motion sensors and contact sensors.

If the company continues adding compatible devices and broadens its ecosystem over time, it has the potential to become a strong alternative to Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home – particularly for customers who prefer buying into one integrated system.

Google has started rolling out Gemini Spark to its native Mac app, marking a big step beyond the chatbot-style AI most of us are used to.

Rather than simply responding to prompts, Spark can carry out multi-step tasks across your Mac, from organising folders to pulling information from local files and building documents in Google Workspace.

The idea is simple: give Gemini the boring jobs. Ask it to sort all the PDFs in your Downloads folder, turn a pile of invoices into a budget spreadsheet or summarise documents into a report, and it'll get on with it.

Google says Spark only accesses folders you've explicitly shared, while future updates will even let you kick off jobs remotely from your phone and have them run on your Mac while you're away from your desk. Wow.

It's also gaining connections to apps including Canva, Dropbox, Google Keep and Google Tasks, making it more useful as a day-to-day digital assistant rather than just another AI chatbot.

There's a catch, though. Gemini Spark for macOS is currently in beta and only available to Google AI Ultra subscribers in supported countries, making it a premium feature rather than one everyone can try today.

Even so, it's a glimpse of where desktop AI is heading. Instead of asking AI for answers, we'll increasingly be asking it to tick things off our to-do list. That's the AI we were hoping for, right?

Samsung's smart glasses are on track to launch before the end of 2026, as the collaboration between Samsung, Google and Qualcomm comes to fruition. These will be the first from the partners to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses.

Now we've got a much better idea of how Samsung's smart glasses are going to work, thanks to a leaked video showing them in action. There doesn't appear to be any branding on these glasses, giving this video a sort of generic feel (we've previously seen leaked renders with "Samsung" along the arms), but the details seem accurate.

The new video joins a collection of leaks that point to how Samsung Galaxy Glasses are going to pair and be controlled, although the actual naming of the glasses isn't fully confirmed yet.

The video points out the hardware features and some of the controls, the camera and LED on the front, so people know you're filming. There's also an additional LED inside so you can see that you're filming, too.

We're then shown a button on the top of the right-hand arm, along with the touch area, which appears to support both taps and swipes. The operation of this is expected to be much like it is on headphones.

This corroborates with details that previously appeared from SammyGuru, which appears to have come from the same source.

SammyGuru refers to these as the "Warby Parker version", although comparing these to high quality images on the Warby Parker website, they're a similar but different design – the position of the bridge is entirely different.

Therein lies one of the problems: there's still plenty of confusion about what Samsung is actually launching and where all these smart glasses lie.

A large part of the communication has been about the partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker – shown off at Google I/O as the first devices to use Android XR alongside Xreal Aura.

But some of the leaks we've seen for Samsung Galaxy Glasses have pointed to a slightly different design, along with the talk of One UI XR – the experience that Samsung layers over the top of Android XR.

There's long been talk of Galaxy Glasses as a separate piece of branding from other Google smart glasses, although we also know that the collaboration with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker will result in multiple designs.

Hopefully there will be some clarity soon, with 22 July expected to see Galaxy Unpacked hosted in London, with the potential that Galaxy Glasses will be on stage.

Google was one of the first to offer face detection on its Nest cameras in 2017. The popular feature came to Nest Hello (Google's doorbell) and was pretty unique until Amazon started offering Familiar Faces too, more recently.

Google is expanding the skills that Google Home offers, and included in that is more advanced Familiar Faces functionality. This includes additional markers to help identify who is at the door.

For those paying for the Advanced plan, that will now also use clothing to help identify a person when their facial details aren't visible. The expansion is outlined in the release notes for Google Home, while a greater explanation is given on the Familiar Faces page.

Google says: "We also use additional non-biometric signals (body size, clothing colour, etc.) to help make Familiar Faces work better when a subject's face is not visible."

Familiar Faces works by asking the user if they recognise a face and allowing them to store those faces that they do know. This allows for identification of frequent visitors, so they can be announced to the homeowner when they come to the door.

The expansion should mean that the camera can recognise people when their face is covered. Whether it will be able to recognise people in fancy dress will take some testing, but it's likely to be designed to add peace of mind for those relying on the service but find it less effective in some conditions – for example in bad weather.

This isn't the only way that Google identifies clothing: the company also recently added the identification of clothing in an outfit to Circle to Search, the idea being that you then go on to buy those things.

Beyond that, Google also offers Google Photos Wardrobe, where it will recognise clothing that you own to help you piece together a new outfit and try them on virtually.

However, features like Familiar Faces raise a number of privacy concerns, surrounding the lack of consent for those who have their faces captured and stored digitally. Indeed, that's seen Amazon facing a class action lawsuit as a result.

While clever AI features might sound great, privacy remains a big problem, with the UK government outlining that using security cameras that capture those outside your property would see the owner bound by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).

Following the announcement of its Google Home Speaker, Google has officially discontinued its Nest Mini and Nest Audio devices. This probably comes as no surprise to some, but if you’re an existing Nest Mini and Audio user, this is what the discontinuation means for you.

Google launched its first ever smart speaker back in 2016, and added to its portfolio with the Nest Mini in 2019, and the Nest Audio in 2020. After these launches, Google didn’t announce any new speakers or plans to expand the collection, until leaks started to appear in 2025 about its upcoming Google Home Speaker.

After months of speculation, the Google Home Speaker was officially announced last week, and it’s currently available for pre-order. Not only does the Google Home Speaker have a completely new design that the brand hasn’t used before, but it also uses Gemini for Home instead of Google Assistant.

Following the launch news, it was announced that the Nest Mini and Nest Audio speakers would be retired and replaced by the Google Home Speaker. As quoted by a Google spokesperson in conversation with TechRadar about the future of its smart home, “As part of this evolution, we have ended production of the Google Nest Mini and Google Nest Audio.”

What this means is you can no longer buy Google Nest Mini or Audio devices from Google, as it shows as ‘out of stock’ on their website. Some third-party retailers do still sell them though, but if you want a Google speaker, you’re better off buying the new Google Home Speaker when it comes out.

But existing Nest Mini and Audio users don’t need to worry. Google will continue to fully support the devices with regular software and security updates, so you don’t need to replace your speaker if you don’t want to.

What’s better is Gemini for Home – which replaces Google Assistant on the Google Home Speaker – is compatible with existing Google devices, so it’s still accessible on your Nest speakers.

With the Steam Deck and other gaming handhelds soaring in price (the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a staggering $1,800) you might want to turn to a device that's already in your pocket.

Android games are moving much closer to their console counterparts these days, while emulation apps – such as GameNative – allow you to play almost the entire Steam PC catalogue on an Android smartphone or tablet.

Google clearly recognises this and, as part of its forthcoming Android 17 update, has included a new mode that will turn a foldable phone into a clamshell gaming handheld.

Foldable Gaming Mode will work with devices such as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. It effectively turns them into a full gaming phone by utilising the bottom half of the internal display as a controller, while running the game in the upper.

This makes the experience more like a clamshell handheld, such as the Android-powered Retroid Pocket Flip 2, although the controls are touchscreen rather than physical.

I'm not so keen on touchscreen controls, especially during fast-action games that require quick, responsive inputs. I'll often miss a button if I can't feel it, and that can be the difference between dodging or taking a rocket to the face in an FPS.

Be wary...

There's also a major caveat – foldable displays aren't always as sturdy as their single-screen counterparts. As they need to fold, they are normally covered with a softer material rather than glass, and so you could run the risk of damaging your screen if you get over enthusiastic.

Still, it's an interesting concept, especially as Google claims on its blog that the control pad will be dynamic. That means developers can give you the controls you need for their specific game, so the pad can change in style per title.

Android 17 will also improve the use of external controllers, it is said, with native controller remapping. And frame drops and stutters will be better managed though more efficient memory cleanup.

Foldable Gaming Mode will be available as part of Android 17 "in the coming months".

If you're using a Google Pixel handset, you could be in line for a decent suite of upgrades pretty soon. That's because a new set of adverts have been spotted, which seem to showcase the next edition of features coming as part of the Pixel Drop series.

That's expected to arrive pretty soon based on the historic schedule for such releases, meaning we could see it any day now. So, what exactly is coming?

As reported by DroidLife, there are a few different ads being shown at the moment, which each point towards a different feature. Those are Screen Reactions for Creators, Gemini Omni and Music Generation.

As noted in that report, the latter two features are already available as part of the Google Gemini offering. That does suggest that there's something more to this, though it's not something they were able to gleam from the videos. Sadly, they've since been removed.

The Screen Reactions feature essentially enables the user to react to what's on their screen with a cutout of their face from the selfie camera. That does appear to be a feature exclusive for Pixel devices, and will be handy for capturing reaction content.

The report does also note a small – but potentially significant – change in terminology. Previously, the new features for Google Pixel devices were unveiled as part of something called the Pixel Feature Drop, but now appears to only be dubbed the Pixel Drop.

Whether or not that's significant remains to be seen, but it's certainly worth keeping an eye on. Regardless, it's exciting to see some new features coming to these handsets after a few months without a new arrival.

With new devices anticipated towards the end of the year, there should be a lot to look forward to for fans of the Google Pixel range before 2026 draws to a close.

A new feature has started to arrive on select Google TV models that would have made my life so much simpler over the years.

You can now use voice control to direct Gemini to adjust a TV's picture settings, and even fix picture or sound issues. And as it uses advanced AI, you can use conversational language to do so – you don't even have to know what settings to change.

As the former deputy editor of Home Cinema Choice, I've tested my fair share of TVs over the years and one of the biggest time sucks was switching between picture modes and tweaking them. It also means I'm a stickler for getting the picture just right at home too – across the multiple models in my house.

That includes individual tweaks for different types of content, even specific movies, TV shows or games. And on most TVs, that means multiple clicks on the remote just to get to the right settings.

However, this new Gemini feature will allow you to change settings like brightness, contrast and picture mode, plus sound options through simply chatting with your TV. Just press the mic button on your remote and say, "Set picture mode to Movie," for example. Or, "Improve the dialogue."

You can also troubleshoot issues by telling your Google TV that the picture is too dark, etc.

And Gemini can be used to tweak and calibrate images, such as making the picture more cinematic just by asking it to do so. You won't need to go into specifics if you don't want to.

There's just one catch to all this – it's only available on a handful of TCL TVs at present, and exclusively in the US. It'll be rolled out to additional Google TV models worldwide over time, but for now it's just for the TCL QM9K, X11L, QM9L, QM8L, and RM9L.

If you have one of those sets, you need to head to system updates in your settings to check if the latest software is available (if it hasn't automatically installed).

The rest of us will have to wait a bit longer, which is fine – I've been waiting a couple of decades for something like this, what's a few months more?

You'll need to have been living under a rock for the last 24 hours to have missed the news of Siri AI. Apple's long-awaited AI-powered personal assistant is finally ready to launch, and was showcased at the WWDC 2026 event.

Now, Google has also made an appealing change to one of its AI-powered offerings. That sees the AI Plus subscription plan become much more appealing, with the double-whammy of a price cut and a storage boost.

Here in the UK, that sees the platform drop to just £4.49 per month with 400GB of storage. Those in the US will pay US$4.99 for the same storage level.

However you spin it, that's a great deal. You're getting twice the storage for less cash – not quite half price, but not too far from it – allowing you to make even more use of the features.

For those not familiar with Google AI Plus, the plan is designed to offer a more appealing prospect than standard Gemini for those seeking more from their AI. Users will get twice as much usage from Gemini, with greater access to Gemini 3.1 Pro and Deep Research in Gemini.

You'll also enjoy more access to image, music and video generation platforms, and more access to features in NotebookLM. And, of course, there's 400GB of cloud storage on offer, too.

It's a compelling package. If you've dabbled with the base level of AI platforms like ChatGPT or Gemini, and are looking to move to the next level, this subscription will give you a decent upgrade.

The brand also offers higher levels again, with Google AI Pro offering more usage, up to 5TB of storage and other perks like YouTube Premium. For any real hardcore users, Google AI Ultra offers 20TB of storage, substantially more access to different Gemini models and early access to new innovations.

Google has opened up the Fitbit Air ecosystem in a move that could lead to a wave of third-party bands, mounts and accessories for its new screenless fitness tracker.

The company has published detailed hardware specifications, accessory design guidelines and 2D CAD drawings for the Fitbit Air to let independent makers, accessory brands and even home 3D-printing enthusiasts create their own compatible products.

The company's new wearable uses a modular design, with the tracker itself a small, sensor-packed "pebble" that slots into a removable sleeve or band, separating the health-tracking hardware from the accessory wrapped around the user's wrist.

Google says the newly released files include precise dimensions, tolerances and attachment specifications to help creators build accessories that fit correctly and maintain accurate health tracking.

The company has also published guidance on sensor placement, skin-contact requirements, and suitable materials for products that come into direct contact with the wearer.

Opening the toolbox

According to Google, the move is designed to encourage experimentation and customisation from both established accessory makers and independent designers.

The company says the Fitbit Air community has already started developing new ways to wear the tracker, including alternative mounting solutions beyond traditional wristbands.

The announcement is particularly notable because few major wearable brands provide this level of access to hardware specifications.

While Apple, Garmin and Samsung largely maintain tightly controlled accessory ecosystems, Google is effectively inviting third parties to help shape how Fitbit Air is worn and used.

The screenless revival

Launched in May, the Fitbit Air marks Google's return to dedicated fitness trackers after several years focused primarily on smartwatches.

The wearable is a lightweight, screenless device designed for 24/7 health tracking, offering features such as heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, and skin temperature monitoring, as well as automatic workout detection.

The tracker has often been compared to models such as the Whoop MG, thanks to its display-free design, although Fitbit Air differs by offering core tracking features without requiring a subscription.

It is also significantly more affordable than many screenless health trackers currently on the market.

By making the hardware specifications publicly available so soon after launch, it appears to be encouraging the creation of a broader accessory ecosystem that could help the device evolve beyond a standard wrist-worn tracker.

You can find the CAD drawings here.

[via 9to5Google]

We've hit that point where Android Auto moves to a new version number, with Android Auto 17 now rolling out to users. It's part of a phased roll-out, so although it's available, it won't immediately appear in Google Play for all.

The exciting thing about Android Auto 17 is that it paves the way for one of the most highly-anticipated features coming to the in-car app – support for video, with YouTube expected to be the first service available.

That change has been in the works for well over a year, but Google confirmed support for Full HD 60fps video was coming during The Android Show, as well as demoing the changes at Google I/O.

Google has said that if you already have an adaptive video app then you don't need to do much to get it to appear in Android Auto, so hopefully, we'll see a number of services available to watch on in-car screens.

That's only going to be possible when the car is in park, but for those now spending time sitting in cars while charging, the introduction of video will make a big difference to the experience. As an extension, if you start driving, the video can switch to an audio stream and continue playing – if the app supports it.

Now we come to the bad news: actual support for video isn't quite here yet. While Android Auto 17 will support it, it'll take another software update before that feature lands with drivers.

Video support is only expected on phones running Android 17, so for most people that's going to mean waiting for another update before video playback will be supported. For Pixel owners who will get Android 17 first that might not be a cause for concern, but other brands could be waiting for months before it's supported.

As we move into summer 2026, we're expecting Android 17 to go gold and roll out as an update for Pixel phones, while we already know that Samsung's update is well in development too. It's expected that Samsung will announce its first Android 17 device on 22 July, with updates for Galaxy S25 devices to follow soon after.

So, while today is the starting point for video in Android Auto, it's going to take some time to get to the finish line.

Android Auto is also expected to get updates to the design, customisable widgets, Dolby Atmos, new audio widgets, as well as deeper Gemini integration, including Gemini Intelligence.

There's plenty to be excited about, but like all things Android Auto, a little patience will be needed before they arrive.

Google has upgraded Gemini for Home, and it’s just made your security camera smarter than before. Thanks to this new update, Gemini can trigger specific smart home routines, based on what your Nest and other compatible security cameras can see – here’s how it works.

Gemini for Home has gifted Google device users with some serious improvements, making their smart home experience smoother and more intelligent than ever. The latest improvement is for Nest Cam users, as Gemini can now create automations based on what your camera can see.

Previously, Gemini for Home has been able to identify specific events, like dogs barking, glass breaking, familiar faces, and someone dropping off packages. But now, these visual events can trigger your smart home automations and routines.

According to Google, almost any event can be a trigger as long as Gemini recognises it through your security camera. To set up your smart home automation, users need to use simple, natural language prompts to describe events, and select which cameras to look for them.

To give you an example, if your security camera spots a wild animal rooting through your bins, it can trigger your outdoor lights to turn on to scare them away. Other examples include quick notifications being sent to your smartphone if your camera notices a parcel that’s been left unattended or if you’ve left your car or garage door open.

Alongside this camera update, Google has improved Gemini for Home’s reliability, making users’ plain language commands much easier for the AI assistant to understand. Gemini for Home should also be able to perform multiple actions at the same time when asked in one single request, and execute basic tasks like setting alarms and timers much quicker.

These latest Google Gemini for Home updates are available to all existing users.

Google announced changes to its subscription plans on stage at Google I/O and while the focus was on a new $100 AI Ultra plan, it's the changes coming to the Google AI Pro plan that's got users up in arms.

The details were delivered via email to subscribers, outlining that changes to the usage limit on the AI Pro plan where changing, effective immediately.

That sees "compute-based" usage limits on the plan which take into account the complexity, features and length of the chat. This limit is refreshed every 5 hours up to your weekly limit.

This plan has 4x the usage limit of the free tier, while the Ultra tier has 5x the usage limit, according to Google's subscription page.

Those usage limits also apply to Flow and Antigravity with the 1000 AI credits that used to be included no longer included in the plan - with the option to buy AI credits if needed.

You can find your own usage under settings in the Gemini app, both in the browser and in the app, under Usage Limits. There it will tell you the percentage of use that you've reached, when it resets, and where you are on your weekly limit.

It's worth remembering that the AI Pro plan is what a lot of Pixel owners are on, because new Pixel devices come with a "free trial" of the service. The regular price for the 5TB AI Pro plan costs £18.99 / $19.99 a month.

While access to Gemini models, features and storage doesn't change, it's the usage that users are reacting to.

Over on Reddit, there are plenty of users commenting that the subscription just got a lot worse. Other users comment that for video generation it's basically unusable, while some say that switching to Claude is now an easier decision.

Google's focus for I/O was on Gemini's new skills - including Gemini Spark, the 24/7 digital assistant designed to run in the background and take on a wide range of your organisational tasks.

While the demos were impressive, Google made a point of saying that it was starting as a beta for Google AI Ultra subscribers and it raises doubts over how well it will run if you're at risk of exceeding usage limits.

While little was said about subscriptions, Google was pleased to announced the $100 AI Ultra plan - and that's $100 / £79.99 a month. For hardcore AI users who are using it for business that might be viable, but as a consumer proposition, it might not be.

Nothing lasts forever and for the original Google Chromecast, it seems its time is done. There are reports that the teenager is finally set for the scrap heap as users claim their devices are failing.

First released in 2013, the Chromecast was different to other streaming devices of the time – there was no front-end or user experience, for starters, and it relied on your phone rather than a remote control.

Innovatively though, unlike Apple's AirPlay, casting video (or music) to the Chromecast enabled it to stream the content from its source, not your mobile device. That meant you could continue to use your phone, tablet or PC as normal.

The concept lasted for several generations of dongles before being replacement by the Chromecast with Google TV, where Google opted to follow its rivals in offering a full UI. And while casting content is still a thing today, across many third-party products too, the original Chromecast was consigned to the past.

Or so we thought. I turns out it's been operable for the last 13 years – until now, that is.

There are reports (via 9to5Google) that the original Chromecast is failing to stream for some and stopping working completely for others.

A Reddit thread is full of comments by users that have experienced issues with their older devices. It seems the game is up.

"I have two Gen 1s that no longer cast anything," writes Dude_Man79.

Chantastic adds that YouTube no longer streams from the Android app or a Chrome browser. Nor do HBO Max, Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

And SparkysAdventure has had trouble streaming Prime Video via their Chromecast: "Prime Video stopped working a couple days ago and Disney+ never worked for me."

Sadly, as these issues are said to have occurred very recently, it could be your own Chromecast dongle is on its way out.

The good news though is that this doesn't seem to have affected the second-gen models and beyond, so you could have a few years left for those. Still, it's probably worth considering an update. And if you don't fancy the Google TV Streamer set-top device, there are other options that support casting – including the Thomson Go Cast 152, which is keeping the Chromecast form factor alive.

There's a trend for journalists to approach new technology with a sense of cynicism. It comes from that predisposition to look beyond the marketing to what lies underneath. That left me with serious doubts about Google's fancy new Gemini Spark.

Google I/O introduced the next evolution of Gemini, not just in terms of the underlying language models in Gemini 3.5, but in the consumer-facing entry point. Gemini Spark is described as a 24/7 AI agent, designed to "navigate your digital life".

I followed the Google I/O Keynote in detail and while Gemini was definitely the star of the show (Gemini is basically everywhere) Gemini Spark was the new product that really jumped out.

What is Gemini Spark?

Gemini Spark aims to deliver Google's long ambition to have an "agentic AI". An agentic AI is something that can complete tasks on your behalf, so rather than just asking it to find you a restaurant, it can find that restaurant, book a table and email your friend the details, without you having to open any apps other than the AI app.

"Getting things done" is the mantra of agentic AI, and it's seen as the holy grail of AI, because it takes us beyond rapid information discovery and processing, into action.

This is what Gemini Spark is designed to do: it's designed to work autonomously in the cloud, with access to your Google services. Here's how Google introduced Gemini Spark:

What can Gemini Spark do?

Google outlines that Gemini Spark runs on dedicated cloud servers, so it can be running in the background without you needing your laptop or phone to be connected. That means it can work on things without you being there to prompt it or monitor it.

It works with Google's tools at the moment like Gmail and Google Docs, with third party integrations promised in the future. We already have integration in Gemini for services like Spotify and WhatsApp for example.

The idea is that you can start a Spark task to compile all the information in the last week about an event and summarise it. Rather than sitting waiting for that to happen, that can run in the background while you get on with something else - you'll return to a summary with everything in it.

The second example we've seen is arranging a street party along the same lines, creating a spreadsheet of information from replies that have come in via email - which is all live, because Spark is actively working on that, rather than it being a one-time prompt.

What it's actually doing is creating custom data workflows, but with simple conversational prompts rather than more complicated coding.

That all sounds great doesn't it?

It sounds great for people who want to pull together data from within Google's systems, but it also rings alarm bells. If Spark is doing this compiling for you, where is the accountability? Who monitors the AI to make sure that you're actually getting the results you want, rather than just accepting the results you're given?

Look at it this way: we're all used to driving with satnav and we all agree that it's easier than the previous option, which was driving using maps. In those days you had to plan a route, perhaps write instructions, and then follow them.

The result is that satnav driving is easy - but you never really know where you're going. You don't really know the route, you don't know what's along the route, you're just following instructions and no longer thinking.

Gemini Spark will allow you to stop thinking.

I'm currently planning a family holiday, which is perfect for something like Spark. Indeed, Gemini has already suggested a couple of routes, where to stay, what to avoid and what to do. It was simple - but I have literally no idea what my options are, because I've not actually done any research, I've just been handed a solution.

This is why I have doubts about Gemini Spark as a personal AI. It might be able to keep track of tasks, but as soon as you stop doing that for yourself, you'll only know what Gemini tells you - because you stopped doing the thinking yourself.

If you're a fan of tech developments which don't revolve around AI, last nights Google I/O event didn't have too much for you. Indeed, the first 92 minutes of the 111 minute presentation revolved entirely around AI and its implementation across the Google suite.

Still, it seems there's a lot of other news arriving around the periphery of the event, including some interesting automotive developments. As the show was happening, we heard about a new project with Volvo, to bring context-aware AI into your commute.

Now, there's news of another update, which should affect a few more users. As reported by 9to5Google, there's an update coming to the Android Auto Car App Library, which is going to let media apps make some fairly major design changes.

In a blog post, the brand explained, "We're increasing the modularity of existing templates to give developers more flexibility and options for laying out content. These improvements include expanded headers for better visual emphasis, such as on detail pages, spotlight sections that can be placed in scrollable areas to highlight specific content, and grid item variations to support different content types and states."

Any developers interested in making these changes will be able to apply for a beta programme, but there are a range of popular apps which are already making changes. That includes Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and more.

It's a great update, and a real opportunity for the brands to return a little of their own personality to the platform. Prior to this update, a lot of the different apps felt quite cookie cutter, with a relatively strict set of requirements on how the apps should appear.

We're expecting more and more developers to take the plunge over the coming weeks and months, so keep your eyes peeled if the one you use most often isn't included yet.

Volvo has just unveiled a new 'world first' collaboration with Google, designed to make driving even easier. The partnership is said to bring together the best of the two brand's respective technologies, making particular use of Google Gemini and the latest advances in AI technology.

In essence, this shift allows Gemini to see and understand the surroundings in real time, from the perspective of the car. That makes use of the cameras and sensors in the car, and relies entirely on the permissions of the driver.

That could help to make some of the more frustrating parts of driving easier. For example, the system could read road signs around you, allowing you to garner information about parking restrictions or other information which flies past as you travel.

Another use case makes sense of lane markings, which sounds like an excellent idea. I've driven in Swindon before, and this would be worth its weight in gold in arenas like that.

This era – being called contextually aware driving – is also coming for your navigation system. Immersive Navigation in Google Maps is used here to help make navigation easier than ever.

Perhaps the most noteworthy addition is the use of context in directions. Rather than simply saying "take the second left", this model will be able to pin directions on the local environment, for example, "turn left after the library."

Speaking about the launch, Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android for Cars, said, "In the future, Gemini will make your drive more helpful by allowing you to learn more about your surroundings while on the road. And with Immersive Navigation, we’re bringing Google Maps’ biggest update in over a decade to our drivers.”

The new features will be available first on the Volve EX60, EX90 and ES90 models. Those on site at Google I/O will be able to test the features first hand.

As heavily rumoured in the build up, Samsung and Google have partnered for a new smart glasses venture, with Ray-Ban and Meta firmly in their sights.

The new range will be called Intelligent Eyewear and has been created in collaboration with spectacles brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.

As with the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, Intelligent Eyewear pairs with a mobile phone and gives wearers access to AI features through voice commands. There is no display (not initially anyway), while the glasses can come in sunglass or clear lens styles.

Each pair will keep the wearer informed with notifications from their phone, guidance through Gemini – such as directions or local attractions – and real-time translations. One neat feature is that the translation will match the speaker's voice, using AI speech.

The glasses feature speakers in the arms, plus a camera unit on the front of the frame – this will see what the user sees, to better enable advice. It can also be used to take photos and, we assume, video.

The Samsung Intelligent Eyewear collection will run on the Android XR platform and will hit stores "this fall". Additional details, including price and exact availability will be announced "in the coming months".

"This intelligent eyewear marks an important step in Samsung’s vision for AI,” said Samsung's head of consumer experience, Jay Kim.

“With this new AI form factor, we are further expanding the Galaxy device ecosystem, where each device is optimised to deliver unique AI experiences that best fit each form.”

The glasses are naturally a direct competitor to the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 that are available now. Other brands are also starting to release their own rivals, including L'Atitude 52°N with its Berlin pair having gone on pre-order today.

It's likely to become a busy market soon, especially with additional fashion labels lurking in the background and waiting to unveil their own smart creations.

A new Android feature could be the best in years when it comes to helping you fight doom-scrolling. While this shows just how bad doom-scrolling has become – that Google itself is adding features to protect you – it also shows there is hope in the fight to hold onto our attention spans.

The new feature, called Pause Point, does as its name suggests. This will require a 10-second pause from you each time you open an app which you have already labelled as potentially distracting.

The idea here is that those 10-seconds will be enough time to give you pause to consider if you really want to go into that digital world. It adds a buffer between a habitual notification or icon press to open the app, and the reality of actually wanting to get into all that.

In short, Pause Point has been created to help give you back your choice in the moment to make healthier decisions.

This update comes from Google and could even apply to its own algorithm based apps of enticement, like YouTube. While this was a decision to help users, it also comes after Google has been under pressure from all the news and even new laws around restricting or banning minors from using social media.

The impact of these apps are starting to be taken seriously as damaging and so, at last, the company's behind them are having to offset that damage – at the least – with options like this.

Pause Point pauses the app launch, and the dopamine rush that follows, allowing you the space to actually think rather than being at the mercy of the chemical rush these apps can create.

That pause time isn't just dead space though. The Pause Point feature can also be set to suggest other more healthy app choices like a favourite fitness app, audiobook app or the like.

You can also choose to scroll through your favourite photos, perhaps to inspire activities to do other than doom-scrolling, an outdoor walk for example or meeting friends.

Pause Point requires a phone restart to turn it off – helping add a further layer of effort to keep you from taking the easiest path of least resistance to that dopamine hit.

Google I/O is the Mountain View company's annual developer event which has wide-ranging impact on the digital world we inhabit. Google not only powers billions of devices with Android, but Search, Gemini and a whole lot more fall under the Google I/O umbrella.

The past few years have all had a distinct theme – artificial intelligence. While Google used to talk about DeepMind and LLMs in a sort of abstract sense five years ago, we're now living that reality.

We've already been exposed to some of Google's plans for the near future. The recent Android Show revealed changes coming to Android 17 with Gemini Intelligence, Googlebook was introduced, the evolution of Android in the car was previewed, and a whole lot more.

We learnt a lot, but that leaves us with questions that the Google I/O keynote is expected to answer.

Here then are three big announcements I'm expecting at Google I/O next week:

Gemini, Gemini, Gemini

Of all the AI systems we're faced with, Gemini seems to be the most progressive. It's not just about image and video creation, or witty chatbot retorts, it's about device-wide integration.

Google has an advantage that many others don't, in that it can place Gemini right in the centre of its computing platforms.

Gemini will take centre stage at Google I/O as we move towards an increasingly agentic experience. That means it can carry out tasks on your behalf, with deeper integration expected into a full range of third-party services. I'm expecting a big step beyond the simple stuff it can already do, like add things to your calendar.

We've already seen Omni leak, which appears to be an evolution of Veo video creation, and I'd expect Omni to get a full introduction. I'm also expecting Gemini to become properly multi-modal from a single prompt.

We might also get a mention of plans for Gemini powering Apple Intelligence.

Aluminium OS

Google has long had plans to unify Android and Chrome OS. Small steps have been taken in that direction over the past years, but there's been an expectation that something new was coming.

Indeed, Sameer Samat, Google's president of Android, and Rick Osterloh, SVP of devices and services have both talked about bringing the two platforms together on numerous occasions over the past year, and the first fruits of that appear to be in Googlebook.

But Googlebook was announced with an unnamed operating system, which is where I'm expecting Google I/O to give us more. It's been dubbed Aluminium OS for some time, but that's not (yet) an official name.

The evolution of Aluminium OS (or whatever it's called) means more seamless interaction between mobile and laptop, a shared intelligence through Gemini and should mean that developments for Android can benefit PCs too. Chrome will continue, but Googlebook will likely accelerate the experience.

Android XR

Google's wearable platform is younger than others and while we've seen Galaxy XR make the debut of Android XR, we're yet to see Google's efforts in smart glasses in a commercial device.

There have been rumours that Samsung will announce Galaxy Glasses in July and we know that Samsung is a key development partner on Android XR, so I'm expecting to hear a lot more and hopefully see some real products.

While Samsung might be allowed to keep its product for its own launch, there's a chance that Gentle Monster and Warby Parker's involvements will have more prominence, while Xreal's Project Aura could also get some time on stage.

Android XR glasses are coming in 2026 and Google I/O is the perfect time to fill in the gaps and show us what we're going to be getting.

How to watch Google I/O

Google will be streaming all the action from Google I/O, with the action starting on 19 May at 10am PT, which is 6pm BST.

There will also be extensive coverage here on T3.com, with a live blog of the action, where we'll get under the skin of the announcements and what it all actually means.

I’ve been waiting years for a new Google smart display, and now it seems one might finally be on the way. Ahead of the Google I/O event which is taking place next week, analysts have spotted Google app code which suggests a ‘Google Home Display’ is on its way – here’s what we know so far.

Much to my dismay, Google hasn’t released a new smart display since 2021 when it debuted the second generation of the Nest Hub and the Nest Hub Max. Since then, there’s been little to no news about new Nest Hubs aside from a vague hint that new Nest displays would be down to the evolution of Gemini for Home.

In late 2025, Google Home’s Chief Product Officer stated that “the smart display does present itself as an incredible form factor to interact with something like Gemini for Home”, and went on to credit its microphone and screen as a great way to interact with and visualise information. But that’s all that was really said – until now.

In the Google Home app for iOS, there’s a list of Google devices, including old and new smart speakers, displays, Chromecasts, cameras and more. Within this Google Home app code, MacRumors analyst @aaronp613 on X spotted references to a ‘Google Home Display’.

The reference to the Google Home Display sits above pre-existing displays and devices, including the Nest Hub Max, the Google Home Mini and the Google Home Speaker which was unveiled last year. Aside from the name being similar to the speaker, there’s not much news surrounding the potential new display, so I’ve taken some guesses about what we could expect.

The most obvious ‘new’ feature of the potential Google Home Display could be the Gemini for Home integration. As Gemini is being slowly introduced to old and new Google devices, this seems like a given that the new Google Home Display would have Gemini already on there.

Another area I would like to see is the Google Home Display coming in multiple sizes. Previously, the Nest Hub displays have been in seven or 10 inch display sizes, which is considered small now next to Amazon’s Echo Show range which goes up to a massive 21-inch screen. While I wouldn’t want a display that big, a potential 12 or 15-inch Google Home Display could be interesting.

As always, we’ll just have to wait and see what will be announced at Google’s next I/O event.

Samsung has announced the One UI 9 beta program for Galaxy S26 users, built on Android 17, giving owners the first chance to experience the latest from Google and Samsung itself.

Of course, before you jump in, it's important to understand that this is still part of the beta program, so this isn't finished software and if your S26 is your main phone then you might not want to upgrade.

Android 17 is still in development: we're expecting to hear a lot more about new features for the platform at Google I/O next week – some of which will be Pixel exclusive – but Samsung will also be making tweaks of its own for Galaxy phone owners.

Android 17 is expected to make its debut on Pixel some time in June or July 2026, with Samsung debuting One UI 9 and Android 17 on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 – expected to launch on 22 July.

Samsung explains that the software includes a couple of new features, including new tools in Samsung Notes, an updated Quick Panel for greater layout controls with independent brightness, sound and media adjustments.

There are also some tweaks to DeX and Game Booster, new accessibility settings and options for physical keyboard and mouse. Basically, a lot of background stuff that Samsung doesn't mind sharing with you now.

What else is coming with One UI 9?

There will be other tweaks and improvements from the Android 17 side, while many of Samsung's core new features won't be delivered until the new phones are launched.

That's because the top features will be getting a lot more fanfare on stage at the launch of the new devices and Samsung doesn't want to spoil the surprise early. That's likely to include access to Gemini Intelligence, the new AI system from Google.

For those wanting to sample the new software, you can join the One UI 9 beta program through the Samsung Members app on your phone.

Here there's the option to opt in, pushing the beta update to your device. It's a limited roll-out at the moment with Germany, India, Korea, Poland, UK and the US getting access this week.

While many Samsung owners might not be ready to jump onto the beta to try One UI 9 and Android 17 right now, the fact that this is happening tells us a couple of things.

First, it indicates that Android 17 is progressing well and that we're getting close to final release from Google. And second, it tells us that Samsung's work is well underway and it's likely that the Galaxy S26 will move to new software fairly soon after it's introduced at Galaxy Unpacked.

In the past we've seen some really long delays from Samsung – hopefully, the move to Android 17 will be much faster.

Google has just announced Googlebook, designed as a new category of premium laptops built on the intelligence that Gemini has brought to Android. But the company has also confirmed that support for Chromebooks remains in place.

Chromebooks have been something of a breakthrough in the affordable segment of the laptop market, great for basic computing tasks and avoiding the expense and complication of a full laptop OS.

That's made them popular with educational institutions, for example, the very same budget-limited places that might be concerned that they've invested in obsolete hardware.

There's no need to worry though: Google has come forward to confirm that ChromeOS will continue to get 10 years of automatic updates, despite the evolution of Googlebook.

For those with a large fleet of Chromebooks, these can still be managed by the Google Admin console.

Finally, Google has also confirmed that it's going to be facilitating the move over to the "new experience" that comes with Googlebook, which integrates Gemini Intelligence to make for a smarter computing experience.

So, while those with an existing Chromebook will continue to enjoy that experience, fully supported, some will move to something newer and smarter.

At the moment it's not clear which models will move to the Googlebook experience, but I don't think it would be too much of a surprise if it includes models from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, the very same brands name-dropped in the Googlebook announcement.

At the Googlebook announcement – part of The Android Show – Google showed off new powers that will come through the OS, including some really clever Gemini-powered skills.

The platform leans on Gemini Intelligence to join the dots, while working to seamlessly integrate Android, allowing instant access to your Android device.

The launch window for Googlebook is later in 2026, when those brands above are expected to release commercial devices, but there are still a few unanswered questions, like what the OS is actually called, and if Google will have its own model, something it has done in the past with Pixelbook, Chromebook Pixel and Pixel C.

What will be next? The Pixel Googlebook?

Samsung could be the first brand to roll-out Gemini Intelligence, ahead of Google's own Pixel phones. That could see the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 as the debut devices for Google's new AI system.

Google has just introduced its next-gen AI system that's coming to devices, calling it Gemini Intelligence. It takes Gemini from the chat-based system that we currently have to something that's more personal and integrated with agentic powers.

However, it looks like Google is once again handing the baton to Samsung for the announcement, rather than letting it make its debut on the Pixel 11.

This isn't the first time that Google has turned to Samsung for such an occasion: we saw Samsung lead the way with Circle to Search in the past, using Samsung's huge platform to announce the feature on the Samsung Galaxy S24 before pushing it to Pixel phones.

That seems to be the approach that Google is taking with Gemini Intelligence, too. According to Seoul Economic Daily, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 will come with One UI 9 including Gemini Intelligence.

Indeed, during The Android Show and the announcement of Gemini Intelligence, Mindy Brooks, VP of Android platform, had name-dropped Samsung within the first minute, saying "starting with Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel later this summer".

Samsung's new foldable phones are expected to be announced on 22 July at a Galaxy Unpacked event in London. And it's here we'll likely see the new tech's first outing.

Although, as Google has already confirmed that it's coming to Pixel phones, it's likely that Google will push Gemini Intelligence as an update soon after. This could be within days or weeks, without the need to wait for new devices.

Gemini Intelligence will span all Android platforms including phone, watch, glasses, car, laptop and tablet, making smarter links between your apps, your information and what you want to do. Google calls it "seamless automation", designed to handle "the tedious stuff".

A key part of Gemini Intelligence is to act through other apps, to find and organise information. If you don't have the apps, it can also use Chrome, with Google putting the emphasis on "getting things done".

The idea is you spend less time heading to a specific app to do things and have Gemini do it instead. For example, Gemini can find your course books from a list you've been sent and add them to a shopping cart for you to buy, or it can plan a holiday for you - leaving you to make final checks and then hit the buy button at the end.

Gemini Intelligence will also handle things like form filling, able to extract information from places on your phone, while it will also clean up voice inputs to remove the "ums" and "ahs" as you talk for a cleaner message.

While Pixel phones are expected to get Android 17 in the early summer, it's unlikely to be tied specifically to that version of Google's software. Instead, we expect Samsung to showcase Google Intelligence on its new phones, before Pixel executes a much wider update.

Google is bringing advanced lane guidance to select cars with Google built-in, allowing more precise instructions on when to switch lanes.

The enhancement, announced at The Android Show, takes advantage of deeper integration between Android Automotive and the car's hardware.

This means that Immersive Navigation can use the front camera on the car to assess the roads and tell you when and where to switch lane. This is great for junctions, but rather than being a default "left lane" voice guidance, for example, it will tell you when to move over.

This isn't a feature that will be in Android Auto, because it depends on the hardware in your car, so it draws out a point of differentiation between those using a smartphone-based system and those with Google built-in with Android Automotive.

Google emphasises that live lane guidance all happens in the car, so it's not dependent on other data sources – everything comes from the car itself.

That should make driving smoother, making sure you're in the right lane all the time and avoiding those last-minute switches and fighting with other traffic.

Google live lane guidance will be car specific

Live lane guidance will only be supported on compatible vehicles, but Google hasn't shared what those models are yet.

Elsewhere, Android Auto is going to get more customisable and benefit from the Immersive Navigation too, allowing 2D maps to get 3D enhancements, so things like buildings and bridges will be more obvious, to make navigation at a glance easier.

The Android driving environment will benefit from the enhancements that Gemini Intelligence will bring, able to serve up contextual information without having to search everything out, so it's easier to get things done.

Also, entertainment is finally coming to Android Auto, with support for video apps providing Full HD 60fps video to watch when parked.

hat's also going to include a transition to audio-only modes when you start driving when using compatible apps. That's great for things like podcasts, switching from watching video to listening to just the audio.

Video features will be coming to BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes, Renault, Skoda, Tata and Volvo. Google has also confirmed that Dolby Atmos will be coming to a number of models, supported in Android Auto, where previously it was only available through Apple CarPlay.

After months of speculation, Google has confirmed the phase out of Chromebooks in favour of an Android-based laptop platform.

Googlebook will replace its current portable computing solutions and uses a blend of Android, Chrome OS and Gemini to make an all-new, AI-powered MacBook Neo rival.

Unveiled during The Android Show on Tuesday, Googlebook has Gemini and agentic AI built into its heart. As with Chromebook, devices will be built by third-party manufacturers, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, but they will have to adhere to strict standards.

Every Googlebook, says Google, will be made using "premium craftsmanship and materials" – although they'll come in all shapes and sizes. And there will be a "unique glowbar" on the front of each, with RGB LEDs highlighting the laptop.

As well as its own software and applications, Googlebook will be able to run Android apps from the Play Store, but it's biggest USP is baked-in Gemini Intelligence.

Even the cursor will be AI-powered, becoming a new Magic Pointer. This will enable you to simply wiggle the cursor and it will turn into a Gemini tool that will understand the context of where you move to and click.

That will then give you suggestions of things you might want to do with that specific window or content. Point it at an email, for example, and you might be asked if you want to set up a meeting or action a response. Or point it at two images and it could combine them to make a single picture.

You will also be able to create your own widgets through Gemini prompts, and use agentic AI to create workflows through multiple apps in the one window.

There's a lot still to learn about Googlebook – not least its availability and pricing plans – but it certainly looks like it'll be gunning for Apple's MacBook Neo as a student's next best friend.

We could find out more during Google I/O next Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

Google could be about to shift up its AI-powered video creation with the introduction of Gemini Omni. The new service is thought to be an extension of the existing Veo offering, with access part of Google's paid AI Pro plan.

The current Veo model has been evolving, currently sitting on version 3.1, with audio introduced to the video creation process with version 3.

The new model is expected to be called Gemini Omni, although details leaking out have suggested that it's an extension of Veo, with familiar leaker Max Weinbach sharing metadata that labels it as "VEO_MODE_OMNI".

Shared by 9to5Google, it appears that some Gemini users have had early access – shared via Reddit – although the user sharing these details has also said that it has been revoked, with Gemini reverting back to the previous Veo experience.

In the first instance, a pop-up invitation suggested "create with Gemini Omni", before going on to say: "Meet our new video model. Remix your videos, edit directly in chat, try a template, and more."

Some of the shared results are impressive too, with photo-realistic depictions showing that this AI experience has mastered things like text, while people and their movements look realistic too – if just a little too perfect.

While there are some great results from what we've seen so far, it's still a little artificial, it shows progress towards an AI video model that's more believable – if that's something you actually want.

Part and parcel of Omni appears to be usage limits, determined by the AI plan that you subscribe to. That will allow power users to create more videos, while those on cheaper tiers are still likely to have access.

This leak comes on the eve of Google making its big announcements through Google I/O, where we're expecting a full announcement to detail the advancements of Gemini, with Omni likely to be a part of that.

We're also expecting the latest on Android, with Android 17 expected to be introduced through The Android Show later today. It looks like video creation is going to play a big part in Google's AI future – after all, "omni" means "everywhere".

Google has updated one of its photo apps, bringing new powers to Android phones – and this isn't a Pixel exclusive, because everything is accessed through an app.

The update has come to Snapseed, one of the best photo editors of yesteryear that's now been fully updated for Android.

The move comes after iOS got Snapseed 4 earlier in the year – and now Android phone owners can benefit from the same features.

Snapseed was one of the standout apps of the last decade, offering multiple editing controls well in advance of them being offered natively by apps like Google Photos.

That relationship flipped in latter years, with Google pouring AI into Google Photos to make it a one-stop shop for all things photo editing, while Snapseed fell by the wayside.

Arguably Google Photos in now more confusing than it's ever been, and so Snapseed has made a surprising return – and it doesn't matter what brand of Android phone you use, because it's available to download from Google Play.

Snapseed now offers both a camera with lots of filters – based broadly around vintage film types – but it's the editing that's always been the most fun in Snapseed.

The app allows easy core image tuning by scrolling up or down through various settings, while swiping left or right to change the values. That's a great starting point, but there's a lot more that's offered.

There's a full selection of tools to comprehensively edit your images, changing just about everything imaginable. There's also the option to apply those filter options after the fact – and in reality, you don't need to use the Snapseed camera, you can use any image on your device.

For portrait fans, there are lots of settings to make yourself look "better", easy options to crop and flip images, and loads of other effects you can apply, either to correct the image to make it more realistic, or to make it more dramatic.

Google highlights that there's a new user interface, non-destructive and batch editing is offered, there are pro features like smart masking, while new tools include Bloom and Halation.

Best of all, there's something decidedly manual to Snapseed. While the last few years have felt like AI is making all the decisions, Snapseed is a good reminder that doing it manually can be a lot more fun. It's smooth and fast to use and best of all, it's free.