Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
At I/O 2026, Google teased an AI Studio app for Android and iOS. This mobile application has been canceled in favor of what sounds like a deep Gemini app integration.
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Following the last release over two weeks ago, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is rolling out today for Pixel devices. It comes after Google released the first QPR2 Beta.
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Since launch, Sleep Sensing on the 2nd-gen Nest Hub has only worked with Google Fit. With that app going away, Nest Hub sleep tracking will join Google Health.
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Ahead of the fall launch, the first set of Googlebooks from Lenovo has leaked.
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The “Pixel Glow” name first appeared during the Android 17 Beta, but Google might actually launch it as “HiLight” on the Pixel 11 Pro.
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Google now lets Android users automatically upload files and other downloads from their phone or tablet to Google Drive thanks to a new “Documents” backup.
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Gemini Spark is getting two big updates today, starting with Chrome auto browse integration on desktop.
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The latest Pixel Watch 5 leak today provides further confirmation that the external design and case will be identical to the last generation.
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Google today is out with a lengthy post describing the role of AI and LLMs in Chrome security.
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Given that there was a two-year gap between the Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2, we’re due for “Pixel Buds Pro 3.” However, considering the latest leaks this week, that doesn’t seem likely with the upcoming Pixel 11 launch.
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Like on desktop, Chrome for Android now lets you customize the New Tab Page with a background image or theme.
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Ahead of public availability, Waymo today introduced Gemini and a redesigned interface for its Ojai vehicles.
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With Made by Google 2026 now two weeks away, Google has released a new Pixel 11 Pro teaser this morning.
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After the preview at I/O 2026 in May, Gemini for macOS is now rolling out advanced voice control capabilities.
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Google Photos for Android has rolled out a trio of small updates today, led by a new shimmer setting.
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In late May, Google shared a roadmap of upcoming improvements for the Health app after the big redesign. After four Google Health updates, here’s what’s left on the list.
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Following Now Playing’s split-view redesign earlier this year, YouTube Music is testing fullscreen cover art.
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The Gemini app is rolling out a handful of tweaks today that streamline the interface for new features.
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The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
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In the past week, Google has teased quite a bit about Gemini 4, as 3.5 Pro missed its June launch.
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Ahead of the Pixel 11 launch, the Made by Google hardware division detailed how it’s impacted by the “severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis.” 9to5Google spoke this week with Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, about the situation and how that will affect what’s coming next month.
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After launching in May with AI Ultra, Gemini Spark is now rolling out to Google AI Pro subscribers in the US. It will “soon” be available to AI Pro members in other countries.
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Following two big Google Health app updates, the Fitbit Air is getting its first post-launch firmware update.
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Google Home today is rolling out the latest updates to Gemini for Home and the mobile app (July 23, 2026), while there’s also new Nest Cam firmware.
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