Back in July, Google widely introduced a redesign of the Android QR code scanner, but then rolled it back. The updated interface is now starting to reappear.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s QR code scanner redesign is rolling back out
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Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at NewGeekGuide 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 NewGeekGuide 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.
Google Home trick lets you enable the new Gemini voices immediately
The Gemini for Home voice assistant started rolling out at the end of October, with Early Access availability currently quite limited. A trick today does not enable the new LLM-powered assistant, but does give you access to the new Gemini voices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Weather app for Android might be replaced by redesign in Search
Over the years, the Google Weather Android “app” has seen infrequent updates, and the company looks to now be getting rid of it entirely for a Google Search experience that has just been redesigned.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Keep slowly rolling out Tasks integration
Following last month’s announcement, the migration of Google Keep reminders to Google Tasks is slowly rolling out.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages redesigning link and YouTube previews
Google Messages for Android is redesigning how link and YouTube previews look inside conversations.
Expand Expanding CloseCarriers, cellular, & customization: How much will Google’s new laptops copy from Android phones
I think Android laptops are happening in part because Google does not see a future where Chromebooks rival Mac and Windows for market share. All the success Google has in various consumer form factors comes down to Android. To that end, one of my biggest questions about this reboot of Google’s desktop strategy is how much will Android laptops try to copy the success of smartphones.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s November 2025 Google System Updates [U]
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Account settings on the web gets M3 Expressive redesign
Following the Android version in June, the Google Account page on the web has been redesigned and simplified with Material 3 Expressive elements.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle changes Gemini 3 Pro free access limits due to ‘high demand’
Since the launch of Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro, Google looks to have limited what free users can access in response to high demand.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps Power Saving mode rolling out to Pixel 10
Following the Feature Drop announcement two weeks ago, Google Maps is rolling out Power Saving mode on the Pixel 10 series.
Expand Expanding CloseCircle to Search follow-ups switching to AI Mode with bottom search bar
Google is testing an update to Circle to Search on Android that sees any follow-up queries routed to AI Mode with a new bottom search bar design.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel VIPs widget is my favorite Google Pixel feature in ages
Since Google introduced Pixel VIPs in June, the widget has become the primary way I message and call people. I use it multiple times throughout the day and it’s close to entering my first homescreen.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps starts rolling out Gemini for all navigation modes
Following the announcement at the start of November, Google Maps is beginning to roll out navigation with Gemini. It joins availability in place listings, which is getting an update, and is coming soon to Lens.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Launcher gets vibrant Dynamic Color in Android 16 QPR2
Android 16 QPR2 is a sizable update that includes an updated color palette for the recently redesigned Pixel Launcher search bar.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini’s generative UIs are the future of ‘there’s an app for that’
The most important thing Google announced last week is generative UIs. Fully embraced by Gemini 3, I think generative AI and interfaces will lead to a new generation of apps, but not in the way you think.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos 7.55 rolls out gradient icon redesign on Android, iOS [U]
Following our report at the start of this month, Google Photos for Android is rolling out its new gradient redesign of the homescreen icon.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid adding ‘one-tap’ media device transfers, new Find Hub item sharing
The latest version of Google Play services (25.46) is rolling out today, and the release notes preview new media and Find Hub features. As always, it takes some time for listed features to actually make their way to users.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini overlay switching to fullscreen glow on Android
The last visual update to the Gemini overlay introduced a four-color glow, and Google now looks to be switching to a fullscreen animation.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9a should be Google’s design future if there’s no ‘Air’
If Samsung or Apple can’t sustain a market for ultra-thin phones, Google is certainly not entering the space. I find that a real shame, but if the Pixel needs an aspirational design direction, might I suggest the flat Pixel 9a.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music rolling out 2025 Recap with ‘Ask about your year’ AI chat
It’s not December yet, but YouTube Music is beginning to roll out its 2025 Recap with a pretty interesting “Ask about your listening” experience made possible by AI.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home AI Descriptions will now skip ‘generic’ motion-only events, Gemini voice assistant gets fixes
The latest edition of the Google Home releases notes today are not tied to a specific version of the app, and focus on Gemini for Home improvements.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos tests story-inspired ‘Shortcuts’ redesign
Google Photos is testing a carousel redesign for the “Shortcuts” that appear at the top of the Collections tab on Android.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Studio adding image animations with GIF sharing, coming to Pixel 8
After the Journal app came to older devices this month, Google looks to be bringing Pixel Studio to the Pixel 8 series with a new ability to animate images and share them as GIFs.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Gemini features you get with Google AI Pro and AI Ultra [November 2025]
At I/O 2025, Google One AI Premium (and Gemini Advanced) became “Google AI Pro,” while a higher, more expensive tier was introduced with “Google AI Ultra.”
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