In a rare outage, Google Maps is down and will not load as of 1 p.m. PT on Thursday. This is impacting the Android and iOS apps.
Expand Expanding CloseIt’s not just you: Google Maps is down in major outage [U: Fixed]
Author
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 app rolling out ‘significant upgrade’ to automation editor
After testing in Public Preview, Google Home for Android and iOS is now getting a “significant upgrade” to the household automation editor.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail rolling out ‘Purchases’ view, new ‘Promotions’ sorting
Gmail is following up improved order tracking with a new “Purchases” view and more relevant Promotions tab ahead of the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out box-less prompt bar redesign
Following the web, Gemini is beginning to roll out the latest prompt bar redesign on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle AI Plus with Gemini 2.5 Pro, 200 GB storage announced for emerging markets
Google today announced “AI Plus” as a new subscription tier “designed to empower people in emerging markets to do more with Google AI, for less.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 10 Referral Program offers 10% off phones, $50 Google Store credit
After launching in late 2024 / early 2025, the Google Store’s Pixel Referral Program is back for the Pixel 10 series.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini rolls out ‘Tools’ redesign on web as Nano Banana growth continues
The Gemini homepage on desktop and mobile web has rolled out its Tools redesign, while Nano Banana continues to be a hit for Google.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle pulls ‘Daily Hub’ preview on Pixel 10 as it works on improvements
On the Pixel 10, Daily Hub brings together your calendar, Magic Cue, and other suggestions. Google is now pausing the public preview of Daily Hub to improve the experience.
Expand Expanding CloseNest Doorbell 2K retail box specifies resolution, wider FOV
Following yesterday’s Home Depot leak, Google’s upcoming camera lineup continues to appear in stores, and we now have more details about the Nest Doorbell 2K, like the exact resolution.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Flashcards, Quizzes, and redesigned Reports to NotebookLM
Following the new Audio Overview formats last week, NotebookLM is rolling out Flashcards, Quizzes, redesigned Reports, and more learning tools today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home web app can now control lights, thermostats, and more devices
After previously being limited to Cameras and Automations, the Google Home web app now lets you control other smart “Devices.”
Expand Expanding CloseYou can now upload audio files to the Gemini app
The Gemini app finally supports audio uploads on Android, iOS, and the web for expanded file analysis options.
Expand Expanding CloseNew ‘2K’ Nest Cams and Doorbell ‘with Gemini’ hit store shelves early
Ahead of the expected October 1 announcement, the rumored Nest Cam and Doorbell “2K” updates are already appearing in stores.
Expand Expanding CloseHow Google Keep’s switch to Tasks will work: No location reminders
Following the Material 3 Expressive redesign, the next big update to Google Keep should be the Google Tasks switch, with more details now available.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle details Gemini’s daily prompt and image gen/edit usage limits
Google is finally going beyond “limited,” “expanded,” and “highest access” to detail Gemini’s usage limits, with actual numbers for free and paid customers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle․com/ai now opens Search AI Mode
In a sign of the times (and where things are going), visiting google.com/ai now opens Google Search AI Mode.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos rolls out AI-integrated editor redesign on Android
After announcing in May, Google Photos is now widely rolling out a major redesign of the image editor on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is selling limited-edition Pixel 10 merchandise
Besides the actual phones last month, Google started selling limited-edition Pixel 10 merchandise.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 10 teardown reveals new battery removal system
This year, Google publicly focused on the serviceability of the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a. However, a Pixel 10 teardown reveals a new battery removal mechanism.
Expand Expanding CloseNano Banana responsible for 10+ million first-time Gemini app users
Following last week’s announcement, Google shared today how much of a hit Nano Banana has been for the Gemini app.
Expand Expanding CloseCircle to Search rolling out continuous ‘Scroll and translate,’ coming first to Samsung
Following last week’s big Google Translate update, Circle to Search on Android is now adding “Scroll and translate.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Weather is coming to the Pixel Watch
Google released a “Weather” app for all watches alongside Wear OS 3 in 2022. With the Pixel Watch 4, Google is expanding Pixel Weather beyond Android phones and tablets to Wear OS.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR1 September update rolling out with 24 Pixel fixes
The Android 16 QPR1 update with the September 2025 security patch is rolling out today for the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL. There are Pixel fixes across Audio, Battery & Charging, Biometrics, Bluetooth, Camera, Display & Graphics, Framework, Kernel, System, Telephony, User Interface.
Expand Expanding CloseSeptember 2025 Feature Drop: Pixel Live Effects, LE Audio sharing, more
With the launch of Android 16 QPR1, Google also announced a September 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. Material 3 Expressive is the main addition, but there’s a new feature for the Pixel Watch.
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