Google is redesigning the Home app with a new 'Ask Home' feature, which appears to be a conversational chatbot for controlling smart home devices and searching history, potentially replacing the traditional bottom bar and enhancing user interaction. The update hints at a more streamlined interface with new controls and categories, though some details remain speculative until official release.
Google Tasks is testing a new feature that allows users to add deadlines to tasks, which can be edited after creation, although the feature is limited to adding due dates without specific times and only visible within the task view, indicating a potential step towards more robust task management capabilities.
Google's Quick Share for iPhone will use QR codes for file transfer, but files will be uploaded to Google's servers and stored for 24 hours, requiring an internet connection, which is less convenient than Android-to-Android offline sharing.
Google Play Games profiles are being redesigned with new social and customization features, including a more public-facing profile, follower system, and new avatar options, accessible directly from the Play Store, with rollout starting September 23 globally.
A teardown of Google Play Services reveals that Google is still developing Quick Share for iPhones, with evidence of a sign-in requirement and a menu for sharing with iOS devices, indicating ongoing work on cross-platform file sharing features.
Google Maps is developing a new feature that allows users to create and share a list of the first ten search results from any query, simplifying group planning and decision-making. This feature, found in an APK teardown, will enable users to easily share curated lists with customizable names, descriptions, and icons, although it is not yet live. It aims to improve collaborative discovery and decision processes, especially for activities like choosing restaurants.
Google Translate is developing new features including a model picker that allows users to choose between 'Fast' for quick translations and 'Advanced' for more accurate results using Gemini, initially supporting English-Spanish and French pairs, with more updates expected.
Google Wallet is preparing to introduce an 'Automatically import passes' feature that scans your photos for eligible tickets and passes, allowing for easier management of digital passes with user review and approval, potentially streamlining the process of adding passes from screenshots or images.
Google's Find Hub app is undergoing visual updates aligned with the Material 3 Expressive style, including larger headers, centered device images, and redesigned map and contact pages, indicating Google's effort to unify its app design language and introduce new features like quick access shortcuts and enhanced location sharing.,
Google is developing a new gaming community forum within the Play Store that will allow users to share tips, ask questions, and discuss games, potentially integrating with Google Play Games on PC. The feature includes posting, commenting, reactions, and personal contribution profiles, aiming to create a centralized hub for gamers.
The upcoming Pixel 10 series is expected to include a free trial of Google AI Pro, potentially lasting between six to twelve months, offering users access to advanced AI features, as suggested by code found in the latest Google app version.
Google is developing a new AI-powered 'Call Message' feature for Pixel phones, which acts as an on-device voicemail with live transcriptions and summaries, working offline and likely exclusive to Pixel 10 initially, inspired by Apple's Live Voicemail.
Google may be developing a new 'Google AI Lite' plan, hinted at through code in the latest app beta, which could offer a middle ground between free and Pro subscriptions by increasing limits on features like deep research and video generation. This plan has not been officially announced and its release date remains uncertain.
Google Keep is potentially adding a 'Find in note' feature that would allow users to search within individual notes, addressing a long-standing user request. The feature was discovered in an APK teardown but is not yet functional, indicating it is still in development. This enhancement could improve the app's usability for long or detailed notes, similar to features available in Apple Notes and Samsung Notes.
Google is rethinking its approach to the 'Circle to Search' feature within Gemini, with recent APK teardowns revealing new UI changes and labeling, including a 'Tell me about this' button that allows users to select specific screen areas for analysis, indicating ongoing development and potential future updates.
