Top 3 Key Points:

1. The “Hey Google” activation for Pixel Buds now depends on the settings of your connected Android phone or tablet.
2. You can no longer enable “Hey Google” on your Pixel Buds if it’s off on your phone.
3. Google has renamed the Assistant setting on Pixel Buds Pro 2 to “Digital assistant,” with upcoming updates expected.

Google has recently adjusted how you activate the “Hey Google” voice command on Pixel Buds and other Assistant-enabled headphones. Previously, users could independently enable the “Hey Google” hotword on their Pixel Buds, even if it was disabled on their Android phones. However, a new update changes this setup.

Now, the ability to use the “Hey Google” command on your Pixel Buds depends on the settings of your connected Android phone or tablet. Specifically, if the hotword is turned off on your phone, it will also be disabled on your headphones. The updated system combines the settings for both devices under one toggle: “Hey Google & Voice Match” in your Google Assistant settings.

To continue using the hands-free “Hey Google” feature on your Pixel Buds, you’ll need to enable it on your Android device through the Assistant settings. This change streamlines the configuration process, ensuring your phone and headphones use the same voice command settings.

In addition, Google is preparing to roll out new features to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, including updates powered by its AI model, Gemini. As part of this preparation, Google has renamed the “Google Assistant” option in the Pixel Buds settings to “Digital Assistant.” More updates are expected shortly, making the Pixel Buds experience even more integrated with Google’s evolving Assistant technology.

This streamlined setup helps unify how users interact with Google Assistant across devices, improving overall ease of use.

Source

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is thinner by 1.5mm when closed and 0.7mm when open, focusing on a ‘phone-first’ design.
2. The new double-stacked camera bar boosts battery capacity and camera capabilities.
3. Features an all-new vapor chamber for improved cooling and a durable, sleek hinge design.

Google’s latest release, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, brings major improvements in both design and functionality, setting it apart from its predecessor. One of the standout achievements is how much thinner it is—1.5 millimeters when closed and 0.7 millimeters when open—offering a sleeker and more practical foldable experience.

Based on user feedback, Google focused on creating a “phone-first” design. According to Claude Zellweger, the team recognized that people primarily use the device as a regular smartphone, even though they appreciate the versatility of a foldable.

This design shift is evident in the camera bar of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which now features a double-stacked setup. Unlike previous models, the new camera design doesn’t span the full width of the device. However, this choice wasn’t just about aesthetics—it also allowed Google engineers to fit a larger battery into the device, improving both battery life and the overall balance of the phone when placed on surfaces. The camera system also features custom optical modules, enabling professional-grade photography features, and aligning the foldable more with high-end smartphones.

To keep the device compact, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold incorporates custom components like a thinner haptics driver and a smaller USB-C port. These elements help reduce bulk without compromising functionality. Google has also introduced an all-new vapor chamber and a graphite thermal spreader for better heat management, ensuring that the phone stays cool during intensive use.

Lastly, the device’s hinge has been refined. Built with multi-alloy steel and high-strength aluminum, the new hinge design is more durable than its predecessor and contributes to the phone’s thinner profile. Google also took special care in crafting the “snap” sound of the hinge when closing the device, which they describe as satisfying and tactile.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold showcases Google’s commitment to delivering a cutting-edge foldable that balances innovation with practicality, all while maintaining the sleekness and durability users expect.

shhh close ur eyes and imagine the sound 🔊 pic.twitter.com/4rcD7GUOYu

— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) August 29, 2024

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Gboard Enhancements: Gboard’s autocorrect will soon allow users to correct entire sentences or individual words, making it more flexible.
2. Google Drive ARM Support: Google Drive will support ARM-based Windows PCs starting in Q4 2024, enhancing compatibility with Snapdragon X laptops.
3. Pixel 9 Charging Limitations: Pixel 9’s Battery Share feature won’t work while using wired charging, and it’s not available on the Pixel Fold.

Gboard to Improve Autocorrect Flexibility

Google is making improvements to its Android keyboard app, Gboard. These updates will make the autocorrect feature more adaptable by giving users the choice to correct either whole sentences or just single words. This change is part of a broader upgrade that includes a new “Proofreading” feature, which will offer more comprehensive text assistance on Android smartphones. However, users in Germany may have to wait a bit longer for these AI-powered enhancements to roll out.

Google Drive to Support ARM Chips on Windows

Google has announced that its Drive app will soon support ARM-based Windows PCs, particularly those powered by Snapdragon X chips. This update is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024, and it aims to address one of the major issues with Windows on ARM—app compatibility. With this update, Google Drive will join other apps like Chrome and VPN services such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN that have recently added ARM support. This move is part of Google’s broader initiative to improve the functionality of its apps on ARM-powered devices.

Pixel 9 Limits Battery Share Feature

The Pixel 9 series has introduced a significant change to Google’s Battery Share feature, which allows reverse wireless charging. Unlike previous models, the Pixel 9 will no longer allow Battery Share to function while the phone is charging with a wired connection. This feature is still available on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL but won’t work simultaneously with wired charging. Additionally, Battery Share is not supported on the Pixel Fold models due to hardware constraints.

These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience across its products, although some changes, like the Pixel 9’s charging limitations, may require users to adjust their habits.